Author: Randi Gause

ANCSA Regional Association Endorses Lisa Murkowski for U.S. Senate and Mary Peltola for U.S. Congress

“Senator Murkowski has been a strong and reliable ally for Alaskans, and her leadership has been indispensable in our ongoing fight to fulfill the federal government’s promises to Alaska Native people,” said ARA President Kim Reitmeier. “Her unparalleled experience and relationships were critical to passing the infrastructure and energy bills that are bringing unprecedented levels of federal funds to Alaska, including crucial rural broadband and sanitation funding. At a time when Alaska is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic and a recession, we need Senator Murkowski’s leadership and legislative skill more than ever.”

“A critical part of my role as U.S. Senator is to educate my colleagues, raise awareness about the unique issues and opportunities Alaska has, and to ensure the Senate understands just how different our state is from the rest of the country,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski. “Working together with ARA and their membership, I’m proud to have helped deliver real results on the issues that matter most to Alaska Native shareholders and their descendants, and look forward to continuing this important work over the next six years.”

ARA Board Chair Sophie Minich said: “Representative Peltola is making great strides for all Alaskans. She got to work immediately after her historic election, passing a bill for veterans’ food security through the House and supporting the Willow Project, which would bring jobs and economic development back to Alaska. Her commitment to finding bipartisan solutions and bringing her Alaska Native perspective to critical policy issues is inspiring to all of us.”

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the ANCSA Regional Association today,” said Representative Mary Peltola. “The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act is a foundational law for our state. ARA, and its individual Regional Corporation members, are deeply dedicated to ensuring that it continues to empower Alaska Natives. Their work, from promoting Native business development to offering shareholder scholarships, has resulted in ANCs becoming major economic drivers, ultimately uplifting all Alaskans.”

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About ANCSA Regional Association (ARA): ARA represents the presidents and chief executive officers of the twelve land-based Alaska Native regional corporations that were created pursuant to the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971. ARA’s member corporations are owned by more than 150,000 Alaska Native shareholders. Its purpose is to promote and foster the continued growth and economic strength of Alaska Native corporations on behalf of Alaska Native shareholders, descendants, and communities. Together, ANCSA corporations employ tens of thousands in Alaska and across the world, providing critical support for national industries as well as communities throughout Alaska. Learn more at ancsaregional.com.

Chugach Alaska Corporation ranks sixth among Alaskan-owned businesses

Despite a revenue decline accredited to the expected tapering of carbon credit offset (CCO) sales in 2021, Chugach achieved the second-highest operating profit in its five-decade history, placing the corporation in a position of strength and stability despite challenges related to lingering effects of the global pandemic and economic volatility.

“It’s an honor to recognized on the Top 49er list in the same year that we celebrate Chugach’s golden 50th anniversary,” said Chugach Chairman Sheri Buretta. “Chugach’s original founders instilled a spirit of fortitude into the DNA of our corporation, and our current leaders and employees have continued to carry that legacy forward to create success and progress for the corporation – even in the face of a challenging business environment.”

Alaska Business began the Top 49er list in 1985, which ranks the top 49 local businesses ranked by gross revenue, and Chugach has made the list 32 times. While Chugach’s inaugural appearances on the list were closer to the 49th position, rapid growth and diversification in business lines has allowed Chugach to rise to the top of the list, consistently ranking in the top 10 positions.

For more on the Alaska Business Top 49ers visit: https://www.akbizmag.com/2022-top49ers/

Folds of Honor Receives 12 Months of Giving Donation from Chugach

Folds of Honor uses funds raised to provide scholarships to families of soldiers injured or fallen while in service of our country. They have awarded 35,000 scholarships since their start in 2007. Just in the last year, Folds of Honor awarded 6,500 scholarships to spouses and children of fallen or injured service members.

