Kuskokwi m Drift The VOLUME 2 EDITION 6 THE KUSKOKWIM CORPORATION NEWS DECEMBER 2014 INSIDE THIS EDITION TKC: Looking Forward to a Bright 2015 EXCEL Alaska Holds Career & Tehnical Education Camps in Aniak 2014 has been marked by some amazing 2 TKC is Investing in a Skilled Workforce 3 Shareholder Spotlight: Horizon is Bright for KEF Scholarship Recipient 4 Connect with Your Corporation on Facebook 5 Annual KEF Silent Auction Raises Thousands for Scholarship Program 6 milestones for The Kuskokwim Corporation. One of the largest was the signing of the surface use agreement with Donlin Gold, LLC. The agreement sets the basis for a long and productive relationship that, with construction of the mine, will provide jobs and financial value to the shareholders in TKC s 10 villages. The agreement will allow not only for direct payments for TKC based on production of the mine, but will also create new TKC companies and include provisions for TKC shareholder training and hiring. As Donlin moves through the permitting process, TKC is helping to train a skilled workforce that will be ready for future jobs both at the mine, and beyond. In partnership with Donlin and Calista Corporation, TKC is developing a plan to build a regional training center in Aniak. We hope to have some exciting announcements about the project in the coming year. The Donlin surface use agreement also created the first ever TKC Elder s Dividends. This year, all TKC shareholders 65 and older received $325.00, taxfree. Thanks to the foresight of the TKC Board of Directors and a permanent fund for TKC dividends, all shareholders were issued a landmark dividend this year as well. On the business front, TKC s subsidiaries are also doing well after a challenging 2013, and are on track to surpass expectations thanks to new ventures and investments. TKC s Board of Directors measures success not only in the business world, but also in our corporation s ability to enhance our communities, culture, and the lives of our people. It is the vision of The Kuskokwim Corporation to achieve sustainable growth while protecting our lands and responsibly balancing the needs of all stakeholders. TKC has made it a priority to work with you to achieve this balance to benefit both present and future generations of TKC shareholders. This has truly been a great year, but TKC is looking to an even better 2015. Have a Happy Holiday and a safe New Year!
TKC is Investing in a Skilled Workforce The Kuskokwim Corporation is currently developing a workforce development plan to ensure all TKC shareholders and descendants have access to training and job opportunities in our region and beyond. To date, TKC has contributed nearly $450,000.00 to shareholder educational scholarships for both collegiate and vocational training. TKC s Surface Use Agreement with Donlin Gold requires that TKC shareholders be employed at the mine and at support companies, but shareholders need training to qualify for those jobs. TKC is working with Donlin and Calista Corporation to build a regional training center in Aniak, but completion of the project is years away. In the meantime, priority has been placed on connecting shareholders with existing training programs like Job Corps, courses at the University of Alaska campuses and at private training facilities throughout the state. TKC has also partnered with the EXCEL Alaska program to provide scholarships to shareholders interested in pursuing training in construction, welding and heavy equipment operation. Future carrier opportunities go beyond mine operations. For more information, contact TKC s Community Relations Department 1-800-478-2171. EXCEL Alaska Holds Career & Technical Education Camps in Aniak By: Carol Wilson EXCEL Alaska Director EXCEL Alaska kicked off its educational services by providing three separate Career & Technical Education Camps in Aniak during October and November. Each camp provided different vocational experiences within the construction and mining industries. EXCEL Alaska is partnering with Kuspuk School