Author: Randi Gause

In order to be considered for the annual Top 49er list, a company must be:

• A for-profit or not-for-profit organization;
• At least 51% Alaskan-owned;
• Headquartered in Alaska; and
• Operating in Alaska.

Alaska Business began the Top 49er list in 1984, and Chugach has made the list 31 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 or top five positions.

Chugach is also proud to be in good company with fellow Alaska businesses. The collective gross revenue of the 49 companies who made the list dropped by less than 1%. This is the smallest year-over-year decrease in revenue in the past decade – even during the midst of the pandemic and a struggling economy.

“This year’s list is a reminder of the resilience and fortitude embedded in the Alaska community,’” explains Chugach Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sheri Buretta. “2020 was a challenging year for everyone, but when our collective businesses succeed, we all win. I am confident that by working together and supporting one another, the Alaska community and economy will continue to recover and eventually thrive again.”

As with many other organizations forced to re-imagine business events, this year’s event was held virtually, and included an Executive Question and Answer (Q&A) panel featuring remarks from Buretta.

During the panel, Sheri touched on the challenges and opportunities faced during COVID-19; how Chugach has supported its shareholders, employees and community; and how Chugach’s diversification has allowed us to remain resilient despite headwinds. She also left attendees with a heartfelt note for community members, emphasizing the importance of kindness, gratitude and collaboration during these divisive times.

Check out Alaska Business’ article here for the full list of winners. You can also watch the Executive Q&A here.

ANCSA Regional Association and Alaska Native Village Corporation Association applaud the Supreme Court’s decision to ensure the federal government honors its promises to Alaska Natives and the communities we represent. In doing so, the Court affirmed “what the Federal Government has maintained for almost half a century: ANCs are Indian tribes under ISDA.”

Through the creation of Alaska Native regional and village corporations, Congress established a novel approach to federal Indian policy and for nearly 50 years, these unique corporations have served the health, educational, welfare and cultural needs of more than 140,000 Alaska Native shareholders.

We are pleased to see the Court affirm Alaska Native corporations’ eligibility for CARES Act funds to help our people and communities recover from the devastating effects of COVID-19. Alaska’s economy is only now starting to recover, and these funds are needed to help our communities get back on their feet.

ARA and ANVCA would like to extend their deepest thanks to Alaska’s congressional delegation, the State of Alaska, and the Alaska Federation of Natives for their unwavering support of Alaska Native people throughout this litigation. ARA and ANVCA are committed to building greater understanding about the critical roles ANCs play in the lives of Alaska Native people, and we stand ready to unite with Indian Country to better serve all of our Indigenous communities.

For background on ANCs and the CARES Act, click here.

Today, the ANCSA Regional Association and the Alaska Native Village Corporation Association were proud to appear before the Supreme Court to make our case for the federal government to keep its promise to Alaska Native people.

Our position is simple and clear. Language in the CARES Act should be executed to include Alaska Native corporations (ANCs), which serve Alaska Native people, including tens of thousands who are not members of a federally recognized tribe.
Doing so would be consistent with the actions of many federal programs from federal agencies in previous administrations – from both political parties – and as Congress intended when Alaska’s unique service model of distinct Alaska Native organizations was established through the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.

For decades now, Alaska Native people have relied on ANCs to provide access to education, health, housing, and economic support. This misguided case puts these critical services at risk. If ANCs are no longer eligible to provide these services, there is no other organization or entity that can fill this need.

We hold strong our belief that Alaska Native people should not be punished for this unique system that Congress established for us 50 years ago. We thank the Supreme Court for taking up this case and we look forward to receiving the Court’s decision.

Learn more about Alaska Native Corporations and the CARES Act here.

You can watch the full oral arguments heard by the Supreme Court on April 19th here; or you can read the full transcript here.

“Chugach has been fortunate to have Hoops at the helm of its largest federal government contracting arm for many years. We have relied on Hoops’ deep government contracting expertise as we’ve grown CGS, and valued his leadership in shaping and building a strong team capable of carrying forward his legacy,” said Chairman of the Board Sheri Buretta. “On behalf of the Board and leadership team, we are thankful for his many years of service to Chugach and to our country, and wish Hoops and his family all the best following his retirement.”

Throughout nearly two decades with Chugach, Hoops has been a key driver for the growth and maturation of CGS. His visionary leadership has expanded CGS’ presence as a formidable competitor in the federal government contracting realm, while his mentorship and embodiment of Chugach’s core behaviors has cultivated additional leaders across the organization, including many shareholder and descendant employees. His spirit of service began long before Chugach, serving 26 years in the U.S. Air Force.

“Serving my country and supporting the warfighter and Chugach shareholders are career highlights for me,” said Hoops. “It has been a tremendous honor to work with an incredible team supporting the mission while sustaining culture, and above all, providing for our shareholders.”

Chugach will share additional information about the CGS President recruitment in the coming weeks.

About Chugach Alaska Corporation:
Established in 1972 under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, Chugach Alaska Corporation exists to serve the interests of the Alaska Native people of the Chugach region with a focus on profitability, celebration of our heritage and ownership of our lands. Through responsible management of our lands, businesses and assets, we provide meaningful opportunities and benefits to our community of 2,500 shareholders. Chugach fulfills its mission through a range of investments and operating businesses that provide government, facilities and energy services. Learn more at www.chugach.com.

About Chugach Government Solutions:
Chugach Government Solutions, LLC (CGS) is a holding company of Chugach Alaska Corporation, and serves federal government customers through 11 subsidiaries. As a trusted provider of mission-critical solutions to the U.S. Government, CGS operates facilities management and maintenance, technical/IT, education and construction services contracts across the U.S. and worldwide. Learn more at www.chugachgov.com.