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Mission
“Preserving our sovereignty, enhancing our economic and cultural
resources, and promoting self-sufficiency and self-governance for our
citizens through collaboration, service, and advocacy.”
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4 Q A NATIVE CORPORATION ISSFALASKA
Vision
“To grow the company as a Native Institute that maximizes its cultural
capital by embedding Alaska Native values into its daily operations.”
Mission
“To maximize return on assets with a prudent level of risk, increase
shareholder equity, and maximize dividends and other shareholder
benefits for the purpose of enhancing shareholders’ quality of life.”
CONTENTS
Juneau Economic Development Council
Keynote Speaker Dr. Failautusi Avegalio.............. 0000005
University of Hawaii Technical Support... .......... 0000 eee
Speaker Topics & Biographies
Sealaska, UAS & US'Census. 2a. 4) ak f eleln esis le elels ol ela fale
Federal Agency Resources Panel Information............
Tribal Business Session & Panel ........ 20.002 eeeanees
State Agency Resources Panel .......... 2. eeu e ee eens
Native) Collaborations |hd dale dhe -e| whe eo ol alle 4 lalla, 4 ot fallen: col era boll le
Gunal Cheesh haat ye aadi
“Thank you all for coming here” (Tlingit)
Dala’ngan I’itl Xanga’Ilgang
“We welcome you all” (Haida)
Lamdzaxsm La’ Bal’a Sgan
“The Welcome Mat is Spread” (Tsimpshian)
7:00 - 8:00 AM
8:00 - 8:30 AM
8:30 - 9:20 AM
9:20 - 10:20 AM
10:20 - 10:30 AM
10:30 -10:50 AM
10:50 - 11:30 AM
11:30 - Noon
Noon - 1:00 PM
1:00 - 4:00 PM
4:00 - 5:00 PM
AGENDA - Thursday, May 12, 2011 - Summit Sessions & Reception
Registration / Continental Breakfast
Welcoming Remarks & Summit Overview
Edward K. Thomas, President, CCTHITA
Chris E. McNeil, Jr., President/CEO, Sealaska Corporation
Gary Locke, Secretary of Commerce, U.S. Department of Commerce (Video)
Southeast Alaska Economic Update
Alaska 2010 Census Results, Michael Burns, U.S. Census Bureau
SE Alaska Economic Cluster Initiatives, Brian Holst, Juneau Economic
Development Council
Out-Migration Workforce Development Planning
Keynote Dr. Failautusi Avegalio
Morning Break
Creating Opportunities in Southeast Alaska, Russell Dick, Sealaska
Corporation
Effective Business Tools for Rural Community Collaborations
“We Can Do That”
Katherine Eldemar, Sealaska Corporation
Green Gazelles: Sustainability Entrepreneurship for Rural Alaska, Rick
Wolk, University of Alaska Southeast, School of Management
Lunch Break ~ U.S. Census Bureau Work Session: “How to Access Census
Data”
Federal Agency Resources ~ Panel
U.S. Department of Agriculture - Forest Service, Ruth Monahan
U.S. Department of Agriculture - Forest Service, Jon Martin
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Danny Consenstein
U.S. Department of Agriculture - Rural Development, Jim Nordlund
U.S. Department of Energy (Invited)
U.S. Economic Development Administration, Bill O'Neil
U.S. Small Business Administration, Karen Forsland
Denali Commission, Tessa DeLong
Reception Community Group Discussions ~ Explore Economic Development Possibilities
Utilizing “Action Strategy” Software
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Mount Roberts Tram
490 S. Franklin Street
Goldbelt, Inc.
2011 Southeast Economic Development Summit - Juneau, AK
7:30 - 8:00 AM
8:00 - 8:05 AM
8:05 - 8:30 AM
8:30 - 9:15 AM
9:15 - 10:00 AM
10:00 - 10:15 AM
10:15 - Noon
Noon - 1:00 PM
1:00 - 2:15 PM
2:15 - 2:30 PM
2:30 - 3:30 PM
3:30 - 4:30 PM
AGENDA - Friday, May 13, 2011
Continental Breakfast / Business Networking
Welcoming Remarks, Mayor Bruce Botelho, City & Borough of Juneau
Community Empowerment through Collaboration
Dennis McMillian, The Foraker Group
Sitka Tribal Enterprises ~ Gaining Tribal Independence, Camille Ferguson
Identify Opportunities for Sustainable Development
Collaboration and Implementation
Identifying Resources, Impediments, Planning to Overcome Challenges
Tribal Business Panel
Myrna Gardner, 3R Services
Richard Peterson, Prince of Wales Tribal Enterprise Consortium
Gary Droubay, Goldbelt, Incorporated
Morning Break
Community Group Discussions ~ Economic Planning Utilizing “Action Strategy”
Software: Projects, Partnerships, & Solutions
Lunch Break
SessionA Session B
State Agency Resources Panel 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Alaska Department of Commerce, “Mining the Census Data”
Susan Bell
U.S. Census Bureau Alaska Commerce & Economic Development, Wanetta Ayers Seattle Regional Census Center, Michael Burns
Alaska Energy Authority, Jim Strandberg
Icy Strait Point ~ Huna Totem Corporation, Hoonah Indian Association
& City of Hoonah, Johan Dybdahl & Lawrence Gaffaney
The Next Steps
Dennis McMillian, The Foraker Group
Summit Wrap-Up
Questions? See the on-site registration desk
Main Sponsor Introduction
Edward K. Thomas
President
Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska
Edward K. Thomas serves as President of Central
Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of
Alaska (CCTHITA). He was first elected in 1984 and
served in this position until retiring in 2007. In 2008,
he was elected as President Emeritus, a position he
held until coming out of retirement in 2010 when re-
elected as President.
