Chugach is Going Virtual!
The COVID-19 pandemic has separated us from the lives we’ve known and temporarily moved us to a community where social distancing is necessary for now. For the safety and health of our shareholders, business partners, employees and families, we have taken several steps to lower all of our exposure to COVID-19 yet stay connected.
This year we will begin offering online voting. Shareholders may also attend this year’s meeting from the safety of their homes through an entirely virtual annual meeting webcast. Read on to learn more.
Online Voting
Chugach’s new online voting process will make it easier for shareholders to cast their vote using a computer or smart phone and reduce the need to fill out a paper proxy and make a visit to the mailbox. Completing your proxy online will give shareholders an opportunity to win in a new category of Online Proxy cash prizes in addition to the Early Bird and Annual Meeting Proxy prizes. The full list of prizes is provided within the proxy publication sent by mail. Complete your proxy online by following the instructions below. Or, you can still submit your paper proxy by mail.
Both online and paper proxies must be received by the Inspector of Election on or before 5 p.m. AKDT, Wednesday, October 7, 2020.
How To Vote Online
Review the candidates
Candidate information and statements can be found in your Voter’s Guide or in the section below.
Log into our voting website
You can login using your personal PIN, which is printed in the top right corner of your proxy card and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. Note: If you misplace your PIN, please contact Sramek-Hightower, CPAs, at (907) 563-6722.
Complete and submit your electronic proxy by 5 p.m., Oct. 7
Once logged in, you will automatically go to the screen entitled “2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.” From here, you will be presented with an electronic version of the paper proxy. Instructions on how to vote will be found on each voting page.
Results will be announced during the Annual Meeting
The meeting webcast will be called to order at 11 a.m. AKDT on October 10, 2020, and thereafter the webcast will be available for viewing on-demand until 11 p.m. AKDT.
Meet the 2020 Chugach Board Candidates
- Brenda F. Dukart
Occupation: Self-employed, Consultant/Communications Strategist, Dukart Communications
Other business experience during past 5 years:
- Director, One Nation Walking Together
- Member, Shareholder Advisory Committee, Eyak Corporation
- Native American Advisory Member, El Pomar Foundation
- Governance Fellow, National Association of Corporate Directors
- Former Commissioner/Chair, Colorado Springs Human Relations Commission
- Former Business Development Executive, Managed Business Solutions
All periods of service at CAC and subsidiaries:
- Director, CAC, 2014 – present
- Public Relations Specialist, CAC, 2005 – 2007
- Communications Coordinator, CAC, 2004 – 2005
- Communications Intern, CAC, 2000 – 2004
- See table on page 15 of the Proxy Statement for all periods of service on subsidiary boards
Candidate Statement
Dear Fellow Shareholders,
Thank you for the trust and support you’ve invested in me. I would be honored to continue to work for you on the Board through this time of change. In almost 50 years of business, Chugach has faced challenges unsurmountable to ordinary companies. Fortunately, Chugach is no ordinary company. Because of the foundation laid by past and present board members, I know we will emerge from these unparalleled times stronger.
My passion for Chugach comes from my father, Cecil Barnes of Cordova. When growing up, I saw my dad studying corporate and Native American law at all hours. From his example, I believe the best servant leaders are hard workers and lifelong learners.
My formal education includes a Masters in Strategic Communication & Leadership and a Bachelor’s in Organizational Management. A few continuing educational accomplishments are: 1) “Creating Successful Native Businesses” from Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth; 2) “Community Leadership Program” from a global institution; and 3) “Governance Fellow” credential from the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). The NACD Fellowship is a comprehensive and continuous program of study that empowers directors with the latest insights, intelligence and leading boardroom practices.
In summary, I have experience in both government and commercial contracting and bring a diverse voice to the table. I do my homework and research to make informed decisions. I work with the Board in a positive and productive manner for long-term shareholder benefits. I support Chugach’s mission of being committed to profitability to increase cultural opportunities; to maintain ownership of our land; to equip the next generation to build on this foundation; and to never forget about our Elders and future shareholders. I humbly ask for your strategic support for this election.
Sincerely,
Brenda F. Dukart
- Matthew P. McDaniel
Occupation: CEO, Pedro Bay Corporation and Owner & Business Consultant, Alaska Corporate Consulting
Other business experience during past 5 years:
- Partner, Baxter Senior Living, LLC
- Former Chief Operating Officer, Kuukpik Corporation
- Former CEO, Yak-Tat Kwaan Inc.
