Native Corps.(2007 Alaska Forecast)(Brief article)

Alaska Native corporations are looking ahead to a strong year in 2007, and much of their effort again will be focused on government contracting.

"If you look around the state, government contracting has clearly been a significant economic factor for many Native village and regional corporations," said Mark Kroloff, chief operating officer for Arctic Slope Regional Corp. ASRC has been ranked first in Alaska Business Monthly's list of Alaska's Top 49ers for 12 consecutive years.

Kroloff predicted that government contracting will again be a key factor for Alaska Native corporations, and he also predicted that oil-field services, construction and real estate ventures would be important, too. He noted that these corporations' revenues are statewide, as they are big importers of profits to the state. They also, along with Native nonprofit agencies and organizations, are among the state's largest employers of both Alaska Natives and non-Natives.

Kroloff noted that the Alaska Native corporations' acumen pays off for shareholders as well, as these corporations usually pay out proportionately more in dividends than do other businesses. A great share of the money from the dividends stays in Alaska, which also benefits the economy.

Kroloff and other business leaders feel that these corporations are entering a new era. After years of ups and downs and mixed success, they have matured.

Alexandra J. McClanahan, Historian, Cook Inlet Region Inc.

Print Get the Mag Weekly Updates