Folds of Honor was nominated by CGS employee Thornton Dixon. Thornton is a 27-year Veteran and shared of Folds of Honor: “I saw the mission of this organization as selfless and noteworthy. There is no measure or price we can pay for those that gave the ultimate sacrifice. Those that died for our country and fellow man, in the cause for freedom. One simple blessing that Folds of Honor can make is to ensure families left behind are provided for. Providing scholarships for the children of fallen heroes is a small way to lessen the burden on those families. The folded flag symbol reflects their mission. It is a constant reminder of those who paid that price. It inspires them to help equip and educate those families in need.”

To learn more about Folds of Honor, click here. Individual donations to this foundation can be made here. Nominations for the Chugach 12 Months of Giving campaign are still happening! To nominate an organization that is special to you, simply go to 12 Months of Chugach Giving (office.com) and take a few minutes to describe how this organization is having an impact on the community.

Chugach Appoints Josie Hickel as President

In her prior position as Executive Vice President ANCSA and Community Affairs, Hickel was instrumental in executing groundbreaking land development opportunities for the corporation, including the carbon credit offset (CCO) project and Bering River coal rights transaction. She also spearheaded a massive effort to distribute Chugach’s more than $24 million in federal Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) to shareholders, shareholder-owned businesses, and community organizations within just a few months.

Most recently, she has been a steadfast advocate for continued progress on the Chugach Lands Study Act, which opens the door for a potential land exchange for Chugach.

“As Chugach has evolved, we recognize the importance of a leadership role that can focus solely on nurturing our relationship with our ANCSA lands, our communities, and our culture,” said Board Chair Sheri Buretta. “As a shareholder, Josie has a deep personal connection to the Board’s 100-year vision of Intergenerational Prosperity, and professionally she has an understanding of what it will take to achieve what Chugach leaders put in motion many years ago – a just land exchange for our shareholders.”

Hickel is a lifelong Alaskan with more than three decades of leadership experience at a range of commercial companies. Prior to joining Chugach, she served as chief administrative officer for Petro 49, Inc., where she directed administrative functions for its petroleum distribution and marine transportation operations throughout Alaska and the Yukon Territory. She is an active Board member and volunteer for several nonprofits, including the Alaska Sealife Center, Prince William Sound Regional Citizens Advisory Council and the Resource Development Council of Alaska. She was inducted into the Athena Society in 2012 for outstanding leadership in both business and community service.

In the coming months, Chugach will be recruiting for a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the growth of Chugach’s Business Enterprises and oversee Chugach’s Corporate Services departments.

CARES Act Funding Empowers Chugach Communities to Respond to the Pandemic

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) signed into law in March 2020 allocated $2.2 trillion to stem the tide of the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic – $8 billion of which was set aside for Indian tribes to recover economic losses in their communities and lower the health impact of COVID-19.

Over $500 million of CARES Act funding was to go to Alaska Native Corporations (ANC) to be dispersed to lessen the impact of COVI D-19 on the approximately 140,000 Natives who call Alaska home. Unfortunately, several tribes led by Indigenous Peoples in the Lower 48 filed a lawsuit that blocked ANCs from receiving the much-needed CARES Act funding. At the heart of the lawsuit was the tribal status of ANCs. In June 2021, the Supreme Court issued a landmark decision that ANCs are, in fact, Indian tribes as defined in the Indian Self Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA). With this ruling, ANCs were granted access to CARES Act funding.

Working within the U.S. Treasury Department’s four-month deadline for usage of the funds (the date for disbursement has since been extended to Sept. 30, 2022, although funds still had to be committed by the end of 2021), and within the stringent restrictions on fund usage, Chugach immediately mobilized its team members and developed a COVID Relief Funds program, including processes and procedures.

Ultimately, Chugach committed $24.2 million to shareholders, shareholder-owned businesses, statewide Alaska Native entities, statewide non-profits, and Chugach region entities.

