Author: Randi Gause

Chairman’s Message: Navigating Uncharted Territory

First, I want to note that some of the many losses to normal life taken by COVID-19 will be the 2020 high school and college graduation ceremonies. We believe these individuals deserve their moment in the sun, and Chugach Alaska Corporation and the Chugach Heritage Foundation would like to play a hand in this recognition. We encourage shareholders and descendants to share your photos and stories, so we can share these wonderful milestones and accomplishments, and encourage others to achieve their goals. We would also like to feature them in future newsletters and publications. Please send your graduate photos and stories to michael.levshakoff@chugach.com or visit the Chugach Facebook page and share these moments via private message

Secondly, it has been our commitment to communicate with our shareholders regularly and transparently. I’d like to share with you the latest COVID-19 operational, financial, employee and shareholder/regional impacts, as well as current focus areas for our team.

As soon as the outbreak began, we activated the Chugach Emergency Response Team. Every day, dedicated team members are working closely with leaders to implement coordinated measures that help us anticipate and mitigate the impact of COVID-19. We established an internal COVID-19 Informational SharePoint Site so that our team can easily see how Chugach is dealing with this issue. With both national and international operations, Chugach faces a variety of situations with regard to COVID-19. Wherever possible, employees are working remotely and leveraging our digital and IT tools to continue operating the business efficiently. Our business leaders are partnering closely with customers and vendors who are facing similar challenges, to ensure we both protect our people while also safely maintaining essential business operations. At locations where essential operations must continue, we have increased health and safety vigilance at all our sites and offices, with persistent focus on hand-washing and social distancing. We have seen a handful of employee COVID-19 cases at Rex Electric & Technologies and at Chugach Government Solutions project sites; thankfully those individuals are in recovery or stable condition, and swift action was taken to notify and quarantine people in contact with those individuals.

We also realize that we will sustain some financial impacts in 2020 as a direct result of COVID-19, as non-essential project work is delayed. It’s difficult to predict the extent of this impact as the situation evolves daily, but we are closely monitoring all of our businesses and analyzing potential scenarios. Additionally, we are leveraging the recent stimulus bills and government-provided tax relief for our eligible businesses to preserve shareholder value. Chugach is a resilient organization, and is in a strong financial position to overcome the challenging circumstances that will likely continue through 2020.

We encourage shareholders to continue to monitor our social media pages and visit our external shareholder website page, which are updated regularly with information on Chugach and the broader community. Most recently we shared a memo issuing early dividends and Elder distributions, and reallocated funds to provide community and tribal support. We also launched a Chugach Regional Resource Group, comprised of leaders from village and tribal organizations within the Chugach Region. This group is dedicated to the collective efforts to come together to prevent the spread of the COVID-19, to protect the health and economic wellbeing of people who live in the Chugach communities, and in identifying and accessing financial and other resources available to support the needs of the communities. The group meets weekly and collaborates via an informational website.

I am also encouraged by some of the stories I’ve heard of individuals going above and beyond, both in our shareholder and employee communities (like this one). Please continue to look out for one another, try to keep your spirits up and before you know it we will come through this together.

Finally, a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, “We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face…we must do that which we think we cannot.”

 

Sincerely,

Sheri Buretta
Chairman of the Board
Interim President & CEO

Chairman’s Message: COVID-19 Early Dividend & Regional Funding

The Board also authorized establishment of a Community and Tribal Support Fund within Chugach Natives Trust. This fund reallocates money, which was previously budgeted to assist with regional economic and strategy development, to support the immediate needs of the four villages in our region (Chenega, Nanwalek, Port Graham and Tatitlek), and our three communities (Cordova, Seward and Valdez) to respond to the COVID-19 crisis. The funds will be distributed through Chugachmiut.

Another impact of COVID-19 is the need to postpone all of our upcoming informational meetings. Our first concern is the safety and well-being of our shareholders, employees and the communities where we all live. Traveling to our villages and assembling in large groups creates a high chance of spreading the coronavirus, and we do not want to expose anyone to this risk. We will reschedule these meetings at a date and time when COVID-19 exposure has been drastically lessened or eliminated.

In addition to postponing the informational meetings, we are relocating this year’s annual meeting from Seattle to Anchorage. This will reduce the need to travel for many participants and attendees, and significantly lower exposure to COVID-19 for our shareholders, board and management.

We are proceeding under the assumption that circumstances will change for the better between now and October. However, if we do not see an improvement in the spread of COVID-19, we may need to postpone or livestream the annual meeting. We will release the updated location and dates for the annual meeting as soon as possible, and we will keep you informed about the annual meeting status in future communications.

