Everything we do at Bering Straits Native Corporation (BSNC) is about putting our shareholders, you, first.
As you may know, Gail R. Schubert recently announced her retirement as President and CEO of BSNC to spend more time with her family. She will continue to serve on the Board of Directors.
I want you to be confident that throughout this change, no matter what, our mission and core values will continue. In the meantime, the Board and I believe Dan Graham is an excellent choice to lead the corporation in an interim role. Dan continues to be instrumental in BSNC’s growth and will serve as an excellent guiding voice for BSNC. For myself, I’ll be helping Dan and the executive team and be a bridge from the Board to our CEO.
Our Alaska Native values are important to fostering an inclusive culture. BSNC’s reputation is one of our most valuable assets and preserving it is essential. The Board and I recognize there are questions surrounding recent events, however we are legally limited in what the Board can share. Our code of ethics was developed to provide clear guidelines to help make ethical decisions. These important policies are a strong commitment to anti-harassment, anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation. Our company culture does not tolerate harassment of any kind. In this fast changing world, it is more important than ever that BSNC is consistent, reliable and trusted.
Our upcoming fiscal year is budgeted to exceed our prior performance and offer more shareholder benefits:
1. The backlog is higher than it has ever been—well over $1.2B!
2. Revenue is expected to exceed $650M.
3. Growth in business has resulted in additional shareholder career opportunities.
BSNC is more than just an engine for economic growth and job creation. We are a collective of distinct Native people, with a rich and shared culture. As a forever corporation, we can make a substantial positive impact on society as a whole and inspire our people to achieve even more. For thousands of years we have adhered to a set of values rooted in respect: respect for ourselves, for others and for the land. Our values have withstood the test of time. They are integral to our success. It is respect for future generations that compels us to act with responsibility and courage, even when times are difficult.
Over the past half-century, our corporation has faced a multitude of changes, and today is no different. So while the Board of Directors are taking steps to ensure BSNC’s continued success, we continue to take care of the short term, also building and investing for the long term. I want to thank you, our shareholders, for your continued support, your confidence and above all, your trust. I look forward to meeting with many of you in the coming weeks and months. Together we will continue to achieve more.
Quyaana,
Cindy Towarak Massie
Chair, Bering Straits Native Corporation