Author: Randi Gause

TCC and Alyeska Pipeline Service Company Renew Contract for Oil Spill Prevention and Response Services

Sheri Buretta, Chugach Alaska Corporation Chairman of the Board, expressed her pride in having TCC continue to support the mission of Alyeska. “Our people have lived in Southcentral Alaska for more than 5,000 years, so we are committed to supporting the safe transportation of oil through our ancestral waters. I’m especially proud that the competency and qualifications of our people were instrumental in renewing this contract. We thank Alyeska for the professionalism they bring to Alaska’s oil industry, and we look forward to continuing to meet the high standards they have set over the last five decades.”

TCC was created after the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, bringing together the Alaska Native regional and village corporations most impacted in a venture focused on protecting the waters of Prince William Sound. TCC has successfully performed prevention and response services for Alyeska since 1994. During that time, TCC has provided oil spill and emergency response services, oil spill prevention support, and oil spill boom and equipment deployments during normal and emergency operations, drills, exercises, and training.

The renewal recognizes the exemplary care and performance TCC has shown for almost 30 years with a long-term contract that solidifies a shared commitment to protecting the environment of Prince William Sound and the surrounding region.

“Alyeska looks forward to continuing to pursue our shared commitment to responsibly operating in Prince William Sound,” said Betsy Haines, Alyeska’s Interim President.

Paul MacDonald, TCC General Manager touched on TCC’s longevity and the commitment that the organization, down to each individual, has to the success of the renewed contract. “I started my career at TCC almost 30 years ago. From the start as an oil spill response technician to where I am now, I’m proud of the work we do in protecting Prince William Sound not only for the region but also for the safety and well-being of our people and community.” MacDonald continued, “As a member of the community, I truly believe we are the best suited for the task.”

About TCC:
TCC is a partnership between the Tatitlek Corporation, the Chenega Corporation and the managing partner Chugach Alaska Corporation. TCC commits to honoring our responsibilities as guardians of Prince William Sound by actively preventing and effectively responding to any oil spill, preserving the land, waters, and wildlife for future generations. Learn more at tccalaska.com.

Wounded Warrior Project Selected as 12 Months of Giving Recipient

WWP began in 2003, first offering simple care to wounded service members. Today, WWP offers a vast variety of services including mental health services, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitative care to veterans and service members who sustained a physical or mental injury, illness, or wounded during or after their service. In support of its mission, WWP strives to honor and empower wounded warriors.

Wayne Wolverton shared of WWP “I believe it’s important to recognize and honor the sacrifices and service of those who have spent time protecting the freedoms that we all treasure. As a retired Army veteran, I’ve seen the pain and suffering that some of my fellow veterans have endured, and hope that my efforts can help those who need it the most.”

Allie Smith added “I have military members in my family and while we have been fortunate enough not to need the services of the Wounded Warrior Project, it is important to us that we support their efforts as they do great things for the military community.”

To learn more about Wounded Warrior Project, click here. Individual donations to this organization can be made here.

Chugach Announces 2022 Pek’stangiyaq ‘Good Worker’ Award Recipients

Chugach Alaska Corporation: Lindsy Townsend, Assistant to the Chairman: Lindsy is the glue that holds not just the Community Value Centers together, but all of Chugach. Lindsy supports the Chairman and the Board masterfully with a constant smile and infectious laugh. In 2022, Lindsy led a team of executives, employees, lawyers, and consultants to implement two important changes to the Shareholder Annual Meeting – candidate background checks and electronic proxy voting. Lindsy also builds community through her involvement on the Chugach Employee Engagement Team (CEET), where she contributes at meetings, is a key conduit to the Chairman and Executives, and attends events to provide support. Lindsy brings a level of energy that encompasses the intensity needed to meet the never-ending challenges that she is faced with in her role supporting the Chairman.