District to provide career and technical educational learning opportunities, employability skills development, and transitional and leadership success to high school students and young adults within the Yukon Kuskokwim Region. Students from Kuspuk, Yupiit, Lower Yukon, Lower Kuskokwim, Kashunimiut, and St. Mary s School Districts are eligible to apply. EXCEL Construction Camp Twenty (20) high school students and young adults, from 12 different village locations, participated in the EXCEL Alaska Construction Camp held October 4th - 17th, 2014. Participants learned a variety of carpentry fundamentals through hands-on, project-based learning activities. Projects included constructing 8 bunk beds, and building 2 sheds. EXCEL Construction Camp Nine out of the 20 participating students were from Kuspuk School District. Those students included Katelyn Holmberg, Hailey Samuelson, Reese Levi, and Levi Levi from Kalskag; Walter Lee, Cally Phillips, Carly Kelila, Kaitlin Morrow, and Kattie Hoeldt, from Aniak; and Lamin Conteh from Chuathbaluk. The remaining 11 students were from Lower Yukon, Yupiit, and Yukon Koyokuk School Districts. The Kuskokwim Corporation sponsored Levi Levi and Walter Lee. Nineteen (19) of the 20 students obtained the NCCER (National Construction Education) Core Certificate. Core certification includes completing and showing proficiency in 9 separate modules from the NCCER curriculum. Modules include: Basic Safety, Construction Mathematics, Hand Tools, Power Tools, Construction Drawings, Basic Rigging, Communication Skills, Employability Skills and Materials Handling. Additionally, students were provided the opportunity to complete a Personal Learning & Career Plan (PLCP) to help guide their future endeavors. The PLCP included completing work interest inventories and preferences, constructing a personal resume, and exploring various training programs and careers based on each students individual interests. Students presented their career of choice to Aniak Community members during the EXCEL Alaska Open House. Four students (Cally Phillips, Walter Lee, Kattie Hoeldt, and Georgette Morgan) were selected to present their PLCP at the Alaska State Career & Technical Education Conference held in Anchorage on October 20th. 2
EXCEL Welding Camp Thirteen (13) high school students, from 11 different village locations, completed the EXCEL Alaska Welding Camp held October 17th - 30th, 2014. Participants learned both Stick and Mig welding techniques through hands-on, project-based learning activities. Projects included building wood stoves, 4-wheeler carts, and uluq knives. Six (6) of the 13 students participating were from Kuspuk School District. Included were Joey Davis from Kalskag; Alfred Evan-Zaukar, Miguel Perez, and Samuel Mellick from Sleetmute; Jimmy Wise from Chuathbaluk; and Malfa Phillips from Crooked Creek. The remaining 7 students were from Lower Yukon, Yupiit, and Yukon Koyukuk School Districts. The Kuskokwim Corporation sponsored Jimmy Wise from Chuathbaluk and Samuel Mellick from Sleetmute. Twelve (12) of the 13 students were awarded the NCCER Core Certificate. To receive the Core Certificate, one must complete and pass the 9 modules in the NCCER Core Curriculum. Modules include Basic Safety, Construction Mathematics, Hand Tools, Power Tools, Construction Blue Prints, Basic Rigging, Communication Skills, Employability Skills, and Materials Handling. Participants also completed a Personal Learning & Career Plan as they did in Carpentry Camp. EXCEL Welding Camp EXCEL Heavy Equipment Operations (HEO) Camp A total of 18 high school students and young adults, from 11 different villages completed the CTE Heavy Equipment Camp. Participants were from a combination of 4 different school districts - Kuspuk (9), Yupiit (3), Lower Yukon (5), and Yukon Koyokuk (1). Kuspuk School District students included Joey Davis, Joseph Simeon, and Brian Hetherington from Kalskag; Kattie Hoeldt, Kaitlin Morrow and Kenneth Kinzy from Aniak; Dominick Sakar from Crooked Creek; Lamin Conteh from