The funds provided much-needed relief to individual shareholders and their businesses, and also addressed critical needs within our communities:

  • Food Security & Subsistence Programs
  • Housing & Heating Assistance Programs (including homeless populations)
  • Emergency Vehicles
  • Health Care Facilities & Clinics
  • Health Care Equipment & Supplies
  • Hospital Expenses (Ventilators, Testing Equipment, Staffing)
  • Disaster Planning & Communications

You can read more about some of the specific projects facilitated through CARES Act funds below:

Valdez Relay For Life Nominated For 12 Months of Giving Donation

For Sodergren, the reason she stepped forward and nominated the ACS is the fact that cancer continues to be so prevalent. “There is no one I know who can say they do not have a friend or relative who has battled this terrible illness,” Sodergren says. “And I have personally walked in the Relay for Life in Valdez for several years with friends and family to help raise money to fight cancer.”

Millions of people walk or run in the annual Relay for Life events throughout Alaska and the United States to raise funds for the ACS. As a result, hundreds of millions of dollars are raised each year to invest in cancer research, patient support, prevention information and education, and detection and treatment.

The biggest reason that Sodergren participates in the Relay For Life is the immediate benefit it provides to those impacted by cancer. “It’s the one fundraising event the ACS promotes that helps build awareness of this dreaded disease and that makes a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer HERE AND NOW!” Sodergren passionately states.

Sodergren’s enthusiasm for the Relay For Life can be traced back to the founding of the event 20 years ago when she and two of her college associates established the fundraiser in Valdez. At the time classmates Sodergren and Rainer Masters and Professor Gail Rendardson were members of Prince William Sound Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa. For Sodergren and the other members of this honor society, membership focused on more than achieving high academic scores, it also centered on bettering their community. With this higher pursue in mind, the three took on the project of introducing the Relay For Life to their town. Now two-decades later, this fundraiser brings in large numbers of participants who annually come together for a marathon evening of walking, running and fun with the collective purpose of raising money for the ACS.

One of the Chugach Employee Core Behaviors is We Build Community, which means that our employees seek to better the communities where they live and work. We’re proud of the example Jennifer Sodergren has set in building community, and since Sodergren lives and works in Valdez and since she is a founder and an ardent supporter of her local Relay For Life, Chugach is making this month’s $1,000 donation directly to the event she helped to establish: the Valdez Relay For Life.

Chugach thanks Sodergren for the work that she does on our behalf in Valdez with TCC, and we thank her for taking part in the 12 Months of Giving Campaign.

Chugach Earns Three Titles in 2022 Best of Alaska Business Awards

The Best of Alaska Business awards are organized and published by Alaska Business; the magazine’s readers vote on their favorite businesses in various categories in March, with results published July 1.

Denali Winner: Business Adaptation to COVID

At Chugach, we place safety at the forefront of all that we do. The shift in how we conducted business in the past three years to lower employee and customer exposure to COVID-19 was no exception, and the readers of Alaska Business magazine – many of whom are our amazing employees and shareholders – recognized the measures we took and voted Chugach as the Denali Winner (1st Place) in the Business Adaptation to COVID-19 category.

This recognition is particularly significant, as it reinforces the fact that our actions were amongst the best taken to lessen the impact and severity of the pandemic on our community of employees, shareholders, and neighbors.

 

Denali Winner: Editor’s Choice Corporate Citizen

Over the last 50 years, Chugach and our employees have always endeavored to do the right thing, especially when it comes to making a positive difference in the communities where we live and work. While the pandemic created many challenges, it did not challenge our commitment to building community.

During the last three years, our employees met, surpassed and even took on new fundraising efforts. Alaska Business was paying attention, because Chugach was also named as the Denali Winner (1st Place) in the Editor’s Choice Corporate Citizen category. For us, giving back and building community are not about awards, so we’re very humbled to be recognized as the Alaska Business 2022 Corporate Citizen.

 

St. Elias Winner: Best Place to Work 250+ Employees

We are especially pleased to receive the Best Place to Work award in 2022, which also marks our 50th anniversary. Over the last five decades, we have evolved as a company with the goal of always striving to be better. Being recognized as one of the best places to work is a perfect reflection of what we aspire to be as a company and as an employer.