Chugach Government Solutions (CGS), Project Site: Paul “Nelson” Scott, NAS Fallon
As a Maintenance Planner at NAS Fallon, Nelson has been a key driver in enhancements to CEMS. This year, Nelson provided on-site support and project management for the delivery of the first Mobile Maximo platform for CGS. Nelson was a stakeholder in the vendor selection process, providing operational insight through the scoping phase, and managed onsite user acceptance testing. This project will bring mobile technology to other sites, enhance customer offerings, streamline workflow and create an elevated employee experience. Further, Nelson provided project management support in the implementation of CGS’s first Robotics Process Automation (RPA) project. His peers shared of him, “Nelson builds community – he is a team player who incorporates input and ideas. He always seeks to improve communications and product development with an enterprise vision.

CGS, G&A, Jesse Aitchison-Ostrowski
Jesse is the Talent Acquisition Manager for CGS’s Corporate HR. Jesse is an incredible team player, making it her mission to keep team morale high. Jesse does an amazing job of keeping the Chugach culture front and center with her main goal being to help everyone feel included. Jesse knows our culture and values and it shows in everything that she does. Jesse gives her team autonomy in their positions as well as provides many opportunities for growth and learning. Since Jesse got the recruitment team up and running, the number of applications received per month increased 100%. The recruitment team has received many thanks under Jesse’s direction. One of her employees shared, “She is the first to admit fault and never asks for praise, but I truly think she deserves it because she works so tirelessly for us!”

 

Chugach Commercial Holdings (CCH): Dee Pletnikoff, Office Manager
Dee Pletnikoff joined the CCH team from the Chugach corporate team earlier this year as the Office Manager and has quickly been dubbed the “Mayor of CCH.” If there’s a need, she’s the first to see it and start working toward any resolution needed. It is her nature to go the extra mile from coordinating all CCH volunteer opportunities, participating in the Chugach Employee Engagement Team (CEET), or organizing customer events ensuring we’re always putting our best foot forward. In short, Dee has quickly become an absolutely integral member of the team – hands down, CCH’s employee of the year!

Employee Survey Earns Chugach a Title as “Best Place to Work” by the Alaska Journal of Commerce

Chugach President Josie Hickel added, “The fact that Chugach is one of the best places to work in Alaska as recognized by the Alaska Journal of Commerce is a reflection of our incredible employees. The success we have enjoyed over the last 50 years was entirely made possible by each of their contributions.”

Hickel also touched on a word that was a major factor in securing the Best Workplace award. “As an Alaska Native Corporation, we are a for-profit company with a social mission. It takes more than employees to make this unique approach to business work and be successful; it takes a family. And that’s what we have here at Chugach, a family.”

This sentiment was echoed in the award survey results collected by the Alaska Journal of Commerce, with one respondent stating:

There are so many things that motivate me with our company, but the most important is that we’re family. I can’t emphasize this enough. If one of us has a tragedy in our life, everyone from our department to upper management asks how they can help. Whether it means time off, a fundraiser, donating airline miles, or delivering food to individuals to help, our company goes above and beyond.

Numerous data points in the Journal’s survey also show that Chugach earned this award on many fronts. For the scored statement “my company operates with strong values and ethics”, Chugach scored 6.59 out of 7 and for the statement “my company is socially responsible”, Chugach scored 6.41 out of 7.

Chugach’s conduct through the pandemic and emphasis on employee safety also gave Chugach an advantage in the award tabulations. For the statement “did your employer create good procedures so you could work effectively and stay connected to your team”, Chugach scored 6.29 out of 7. For the statement “I have confidence that our leaders are taking all the necessary measures to ensure our safety during the pandemic”, Chugach scored 6.42 out of 7.

A byproduct of the pandemic also scored high with respondents as several comments also mentioned appreciation for the opportunity to work from home some or all days of the week and how it allows for a better work-life balance and more flexibility to address family issues.

The regard with which our employees extend toward Chugach leadership was also a factor in securing the Best Workplace award. Multiple employees commented that they appreciate the accessibility, transparency, and integrity of Chugach’s senior management. When asked about their direct supervisor, many employees commented on appreciating their support, guidance, and encouragement.

