|  Presidents
Report
November 2007
Fall is a very busy time
of year for The Aleut Corporation. Preparations for
the annual shareholder meeting and
the October AFN convention keep our staff and me very
busy!
It was astounding to see all of the shareholders that
attended the annual meeting and banquet. This time
of year has become the largest gathering of Unangan
People at one time. It is the perfect opportunity to
catch up with family and dear friends. During this
time together, the news coming from home, our extended
families and the corporation flow freely. It provides
the perfect chance to share ideas and be creative.
Annual Meeting
This year’s annual shareholder meeting was held
on Saturday,
October 20. Once again, new records were set for voting
and event attendance! Over 400 people attended the
meeting, leaving the Howard Rock Ball Room at the Sheraton
with standing-roomonly. Over 650 people enjoyed the
evening banquet and dance. Thus demonstrating the enjoyment
we have when we gather as a community.
Compared to
other Alaska Native Corporations, TAC has one of the
highest numbers of shareholders in attendance at their
annual meeting. Our shareholders continue to demonstrate
a keen interest in the corporation’s activities
and planning. Given our geographically remote region,
the annual meeting allows our shareholders time to
connect with one another.
This year, 68% of shareholders
exercised their votes. 47.5% voted online. This is
an increase of 22% over 2006. Voting online is not
only gaining in popularity, but is also proving to
be the fastest and most efficient way to respond. We
will be working this year to educate our shareholders
on the process of voting online.
I’d like to
extend congratulations to Debra Mack, Elary Gromoff
and Carl Moses! All three will be serving as directors
on the 2008 board. Debra and Elary are continuing on
in their roles as board members. Carl Moses joins us
once again on the board after a hiatus of thirty of
years. Welcome back Carl! I want to thank Martha Malavansky
for her contributions as a board member for the last
nine years!
Communication Strategy
Communication with our shareholders has dramatically
improved over the last few years. Whether it is through
our newsletters, website or actual travel to each
community, communication is the key to keeping the
shareholders informed and updated on the corporation’s
activities and successes.
A key focus of mine is traveling to each community
in the region, as well as communities in the Pacific
Northwest. Once there, we have informational meetings
for shareholders, providing information on the corporation’s
activities. These visits also allow us to learn about
your community, learn from your insight, and respond
to your needs. Each visit proves to be enlightening
and informative for me.
This is my second year conducting
village visits. I am seeing a positive increase in
attendance and participation at the informational meetings.
My goal is to continue to improve upon our meetings
with shareholders during the village visits. Your feedback
as a shareholder is a critical part of fulfilling this
goal. I appreciate all of your comments and suggestions.
I
will commit to making advancements with our communication
strategies. Our goal is to keep you informed and provide
you with an opportunity to be heard. I want to thank
each community, whether it was in Alaska or the lower
48, for your hospitality. I look forward to next year’s
travel season.
St. George
One of the many highlights of this year’s travel
season is that I finally made it to the wonderful community
of St. George! Due to weather and schedule challenges,
it took two years and eight attempts before this was
accomplished. I was very fortunate during this time
to be able to visit with many residents of the island.
Highlights included touring the church, hotel, “wash
house” and school. Please enjoy the photos of
our visit to St. George, found in this edition of the
Aleutian Current.
I would also like to express a special
thank-you to the St. George Aleut Dancers. Many shareholders
and their families enjoyed their performance at both
the annual meeting and banquet. These dancers did a
wonderful job, and once again help remind everyone
of our cultural roots and historical connections that
we all hold so dear.
Shareholder and Elder of the Year
This year we gave special recognition to two of our
shareholders.Cynthia Lind was recognized as our Shareholder
of the Year, and Pauline Dushkin as our Elder of
the Year. We receive several nominations for these
awards each year, and every nominee comes highly
qualified. Because of their great qualifications,
it is a difficult task selecting the winners. I encourage
shareholders to continue submitting nominations for
next year. Congratulations, Cynthia and Pauline!
AFN
The AFN convention in Fairbanks immediately followed
our annual meeting. TAC sponsored 10 of our shareholders
and descendents to attend this year’s convention.
Our delegation made sure that the ideas and concerns
of the Aleut people were communicated and heard.
Thank You
I really believe that good communication is the key
to a healthy relationship with our shareholders.
The Aleut Corporation shareholders are engaged and
interested in the activities of this organization.
With over 3,400 shareholders, ideas are abundant.
I appreciate hearing from each and every one of you.
You make my job a satisfying and rewarding experience.
Thank you so much and I wish you all a safe and happy
holiday season with your loved ones!
Thomas Mack
President
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