The Board and I are proud to serve the Chugach community, and we welcome the opportunity to connect with our shareholders at the informational meetings and at the annual meeting, but we will not do so if we are putting any of you in harm’s way.

I have faith that we will make it to the other side of what COVID-19 puts before us. Until then, I would ask that the entire Chugach family—shareholders, descendants, employees and friends—do all that you can to thank and assist our first responders, doctors, nurses and public servants who stand at the forefront of the COVID-19 response. This is especially true when it comes to organizations such as Chugachmiut and the workers who deliver healthcare services throughout the Chugach region.

In closing, I would remind you that we, as a people, have faced many adversities in the past. Shortly after the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, beloved Elder and Chugach leader Walter Meganack said, “We will learn from the past, we will learn from each other and we will live. And where there is life, there is hope. God Bless you.” Walter’s words were meaningful after the spill, and they still resonate to this day, especially when applied to the uncertainty and difficulties that lie ahead.

We have also built a page on the Chugach website dedicated to COVID-19 information and prevention measures that can be found here, and we encourage you to visit this resource and our Facebook page for reliable news and updates. Above all, make sure our Elders do not struggle or go without, and take care of yourselves and each other.

Thank you,

Sheri Buretta
Chairman of the Board
Interim President & CEO

Chairman’s Message: 3/20 COVID-19 Updates

We know the economy is taking a hard hit, and this is trickling down to each of you. The Board of Directors met this week to discuss ways to support our shareholders and community and will have a better sense of how we will approach this issue early next week. We are currently meeting with legislators, as well as regional, state and national leadership, to determine the resources available to deal with this situation, and to see where Chugach can provide aid. We commit to sharing these updates with you via our website and social media pages as we make decisions.

We also understand that maintaining a healthy corporation will allow us to continue to take care of our people. Our emergency response team is meeting daily to ensure we’re protecting our employees and maintaining essential business operations. We made the decision to close our JL Towers headquarters to the public starting Friday, March 20th, and most of our Corporate and regional office employees are working from home. You can still reach us by phone and email on our Contact Us page.

I am encouraged by President Trump’s latest briefing this morning, which implemented new steps to support Americans at this time, including cancelling standardized tests for K-12 students this year, temporarily waiving interest on student loans and extending the tax filing deadline to July 15. They are also working towards instituting border restrictions on non-essential travel to minimize the spread of the virus, and increasing production and lifting travel restrictions on truckers who are keeping shelves stocked.

Beyond that, I wanted to take a moment to reinforce the best actions you can take as individuals to protect yourself and others.

  • Hygiene: You’ve all heard this by now, but it’s worth saying again – the best way to lower your risk of contracting or passing along the virus is to wash your hands after you cough, sneeze, touch your face, use the restroom, or are about to leave one place for another. Clean and disinfect frequently used items, like doorknobs, light switches, phones and laptops.
  • Stay Home: Stay home if you’re sick. Being in large crowds can risk not only your health, but those around you. The more you’re in public, the more chances the virus has to transmit to others.
  • Stock up on essentials: We’ve already seen New York and California taking drastic steps to institute “safer-at-home” orders for residents. We should assume that we could see the same orders in other areas in the future. Prepare yourselves and your families by stocking up on food and essentials in the event of a potential quarantine or lockdown. You should plan on having two weeks’ worth of supplies. However, please bear in mind that hoarding items can be harmful to Elders and other vulnerable members of our population that may have more difficulty stocking up right now.
  • Consider Your Community: These are extraordinary times, and we encourage you to look out for your colleagues, friends, neighbors and community members if you have the capacity to do so. Building community is built into our core behaviors, and the needs right now are great – even if it’s as simple as picking up groceries for an elderly neighbor.
  • Know the Facts: Misinformation is also rampant during periods of panic. Make sure you’re looking beyond the headlines and go to reputable sources of information such as the CDC, WHO and, locally, the Alaska Department of Health and Human Services.

I am so proud of the time I have served on the Chugach Board of Directors. It’s easy to serve in a leadership position in times of prosperity, but the true test that I and my fellow Board members, and all of you, will have to face is right now. The hardships that COVID-19 are placing before us have just begun, but I have faith that we will overcome these difficulties. My faith is grounded in the three pillars that the Board of Directors has adopted: Resiliency, Respect and Reciprocity.