Thank you to all of the employees and business partners who have made our 50th Anniversary possible and thank you for positioning Chugach for success in the next 50 years and beyond.

We are grateful to everyone who voted for Chugach in the 2022 Best of Alaska Business awards!

 

IAFF Selected in 12 Months of Giving

IAFF provides disaster relief efforts to citizens and their communities, including financial, food and water, clothing, shelter, medical aid, behavioral health counseling, and more. The IAFF organization offers a variety of support for fallen IAFF members and their families, including a Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where it recognizes Fire Fighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice. In addition, the IAFF organization offers burn injury support and an annual Burn Camp in Washington D.C. for teenage burn survivors. Lastly, IAFF offers children of fallen IAFF members scholarship opportunities for members of the IAFF Foundation, occupation cancer support and behavioral health and wellness support are offered. The IAFF Foundation also has a Burn Fund that is dedicated to fire presentation and burn awareness education, as well as advocacy, research, and improvement of quality of life for burn survivors.

Nominated by CGS employee and former professional and volunteer Fire Fighter, Keith Feen, shared of the IAFF Foundation Burn Fund “Burn survivors survive because they have the will and want to survive. They deal with several challenges everyday of their life, both mentally and physically, that is why they are the strongest people I know.” Keith said a quote he lives by is “If your responsible for your actions and yourself, then you can be there for others.” He stated “I have learned this from my parents and throughout my life, that is why helping others is so important to me. I really value this foundation because they give back and help so many people.”

Jenny Hanie, Deputy Director of Foundation Management and Non-Profit Partnerships for the IAFF Foundation expressed “On behalf of the IAFF Foundation, we commend the efforts of the Chugach Corporation on behalf of the Alaska Native people of the Chugach region and beyond. Thank you for this generous donation in support of the IAFF Foundation Burn Fund.”

Thank you to Keith Feen on submitting the IAFF Foundation in the 12 Months of Giving campaign. We are proud to recognize and support such an impactful organization that support Fire Fighters and citizens around the country. The IAFF Burn Fund will receive a $1000 donation as part of the Chugach 12 Months of Giving program.

To learn more about the IAFF Foundation, click here and to learn more about the Burn Fund, click here. Individual donations to this foundation can be made here. Nominations for the Chugach 12 Months of Giving campaign are still happening! To nominate an organization that is special to you, simply go to 12months.chugach.com and take a few minutes to describe how this organization is having an impact on the community.

Chugach Board of Directors Endorse Lisa Murkowski for U.S. Senate

Senator Murkowski is a lifelong Alaskan who has served the state of Alaska in the U.S. Senate since 2002, and previously in the Alaska State Legislature from 1999 until 2002. During both tenures, she has proven to be a fierce advocate for Alaska, and has championed critical issues that address the needs of Alaska Native people and communities. Through her roles as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the Ranking Member on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, she holds a strategic position that enables her to advance Alaska Native interests.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of Chugach Alaska Corporation – an incredible leader for the Eyak, Alutiiq, and Sugpiag peoples, and for our state as a whole.” said Senator Murkowski. “We have worked hard to defend ANCSA, improve access to critical services, and increase rural infrastructure, together. I value the work that we have collaborated on for many years and intend to work hard for the Native peoples, lands, and prosperity of southcentral Alaska for years to come.”

Among those are land issues, which hold particular significance to Alaska Native Corporations that collectively represent the largest landowners in the state. Senator Murkowski understands the complexities surrounding land ownership in Alaska, and both the challenges and opportunities created for Alaska Native landowners through the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA).

Chugach has long sought a remedy for the conflict spawned after Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS) settlement funds were used to purchase surface estate and conservation easements in areas where Chugach owns the subsurface estate. This split ownership between Chugach and the federal government creates a conflict in land management and use that is not in the best interest of the public, nor Chugach and the shareholders it represents. Senator Murkowski recognizes this, and supported the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act to support a land exchange to resolve this conflict.