As President, Mr. Thomas is responsible for the
overall administration of all operations of the Tribe representing more than
27,000 Tlingit and Haida Indians worldwide, with oversight of over 200
employees, management of a $27,000,000 operating budget and $8,000,000
tribal trust fund investment, implementation of the general administrative
policies of the Tribe and completion of all actions of the Tribal Assembly and
Executive Council.
President Thomas also serves on the Sealaska Board of Directors, Office of the
Special Trustee for Indian Affairs - Department of the Interior, Juneau Area
Representative for the Bureau of Indian Affairs Tribal Fair-Shares Task Force,
member of the Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB) Camp 2, and council member
of the Juneau Tlingit and Haida Community Council.
Also served as Area Vice President for the National Congress of American
Indians, Juneau Area Representative for the Bureau of Indian Affairs
Reorganization Task Force, Chairman for the Alaska Federation of Natives
Human Resources Committee, Chairman of Shaan Seet, Inc., First Vice
President of the ANB Grand Camp, charter member of the Indian Management
Association, and Executive Director of Ketchikan Indian Corporation.
Mr. Thomas was also director of the Indian Education Program with the
Ketchikan School District, Indian education counselor for Sitka School District,
executive director of Ketchikan Indian Corporation, president of Klawock
Island Dock Company, president of Ketchikan Indian Corporation, owner and
operator of a commercial power troller, seine boat skipper for Columbia Wards
Fisheries, high school counselor for Craig City School District, and teacher for
Klawock City School District.
He graduated from Craig High School, received an Associate of Science degree
from Sheldon Jackson College, Bachelor of Science degree from the University
of Alaska-Fairbanks, and a Master's degree in Education Administration from
Pennsylvania State University.
2011 Southeast Economic Development Summit - Juneau, AK
Main Sponsor Introduction
Chris E. McNeil. 9r,
President and CEO
Sealaska Corporation
Chris E. McNeil, Jr. has served as the President and
CEO of Sealaska Corporation since February 2001.
Originally from Juneau, Mr. McNeil served Sealaska
in varying officer capacities from 1978 through
1993, including executive vice president and general
counsel and as a member of the board of directors
from 1998 through 2000.
Other positions Mr. McNeil has held include special
counsel to the Alaska Federation of Natives, chairman of the Native American
Rights Fund, the first director of American Indian Program at Stanford
University, second vice president of the Tlingit & Haida Indians of Alaska,
director of Goldbelt, Incorporated, director of the American Indian National
Bank, president of the Juneau Tlingit & Haida Community Council, chairman
of Tlingit & Haida Regional Housing Authority, Washington representative and
counsel to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut, chairman of
the Native American Contractor’s Association and currently, vice chairman of
the Indian Country Renewable Energy Consortium.
Mr. McNeil earned a law degree from Stanford University, a master’s in
political science from Yale University, and a BA in political science from
Stanford University. He was also awarded the Henry Roe Cloud medal from
Yale University, Native American Program and the Alaska Federation Citizen of
the Year. He is a member of the Tlingit and Nisga’a Nations. Mr. McNeil and
his wife Mary, an enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, have
two grown children.
Sealaska has strengthened business with culture since 1972, guided by
our traditions of environmental stewardship and positively impacting our
communities and currently operates businesses in multiple industries in
Southeast Alaska and worldwide: forest products, wood products, financial
markets, information technology, construction, precision plastics molding,
sub-assemblies and manufacturing, fabrication, environmental remediation,
global logistics and construction aggregates. Sealaska is owned by more than
20,000 tribal member shareholders of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian descent
and employs over 1,700 people worldwide.
Questions? See the on-site registration desk
United States Department of Commerce
Welcoming Remarks
Gary Locke, Secretary of Commerce
Gary Locke was appointed by President Obama as the 36th
Secretary of Commerce and sworn into office on March 26,
2009.
At the Department of Commerce, Locke is charged with helping implement
President Obama’s ambitious agenda to turn around the economy and put
people back to work.
As the first Chinese-American to hold this post in a president’s cabinet,
Locke has a distinctly American story. His grandfather emigrated from China
to Washington state, initially finding employment as a servant, working in
exchange for English lessons. Locke's father, also born in China, was a small
business owner, operating a grocery store where Locke worked while receiving
his education from Seattle’s public school system. His strong work ethic and
determination eventually took him to the highest office in the state of
Washington.
