BOARD CHAIR REPORT
Dear Shareholders,
I hope this message finds you well and staying safe during these uncertain times. The issues we are all experiencing both at home and work are growing troublesome, and while we continue to move ahead, the Board recognizes fully that this comes with challenges for us all.
Due to the changing situation regarding COVID-19, the Board of Directors voted to move from our planned hybrid annual meeting to a 100% virtual 49th Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The meeting will take place via web telecast and teleconference on October 16, beginning at 9:00 A.M. There will be no in-person attendance at this meeting. Additional login and participation information is contained in the Annual Meeting packets, which have been mailed to shareholders. The Board did not make this decision lightly, and we recognize some may be disappointed that we will not be able to meet in person for the second year in a row. However, because of the continued spread of the Delta variant, the Board determined that it was better to exercise caution rather than risk even one person contracting the virus at an in-person annual meeting. While the situation is regrettable, your Board is committed to protecting the safety of shareholders and descendants. While this outcome may not be what we desired initially, we believe it is in the best interest of our Unangax People. The Board has had to quickly alter the meeting plans and approve rules to accommodate these changes.
The Board continues to conduct business in a hybrid format allowing for in-person at times and a virtual option for members as requested. As a Board, we continue to conduct business, having just approved this year’s audit. This year’s Annual Report and supporting documents have been mailed out, and we encourage all voting shareholders to vote their proxy to exercise their rights as a shareholder. Please watch for additional updates and communications on the virtual 49th Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Finally, I want to make all shareholders aware that The Aleut Corporation will be receiving CARES Act funding, and your Board is actively working to administer that funding, some of which will directly impact shareholders in need. The Board has to act very quickly on this process. While we do not have details to report to shareholders or even answer questions by phone, please know that we are advancing in our efforts to launch opportunities very soon. Please watch your newsletter, our website, and eCurrents for details on all of this; it will be reported there first and foremost, so please stay connected.
On behalf of your Board, I wish you all good health and safety during this ongoing pandemic.
Sincerely,
Sharon Guenther Lind, Ph.D.
Chairman of the Board