“Senator Murkowski believes that Alaska’s greatest resource is its people. She has been an important ally for Alaska Native people, and more broadly for all of Alaska,” said Chugach Chairman Sheri Buretta. “She often works across the aisle on bipartisan efforts in order to bring about policy changes that are in the best interest of Alaska.”

Senator Murkowski also understands the importance of economic development in Alaska, including the need for responsible investment in fisheries, tourism, and natural resource management. She has long supported efforts to strengthen Alaska’s economy, including advocating for a strong military presence in our state. Chugach is closely aligned with issues related to supporting the state’s military and defense activity and arctic policies, given our long history of government contracting, primarily for the Department of Defense.

The U.S. Senate elections will be held Nov. 8, 2022. For more information on the upcoming elections, voting locations, or voting registration, visit https://www.vote.org/.

Alaska Native Leaders Gather for Memorial Honoring Congressman Don Young

Congressman Young was best known as a fierce advocate for Alaska and the people who call the state home, earning him the title of “Congressman for All Alaska.” He was an ally to the Alaska Native people, and partner to Alaska Native regional and villagcorporations.

In her remarks, Hegna highlighted Congressman Young’s remarkable career spanning nine presidential terms. “He served as Congress’ institutional memory and Alaska’s indispensable representative. His work became legendary.” She went on to describe how he saw 123 bills signed into law during his tenure, and his service to Alaskans not only through his words, but also his actions.

Senator Murkowski reflected on Congressman Young’s love for the state and directed this comment to Secretary Haaland regarding her visit to Alaska: “This is an opportunity for you to understand and see first-hand what an extraordinary state we have, and how blessed we are with the resources we have – not only what God has given us in the ground and the waters but also the human resource of its people.”

In a final toast of the evening, Chugach Chairman of the Board Sheri Buretta recalled her time spent with Congressman Young and the deep bond and friendship forged over their passion for doing the right thing for Alaska. “I’ve been doing this job for 25 years and have had the opportunity to visit with the Congressman in Washington, D.C. each year. It’s important to take this moment to recognize and honor the passage of time, and to pay tribute to Congressman Young’s service and dedication to our state.”

Young was first elected to the U.S. House in 1973 and has held it ever since. He served in Congress for 49 years. During his tenure, he paved the way for the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), which would become an economic engine for the state. He worked tirelessly as a champion for Alaska Native rights, from protecting subsistence rights, to advocating for capital spending in rural Alaska, to supporting the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. His contributions to Alaska are matched only by his larger-than-life personality – both of which will not be soon forgotten.

Our condolences and deepest sympathies go out to Congressman Young’s family. We mourn with you and share in the pain of your loss. May his memory be eternal.

In lieu of donations, Congressman Young’s family asks that individuals consider donating to one or both of the following charities in his honor:

  • Lu Young Children’s Fund for Alaska Native Children (lycf.org): The Lu Young Children’s Fund was created in 2004 to leave a legacy of support for Alaska’s Native children and their families. Through the fund, outreach and support is provided to these children and families who need and deserve to live happier, healthier lives. The Lu Young Children’s Fund (LYCF) is organized under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations to LYCF are deductible for federal income tax purposes. LYCF can receive individual and corporate donations without limit.

The Lu Young Children’s Fund
P.O. Box 27924
Washington, DC 20038

  • The Don Young Institute for Alaska: The purpose of The Don Young Institute for Alaska is to honor and commemorate Congressman Don Young’s long and distinguished career, to be a repository for his historical papers and artifacts for preservation, education, and research. The Institute is registered with the IRS as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit and is registered (and in good standing) with the State of Alaska. Donations to the Institute are deductible for federal income tax purposes and corporations and individuals may contribute without limit.The Don Young

Institute for Alaska
3705 Arctic Blvd. #571
Anchorage, AK  99503