Prior to his appointment, Locke helped U.S. companies break into international
markets as a partner in the Seattle office of the international law firm, Davis
Wright Tremaine LLP. There, he co-chaired the firm’s China practice and was
active in its governmental relations practice.
As the popular two-term governor of Washington, the nation’s most trade-
dependent state, Locke broke down trade barriers around the world to
advance American products. He helped open doors for Washington State
businesses by leading 10 productive trade missions to Asia, Mexico
and Europe, significantly expanding the sale of Washington products and
services. He also successfully strengthened economic ties between China
and Washington State. His visits are credited with introducing Washington
companies to China and helping more than double the state’s exports to China
to over $5 billion per year.
As part of his considerable trade and economic development efforts, Locke
launched Washington’s Competitiveness Council with business, labor and
civic leaders working together to effectively position Washington State for
success at home and around the world. During the eight years of the Locke
Administration, the state gained 280,000 jobs.
Locke earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Yale University and
a law degree from Boston University.
2011 Southeast Economic Development Summit - Juneau, AK
Juneau Economic Development Council
Southeast Alaska Economic
Cluster Initiatives
The Juneau Economic Development Council, under a contract
with the USDA Forest Service, is leading a collaborative
project to complete an Economic Development Asset
Map and a Strategic Plan for Southeast Alaska. Known as
the Southeast Cluster Initiative, the project calls for two
deliverables that are intended to help strengthen our regional economy:
1. A Southeast Alaska Asset Map identifying the human, financial,
institutional, and natural assets of Southeast Alaska, as well as strategic
relationships among assets; and
2. A cluster-based economic development plan for promoting regional growth
in certain key industries.
JEDC is taking a Cluster Working Group approach to the planning process by
enlisting the experience of Southeast Alaska's committed public and private
sector leaders to build an action-oriented framework for sustainable economic
growth. Clusters of businesses that are in the same or related fields -- or
that are linked by service or supplier relationships, common customers or
supporting institutions -- are participating in intensive sessions to troubleshoot
obstacles and identify opportunities for growth.
Brian Holst, Executive Director
Brian Holst joined the Juneau Economic Development Council in February
2008 as Executive Director. Brian has worked in community and economic
development for the past twenty years.
His experience includes working with diverse groups in challenging economic
climates in the developing world, with extensive experience in Latin America
and Eastern Europe. He served as a US Peace Corps Volunteer in small
business development and has worked as an international consultant, small
business owner, and has led large-scale relief and development efforts.
Program areas he has managed include micro-finance, small business
assistance, community development, environmental initiatives, infrastructure
development, housing, and conflict prevention/mitigation.
Questions? See the on-site registration desk
Keynote Speaker ~ Dr. Failautusi Avegalio
Out-Migration
Workforce Development Planning
Papalii Dr. Failautusi ‘Tusi’ Avegalio serves as the
Director of the University of Hawaii (UH) Pacific
Business Center Program (PBCP), a EDA University
Center program and as the Executive Director of
the Honolulu Minority Business Enterprise Center
(HMBEC), a US Dept. of Commerce Minority Business
Development Center program at UH Manoa. Both
are located at the UH Shidler College of Business
Administration at Manoa main campus on Oahu.
He is the First tenured track professor from Oceania to
serve on faculty of the UH Shidler College of Business
Administration as associate professor with the Department of Management
and Industrial Relations. He established the Honolulu Minority Business
Enterprise Center - In 2005, and since its inception HMBEC has achieved the
Dollar Value of Transactions Awarded equal to $170.2 million for its clients
and created over 290 jobs. During his nine years of tenure at the PBCP, Dr.
Tusi led countless projects that assisted economic development and minority
businesses in new ventures in the State of Hawaii and Pacific region. The
University Economic Development Association (UEDA) awards are nationally
recognized as one of the greatest honors for University Centers. PBCP has
earned a total of eight national and one national finalist award in the nine
years Dr. Tusi has been the Director of PBCP. Dr. Tusi was awarded the 2009
Western Region: Minority Business Advocate of the Year. Awarded by the US
Department of Commerce and US Minority Business Development Regional
Office, in San Francisco. Dr. Tusi was selected from among the “best of the
best” candidates from throughout the eight States in the western region.
Last year, he was awarded the 2010 PRIMO (Pacific Risk Management Ohana)
Leadership Award. PRIMO is a network of federal, state, regional, research,
university and community organizations and partners committed to enhancing
the resilience of Pacific Islands through risk management.
Dr. Tusi received his BA and BS Degree’s from Emporia State University
Kansas, MA degree from Truman State University Missouri and EdD from
BYU, Provo Utah. Papalii (Precedes the academic title Dr. as it is older by a
several centuries) is a traditional title from Samoa conferred to direct line
descendants’ and heirs to the paramount title of Malietoa, the warrior king line
of Samoa. Dr. Tusi was conferred the traditional title, Papalii, in the village of
Sapapalii, Savaii (1980).