“It’s definitely a two-way street,” Buretta concluded. “It’s a privilege to have the support and encouragement from our family of employees as we build upon our five-decade foundation and work towards placing Chugach on the path toward permanent prosperity.”

To learn more about Chugach’s Best Workplace Alaska award and the other incredible Alaska businesses who were nominated, go to https://www.bestworkplacesalaska.com/#winners.

Chugach Employees Select Covenant House for 12 Months of Giving

Since opening in 1988, Covenant House has provided a safe space for youth experiencing homelessness and supporting at-risk youth, including young parents and human trafficking survivors, by providing housing and shelter services, education, employment, and enrichment programs.

Katherine Carlton shared of CHA, “The last four years of my life have been dedicated to working with our underserved youth through Job Corps. This no-cost program is a natural fit for a partnership with organizations such as Covenant House, so we can reach the ultimate goal of moving youth to stability, independent living, and careers. Every young person deserves a chance to reach success and organizations like Covenant House provide that opportunity.”

Tonia Burrough added “Every child, young parent, or human trafficking survivor deserves a safe place to eat, sleep, receive clothing, and medical attention – especially if they are homeless. These children are the next generation, and they deserve an opportunity to become functional adults in society.”

On November 17th, CHA held the 2022 Great Alaska Sleep Out, Covenant House’s annual fundraising event. Many members of the Chugach leadership team participated, Chugach’s participants raised more than $80,000 and braved the cold weather in support of the Covenant House.

To learn more about Covenant House Alaska, click here. Individual donations to this non-profit can be made here.

Chugach Alaska Corporation Receives Gold Pan Award from Anchorage Chamber

The Gold Pan Awards recognize local businesses each year that demonstrate business excellence, entrepreneurial excellence, and distinguished community service. Business Excellence nominees are evaluated based on the quality and innovation of their goods or services, contributions to the economic vitality of Anchorage, and proven track record of adaptability and sustainability.

Chairman of the Board Sheri Buretta accepted the award on behalf of Chugach during the Chamber Met Gala: A Night of Alaskan Art, held Friday, Nov. 18 at the Dena’ina Center.

“To accept the Gold Pan Award in the same year that we celebrate Chugach’s 50th golden anniversary is an honor,” said Chugach Chairman Sheri Buretta. “For five decades, our people have honed the critical skill of resilience – not only surviving but thriving in the face of hardship. I know our original founders would be proud to see that our current leaders and employees have continued to carry their legacy forward to create growth for the corporation and prosperity for our people.”

A video highlighting Chugach’s award nomination criteria can be found below.

For more on the Gold Pan Awards visit: anchoragechamber.org/gold-pan-awards/.

Chugach Communications Team Receives Three Awards from Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)

  • 1st Place, Aurora Award: Crisis Communications
  • 1st Place, Award of Excellence: Writing Portfolio
  • 2nd Place, Award of Excellence: Annual Report

The award ceremony brought fierce competition from public relations, marketing and employee communications campaigns across the state.

“The Chugach team is honored to receive these recognitions, and to be in the company of Alaska’s talented public relations professionals,” said Director of Marketing & Communications Randi Jo Gause. “We recognize the importance of adapting and exploring new ways to connect with our shareholders, employees, customers, and community members. I’m exceptionally proud of our marketing and communications department, and our partners at Yuit Communications, who help us bring our visions to life.”

Congratulations to all of this year’s PRSA awardees.

About PRSA
The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) is the nation’s leading professional organization serving the communications community. The PRSA Alaska Chapter was established in 1976 to connect communications professionals working in the Last Frontier. PRSA is the principal advocate for industry excellence and ethical conduct and provides members lifelong learning opportunities and leading-edge resources to enhance professional connections and support them at every stage of their career. With nearly 30,000 members, PRSA is collectively represented by 110 Chapters and 14 Professional Interest Sections, and on nearly 375 college and university campuses through its student organization, the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). For more information, please visit www.prsa.org.

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.