Briefcase

Palmer branch welcomes new mortgage loan originator

First National Bank Alaska’s Home Loan Center has announced the addition of Mortgage Loan Originator Katie Richardson. A longtime Alaskan, Richardson will work out of the bank’s Palmer branch.

“I love to work in Palmer, where I live and have the opportunity to see my customers when I’m out and about,” Richardson said. “I look forward to helping them through the home loan process.”

Richardson brings two years of banking experience to First National. She’s earned an associate’s degree in small business from the University of Alaska and is working toward an accounting degree.

Palmer Project Fair Slated

The city of Palmer is organizing a Project Fair from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday at the Palmer Depot.

The fair provides an opportunity for the community to learn about potential capital projects that were nominated for the 2012 funding cycle.

Staff members will be on hand to answer questions about the projects and fact sheets will describe each item along with the estimated costs.

The Project Fair is a part of the Project Development Process adopted by the city council last year, which gives transparency to the selection of capital projects. The goal of the new process is to help the council make informed decisions on a set timeframe annually, and to provide several opportunities for public involvement, input and questions. Each project being considered for the capital budget now goes through a thorough review cycle.

The final steps in the development process will be inclusion in the city’s capital construction budget and/or the annual “Programs for Progress” booklet.

Alaska Small Business Resource Guide available

From a martial arts school in Anchorage to a village store serving numerous communities in Southwestern Alaska, small business thrives in all corners of the state.

The “2011 Alaska Small Business Resource Guide” features stories about successful businesses and the local entrepreneurs running them. It also includes helpful tips and important information integral to helping companies flourish.

The guide is a joint effort between First National Bank Alaska, the Alaska Small Business Development Center and the Alaska Journal of Commerce. Free copies are available at First National branches.

Free estate planning workshops offered

Attorney Connie Aschenbrenner will present free workshops on estate planning from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m., June 3 at the Wasilla Senior Center. Learn about the benefits of a will, living trust, power of attorney and Alaska health care directive.

For more information, contact caschenbrenner@gci.net or visit akwillstrusts.com.

Booth space available for July 9 garden fair

Booth space is available now for the second annual Mid-Summer Garden and Art Faire, set from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., July 9 in downtown Palmer. This year’s theme is “Creating a Fertile Networking Environment for Gardeners and Friends” and funds raised benefit the Mat-Su Special Santa Program, which gave gifts to 3,500 Mat-Su Valley children in 2010. Booths costs $100 for the day. For more information, or to apply for a booth, email midsummergardenfaire@gmail.com.

Toastmasters meets Tuesdays

Toastmasters group meets from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., Tuesdays at Wasilla Area Seniors Inc., 1301 S Century Circle. Toastmasters helps people develop better communication and leaderships skills, think quicker and more clearly on their feet, builds self-confidence and strong leadership qualities. For more information, contact Dennis Moore at djmoore611@gci.net; Angela Ritchey at angritchey@yahoo.com, or visit matsutm.org.