Dear Shareholders,
Thank you for taking the time to read our spring newsletter. We are in some crazy times and our hope is to brighten your mood with our latest read that includes some recent pictures of our beautiful Chignik Lagoon as well as some updates from our operations this past year.
I would like to start by acknowledging our Board of Directors for the time they have been devoting to the corporation. All of their decisions are carefully thought out and the nonstop learning and improvements in the operations are exciting to see. The Board keeps our shareholders in mind during their meetings and discussions as if each one of you were in the room listening. Transparency continues to be top priority. We also would love to hear from you—comments and/or concerns are welcome!
This newsletter can also be found online on our website’s News section: https://clncalaska.com/news.
Stay Healthy and Safe,
Angela Gregorio
Operations Manager
Chignik Lagoon Native Corporation Projects and Operations
Annual Meeting
September 14, 2019
The annual meeting and election for CLNC was held in Chignik Lagoon, Alaska in September. We had four guests attend and present the following:
Anna Crary with Landye Bennett & Blumstein provided a legal report and took part in the election.
Heather Eldred, CEO of Transcend Strategic Consulting, who is contracted by BBNC to facilitate the In-Region Government Contracting (IGC) program. You can view more information about IGC later on in this newsletter.
Polly Watson, SBA Analyst at BBNC, provided an overview of BBNC stocks and wills.
Chris Little, who works with The Conservation Fund provided information on the benefits of putting CLNC land into a protected conservation.
President Rodney Anderson and Operations Manager Angela Gregorio provided the financial and operational report.
CLNC Summit
October 14 – 15, 2019
Cliff located between Chignik Lagoon and Chignik Bay, Winter 2019
The Summit was held at the BBNC building in Anchorage. IGC provided the training and lunches for the Board and staff making it very cost efficient. Thank you BBNC!
The goals of the Board are to strengthen CLNC’s business foundation and build the financial strength of the corporation. In keeping with these goals, several actions were accomplished during the Summit in regard to government contracting:
The Board approved and adopted required resolutions and documents to participate in government contracting.
The Board also reviewed and approved updated policies provided by IGC. Training on the policies was presented by the IGC team. These policies are compliant with government contracting. Our next step is to adopt and implement procedures.
IGC went over our readiness checklist and a projected overview of government contracting so that the Board was made aware that this is a slow process and rarely do you see any profits until year four or five of actively pursuing and winning contracts.
The Board made the decision to look for a trustworthy, experienced and qualified CEO for our subsidiary, Mallard Duck Bay Enterprises (MDB), for government contracting.
At the end of the meeting BBNC surprised the Board by extending the IGC contract for one more year to help guide them through the government contracting process. Thank you again BBNC!
These other actions were also accomplished during our productive Summit:
IGC provided board management training and the Board decided to switch from their monthly meetings to quarterly meetings to follow best business practices.
IGC assisted in an update of CLNC’s strategic plan which outlined more specific and short-term goals.
Other investment options were discussed including real estate. In the end the Board agreed that government contracting was the best and most logical option for CLNC and their subsidiary moving forward. This decision was not made lightly as there is risk involved as there is with any investment, but with BBNC/IGC guiding us, this increases the chances of our winning a contract sooner.
It was a jam-packed summit and a lot was accomplished in the allotted time. We plan to do another Summit this year at the same time to continue this growing momentum. The Board has decided to hold this Summit virtually.
Staff Updates
Betty Huntington, MDB CEO
Last fall, we took the next step of hiring a qualified manager/CEO for Mallard Duck Bay. Thankfully the IGC team already had someone in mind, which was Betty Huntington. These individuals are not easy to find, and we feel that we have really landed on an opportunity with meeting and negotiating a contract with her. We welcomed Betty to our team in January.
Betty started off with fire and continues her driven ambition to look for contracts that suit our NAICS code, which she has previous experience in. Betty participates in most of our activities/meetings and her refreshing honesty and straightforward attitude puts everyone at ease. I am happy to be working with her and enjoy the training she is providing at the same time. It is nice to see someone who cares about small native businesses being successful. She is currently working on a lot of networking and has already attended a couple of 8(a) conferences. She is locking down necessary items needed for a government contract such as a health benefit package and human resources to accommodate more employees and a credit line. We have gone to the SBA office in Anchorage and introduced her to our specialist, and we plan to keep regular communications throughout the year.
