Dear fellow shareholder,
This was one beautiful Alaska summer. As fall comes to an end, I hope you had a chance to spend some time outdoors, whether it was to fish, hunt, pick berries, or simply spend time with family. Hunting season starts the preparation for the colder seasons coming on.
Our companies have been very busy, and I’m excited to share some information on our projects and people.
With the start of the Tolsona drilling project and carbon-credit opportunities, our vision statement – “Our culture unites us; our land sustains us; our people are prosperous.” – continues to be at the forefront of our strategy. After our annual meeting and strategic-planning meeting, it is clear that our Board is looking to management to focus on regional development. Ahtna Netiye’ CEO Tom Maloney gives us a little more insight on how we are achieving this important goal in his message.
Shareholder workforce preparedness, or shareholder development, goes hand-in-hand with our growing business portfolio. More regional development means more jobs opportunities for our shareholder-owners and their families. I attended the Workforce Gathering event put on by our Shareholder Development team in Fairbanks. I can’t believe how much I learned about job interviewing and resume writing. A big thanks goes to Mercedes “Starr” Knighten and her team for putting on the August event. Keep an eye out for future events like this. It’s important for our shareholder-owners to be ready to apply for the jobs that are being opened by the big projects we have in Alaska and elsewhere.
The hard work of Ahtna’s staff enabled our company to be highlighted in Alaska Business Monthly this past quarter. This kind of company awareness and heightened visibility opens doors to more opportunities. The article spotlighted Ahtna’s successful performance in business, land and traditional hunting and fishing protections, and shareholder development. You can read more about the article later in this issue.
November 8 is a big date for us and our state. It’s voting day. I can’t express how important it is to exercise our right to vote. Our voice is strong, and it must be heard. Get educated on ballot measures and political leaders, and make an informed choice at the polls in November. As we’ve seen in recent Alaska state legislative races – every single vote matters.
Did you know that you are reading an award-winning publication? I’m so proud of the shareholder-owners, subsidiaries and partners who have made the Ahtna Kanas such a beautiful, informative communication tool. Your input and participation has earned the Ahtna Kanas first place in the Public Relations Society of America, Alaska Chapter, Aurora awards. Keep the great stories coming!
In closing, I’m so proud to see that we are truly living up to One team, One Ahtna. Our teamwork and passion for our heritage and culture, both in the business world and within our communities, is inspiring. Keep up the great work!
Tsin’aen,
Michelle Anderson, President
Ahtna, Incorporated