Limus Kapart of the U.S. Department of Labor Apprentice Program will be featured at Tuesday's Homer Chamber of Commerce lunch and will speak on the opportunities for small businesses to implement apprenticeship programs at their business. The lunch is at noon at the Best Western Bidarka Inn and is open to the public. Call 235-7740 for more information.

Bean counter wins

Terri Mach of Homer won the bean soup contest at the Main Street Mercantile over the weekend by wagering the best guess at the number of beans in a jar. Mach's guess, 18,400, entitled her to several prizes, including the beans, four enamel bowls, napkins and a gift certificate for $50 from Eagle Quality Center.

State chamber stands with governor

In a move to support the governor's press for positive change, the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce recently announced its support of Gov. Murkowski's leadership in making the Department of Natural Resources the lead agency for all state permitting.

"The governor is doing what business people do every day: increasing the level of service, speeding up processes, cutting costs, meeting customer needs and identifying efficient problem-solving methods," said Pamela LaBolle, president of the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce.

Members of the chamber believe this move will ensure a high standard of environmental protection, reduce the cost of government and encourage future investment in Alaska.

The Alaska State Chamber of Commerce represents approximately 700 business members and Alaska's local chambers of commerce in promoting the planned, orderly growth and development of Alaska through strong, private-sector business leadership that influences statewide economics and politics.

Nonresident hires increase

The percentage of nonresident workers in Alaska increased slightly between 2000 and 2001, according to an annual report, Nonresidents Working in Alaska -- 2001, released recently by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. In 2001, nonresident workers comprised 18.4 percent of all workers in Alaska, a slight increase from 17.9 percent in 2000, but a large decrease from the peak year of 1992, when 78,000 nonresidents made up nearly 24 percent of all workers in the state.

Marketing proposals requested

The state Department of Natural Resources, Division of Agriculture, is soliciting proposals for Cooperative Marketing Projects promoting Alaska Grown products in 2003. The purpose of the CMP is to increase the demand for Alaska Grown products through industry-driven promotional projects. The program is available to all producers and marketers of Alaska Grown products.

These projects promote Alaska Grown products or activities but not individual businesses. The projects can receive up to $5,000 in state funds that must be matched by the industry representative.

Proposals for the CMP are due by 4 p.m. March 3 at the Division of Agriculture offices in Fairbanks or Palmer.

Alaska Grown is a registered trademark program used by Alaska growers to promote their products, especially in state. The trademark represents quality products grown within the state and encourages businesses and individuals to invest in the Alaska economy by purchasing these products.

Alaska agricultural businesses and individuals can apply with the Division of Agriculture to use the Alaska Grown label.

To receive an application for use of the Alaska Grown label or for the Cooperative Marketing Project funds, please call Sue Mayer at 761-3857 or visit the Web site www.dnr.state.ak.us/ag/index.htm.

Heating products expanded

VBS Heating Products, owned by Mark Vial, announces it is adding new lines of heating products, including Blaze King wood and gas stoves, Scan wood stoves and Esse oil and gas heaters. VBS Heating Products, which has been in business for four years, is the exclusive dealer for these products for the southern Kenai Peninsula. In addition to adding new lines of heaters, the company is the exclusive dealer for Monitor heaters in the southern peninsula and plans to build a new store in the Lakeshore Drive area this summer. The business also offers certified technician repair for Monitor stoves, tank stands and tanks at competitive prices. For more information, stop by 1225 Lakeshore Drive between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or call 235-9394.

Items for In Business can be dropped off at the Homer News at 3482 Landings Street, faxed to 235-4199 or e-mailed to news@homernews.com.