Betty Huntington brings over 30 years of executive leadership experience and professional business development to MDB. She has served as CEO for Gana-A‘Yoo, Limited and President of Gana-A’Yoo Services Corporation following 13 years at Doyon Limited, where she now serves as a member of their Board of directors. She is an expert at balancing both operational and strategic roles, elevating employee and team performance while navigating complex business environments and driving growth.
Betty has a proven record managing all phases of federal government contracting, including business development, contract negotiation, operations, compliance and overall strategic planning. Her guidance has been instrumental in winning contracts for companies with disciplines in both professional and nonprofessional services, including construction, warehousing, consulting services, food service, janitorial services, facility support, roads and grounds maintenance, logistical support, procurement, IT help desk services, and commercial estate leasing.
With a BBA in accounting from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, her background in fiscal management ensures a solid foundation in financial planning, budget control, and policy implementation for any company she leads. On top of her professional accolades, Betty has a reputation for being a dedicated, hands-on executive and a reliable and trustworthy partner.
Erin Pedersen, MDB Office Clerk
We are pleased to also introduce Erin Pedersen to our team. Erin is a lifelong Alaskan who grew up and lives in Chignik Lagoon. She has been managing the Chignik Lagoon office while Alysha has been away this spring attending college. Erin is a very focused employee and a wonderful addition to the team!
Alysha Anderson, CLNC office clerk
After our 2019 annual meeting, Alysha Anderson was invited to Anchorage in October by Polly Watson of BBNC to train at their office on many subjects pertaining to government contracting. This was an amazing opportunity for Alysha. One of the areas she was trained on was taking official minutes of Board meetings from a paralegal. She now takes all of our minutes for the Board meetings. In addition, Alysha also learned about records retention, policies and procedures in Alaska Native corporations, new computer programs to help assign and organize staff tasks, and the steps involved with entering the government contracting world.
Angela Gregorio, CLNC Operations Manager
Over the course of 2019 and spring of 2020, I have received lots of training related to government contracting and business management. Betty and I have been working closely to further government contracting and business development efforts. MDB is in the process of completing all administrative tasks to complete the HUBZone application, and we recently submitted the first “sources sought” response, letting the government know MDB is interested in a contract. Some of my other projects include customizing the CLNC and MDB employee handbooks, working on the budget for 2021, and managing the actions coming out of our monthly strategic planning and business development meetings.
CLNC and MDB Staff Projects
Erin, Alysha and I have been working on several projects and trainings, and have many more coming up. Here are a few of the things we have going:
Training to regularly update the website
Creating and managing a digital file repository
HUBZone Application for government contracting
Financial Foundations for MDB
Photography for Board and staff photos for the website
Procedures for the updated policies
Employee handbooks and job descriptions
Procedure development and implementation
Training in many software programs provided by the IGC team
We have been enjoying working and learning even though it is extremely busy. At any time, all shareholders are welcome to contact us, and we will try our very best to answer any questions/concerns. Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter!
2019 Annual Meeting Presentations
Presentations at the Annual Meeting had a lot of helpful information we would like to pass on. Below find information from a couple of the presenters at the 2019 Annual Meeting.
Heather eldred
The IGC Program
The In-Region Government Contracting Program was established in 2014 by BBNC’s Board of Directors to assist Village Corporations in becoming self-sufficient in government contracting and the Small Business 8(a) program. BBNC has engaged Transcend Strategic Consulting (TSC) to offer a suite of mentoring services to help IGC member village corporations build a solid foundation for independent success. This program is offered to participants on a complimentary, limited and as needed basis.
CLNC has been in the IGC program since December 2018 and has been working with TSC on training, coaching, business foundation development, and strategy in preparation for government contracting. At this point, MDB is ready to start applying for government contracting, and TSC continues to assist with these business development efforts as well as some continuing business foundation work.
Polly Watson
SBA Analyst with the Bristol Bay Native Corporation
BBNC Stock Will
All shareholders should have a Stock Will on file with BBNC. Remember to update your Stock Will when changes in your life occur (marriage, birth of a child, etc.). Shareholders who have submitted a Stock Will to BBNC within the last five years are eligible for quarterly cash prizes.
If you want, you can have hard copies of the BBNC Stock Will at the CLNC Office. These can also be found on BBNC website too.
Gift of Stock
If a shareholder would like to give shares to their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or if over 18 years of age or older, to sisters or brothers, they must complete the Gift of Stock form. For more information about gifting shares, please view the Gifting Information document.
