Urgent: Board Response

The Haida Corporation Board of Directors is writing this letter in direct response to apparent misinformation transpiring among our shareholders, in regards to the unfounded claims of a fictitious dividend.  The directors also received an email naming certain directors as having voted against said dividend.  First, there was no dividend nor was there a vote to distribute a dividend.  These claims are gossip at best, and hold no factual value.  The Haida Corporation Board of Director’s  were concerned enough to take immediate action in the form of this letter to provide our shareholders with the truth about your questions:

The January 2010 quarterly meeting and agenda in Seattle, Washington  DID NOT have a dividend question presented to the Haida Corporation board of directors. Because there was no agenda item, there was no question presented to our directors in the form of a vote,  therefore, misinformation presented to the public via email or through heresay about who voted against a dividend or any vote regarding a dividend is FALSE.

The Board of directors would like to convey to our shareholders that we are responsible for the financial stability of our company as well as providing direct and honest answers to any questions you may have.  The concerns about the perpetual gossip were addressed during our meetings and we’ve agreed that a response should be posted immediately in a letter to the shareholders in our  upcoming newsletter and on our blog.

The best way to fight rumor mongers is to foster open communication.  The best strategy to fight misinformation is with true information.  When our shareholders know what is going on, you will have less reason to spread gossip. 

The board of directors will address this problem during strategic planning in the form of writing clear policies which give both the board of directors and management recourse when dealing with  rumors or gossip designed to harm both productivity of the board and challenge the financial fitness of our organization.

We appreciate the telephone calls and encourage you continue to ask the right questions.  The strategic planning session in March will address finalizing our fiscal year budget for 2010.  Our board would like our shareholders to know the hydroelectric project, timber contract compliance, the homesites and our financial fitness in a very difficult economic time are our priorities.  With that in mind we as a board plan to move carefully ahead with a vision for a solid financial future.
Sincerely,
 
The Haida Corporation Board of Directors

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!”

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.