Dear shareholder,
We know that many of you have questions during this uncertain time – questions that seem as though they should have an immediate answer. The board and senior management team are evaluating ways NANA can help support you and are doing so in a manner that is wise, thorough and aligned with our values.
NANA must emerge from this pandemic without significant financial constraints so that we can continue to fulfill our mission.
As we shared last week, NANA’s approach to the COVID-19 outbreak must also seek to minimize impacts to our operations. NANA staff have been working tirelessly the last few weeks to respond to the pandemic, determining next steps for shareholder programs and services, employees and customers – all of whom contribute to the success of our corporation. Our response is constantly evolving and always mindful that NANA is “in it for the long game.”
Every senior management team member has been allocated specific teams and responsibilities, by office and business line, to ensure we are on top of issues occurring at each location.
The City of Kotzebue has declared a local emergency in response to COVID-19. Effective yesterday, the Northwest Arctic Borough issued an emergency proclamation to “hunker down” regionwide. On Sunday, the Municipality of Anchorage issued a “hunker down” mandate, requiring people to stay at home and for everything but essential services and businesses to close. NANA can provide specific “essential services” under these government mandates. We are evaluating now what this means for our office operations in Kotzebue, the villages and Anchorage.
We are working closely with the other NWALT organizations, meeting regularly and actively developing materials, outreach and response strategies together. Maniilaq, as our region’s non-profit health organization, is leading the pandemic response.
We are committed to updating you throughout this pandemic, sharing information from our NWALT partners, keeping you informed on the Annual Meeting and business operations, and listening to your feedback.
We hear your questions and concerns, and we thank you for being engaged in our corporation.
Thank you,
Linda Lee, Board Chair
Wayne Westlake, President and CEO