Other Benefits
The benefits of being a BBNC shareholder go beyond the quarterly distributions paid (the first Friday of March, June, September and December each year) from the financial success of BBNC and its subsidiaries. Because we want all our shareholders to grow and thrive, we also provide:
Employment opportunities: BBNC upholds a shareholder hiring preference across all our companies
Employment resources and training opportunities through BBNC’s Shareholder Development Department
Internships and job shadowing opportunities
Elder’s distribution: Original shareholders who are at least 65 years old receive an additional $125 each quarter
Memorial Fund: Payments of $1,500 are available to defray funeral expenses after a shareholder passes away
Access to higher education and vocational education scholarships and short-term vocational training funds through the BBNC Education Foundation
Assistance with various applications, including BBNC shareholder forms and connection to community resources
Alaska Native artist opportunities through AlaskaNative.Life
Special prize drawings
***Some of the benefits above apply to decedents and shareholder spouses as well.
Missing Shareholders
To ensure timely delivery of BBNC payments and communications, shareholders must maintain a current mailing address with BBNC, even those shareholders who have direct deposit. If you need to update the address or banking information for yourself, or someone you know, you have information on a missing shareholder, follow the link below.
https://mybbnc.net/resources/missingshareholders
Chris Little
The Conservation Fund
Introduction
The Conservation Fund (TCF) is a national non-profit conservation organization with dedicated staff in Alaska. We strive to create conservation solutions that make environmental and economic sense, and we are consistently top-ranked for efficiency and effectiveness. Since we opened our Alaska office in 1994, and we have completed nearly 100 land conservation projects throughout the state resulting in over 350,000 acres protected for conservation, recreation, cultural, and historical benefit. TCF works with all types of private landowners in Alaska, including Native village and regional corporations, private individuals, and other non-profit organizations. TCF helps to facilitate and fund land conservation projects, and TCF works with its local land conservation partners to ensure these lands are managed and protected for long-term conservation.
TCF has a long history of working with Alaska Native corporations. Most recently we worked with the Pedro Bay Corporation to plan and purchase a 12,600-acre conservation easement in Lake Iliamna. This project protected an archipelago of islands critical to spawning sockeye salmon, and the project resulted in direct economic, cultural, and environmental benefits for Pedro Bay Corporation and its shareholders. We continue to engage with Native corporations around the state to demonstrate the business opportunity that land conservation can provide.
What is land conservation?
Land conservation is the protection of specific tracts of land using real estate transactions, legal mechanisms, and long-term management. These tracts contain important conservation values worthy of protection, such as valuable habitat for fish and wildlife species, subsistence and cultural resources, recreation values, and/or historical significance. Land conservation prevents the construction of incompatible developments (e.g., roads, buildings, bridges, impervious surfaces, etc.) that threaten the tract’s conservation values.
What are the components of a land conservation project?
There are generally two types real estate transactions used in land conservation projects: (1) fee simple acquisition projects, or (2) conservation easement projects. Both are voluntary transactions between a private landowner and a land conservation entity (like TCF). A fee simple acquisition project is a traditional land sale involving the transfer of all rights of a specific tract of land from a private landowner to a conservation entity. A conservation easement project involves the sale and transfer of a specific right in the land (most often the development rights) from a private landowner to a conservation entity.The value of a fee simple acquisition or a conservation easement is determined by an independent third-party professional appraiser.
Unlike a fee simple acquisition project, a conservation easement project allows more flexibility for the landowner and the conservation entity. With a conservation easement, the private landowner still owns the land, and a conservation entity purchases the conservation easement attached to the land that prevents incompatible development. The terms of a conservation easement are unique to every project and are intended to protect its conservation values. A conservation easement “runs” with the title of the land in perpetuity, meaning that should the landowner decide to sell the land, the conservation easement is recorded on the land's title and is included in the sale. This ensures that the conservation values are protected in perpetuity, regardless of present and future landowners.
What are the motivations to complete a land conservation project?
There are many reasons why private landowners are motivated to complete a land conservation project on their private lands. Most often these private landowners are passionate about maintaining and protecting their lands for ecological, cultural, and/or historical reasons, and they are also financially motivated to generate revenue from these lands. Land conservation provides landowners with the opportunity to protect their lands, while still being able to generate revenue from these same lands. For many, land conservation is simply a good business decision.
Why might land conservation be a good opportunity for Chignik Lagoon Native Corporation?
Chignik Lagoon Native Corporation owns extensive tracts of lands that contain exceptional conservation values, such as important habitat for salmon, migrating birds, and terrestrial mammals; cultural and subsistence resources; and recreation opportunities and access. The Corporation may be interested in ensuring that specific tracts are protected for the benefit and use of its shareholders while simultaneously being able to generate revenue from the protection of these tracts. As such, a land conservation project is real business opportunity for the Corporation to protect these resources and generate revenue from their lands.