2011 Southeast Economic Development Summit - Juneau, AK
University of Hawaii Technical Support
Economic Development &
Workforce Development Initiatives
Tui Fagalele Dr. C.L. Cheshire is a Senior Business
Development Manager at the Pacific Business Center
Program, UH Manoa, where he has worked since 1996.
Prior to coming to Hawaii, Dr. Cheshire was the director
of the Economic Development Center at the University
of Alaska Southeast (UAS) from 1987 to 1995. Since
joining the Pacific Business Center Program, Dr.
Cheshire has been primarily responsible for providing
business and economic development assistance to
the Compact of Free Association States in Micronesia
DS m= ote (Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States
of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau). While at the
Pacific Business Center, Dr. Cheshire has authored or contributed to several
regional and state economic development strategies and numerous business
plans and market studies. Cheshire’s economic development strategy for
resettling Rongelap Atoll, one of the atolls in the RMI that was evacuated due
to radioactive fallout from atomic bomb testing nearby Bikini, was recognized
by the National Association of Management and Technical Assistance Centers
as the Project of the Year in 2002. In 2005, the East Timor Candlenut Oils
Processing Enterprise Project, which Cheshire coordinated, was awarded a
Project of the Year award by the University Economic Development Association
for the innovative partnership that was assembled for the project.
Dr. Cheshire is currently deployed to the US Territory of American Samoa. He
is providing technical and long term on-the-ground assistance to the Director
of Manpower Resources Evelyn Vaitautolu Langford who was appointed as the
Government Authorized Representative (GAR), to lead the American Samoa
Government Post Disaster Economic recovery effort. American Samoa’s
economy was shattered by the 2009 earthquake and killer tsunami. Dr.
Cheshire under the leadership of the GAR has initiated significant economic
development and workforce development initiatives that the National
Emergency Grant office of the US Department of Labor has acknowledged
as progressive. The American Samoa Post Disaster Economic Development
initiative supported by the University of Hawaii PBCP will be submitted to the
UEDA national awards review board for consideration.
Dr. Cheshire holds a BA from Davidson College, an MA from the University
of North Carolina Chapel Hill, and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin
Madison. He was conferred the Samoan title of Tui Fagalele as a matai and
extended member of the Sa Vailu’u, Sa Su’a and Sa Avegalio chiefly lines of
Leone village in 2009.
Questions? See the on-site registration desk
Sealaska, UAS & US Census ~ Biographies
Creating Opportunities in Southeast Alaska
Russell Dick, President & CEO, Haa Aani, LLC
Recruited by Sealaska in 1996, Russell served as an engineer
in Sealaska’s Natural Resources group prior to becoming the
Natural Resources manager for Sealaska. Russell was named
director of the Office of Diversity Solutions in 2003 and was
promoted to group operations director in 2007. In 2008, Russell was elected
to serve as Huna Totem Corporation's board chair.
Raised in Hoonah, Russell is Kaagwaantaan, Eagle of the Wolf House. He
holds a Masters of Science in Management (MSM) Degree from Stanford
Graduate School of Business, Sloan Program, a bachelor’s degree in industrial
engineering from Stanford University and a bachelor’s degree in business/
accounting from the University of Phoenix.
Effective Business Tools for Rural Community
Collaborations " We Can Do That"
Southeast Alaska presents unique challenges and
opportunities for community members. Identification of
business resources can manifest into positive economic
changes as directed by its community members.
Katherine Eldemar, Assistant to the President/CEO
Sealaska Corporation
Katherine Eldemar joined Sealaska Corporation in 2006, and works includes
many responsibilities, such as alternative energy and economic development.
Previously Eldemar served as a director of Goldbelt Incorporated and trial
judge in tribal courts and the Washington State Superior Court. She taught
Indian law at Whatcom Community College and was a partner of Weissmuller
& Associates. She serves as a director on the United Way of Southeast Alaska
and Vice-Chair on the board of Goldbelt, Incorporated. In May, she will join
the City and Borough of Juneau as Assembly Member.
Katherine earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and
Marketing from Seattle University and Juris Doctor degree from the University
of Puget Sound School of Law. She has also earned her General Jurisdiction
Certificate from the National Judicial College.
2011 Southeast Economic Development Summit - Juneau, AK
Sealaska, UAS & US Census ~ Biographies
Green Gazelles: Sustainability Entrepreneurship for Rural
Alaska
Rick Wolk, Assistant Professor Marketing &
Entrepreneurship, UAS, Co-owner, Rosewood, LLC
An educator and an entrepreneur running organizations
that strive for management and marketing excellence.
Successfully managed business development, sales,
marketing, human resources and administrative functions;
includes P&L responsibility, general management,
international business, new product development, and start-ups. Earned
his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the Kellogg School of
Management at Northwestern University and is currently a PhD student at
Leeds Metropolitan University in the U.K. Memberships include the Southeast
Conference's Economic Development Committee, advisory board for Alaska’s
T.E.A.M. (The Entrepreneurs and Mentors Network), and the Alaska InvestNet
advisory board (and former Executive Director). In his Green Gazelle research
he works with Alaska’s entrepreneurs and their entrepreneurial ecosystem
to influence high growth sustainability entrepreneurship in rural Alaska. Rick
is the advisor and Sam Walton Fellow for UAS’ Students in Free Enterprise
(SIFE).