Chuathbaluk; and Miguel Perez from Sleetmute. The Kuskokwim Corporation sponsored Dominick Sakar from Crooked Creek and Kenneth Kinzy from Aniak. Gerry Andrews, from the Construction Education Foundation, was the lead instructor for the HEO Camp. Students who chose to attend the Heavy Equipment Camp had to have already attained the NCCER Core Certification prior to participating. Students spent their time completing 4 NCCER HEO Level One modules, including: Orientation to the Trade, Heavy Equipment Safety, Heavy Equipment Identification, Basic Operations Technique and Grades. The Construction Education Foundation (CEF) provided the use of 6 portable Heavy Equipment Simulators for students to practice on. Additionally, the City of Aniak and Crowley Marine generously allowed the use of several pieces of equipment for students to gain experience on as well. Gerry Andrews on the jobsite with 18 students working toward their NCCER Heavy Equipment 1 certification Miguel Perez of Sleetmute Standing 4th row - Wascca Fly (Tuluksak), Dominick Sakar (Crooked Creek), Erich Kuball (Camp Director), John Hunter (Scammon Bay), Brian Hetherington (Kalskag),, Tony Wilson (Staff) Standing3rd row - Melinda Sam (Akiachak), Miguel Perez (Sleetmute), Josephine Edwards (Russian Mission), Kaitlin Morrow (Aniak), Joseph Simeon (Kalskag), Kattie Hoeldt (Aniak), Eva Menzano (Staff), Carol Wilson (Camp Director), Gerry Andrews (Lead Instructor) Seated 2nd row - Dyllon Mills (Staff), Chuck Andrews (Mountain Village), Billijo Mills (Camp Director) Seated 1st row - Darren Buzz (Tuluksak), Rachel Weter (Huslia), James Tunutmoak (Scammon Bay), Joey Davis (Kalskag), Lamin Conteh (Chuathbaluk) HEO participants updated their Personal Career Learning Plans, as well as shared their camp experiences at the Community Spaghetti Feed hosted by EXCEL Alaska. Each student was invited and had the opportunity to apply for an Advanced HEO Capstone Project hosted by the Construction Education Foundation. Interested candidates were required to write a Letter of Interest, provide an updated resume and interview with EXCEL Alaska and CEF staff. The Capstone will be held in Fairbanks in June. Two students will be selected to attend. The staff of EXCEL Alaska would like to thank the Federal Alaska Native Education Program, Alaska Department of Labor, Donlin Gold, Alaska Construction Education Foundation, and The Kuskokwim Corporation for generously supporting our program. The opportunities that are we are providing the Alaska s future generation would not be possible without your generosity. 3
Shareholder Spotlight: Horizon is Bright for KEF Scholarship Recipient By Katrina Leary Waqaa! My name is Katrina Leary and I am a TKC shareholder from Bethel, Alaska. I am the daughter of Shelly and Mark Leary and the granddaughter of Bea Kristovich from Napaimute, Alaska. I am currently attending the University of Alaska Anchorage as a freshman, pursuing a B.S. degree in Aviation Technology with a concentration in Professional Piloting. As of right now I will start flying in January and hopefully obtain my privates license by late spring. I aspire to return back to the YK-Delta and fly for an airline like Ravn or Yute Air. My long term goal is to fly for a major airline such as Alaska Air or FedEx! With financial help from the Kuskokwim Corporation and the Kuskokwim Educational Foundation, I am turning my dream of becoming a commercial pilot into a reality. Not only have they provided me with a scholarship for school but I have been granted the opportunity to do an internship for TKC, under Andrea Gusty who is the Community Relations, Land & Resource Manager and Sarah Galt, who is her assistant. It s been an incredible learning experience working for TKC and I get to see the importance of our corporation for the middle and upper Kuskokwim villages. I also helped with major fundraising events such as the 2014 Silent Auction and I am currently helping with various projects. My coworkers are extremely welcoming and willing to help whenever needed. I love