Monday, December 14, 2009

Shareholder Spotlight: Diane Willard Weaves a Legacy of Fine Haida Craftmanship


Diane Douglas-Willard attributes her basket weaving trade as a vehicle not only of self-expression, but also one that has allowed her countless travels and friendships.

Willard, a shareholder rooted in Ketchikan, Alaska learned the art of basket weaving 25 years ago from Delores Churchill, in Hydabyrg. “Nana Elsie used to come sit by me in class and visit Delores in Haida,” says Willard of her early weaving memories.

Now over 20 years later, Diane has participated in numerous events including the highly regarded Santa Fe Indian Market. With over 1200 artists in attendance each year, getting a spot is no easy feat. Artists from all over the country are juried in based on their submissions. As of August, Diane has attended 9 times. Beyond the mere honor of being asked to attend, Diane has won a variety of awards, including a Standards Award last summer for “Upholding the standards of heritage”.

Proficient in a variety of mediums, Diane contributes her knowledge of Chilkat and Ravenstail weaving to the community by teaching at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage. In addition to teaching, Diane manages a gallery in Ketchikan that is owned by Marvin Oliver.

Her art and teaching style reflect the inspiration gained from her family.
“My Husband Larry has been very supportive from the start. He gathers my cedar bark for me! Also my children Gianna and Dustin and my Mom and Dad have been very supportive. Each and every one of them including my Nana have encouraged me all along the way.”

Her Aunt Katherine is also a source of inspiration for her as well as the future generations of weavers.

Keeping herself immersed in her weaving, Diane will be attending the 52nd Annual Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair & Market in March. Look for her at the table she shares with her sister in law Carol Emarthle- Douglas. “We have a lot of fun!”

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

5th Annual Government Contract and Construction Law conference, October 1-2, 2009

-Reported by Alvin Edenshaw, Haida Corporation President

Patton Boggs put together a very good 8(a) workshop. The workshops were set up in tracks so that one could attend different sessions. 101 track session, government contract compliance


During the opening address the Hon. Gov. Sean Parnell talked about the need to work hand-in-hand with federal and state.

(A). What government contract rules and principles are important

1. Contract terms and conditions
2. SBA reporting requirements
3. Good business ethics and practices.

(B) compliance generally process;

1. Reference materials
2. Record keeping and review
3. Leadership for management.

(C) compliance really can help grow the business in many ways.

(1) avoid unnecessary mistakes audit and expenses.
(2) use compliance as a sword
(3) helps management understand the business and the rules that govern procurement.

(C) Essential Government contract substantive Compliance Issues; (1) performance and contract requirements
(2) rules regarding gift gratuities and employment
(3) competing for and receiving contracts fairly.

Track construction; teaming joint venturing and subcontracting. Focus on certain SBA requirements, there was also a brief discussion of the service disabled veteran owned small businesses SBA 8(a) program basic element of Eligibility and compliance requirements, controls and best practices for 8(a) companies and their ANC partner.(D) intellectual properties; focus on key issues particularly as they relate to government contracts.(1) basics of copyrights patents and trademarks (2) basic tool support for protecting your intellectual properties. (3) who owns what, e-mail information and
documents on the company computer and spyware software. Track session: ANC Board responsibilities of federal contracting and under the SBA 8(a) program. (A) this session address the following questions,(1) what responsibilities do the ANC's parent boards have in connection with the management of their 8(A) subsidiary.(2) what should ANC Board members know about the 8(a) Program in order to fulfill their responsibilities.
What are the pros and cons of using holding companies to own and manage 8(a) subsidiaries. Common wage and hour pitfalls examine some key basic employment and wage and hour issues (a) misclassification of nonexempt employees(B) who is actually a supervisor(C) daily rate(D) common mistakes that cause loss of exempt status.

These are just some of the highlights of the workshops I attended.