US Census Bureau "How to Access Census Data"
A basic overview of how to access the Census Bureau's
American FactFinder website. How to navigate the website
to obtain data for grant writing, community initiatives and
economic development will be covered. A review of the
tutorials and how you can access the tome of data from the
website will be demonstrated.
Michael Burns, Deputy Regional Director
U.S. Census Bureau, Seattle Region
The 2010 Census will be Burns’ fourth Census with a workforce of 85,000
employees in the Seattle Region. His managerial expertise includes data
collection and dissemination for Censuses and sample surveys during his
34 year career. He has held myriad positions in Washington, DC and in the
Dallas, Seattle, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Los Angeles
Regional Offices. Has been in charge of the Alaska Census for the last three
Censuses and has visited over 25% of the Alaska rural villages. Born and
raised in Philadelphia; received his Bachelor degrees in Psychology and
German and minor in Statistics at La Salle University in Philadelphia. Attended
Graduate School at the Universities of Dallas and Texas, studying International
Business Management.
Questions? See the on-site registration desk
Federal Agency Resources Panel ~ Biographies
US Department of Agriculture Forest Service
Ruth Monahan, Deputy Regional Forester
Ruth Monahan has worked for the Forest Service for over 30
years, serving in many positions in Washington, Idaho, Utah
and Alaska. Since then, she has held a number of leadership
positions including Acting Regional Forester for the Alaska
Region. She has also served in a variety of forest- and district-level resource
management positions in forestry, planning, recreation and wildland fire.
She has received numerous awards and commendations over her career
including the 2009 Regional Forester’s Hector Gandara Memorial Award for her
efforts to champion Alaska Region Diversity Strategy, awards for outstanding
performance as Forest Supervisor and District Ranger, 1999 Intermountain
Region District Ranger of the Year, the Chief’s National Partnership Award
given to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and Sawtooth Society, Spirit
of the Land Awards for outstanding environmental achievement during the
Winter Olympic Games of 2002 and recognition from a number of community
partners and nonprofit organizations.
Monahan received her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Forest Management
from Washington State University in 1982. She has been an active member of
the Society of American Foresters.
US Department of Agriculture Forest Service
Jon R. Martin, Tongass Transition Framework
Coordinator
Jon Martin has been the Tongass Transition Framework
Coordinator in the Alaska Region since February 2011. In this
position, he is responsible for coordinating the development
and implementation of the U.S.D.A. strategy and action plan to diversify the
economy of Southeast Alaska. Martin served as the Tongass National Forest
Staff Officer for Recreation, Lands, Minerals, Heritage, and Conservation
Education from 2006 to 2011. Over a 30-year Forest Service career, he has
held various positions, including: Assistant Director Planning in the Pacific
Northwest Region (2000-2006); Natural Resource Planner, Washington DC
(1999-2000); and District Ranger positions on the Six Rivers and Klamath
National Forests (1996-1999). He served as a wildlife biologist and ecologist
on the Tongass and the Alaska Region from 1981 to 1992.
2011 Southeast Economic Development Summit - Juneau, AK
Federal Agency Resources Panel ~ Biographies (Cont'd)
US Department of Agriculture
Danny Consenstein, State Executive Director
US Department of Agriculture, Alaska Farm Service
Agency
He has 30 years of experience with government, non-
profits and private sector consulting, helping Alaska small
economies grow and thrive. Under his leadership, the USDA Alaska Farm
Service Agency is expanding programs to provide financial and market
assistance to Alaska growers, farmers, and ranchers. He is working closely
with communities in Southeast Alaska interested in creating jobs and building
healthy communities with projects related to local food, mariculture and
renewable wood energy.
US Department of Agriculture - Rural Development
Jim Nordlund, Alaska Director - Rural Development
Jim Nordlund was appointed to the position of Alaska Director
for USDA Rural Development by President Obama in August
of 2009. Jim has lived in Alaska for 29 years and is the owner
of Nordlund Carpentry LLC, a residential building contractor in
Anchorage. Jim’s work in Alaska includes seven years as the
state’s Director of Public Assistance where he managed 500
employees and a $250 million budget, he served in the Alaska State House of
Representatives, and he’s been a commercial fisherman. Currently Jim is the
Chairman of the Chugach Electric Association Board of Directors.
Jim has a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University in Minnesota and
a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Colorado. He is
married with one child and lives in Anchorage.
Questions? See the on-site registration desk
Federal Agency Resources Panel ~ Biographies (Cont'd)
U.S. Economic Development Administration
Bill O'Neil, Community Planner, Community Planner
For the past nine years, Mr. O’Neil has been working for the
U. S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development
Administration. In his position as Community Planner, Mr.