the awesome atmosphere I get to work in! Growing up I spent my summers in Napaimute, one of the 10 villages in The Kuskokwim Corporation, and watched TKC help our village grow into what it is today. I appreciate everything TKC does for their shareholders, especially the financial help they give to those who are pursuing a higher education. I want to thank Maver Carey for granting me this opportunity to work within my corporation. It s been fun! I want to send a huge thank you to everyone who has helped me and continues to help me accomplish my dreams! Quyana Cakneq! Where are you? If you see your name or know someone on the list below, please call the TKC Shareholder Relations Department at 1-800-478-2171. There is a possibility these shareholders may be owed outstanding dividends. You may also visit us online at www.kuskokwim.com to update your address, ask questions, or send comments. Abruska, Paul Frederick Alexie, Aaron Evon Alexie, Mary Anne Alexie, Sam Andrew Alexie, Stella Annie Alexie-John, Anna Lucy Andreanoff Jr., Jesse Joseph Andreanoff, Davionna Gloria Astbury Jr., Steven Casey, Georganna Rae Changsak, Wassily John Corbett, Ja aana Jamee Dickey, Martha Pitka Donhauser, Louise Donovan, Dorean Dooley, Sharon May Dugaqua, Leah Fredericks Jr., Albert W. Fredericks, Barry Fredericks, Brandon Ronald Fredericks, Genee Fredericks, Tracy Ann Freriens, Amber Golden, Agrafina Kay Grato, Dominic Gregory, Dario David Gregory, Larry Vaska Gregory, Vincent Paul Hamilton, Jason Allen Harrison, Deborah Hartz, Rayna Marie Hinojosa-Perez, Christine Lee Jackson, Christina Noel Kameroff Jr., Glenn Dale Kehoe, Brenton Harold Taylor Kupanoak, Adam Patrick Ledlow, Robert Leon Leppala, John Carl Lott, Nicholas Andrew Levi Macar, Stephan Martinez, Aimee Marie Mathes, Travis James Mckindy, Gregory Ephrim Mellick, Emerson Paul Morgan Sr., Harry Nicholas Morgan, Bernice Mary Murphy, Sammy Jay Nelson, Martha Tasiana Ellen Nesbit Jr., Paul Nicholas Nesbit Sr., Paul Nickolas Neumiller Jr., Robert James Nicoli Jr., Paul Norback Jr., A Pace, Balasha Ellen Peterson, Barbara Ann Peterson, Silas Phillip Pitka Jr., Stanley Elvis Pitka, Margaret Mary Pitka, Michael C Ross, Raymond Avery Sagmoen, Stormy Terry Louise Sakar, Jimmy Joseph Seay, Arvil Shriner, Dana Vivian Simeon, Agnes Karen Standley, John Clark Steele, Kuulei Thompson, Darrel George Tom, Phillip Turner-Howell, Sharon Vogel, David Andrew Wasky, Wassillie Roy Williams, Anna Marie Worth, Mia Marie Young, Jimmy Ryan Zaukar Jr., Peter Jonathan Zaukar, Aggie Ann 4
Connect with Your Corporation on Facebook The Kuskokwim Corporation is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thekuskokwimcorp. You can find the latest news, information and fun pictures of shareholders and our region. Log on and join the conversation! Who remembers the Aniak Lodge, its proprietors Lou Brooks and Hugo Oly Olsen and those amazing Lou Burgers?! Dave Aluia One day I asked Lou what kind of soup he had He looked at me and simply said, Good soup.. It was. September 18 Comment Like 10 Anna Sattler My first memory of a Lou burger is in the early 70 s. Dad landed one of his planes mere feet from the front door. So, so delicious!! September 18 Comment Like 2 Ellie Wright Loved these men. They both had such good hearts and burgers! September 18 Comment Like 3 TKC s President and CEO Maver Carey just celebrated 20 years at our corporation. Hard to believe it has been that long! Here she is on the beach in Chuathbaluk years ago. #TBT Olga Pepperling Thank you Maver for all you did for everyone. By the pic you haven t changed. Keep up the excellent work. August 21 Comment Like 2 Marce Simeon Beautiful as always. Thank you Maver for all the hard work you do. August 21 Comment Like 1 Loretta Robinett Wow, happy anniversary Maver!! August 21 Comment Like 1 Today s #ThrowbackThursday: Auntie Mary Nicoli sitting on the dike in Aniak Brenda Shaun Pacarro Sure miss her stories and unconditional love. June 5 Comment Like 1 Maryalice Morgan Miss you dearly Grandma! Madysen is just like you, wish she could have met such a sweet kind thoughtful Grandma! Love you! June 5 Comment Like 4 Janell Shanagin WOW! Really good to see her! I miss seeing everyone! My oldest baby McKayla has her nickname she is lil Auntie Mary Nicoli!! June 5 Comment Like 2 5