Reciprocity ensures an exchange that is mutually beneficial to all who are sitting at the table. Right now, our regional leaders are demonstrating this by collaborating with one another to share resources, tools and insight to address this challenge.

Respect means that we adhere to the Native values that have allowed us to flourish for more than 5,000 years. Our Elders taught us these values, and now, more than ever, they need our help. They have always looked after us, and now each of us must do the same for them.

The resiliency of our people is what gives me the most hope. We are going to come out on the other side of the Coronavirus, and if we hold to these three pillars, we will be able to walk through it all with courage and dignity.

Please know that you are not alone in this. Chugach has set up a weekly meeting with our region’s leaders to ensure that every Chugach community is being heard, and we’re so fortunate to have our Board Director Julie Kitka serving as the President of Alaska Federation of Natives. Julie and AFN have a pulse on all the state and federal efforts that are being brought to bear for Alaska and for our shareholders and families, and she is sharing the latest updates and contact information for the resources that will be needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and prevent the loss of life in our communities.

As always, we are working on your behalf, but remember, effort will be required from every one of us. We have to practice social distancing. We have to maintain a strict regimen of hygiene, and we have to look after one another, especially our beloved Elders.

Thank you,

Sheri Buretta
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Interim President & CEO

Chairman’s Message: COVID-19 Updates

As the outbreak continues, we will keep our shareholders informed about the measures we are taking. In particular, we’ll keep you informed should it impact upcoming shareholder events or meetings. These communications will happen through future editions of the Chugach Pride newsletter, the Chugach website and social media.

Specifically for Shareholders and business partners, we are minimizing access to our Anchorage headquarters through the end of April, and encourage you to give us a call as an alternative when possible. This will lower exposure to the virus for individuals traveling to and from the office, and this effort is in place to protect our incredible employees who do our day-to-day work and make Chugach’s success possible. Shareholder Services will be available to answer questions during this time, and all of their contact info can be found on our contact page.

As recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), here are some measure that you can take immediately to lower your exposure to COVID-19:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. An alternative to soap and water is an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Maintain at least six feet between yourself and individuals showing signs of illness and limit your time in their vicinity.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth without first washing your hands.
  • Take care of yourself: get adequate sleep, eat well-balanced meals and drink the daily recommended amount of water to ensure a healthy immune system.
  • Face masks are only necessary if you’re already infected with the virus, and this measure will help to spread the virus to others.

Further action can lower your exposure to yourself and to others:

  • Stay home if you are not feeling well.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. No tissue? Then sneeze or cough into the bend of your elbow.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. This includes your smartphone (front, back and under the cover).

As the number of infected people grow in our community, so too does misinformation. Make sure you’re looking beyond the headlines and go to reputable sources of information such as the CDC, WHO and, locally, the Alaska Department of Health and Human Services.

People who appear to be at higher risk of getting sick are older adults and those with current and ongoing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. In alignment with our Native values, this is a time to look after and support our Elders.

For most, though, cases are mild to moderate, and these individuals recover within two weeks. Panic is the number one enemy at the moment. You can see this in the stock market and in the news. A level of concern is warranted, but if we all take the above actions, we can significantly lower our personal risk and protect those around us.

Thank you and, as always, it is a privilege to serve the Chugach community,

 

Sheri Buretta
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Interim President & CEO

Randi Jo Gause Recognized as 2020 Top 40 Under 40

Moreover, the Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 recognizes the individuals who have shown great leadership in their chosen professions, and anyone who has worked with Randi knows that she is certainly a leader when it comes to her role at Chugach Alaska Corporation. In addition, she prides herself in uplifting others through community service, demonstrated in part by her volunteer role as a mentor to female entrepreneurs in third-world countries through the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women.

In one of the many letters submitted to the Alaska Journal on Randi’s behalf, Sheri Buretta, Chairman of the Chugach Board of Directors and Interim President and CEO, stated, “I am very pleased to nominate Randi Jo Gause for the Alaska Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 Award. Her application demonstrates her accomplishments, professional excellence and commitment to our local, state and global community. Her work has been transformative for Chugach’s community engagement and public relations efforts. She is highly deserving of this honor.”

From all of your friends and coworkers at Chugach Alaska Corporation, congratulations, Randi.

See the full list of the 2020 Top 40 Under 40 here.