O'Neil assists Economic Development Districts, University
Centers, Tribes, Alaskan Natives, State and local governments in various
economic development programs ( planning, and technical assistance).
Prior to EDA, Mr. O’Neil worked for the Upper Coastal Plain Council of
Governments as a Grant Writer/Administrator. In that capacity he focused
on helping small rural communities in North Carolina. He also worked with
communities assisting with disaster recovery efforts as a result of Hurricane
Floyd.
U.S. Small Business Administration
Karen Forsland, District Director
Small Business Administration - Alaska District Office which is located in
Anchorage, Alaska. She has held this position since 2005. She is responsible
for the delivery of all SBA programs and services throughout the state of
Alaska. In addition to managing the Anchorage Office, she oversees an
alternative worksite located in Fairbanks.
Ms. Forsland joined the Small Business Administration in 1985 and prior to her
current position, has held increasingly responsible positions including Contract
Specialist, Assistance District Director for Minority Enterprise Development,
and Deputy District Director. She is a warranted contracting officer for the
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program. Ms. Forsland has been actively
involved in the growth of the 8(a) program from 20 plus participants to over
200 participants; increasing the number of participating SBA lenders; and
expanding the usage of SBA technical assistance and counseling services.
Prior experience includes ten years in government contracting as a civilian
contract specialist and contract administrator with the U.S. Army. She has
been an Alaska resident since 1973.
2011 Southeast Economic Development Summit - Juneau, AK
Federal Agency Resources Panel ~ Biographies (Cont'd)
Denali Commission Alaska
Tessa DeLong, Director of Programs
Ms. Tessa DeLong is a lifelong Alaskan. Tessa was born
and raised on a homestead north of Ketchikan, Alaska,
and moved to Anchorage in 1996. Tessa obtained her
Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and Masters of Public
Administration from the University of Alaska Anchorage, and is currently
pursuing a Masters of Public Health from the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Prior to joining the Commission Ms. DeLong worked for Institute for Social and
Economic Research and the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority.
Tessa directs the Program unit of the Commission, including oversight of all
program managers, assistants and detail and liaison staff.
Tessa enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly boating, hiking, and hunting
and fishing in Southeast Alaska.
Community Empowerment Through
Collaboration
Dennis McMillian, President and CEO
The Foraker Group
Dennis has devoted his professional career to helping
nonprofit organizations better meet the needs of their
communities. For 21 years he served as a development officer, and then as
a CEO with United Way in numerous communities around the country. He
came to Alaska in 1992 to lead the United Way of Anchorage. Since moving
to Alaska, he has helped build the state’s philanthropic infrastructure through
his work with United Ways across the state and through his support in
developing the Alaska Community Foundation. He is a strong advocate for
Alaska’s nonprofit sector. In 2001, Dennis led the effort to start The Foraker
Group with the mission of building sustainability and organizational capacity
in Alaska nonprofits. During his career, he’s trained thousands of professionals
and volunteers, spoken at numerous conferences and consulted across
America, Canada, Asia and Russia. He serves on committees at United Way
of America and the Council on Foundations. He sits on the board of Nature
Conservancy in Alaska and on the national board of Camp Fire, Inc.
Questions? See the on-site registration desk
Tribal Business Session and Panel ~ Biographies
Sitka Tribal Enterprises -
Gaining Tribal Independence
Camille Ferguson, Economic Development Director
Camille has 22 years experience in the tourism industry and
10 years in the public transit arena; serves as the certified
“Alaska Host” customer service trainer in Sitka; and tourism
development consultant for small communities statewide. Since 1997, has
been employed with the Sitka Tribe of Alaska developing small business
enterprises. Her achievements include; expanding Sitka Tribal Tours cultural
tour program, Community House Convention Facility, establishing Community
Ride Public Transit System, Tribal Travel, STA Bingo & Alaska Wild Game Pull
Tab Parlor, Made in Sitka Artist Co-op & Gifts, and obtaining the funding for
establishing the tribes transportation department including the successful
applications for the tribal transit program. Actively involved in the community
she has served on board if directors for Sitka Convention & Visitors Bureau,
(President)Sitka Native Education (President), Sitka Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors, Sitka Public Transit System (Co-Chair) Sitka Economic
Development (Tribal Representative)
Currently, Camille serves on the American Indian/ Alaska Native Tourism
Association (as Alaska Representative and past President) and the Governors
Coordinated Transportation Task Force (Tribal Representative)
Tribal Business Panel ~ Biographies
Myrna Gardner, President and CEO 3R Services
Ms. Gardner, of Anchorage, is currently the President
and CEO of 3R Products and Services, a renewable
energy resource provider and the Managing Member of
MGM Properties, LLC, a commercial and residential real
estate company. Immediately prior Ms. Gardner was the
Vice President of Development for Gana’A-Yoo Services
Corporation, an ANC 8(a) enterprise. Gardner also served as the President and
CEO of Kakivik Asset Management a non-destructive testing and inspection
firm. Previously, Gardner served in a leadership capacity at a variety of Alaska
native corporations and organizations. She holds a master’s professional
certification in federal contracting from George Washington University. She
currently serves as a Commissioner on the Serve Alaska Commission.