A conservation easement project is likely the most appropriate type of conservation project for the Chignik Lagoon Native Corporation. For this type of conservation project, the Corporation would retain ownership of the land while selling the developments rights, via a conservation easement, to a conservation entity. The conservation easement’s terms and conditions would be specific to this tract of land, and after it is purchased from the Corporation and recorded, the conservation easement would be attached to land’s title in perpetuity. The outcome is twofold: (1) the tract of land and its conservation values are protected forever, and (2) the Corporation generates unrestricted revenue from the sale of the conservation easement that can be used for investment opportunities elsewhere.
How can The Conservation Fund and Chignik Lagoon Native Corporation work together on a land conservation project?
If Chignik Lagoon Native Corporation is interested in exploring this business opportunity, The Conservation Fund and the Corporation work together to identify lands that are a good fit for a potential conservation easement project. Once a specific tract of land has been identified, TCF will work with the Corporation to put the tract under a real estate contract, then secure the funding necessary to purchase the conservation easement from the Corporation prior to closing on the sale. TCF will also work closely with its regional conservation partners – such as the Bristol Bay Heritage Land Trust or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – to hold and manage the conservation easement. Once the conservation easement is purchased and the project is complete, the land remains in private ownership with the Corporation while being encumbered with a conservation easement held by a conservation partner. The revenue generated from the sale of the conservation easement is unrestricted capital for the Corporation to support its business endeavors.
Website Information
Native Village Corporation Example Project in SW Alaska
Pedro Bay Corporation – Lake Iliamna islands conservation easement, 12,600 acres:
Aleknagik Natives Limited - Agulowak conservation easement project in Wood-Tikchik State Park, 21,000 acres:
Conservation Partners - The Conservation Fund, Chris Little, John Wros, and Brad Meiklejohn - Anchorage, AK:
Bristol Bay Heritage Land Trust, Tim Troll - Dillingham and Anchorage, AK:
Other News & Information
Back in the Day
Mushroom Rock has been around for a long while. The picture of the landmark on the left was taken in 1940. The picture on the right was taken in 2020!
Mushroom rock is used as a landmark for fishing and you can often hear crew and captains referencing it as a spot where salmon are spotted jumping out of the water!
Settlement Trust Information
A Settlement Trust is a trust established and registered by an Alaska Native Corporation under the laws of the State of Alaska pursuant to a resolution of its shareholders, and operated for the benefit of shareholders, Natives, and descendants of Natives, in accordance with ANCSA§39 and the laws of the State of Alaska.
The purpose of a Settlement Trust is to promote the health, education, and welfare of its beneficiaries and preserve the heritage and culture of Natives, exist as permanent, Native-oriented institutions to hold and manage Native land assets in perpetuity, and provide for the health, education and economic welfare of the individual Natives who are the Settlement Trust’s beneficiaries.
Trusts are usually managed on a day-to-day basis by the Native Corporation through a Written Management Agreement. Investment policies are adopted and monitored buy Trustees. Trusts also offer many benefits such as: Pro Rata Distributions, Per Capita Distributions, Education Grants/Scholarships, Death Benefits, Elder Benefits, After-Borns/Alaska Native shareholders.
Settlement Trusts can provide a massive benefit to Native Corporations and their Shareholders and can be used to increase distributions to Shareholders, lower Native Corporation’s taxes, and provide more benefits to Alaska Natives.
Bristol Bay Fly Fishing Academy
*Although this program has been canceled due to the COVID-19, please keep it in mind for the following year.
Bristol Bay Fly Fishing and Guide Academy accepts applications around Spring each year. Bristol Bay residents and BBNC shareholders or descendants between the ages of 14 and 24 are encouraged to apply to the annual Bristol Bay Fly Fishing & Guide Academy.
WHO:
Young adults with interest in learning how to fly fish and explore a career as a sport fishing guide in Bristol Bay will be given priority placement.
WHAT:
The Bristol Bay Fly Fishing and Guide Academy is a week long course that teaches fly fishing skills and explores career opportunities in the sport fishing industry. It is a great opportunity for young adults to build leadership skills and learn more about being caretakers of our salmon resources.
An eagle near Rabbit Point, Spring 2020
WHEN:
Spring 2021—Space fills up, so we encourage folks to get their applications in early.