 

Chugach Alaska Corporation Board Appoints Josie Hickel to EVP, Land & Resources

In her prior position as Chugach Commercial Holdings, LLC (CCH) President, Hickel was instrumental in executing groundbreaking land development opportunities for the corporation, including our carbon offset project and Bering River coal rights transaction. With the recent passage of the Chugach Lands Study Act, which opens the door for a potential land exchange for Chugach, we recognize the importance of establishing a leadership role that can focus solely on nurturing these lands-related opportunities.

“As a shareholder, Josie has a deep personal connection to the Board’s 100-year vision of Intergenerational Prosperity, and 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,” said Board Chair Sheri Buretta. “I look forward to working closely with her on these projects.”

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 Alaska Support Industry Alliance. She was inducted into the Athena Society in 2012 for outstanding leadership in both business and community service.

Todd Williams – current President of CCH subsidiary Heide & Cook (H&C) – has been appointed as the Interim CCH President. Under his leadership, we’ll continue driving progress within our commercial portfolio of companies while also planning for the next stage of growth.

“We are excited to lean on Todd’s vast experience with large multi-business companies. He brings new ideas and a passion for helping our business grow and mature,” said Chugach CEO Gabriel Kompkoff. “Our progress at H&C over the past several years is due in large part to his leadership, and we believe he can help bring that spirit of innovation to the entire CCH portfolio.”

Barney Uhart Legacy Lives on Through Scholarship

When Barney Uhart became president of Chugach in 2000, the corporation had $43 million in assets; in 2012 when he retired, Chugach had more than $360 million in assets. Barney passed away later that year on September 8th after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Shortly after his passing, on the floor of the United States House of Representatives, Congressman Don Young stated that Chugach had become a shining example of an Alaska Native Corporation that has succeeded, providing tremendous benefits to its shareholders and employees, and that this was, in large part, due to Barney’s 12 years of service to the corporation.

Congressman Young went on to say that the formula for excellence that Barney, and Chugach, had achieved over the years, could be found in Barney Uhart’s own words. “How have we gotten to where we are today,” Barney asked. “The reason is simple—all the people associated with Chugach are responsible for our success. From the wisdom of the Board of Directors; the patience of the shareholders; the vision and perseverance of management; and the dedication and drive of the employees; this has allowed us to succeed.”

This spirit of inclusion—that every person counts—lies at the heart of the Barney Uhart Memorial Scholarship. For Barney, the development of individual shareholders was a priority, and this legacy lives on through the scholarship dedicated to what he achieved during his tenure as president.

Michael is a Chugach descendant who was born and raised in Bloomington, Illinois. He is pursuing a double major in Economics and Government at the College of William and Mary, and he’s on course to graduate in 2020. Michael is a reservoir of golf knowledge and tips, having enjoyed the sport since the age of three. He has a sister in Bloomington, and two brothers who reside in Oregon. His mother and father have both had lengthy careers with State Farm, whose national headquarters is in Michael’s hometown. Following in his parent’s footsteps, Michael holds a license to sell life and health insurance in Illinois. Through his father’s side of the family, Michael traces his ancestry to the Eyak tribe.

The flexibility of the Uhart scholarship allows for a diverse applicant pool, tailoring the experience to the talents and education of each individual. In Michael’s case, his time with Chugach will be customized to his academic curriculum. “Personalizing the internship to my interests and skillsets is really exciting.,” Michael said. “This opportunity to directly apply what I’ve learned in college will help me gain clarity on the type of work I want to pursue after school.”

Growing up in Illinois, Michael is also new to the Last Frontier. “If you aren’t from here, this internship is an amazing way to experience Alaska and learn about the Chugach heritage. My experience so far has been terrific, and I can hardly wait for the rest of the summer.”

Michael will work with the Chugach leadership team on projects related to regional and community development, scenario planning of key corporate initiatives and other projects related to his educational goals. He will also spend some time working with the CGS team working on a government contract related project. “I’m excited to be working closely with the leadership here at Chugach,” Michael said. “This is definitely a unique opportunity.”

Josie Hickel, Executive Vice President of Lands and Resource Development​, shares in Michael’s excitement. “I’m honored to be working with Michael to support the scholarship created in Barney’s name, especially when it involves a candidate with his qualifications. We have some busy summers planned out for Michael, which will include a trip to Nuchek this summer where he will have the opportunity to learn more about our culture and heritage. I’m looking forward to his contributions to our team. Please join me in welcoming Michael to Chugach.”