2011 Southeast Economic Development Summit - Juneau, AK
Tribal Business Panel ~ Biographies (Con't)
j ‘ .... Richard Peterson, Prince of Wales Tribal
2 Enterprise Consortium
Richard Peterson is the President of the Prince of Wales
Tribal Enterprise Consortium, LLC (POWTEC), a dynamic 8(a)
company that participates in the growing global information
technology, professional engineering, and environmental
engineering industries. It is through collaborative efforts like
POWTEC and local economic development initiatives that Richard is helping to
shape the future of economic and social well-being for Native people in rural Alaska.
Ch’a Yaa Eesh is Tlingit from the Kaagwaantaan clan and is a life long Alaska
Native resident of Southeast Alaska. He lives in Kasaan and has served the
community in the capacity of Tribal President of the Organized Village of
Kasaan (OVK) since 1998, and as either Mayor or City Council Member since
1996. He has been a delegate to the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida
Indian Tribes of Alaska (CCTHITA) since 2002. In his service for OVK, Peterson
has fostered the growth of the tribe through innovative program and economic
development. During this tenure, the annual budget of the Tribe has grown
from $13,000 to over one million dollars. This has been due to widespread
program development and an aggressive pursuit of grant funding. This pursuit
is successful because OVK has developed competent and reputable grant and
fiscal management procedures, which have resulted in six consecutive clean
audits. During this time, OVK has grown from two part time workers to nine
full time, one part time and six seasonal employees.
J. Gary Droubay, Goldbelt, Incorporated
Gary Droubay has been the President and Chief Executive
Officer of Goldbelt, Incorporated since February 2000. The
for-profit business is Juneau’s urban Native corporation,
conducting business for the benefit of the shareholders.
Responsible to the Board of Directors and 3,500 shareholders
for operations and profitability of the corporation which
is involved tourism, land development and government
contracting operations. He also served as Vice President of Administration/
Chief Financial Officer for the corporation from 1998 to 2000. As a key
member of CEO Executive Management Team he was responsible for financial
management, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
He received his MBA in Accounting and Finance from the University of Arizona
and also obtained his BS in Engineering from United States Military Academy
at West Point. Community involvement involves the Downtown Rotary Club,
The Alaska Committee, University of Alaska Campus Advisory Committee and
the Knights of Columbus.
Questions? See the on-site registration desk
State Agency Resources Panel ~ Biographies
Susan Bell, Commissioner
State of Alaska, Department of Commerce
Susan Bell was appointed Commissioner of the Department
of Commerce, Community and Economic Development in July
2010. Ms. Bell previously served as a Special Assistant to
Governor Parnell, as a principal with McDowell Group, and as
a vice president for Goldbelt, Incorporated.
Bell is a shareholder of Bering Straits Native Corporation and Sitnasuak Native
Corporation. Originally from Nome, Bell was raised in Fairbanks, and has made
her home in Southeast since 1987. She graduated from University of Alaska,
volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters, and enjoys spending time outdoors.
The Division of Economic Development (DED) works to create
a business climate that encourages new business start-
ups, business expansion, and other business development
opportunities in our state. This presentation will offer a
review of DED’s development programs, business financing,
and other initiatives and activities to promote a healthy
economy and strong communities in Alaska.
Wanetta Ayers, Director
State of Alaska, Division of Economic Development
The Division promotes economic opportunities in Alaska through development
and financing services. Ayers has worked in community and economic
development for more than twenty-five years. Previously Ayers served as
the executive director for the Western Alaska Community Development
Association (WACDA), which serves as the administrative panel for six
Community Development Quota (CDQ) organizations. Prior to her tenure
at WACDA, Ayers served as the executive director for the Southwest Alaska
Municipal Conference (SWAMC), a coalition of communities from the Aleutian
Islands, the Alaska Peninsula, Bristol Bay, Kodiak, and the Pribilof Islands. In
addition to her experience as an economic development practitioner, Ayers has
worked in the private sector for such firms as Holland America Westours, the
Afognak Native Corporation, and National Bank of Alaska.
Originally from Anchorage, where four generations of her family continue
to live, Ayers has lived and worked throughout Alaska including Barrow,
Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai and Kodiak. She received an MBA from the
University of Washington, earned a BBA from the University of Alaska
Fairbanks, and received a certificate from the University of Oklahoma
Economic Development Institute.
2011 Southeast Economic Development Summit - Juneau, AK
State Agency Resources Panel ~ Biographies (Cont'd)
Jim Strandberg, Project Manager
Alaska Energy Authority
Jim Strandberg has 35 years of professional engineering
in Alaska. Born in Anchorage and a life long Alaskan, he
attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks and received a
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1970 and a
Masters of Science in Arctic Engineering in 1983.
Strandberg is a registered mechanical and civil engineer in Alaska and has
worked in rural and urban areas in his professional practice. Beginning with
a posting on the Trans Alaska Pipeline design team, where he was stationed
in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Houston, Texas, Strandberg has pursued a
professional career in major energy projects, and has been a key player in
Alaskan energy policy.
