The Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby is finalizing its list of fish sponsors for the 2003 derby. Fish sponsors are local businesses that either sponsor a tagged fish worth $500 or $1,000 or contribute to the released fish prize for those anglers who choose to release a larger halibut for a chance to win cash. There is also an available $10,000 tagged fish sponsorship for the month of August, which would cost $1,000 to sponsor.

All sponsors must be members of the Homer Chamber of Commerce. The sponsors receive advertising in the derby promotions and an invitation to participate in the "Tagging Cruise" in April. The cost to tag a $500 fish is $50 and a $1,000 fish is $100. The released fish prize contributions can be $100 or more.

The derby is also looking for ticket sponsors. These businesses put a coupon on the derby ticket for redemption at their business. There are 17,000 tickets where the coupon appears. The ticket sponsors send a bid to the derby for the right to use their coupon on tickets. The minimum bid is $1,000. Bid closing is Monday.

For more information, call Linda Winters at 235-7740.

Chamber Mixer on tap

Computer Needz, Sundog Consultants, Homer Secretarial Services and Randy McKinny will host the February Homer Chamber of Commerce Mixer at 1213 Ocean Drive on Friday from 5-7 p.m. The mixer offers an opportunity to showcase four separate businesses in one evening. A door prize of one night's stay at the Alaskan Suites will be awarded. For more information, call 235-7740.

Chamber holds forum

The Homer Chamber of Commerce's Tourism Committee invites all to attend a community forum at 6 p.m. tonight at the chamber building to discuss and document the community's opinions relative to the agenda of the upcoming Peninsula Tourism Summit sponsored by the Economic Development District. Subjects to be discussed include co-operative marketing, needed tourism research and data collection and the improvement of infrastructure. Also to be discussed is the idea of a peninsula-wide visitor tax or visitors bureau. The event is open to the public. For more information call 235-7740.

Homer's buildings documented

Janet Klein, owner of Kachemak Country Publications, announces the release of her latest book, "Celebrating Homer's Buildings." The 74-page publication describes the history and architecture of more than 30 houses and commercial buildings, mostly within the city. The book updates a report by Klein and Donna Lane, an Anchorage architectural historian, compiled in 1986 for the Office of History and Archaeology in Anchorage and the Pratt Museum.

Party store opens

Brenda Dolma and Peggy Bordner announce they have opened Party-EZ, an earth-friendly party business. Party-EZ will provide creative theme party packages, which include decorations, costumes, props, games and activities. Some themes include clowns, cowboys, dance, pirates, princess, Hawaiian, Mexican, wizard, firefighters, construction and fairies. Dolma, a retired teacher, and Bordner, a former preschool teacher and day-care owner, say they both enjoy the creativity involved in making special party memories. Party-EZ also rents family-oriented board games for only $2 for two weeks. Call 235-6517 or 235-9081 for more information.

Kosch named realtor of year

John D. Kosch was presented the 2002 Realtor of the Year award by the Kachemak Board of Realtors at the Board's recent general membership meeting. According to Annie Whitney, board president and 2001 recipient, the award is given each year to a realtor whose business practices and ethics, client and customer service, contribution to his or her local community, and participation in state and national realtor functions and issues demand this special recognition.

"It's a great honor to receive this award and a great honor for the board of realtors to give this award to someone of John's character," Whitney said.

Kosch has been a realtor for almost seven years and has served on the board for five of those. He's presently the board's Realtors Public Action Committee chair and sits on the Alaska Association of Realtors RPAC Board.

Before entering the real estate profession, Kosch owned and operated K's Concrete for more than 20 years, served on the Homer Planning Commission and Homer City Council, during which time he was mayor pro tempore for three years. Kosch is presently a member of the Homer Elks Lodge.

Homer film proposed

Eric Benson, owner of Kachemak Videos, announces he is working on a video of Homer and is looking for businesses interested in being featured. The film would target the tourist and relocation audience. Businesses would be featured in either a 30-second motion shot, a still shot, or as text information.

For more information, call 235-3456 or e-mail kvideos@acsalaska.net.

Business moves

Buckley and Associates, PC, has moved to its new location at 3691 Ben Walters Lane, No. 1. For more information, call 235-6711.