A Message from the President & CEO
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged many of us in ways that we never could have imagined. Despite these challenges, I have seen resilience and strength in BSNC’s shareholders, descendants and employees. In our Region, Our People have enjoyed a bountiful spring subsistence season. Subsistence foods continue to provide important nourishment and a connection to the land that is especially meaningful during these times. I encourage everyone to help protect our Elders by taking precautionary steps to reduce or prevent transmission of COVID-19. Please remain vigilant by following local community travel restrictions, wearing masks in public, washing hands frequently and if possible, avoid gathering together in large groups.
BSNC employees have shown impressive adaptability. Most BSNC corporate employees are currently working safely and productively from home to provide continuous support to more than 1,650 employees at project sites across Alaska, the United States and world. While BSNC’s corporate offices remain closed to visitors and the public, BSNC is not currently experiencing any significant disruption to most of our business operations. BSNC temporarily closed the Aurora Inn in Nome out of an abundance of caution, and we look forward to fully reopening when the time is safe and appropriate.
BSNC’s Shareholder Department continues to serve our shareholders remotely via phone and internet. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, BSNC postponed and has now canceled its Shareholder Informational Meeting that was scheduled to take place in March. To ensure the health of BSNC’s shareholders and employees, BSNC will host its 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders via internet on Saturday, October 3. Please make sure your mailing address and contact information is up to date in your MyBSNC profile, or by contacting the Shareholder Department in Nome. Information will be provided on how shareholders can access the virtual Annual Meeting in the Annual Report packet.
BSNC was pleased to hire nine shareholder and descendant interns for its 2020 Summer Internship Program. While many other companies canceled their summer internship programs, BSNC made it a priority to host its internship remotely. The interns meet regularly online, and are providing valuable work to our corporation while also gaining professional knowledge and experience.
It is my pleasure to welcome Northwest Contracting employees into our family of companies. Northwest Contracting is an Alaska-based industry leader in pavement marking and grooving, and has a long history of success. I am pleased that co-founders Charlie McAllen and Chris Hubble will stay with the company and continue to manage day-to-day business activities. BSNC looks forward to working with Northwest Contracting’s management team and employees to grow the business, while creating long-term sustainability and value in service of BSNC’s mission and values.
In closing, I would like to take a moment and congratulate all 2020 graduates. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 graduates did not get to experience a graduation ceremony, which is an important milestone and rite of passage that they worked so hard to achieve. I commend the resilience and dedication of 2020 graduates to pursuing and achieving your educational goals through the pain and challenges this pandemic has caused. Your accomplishments have not gone unnoticed and it is my hope that despite the inability to celebrate and recognize your graduation, you will find comfort and meaning in utilizing your education to serve as an advocate and ally to Our People and others. On behalf of BSNC, I send our best wishes to you all.
Quyaana,
Gail R. Schubert
BSNC President & CEO