Following in Barney’s desire to position Chugach people in fill key leadership roles, the Barney Uhart Memorial Scholarship is annually available to original Chugach shareholders and lineal descendants. It provides $10,000 of scholarship funding and a two-year summer internship with Chugach Alaska Corporation. The scholarship is not predesigned, and as with the opportunity that Michael Shepard is currently embarking on, the qualifications and academic coursework of applicants will drive what the experience will entail. At its most basic level, this scholarship endeavors to find the best fit for shareholders and descendants and help them grow to become leaders.

For more information, contact Stephen Grantier, Chugach Heritage Foundation Program & Systems Manager, at (907) 261-0400 or scholarships@chugach.com.

Chugach Places 1st at Alaska Run for Women

But the most incredible award—the one we’re most proud of—was for our seven survivors, which garnered the award for the most survivors on a single team. At the end of the day, that’s what our AKRFW campaign is all about, supporting the people who are battling cancer and celebrating those who have survived.

The generosity of our business partners, our families and friends made this possible, but most of all, the participation and contributions of our employees allowed us to shine in the sun. So another award and a huge THANK YOU are in order!

Chugach Executive Vice President and CFO Angie Astle has been one of the spearheads of Chugach’s involvement since the company first started participating in this event, “We are passionate about our Chugach family and our community. What began over a decade ago as a way to get healthy and get involved has since grown into a passion project to support the amazing women in all our lives that have experienced the devastation of breast cancer,” she said. “Every year we hear the stories of spouses and significant others, sisters, mothers, coworkers and friends that have been affected. Fighting cancer is lonely, but we’re a family at Chugach and we support one another. What better way to send a message than to join the team and kick the butt of cancer!”

By living up by our Core Behaviors, the Chugach community has made Chugach a partner and a workplace of choice. Simply put, the Chugach community builds community, and we are doing our part to make the world a better a place.

Photos of Chugach’s May 16 AKRFW Pizza Party. Ashleigh Mora pictured far right.

Employee Appreciation = Community Appreciation

Recently, during Employee Appreciation Week, held April 22–26, the Chugach Events Committee found a special way to do just that. “When trying to plan out the week, we wanted to include a couple things to give back to our community,” said Events Coordinator Dee Pletnikoff. “First, we participated in the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce’s Citywide Cleanup, but figured we could find something else that would further help our community. So, in searching for some ideas, we came across a charity that is always seeking local involvement.”

While employees enjoyed their week of appreciation, they also took a moment to uphold our Community Core Behavior. Over the course of five short days, employees collected and donated an impressive amount of ‘building blocks’ for those in need. “In total, the great people of our company collected more than 400 food items, totaling 230 pounds! Not bad for five days!” Pletnikoff exclaimed.

The items collected went towards helping out the people who frequent and depend on the Food Bank of Alaska.

Chugach would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who donated, and we’d also like to thank the Events Committee for putting together our annual week of employee fun, appreciation, and philanthropy!

In all, Chugach recognized the great work of our employees, and they, in turn, did what they do best—they did their part to better their community.

Chugach Alaska Corporation Political Action Committee Hosts Special Reception for Congressman Don Young

“We’re grateful to Congressman Young for being a driving force in addressing the critical issues facing the Alaska Native community throughout his 46-year tenure,” said Buretta. “His steadfast commitment to protecting the cultural and economic interests of Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs) ensures that we can continue to provide benefits to our shareholder community today and for generations to come.”

“Congressman Young was joined by his wife Anne during the event, which featured a performance of traditional and modern Sugpiaq music by Alaska Native dance group Imamsuat.

Congressman Young is the longest current serving member of the United States House of Representatives and holds the title of Dean of the House. His record reinforces a dedication to advancing the interests of Alaska Natives, from facilitating amendments to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and serving on the Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs, to fighting for the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 8(a) Business Development program and protecting ANC’s land ownership rights.

“Some of my proudest accomplishments in Congress include crafting policies to support strong and healthy Alaska Native communities. My late wife Lu, my daughters and my grandchildren are Alaska Native, so for me, protecting economic and cultural interests for our First Peoples is personal,” said Congressman Young. “I would like to thank the Chugach Alaska Corporation Political Action Committee, Chugach leaders and the other Native leaders for hosting a wonderful event and for all the long-time friends who joined us in support of my campaign. We have achieved a great deal together and with their continued help, I will keep standing up for Alaska.”

Additional event hosts include Cynthia Berns, Hallie Bissett, Barbara Donatelli, Andrew Guy, Shauna Hegna, Carl Marrs, Nathan McCowan, Gloria O’Neil, Greg Razo, Gail Schubert, Charles W. Totemoff and Roy Totemoff.