Annual KEF Silent Auction Raises Thousands for Scholarship Program The Kuskokwim Educational Foundation s 10th Annual Silent Auction was a huge success. TKC shareholders, community business partners and past and present KEF scholarship recipients filled TKC s offices the day before Halloween to bid on amazing Alaska Native artwork for a great cause. This year s Silent Action event made an unprecedented amount of money for the KEF scholarship program. More than 50 items were up for grabs as guests sampled delicious food and visited with old friends. KEF is a private foundation that provides financial assistance to Alaskans in their 6 pursuit of higher education and training. Since inception, KEF has provided nearly $635,000.00 to 345 Alaskans. Donors are vital to the success of the Kuskokwim Educational Foundation. Without the very generous support of individuals, corporations and businesses, KEF would not be able to help shareholders and young people from the Kuskokwim region reach their full potential. Every dollar we raise is another dollar that helps young Alaskans achieve their dreams.
Thank You The Kuskokwim Educational Foundation is incredibly grateful for the generous donations made to this year s Silent Auction by: Walsh Sheppard BDO U.S.A. Landye, Bennett, Blumstein LLP Attorneys American Multiplex Race McCleery Donlin Gold TKC would also like to send a huge thank you to A Casual Encounter Catering for taking the time to prepare and serve delicious food for the 2014 Silent Auction. Quyana Cakneq to everyone who came to the 10th Annual Silent Auction and supported the Kuskokwim Education Foundation! We look forward to seeing you next year! Quyana to All the 2014 KEF Donors Randy Parcel Donlin Gold ACB Solutions Landye Bennett Blumstein LLP American Mutiplex Walsh Sheppard BDO USA Cindy Olmstead Dan Guzauskas Joseph Baldwin Race McCleery Daisy Phillips Rainy Diehl Dwayne Turner Samuel Brown Lucy Brown Jimmy Bedwell Elizabeth Martz Pick.Click.Give. to KEF If you give...and your neighbor does... and another...it will add up quickly. That s the idea behind the Pick.Click.Give. program. When you make a donation from your PFD through Pick.Click.Give. you can make an impact by sharing just a little with a cause you care about. Please keep the Kuskokwim Educational Foundation in mind for Pick.Click.Give. when you apply for the 2015 Permanent Fund Dividend beginning January 1st, 2015. When you go online to apply for your dividend, you will see the Pick.Click. Give. option. Click and follow the instructions to make your donation. With one donation at a time, we can make good things happen all over Alaska. 7
4300 B Street, Suite 207 Anchorage, Alaska 99503 PRSRT STD US Postage PAID Anchorage, AK Permit #537 Visit us at: www.kuskokwim.com Connect with us on Facebook w The Kuskokwim Drift newsletter is published quarterly by The Kuskokwim Corporation. For more information, contact the Community Relations Department at (907) 243-2944. Shareholder Relations Corner: Important Tax Information Anyone who has Class A TKC Stock, whether it be 300 shares or one share, shlould report the dividend on their federal tax return. Beginning with the 2014 tax year, TKC will mail out 1099 forms to all shareholders by January 31 of each calendar year. Please keep these forms safe with other important financial documents and report your TKC dividend income each year, starting with your 2014 federal tax return. Questions? Contact TKC at (907) 243-2944 or toll-free at (800) 478-2171. Anchorage Office 4300 B Street, Suite 207 Anchorage, Alaska 99503 Phone: (907) 243-2944 Fax: (907) 243-2984 Toll Free (in-state only): 1-800-478-2171 Aniak Office P.O. Box 227 Aniak, Alaska 99557 Phone: (907) 675-4275 Fax: (907) 675-4276 Toll Free (in-state only): 1-800-478-4275