From 1999 through 2006, Strandberg served as a Commissioner for the
Regulatory Commission of Alaska. At the RCA he participated in key electric
and natural gas utility and pipeline decisions, and specialized in stakeholder
processes to evolve market based rules for regulated utilities.
After joining the Alaska Energy Authority in 2006, Strandberg has been
engaged in energy infrastructure planning and construction projects
throughout the state. Mr. Strandberg is currently engaged in Railbelt projects
to improve system reliability and prepare for the integration of renewable
energy projects into the Railbelt Generation and Transmission grid. He is also
involved with Southeast Alaska utilities and communities to develop regional
plans, interties and renewable energy solutions for Southeast Alaska.
Jim has two grown children each pursuing Engineering Careers.
Questions? See the on-site registration desk
Native Collaborations ~ Biographies
Johan Dbydahl
Icy Strait Point
Johan Dybdahl currently serves as the Director of
Administration and Special Projects for Icy Strait Point
which is owned by Huna Totem Corporation. Johan has been
with Icy Strait Point throughout the project’s development,
marketing and operations. Prior to joining the Icy Strait Point
team, Johan was employed with Sealaska Corporation as Vice President of
Human Resources and Administration and he also served fourteen years on
the Juneau City & Borough Planning Commission.
Mr. Dybdahl is currently in his third term as a member of the Juneau
Assembly. Johan grew up at the Icy Strait cannery and lived on site when the
cannery last operated as a fish canning facility in 1953.
Lawrence R. Gaffaney
Icy Strait Point
Lawrence Gaffaney is the Chief Executive of Huna Totem
Corporation an Alaska Native Corporation with interests in
tourism, real estate and investment management. Huna
Totem Corporation is owned by approximately 1,340 Alaska
Native shareholders with aboriginal ties to the village of
Hoonah and Glacier Bay.
Prior to this role he was Managing Partner and Chief Executive Officer of St.
George Capital, Inc. a private equity boutique which manages several funds
focused on the acquisition and management of real estate in Silicon Valley. In
this role, Mr. Gaffaney was responsible for equity raising, deal sourcing, debt
financing, driving operational improvements in the funds’ assets, and exits.
Mr. Gaffaney also spent 12 years as an Investment Banker with J.P. Morgan in
a number of origination and execution roles including five years in Hong Kong
and Singapore where he advised clients throughout the Asia Pacific Region on
M&A, debt restructuring and capital raising during the Asian Currency Crisis
and then went on in the aftermath of these challenging conditions to build the
dominate regional financial sponsor and leveraged finance practices.
2011 Southeast Economic Development Summit - Juneau, AK
Questions? See the on-site registration desk
Additional Summit Information
Registration
Thursday from 7:00 AM — 5:00 PM and Friday at 7:30 AM in the ANB Hall.
Help Desk
Help can be obtained at the registration desk in the ANB Hall to assist you
with any questions you may have.
Emergency
Call 911
Bartlett Regional Hospital | 3260 Hospital Drive | (907) 796-8900
Juneau Urgent Care | 8505 Old Dairy Road | (907) 790-4111
Juneau Police Department | (907) 586-0600
Ground Transportation
Capital Cab: (907) 586-2772
Juneau Taxi & Tours: (907) 790-4511
Alaska Airlines
Alaska/Horizon Air: (800) 252-7522 5 am — Midnight Daily
TDD/Hearing Impaired: (800) 547-9308 5 am — Midnight Daily
Mendenhall Glacier Visitors Center
‘ 4598 Glacier Spur Road | (907) 789-0097
Salmon Creek Salmon Bake
1061 Salmon Creek Lane | (907) 586-1424
Museums
Alaska State Museum
395 Whittier Street | (907) 465-2901
House of Wickersham
213th 7th Street | (907) 586-9001
2011 Southeast Economic Development Summit - Juneau, AK
Summit Planning Team
Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska
Business & Economic Development Department
Carrie Sykes, Manager
Annette Ulmer, Economic Development Specialist
Marianne Jacobs, Administrative Assistant II
Sealaska Corporation
Katherine Eldemar, Assistant to the President and CEO
Russell Dick, CEO Haa Aani
Recycling
We promote recycling at the Southeast Economic Development Summit.
Recycling bins will be located at the ANB Hall during the event.
Look for labels on bins reading:
Plastic Bottles: Make sure all bottles are emptied and remove caps before
discarding them in the bins.
Aluminium Cans: Emptied soda cans.
Paper: We are accepting colored, white, and newspaper.
Participant Appreciation
The Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska and
Sealaska Corporation extend their ‘gratitude and. appreciation to those who
contributed their time, talent and energy to the success of the Southeast
Economic Development Summit!
Thank you [or joining us to share your knowledge and resources to secure a
strong future for our region,
It is essential to collaborate and expand economic partnerships to develop
solutions for the success of our communities.
Thank You for Joining Us jl
Have a Safe Journey Home ,