Economy

Sealaska wants the federal government to spend some of its stimulus money thinning trees. The Southeast regional Native corporation has asked for close to a million dollars to expand its own forest-management program. Officials say the money could keep 40 rural residents on the job.Related Link: Find out more about Sealaska’s timber operations. Click here,…

Sealaska board members could face term limits under a measure before shareholders. If it passes, the regional corporation for Southeast Natives would see a major change in its elected leaders. Shareholders are also considering giving elders more stockRelated Link: Click here, then on “more,” for links to Sealaska documents.

Southeast Alaska’s biggest Native corporation and its largest tribal organization are developing new business partnerships. Leaders say they hope to provide employment and services for villages and other economically-strapped parts of the region.

The Sealaska regional Native corporation has closed one of its out-of-state businesses. Synergy Systems was a high-tech firm that lost out to the recession.

The recession has cost Sealaska tens of millions of dollars. Leaders of the Southeast-based regional Native corporation says it’s still strong, with new businesses entering new markets. But its investments have dropped in value, which will affect shareholders’ dividends.Related Link: Link to Sealaska’s annual report.

Resource development in other parts of the state continues to boost dividends for Sealaska’s 20,000 shareholders. It’s keeping payouts up at the same time investment earnings are down. But officials say it won’t last. moRelated Link: Read the press release about the dividend.