- Former Executive Vice President, Pedro Bay Corporation
All periods of service at CAC and subsidiaries:
- Director, CAC, 2005 – present
- Assistant to Operations Team, CAC, 2001 – 2002
- Training & Development Coordinator, CAC, 1998 – 2001
- See table on page 15 of the Proxy Statement for all periods of service on subsidiary boards
Candidate Statement:
As I approach 15 years of service on the Chugach Alaska Board, among the many people I am thankful for, my Aunt Peggy and Uncle Jim McDaniel have been instrumental in building my values for our community. They taught me to “speak from your heart.” Through Jim, I am related to the McDaniels, Makarkas and the Haltnesses. Through Peggy, I am claimed by my relatives throughout the Barnes family.
I remember a time when our region was coming out of a timber bankruptcy. I have watched our company turn around and thrive. As of the end of 2019, we have funded the following in cumulative shareholder benefits:
- $150,400,000, corporate dividends
- $5,300,000, Chugach shareholder trust dividends
- $19,800,000, Elder dividends
- $9,860,000 cumulative scholarships (Per CHF)
Through the corporation profits, the trusts, and the foundation, we have distributed $175,500,000 in dividends and nearly $10,000,000 in scholarships. This is truly amazing.
To accomplish these goals, our Board had to ensure our operating businesses yielded enough cash to fund the growth of these trusts, provide growth capital for the company while funding dividends, scholarships, and elder benefits on a consistent basis. All of these conditions have been met year after year. I have been blessed to witness how these funds have improved the lives of our families. We may have achieved the vision of becoming the most successful, educated region in the state. However, we are not done yet. With your vote, I promise to continue to support these initiatives.
Respectfully yours,
Matthew P. McDaniel
- Violet F. Yeaton
Occupation: Manager, Planning and Grants, Southcentral Foundation
Other business experience during past 5 years:
- Director, Alaska Community Action on Toxics
All periods of service at CAC and subsidiaries:
- Director, CAC, 2005 – present
- See table on page 15 of the Proxy Statement for all periods of service on subsidiary boards
Candidate Statement:
Cama’i,
My name is Violet Yeaton and I am excited to announce that I am running as your Board Director for Chugach Alaska Corporation. I am from the village of Paluwik (Port Graham) and my parents were Thomas Young and Marie Malchoff. I lived in Port Graham for more than 30 years and I am proud to say I built a wonderful career there, as well as brought up both my children there. I am currently enrolled at Alaska Pacific University and I am pursuing a degree in business administration. Although I have more than 40 years of business experience, I am excited to enhance my current knowledge to help further my career.
I would like to start by sending out my thoughts and prayers to everyone that is being impacted by COVID-19. These are such uncertain times, and the normal that we all knew is just a memory. With so many unknowns, the right thing to do, such as a handshake, which conveys respect and trust, is currently a practice of the past. I do not think anyone was prepared for a time where our economy would be so suppressed because of the virus that is so pervasive and deadly.
Chugach Alaska management and Board of Directors have gone above and beyond to get us through these unprecedented times. Chugach assisted in pulling together the Chugach regional group to attend weekly phone meetings to discuss challenges related to COVID-19 in our communities. Chugach has taken many proactive steps to be responsive and to ensure shareholder value and financial strength. I am proud to say that our company is a strong financial company and is equipped to weather hard times.
I graciously ask for your continued support to focus on growing the company revenue, profitability as well as growing and diversifying our portfolio. The Board of Directors needs to approach the work with continued flexibility while we grapple with adapting to this new environment.
Please stay safe while taking care of yourself and your families. Our communities have survived epidemics in the past, and I know we will continue to thrive well into the future. I sincerely appreciate your support and I am sending you all good thoughts, prayers, and blessings.
Sincerely,
Violet F. Yeaton
- Troy T. Akerlund
Occupation: Senior Financial Planning Analyst, The Boeing Company
Other business experience during past 5 years:
- Former Senior Pricing Analyst, The Boeing Company
- Former Senior Finance Analyst, The Boeing Company
- Former Senior Financial Planning Analyst, The Boeing Company
All periods of service at CAC and subsidiaries:
- Cost Estimator, CAC, 2008 – 2009
- Staff Accountant, CAC, 2005 – 2008
Candidate Statement:
Hi,
My name is Troy Akerlund, my father is Lyle Akerlund (Barnes), and I am a descendant of Exenia Barnes. To me, it is paramount that Chugach is successful in the future, for the preservation of our cultural heritage and the ability to provide more to our shareholders. Education-wise, I have two bachelors’ (accounting/business), an MBA, and a MS in Supply Chain Transportation and Logistics. Careerwise, I have 15+ years of experience in government contracting and aircraft manufacturing, primarily focused in: contracts, finance, project management, business development, performance management, and strategy.