WHERE:
Last Cast Lodge in Igiugig, Alaska.
HOW:
To apply, please select from one of the following:
Print Applications: Complete the form and submit with required attachments via email or mail (information included on the form).
Online Applications: Complete an online application and mail or email materials (information included on form).
Please contact Meghan at mbarker@tu.org or call (970) 631-6437 with any questions.
BBNC Shareholder Portal — MyBBNC.net
BBNC launched the myBBNC shareholder portal and mobile app! myBBNC will allow shareholders to update address and banking information, access 1099 Tax Forms, shareholder and income verifications. Shareholders under the age of 18 do not need to register. They will be linked to their custodians’ profile, but they will still be eligible for prizes.
To register: Go to mybbnc.net and click “REGISTER” found under the “SIGN IN” button and complete the web form with your information, and click “REGISTER”
Once your registration form is submitted, it will be reviewed by BBNC during regular business hours. Once approved, you will receive a confirmation email and will be able to log in and access your profile in the portal!
The myBBNC app is available to download on iPhone and Android devices from the app stores.
If you’re having trouble getting registered or logging in, please visit the FAQ page, call BBNC at 1-800-426-3602, or send us an email at shareholders@bbnc.net.
Don’t forget to visit mybbnc.net!
BBNC Shares — How to Gift Stocks
If a shareholder would like to give shares to their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or if they are 18 years of age or older, to sisters or brothers, they must complete the Gift of Stock form. The Gift of Stock Form can be found on the Shareholder Resource page of the BBNC website.
The documents needed to fill out for the Gift of Stock papers are: A completed BBNC Gift of Stock form, Birth Certificates (to show family relation), Custodian Consent form for minors, proof of Alaska Native blood quantum, copy of social security card, adoption documents (if applicable), confirmation form, and marriage certificate.
Website
View of the mountains from Browns Point, Spring 2020
How Many Shares Do I Have?
If you want to know how many Chignik Lagoon Native Corporation shares you have, or if you want to know how many Bristol Bay Native Corporation shares that you have, you can contact the Shareholder Records Department. You can email them at shaholders@bbnc.net or call (907) 278 3602.
Shareholder-Owned Business Directory
Bristol Bay Native Corporation has a listing of businesses and services owned and operated by BBNC shareholders, their spouses, and descendants.
The business are sorted by the area of Alaska that the businesses are located. The following are areas where the businesses operate: Southcentral Alaska, Bristol Bay Alaska, and the Lower 48.
If you have a business and want to add it to the directory you can go to the website https://www.bbnc.net/for-shareholders/shareholder-owned-business-directory/ to list your business.
2020 Annual Meeting Update
CLNC is planning to hold a virtual annual meeting for 2020. The proposed date is September 19th, 2020. Please watch your mailbox for the official meeting notice and more details.
Tribal Relief Fund Under the CARES Act
We continue to follow the activity regarding the Cares Act and respond accordingly. We do know that all of the funds have not yet been distributed. We remain hopeful that this will be resolved soon.
Tax Day — July 15, 2020
The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service announced today that the federal income tax filing due date is automatically extended from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020.
Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers as well as those who pay self-employment tax.
Taxpayers do not need to file any additional forms or call the IRS to qualify for this automatic federal tax filing and payment relief. Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the July 15 deadline, can request a filing extension by filing Form 4868 through their tax professional, tax software or using the Free File link on IRS.gov. Businesses who need additional time must file Form 7004.
The IRS urges taxpayers who are due a refund to file as soon as possible. Most tax refunds are still being issued within 21 days.
Frozen cliff along the beach at low tide, Spring 2020
Deadline for Real ID
The deadline to get your Real ID has been changed to October 1, 2021!
Beginning in October 2021, non-compliant cards will no longer be valid identification to enter federal facilities, access military bases, and to Board commercial airplanes. If you do not need access to those facilities, then you may not need a REAL ID. Additionally, you may already have another form of ID that is REAL ID compliant. These include a valid passport, a valid military ID, and some forms of tribal IDs. You do not need a REAL ID to fly, although you will need a federally compliant ID.
Picture Submission
You can submit pictures that you would like to see in the newsletters! You can send in pictures of where you live now and some information about yourself too. We would love to get to know more about you, the shareholders! Please send the pictures and information about yourself to admin@clncalaska.com.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information
Resources
From the Office of Governor Mike Dunleavy, Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, and Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management:
From the Center for Disease Control:
Thank you again for reading our newsletter. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Take care, and we will see you next time.