With the pandemic impacting all of our lives, it is more critical than ever that we focus on business performance, stability, and growth, to not only maintain the current funding for the shareholder benefits, but provide more. I was lucky enough to start my career at Chugach, in Anchorage, through an apprenticeship, as well as have had the opportunity to receive scholarships to help me pursue my goals in education. It is my goal to ensure that future generations of shareholders and descendants, can not only have the same opportunities I have been able to have, but more. My view, is that the Board of Directors should not only be representatives of the shareholders, but also understand business and what it takes to make sound business decisions.
With that, I humbly ask for your support, to represent the shareholders of Chugach. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Thank you,
Troy T. Akerlund - George E. Morris
Occupation: Owner/Manager, Morris Consulting, LLC
Other business experience during past 5 years:
- Former Vice President of Administration, Olgoonik Development
- Former Director, Olgoonik Foundation
- Former Director, Columbus Captive
All periods of service at CAC and subsidiaries:
- Purchasing Agent/Area Coordinator, CESS, 2000 – 2003
- Assistant to the President, CAC, 1997 – 2000
- Assistant Lands Manager, CAC, 1994 – 1997
- See table on page 15 of the Proxy Statement for all periods of service on subsidiary boards
Candidate Statement:
Cama’i Shareholders,
My name is George Edward Morris, many of you know me as Ed. I was born and raised in Cordova, AK. My parents are the late Harry and Ann (Vlasoff/Stamp) Morris; both were from Nuuciq.
My first introduction to the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program was while I was doing my management internship at CAC. During my internship I had the opportunity to serve as Chairman of the Board of Chugach Development Corporation (CDC) after CDC entered into the SBA 8(a) Program; I gained valuable knowledge of this program.
Throughout my career I have used this knowledge to/as:
- Develop extensive experience in SBA Programs:
- 8(a) Business Development Program
- HubZone Program
- Mentor Protégé Program
- Team Leader for their subsidiaries entering into the SBA Programs.
- Assist ANCs compliance within the SBA Programs.
- Develop a proven track record as an executive working collaboratively with a board of directors to make recommendations to successfully diversify the company.
- Lower the cost of doing business which allowed for a competitive advantage to win contracts.
The profits generated by these 8(a) companies created dividends and the formation of a foundation to provide benefits and services for their shareholders.
Other core competencies I possess include strategic planning, acquisitions, communications, governance, compliance, risk management, financial statement(s) analysis.
As a director I will use my leadership and extensive experience to help propel our corporation to the next level of success that ensures dividend growth, increased benefits, and sustained profitability. I am asking for your vote and support.
Quyana,
George E. Morris
Annual Meeting Webcast
In an effort to protect and accommodate our shareholder community during the COVID-19 pandemic, Chugach’s 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held via a virtual meeting webcast. The meeting webcast will be called to order at 11 a.m. AKDT on October 10, 2020, and thereafter the webcast will be available for viewing on-demand until 11 p.m. AKDT.
You can access the meeting by visiting vote.chugach.com (the same website used to vote Chugach’s proxy) and entering your date of birth and the last four digits of your social security number. Once logged in, you can watch the video (preferred viewing method), or play an audio recording of the presentation (for users with low bandwidth).
Chugach’s Interim President & CEO/Chairman of the Board Sheri Buretta will serve as presiding officer of the meeting, and will feature a management presentation from Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Angie Astle. Independent Parliamentarian Bob Hume and Inspector of Elections Rebecca Rindal will also participate.
Why Vote?
Voting has always been important to me. It’s my way of contributing to the future growth of Chugach.
It’s important to send in your proxy and vote to ensure that our representatives on the board have our company's best interests in mind. This is our company, we are the ones that make it successful for all of our shareholders and descendants.
As a Chugach Shareholder, it’s my proud right and responsibility to vote! It brings me such pride to fulfill my role as a Chugach Shareholder, and it's an honor to be engaged with the corporation.
It has been a privilege to work for my corporation the last 12 years. As subsidiary president, I am dedicated to advancing our corporation through my work in Job Corps. Just as important is advancing our corporation through voting for our board leadership. Our company, our responsibility, our future.
The continued success of Chugach Alaska Corporation depends on the shareholders who take the time to vote.