City of Old Harbor Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The City of Old Harbor is a remote Alutiiq village located on the southeast side of Kodiak Island, Alaska. Established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) in 1971, Old Harbor Native Corporation (OHNC) was incorporated in 1973 to manage the community's assets and preserve its cultural heritage. The corporation's mission is to establish economic and educational empowerment while perpetuating cultural pride and self-determination.

Mission and Vision

OHNC aims to provide economic assistance to the Native Village of Old Harbor and advance the social, cultural, and professional aspirations of its members. The corporation focuses on leveraging opportunities to create sustainable businesses in the federal marketplace, thereby ensuring the community's resilience and growth.

Primary Area of Focus

The corporation's primary focus includes managing a balanced portfolio of investments in the securities market and owning commercial properties in Anchorage and Kodiak. Additionally, OHNC has established subsidiaries to engage in government contracting and other business ventures to support the community's economic development.

Industry Significance

As one of the 252 Native village corporations established under ANCSA, OHNC plays a crucial role in preserving the Alutiiq culture and traditions while fostering economic development within the community. Its initiatives contribute to the broader efforts of Alaska Native corporations in promoting self-determination and economic empowerment.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Economic Empowerment: Develop and manage assets to generate income for the benefit of shareholders.

• Cultural Preservation: Protect and promote the Alutiiq culture and traditions.

• Community Development: Support initiatives that enhance the well-being and sustainability of the Old Harbor community.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Government Contracting: Through its subsidiary, Three Saints Bay, LLC, OHNC engages in government contracting to create sustainable businesses in the federal marketplace.

• Telecommunications: Established Kodiak Microwave Systems to provide essential communication services to rural villages, including emergency response, telemedicine, distance learning, and high-speed internet.

• Construction Equipment Leasing: Acquired a majority stake in Delta Leasing, LLC, to offer equipment leasing and rental services across Alaska's major industries.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Microwave Telecommunication Systems: Deploying microwave technology to establish reliable communication networks in remote areas.

• Natural Pozzolan Products: Investing in sustainable construction materials to reduce environmental impact.

Primary Markets Targeted

• Federal Government Contracts: Pursuing opportunities in the federal marketplace through subsidiaries.

• Telecommunications Services: Providing communication solutions to rural communities in Alaska.

• Construction Industry: Supplying equipment leasing services to various sectors within Alaska.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

OHNC was established under ANCSA, which provided initial funding and land to Alaska Native corporations. The corporation has since diversified its revenue streams through investments, government contracts, and subsidiary operations. Specific details regarding total funds raised and recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors

As a Native village corporation, OHNC's primary stakeholders are its shareholders, who are residents of Old Harbor and other communities. The corporation's Board of Directors is responsible for managing assets and ensuring the economic well-being of these shareholders.

Utilization of Capital

• Asset Management: Investing in securities and commercial properties to generate income.

• Business Development: Funding subsidiaries and ventures to create sustainable businesses and employment opportunities.

• Community Initiatives: Supporting programs that promote cultural preservation, education, and community health.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

OHNC's strategic initiatives include:

• Government Contracting Ventures: Expanding the scope and scale of subsidiaries like Three Saints Bay, LLC, to secure additional federal contracts.

• Telecommunications Expansion: Enhancing and expanding the services provided by Kodiak Microwave Systems to more communities.

• Sustainable Construction Materials: Developing and promoting the use of natural pozzolan products through Geofortis, LLC.

Stages of Development

• Government Contracting: Active and ongoing, with a focus on growth and diversification.

• Telecommunications: Established systems in several villages, with plans for expansion.

• Construction Materials: Investment in Geofortis, LLC, with products in development and market introduction phases.

Target Conditions

• Government Contracting: Federal projects requiring Native-owned business participation.

• Telecommunications: Rural communities lacking reliable communication infrastructure.

• Construction Materials: Construction projects seeking sustainable and cost-effective materials.

Anticipated Milestones

• Government Contracting: Securing additional contracts and expanding operations.

• Telecommunications: Increasing service coverage and improving network reliability.

• Construction Materials: Achieving market acceptance and widespread adoption of products.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Microwave Telecommunication Systems: Developed and operated by Kodiak Microwave Systems to provide essential communication services.

• Natural Pozzolan Products: Produced by Geofortis, LLC, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional construction materials.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Telecommunication Engineering: Designing and implementing microwave-based communication networks in remote areas.

• Material Science: Researching and developing natural pozzolan products for construction applications.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed, the corporation's focus on technology and innovation suggests potential integration of advanced technologies in its operations.

Leadership Team

Board of Directors

• Cynthia Berns: President, term ending 2026.

• Tara Stiller: Vice President, term ending 2025.

• Gwendolyn Christiansen: Board Member, term ending 2026.

• Melissa Berns: Herd Manager, term ending 2027.

• Allen Christiansen Sr.: Board Member, term ending 2025.

• Chase Shugak: Board Member, term ending 2027.

• Linda Suydam: Elder, term ending 2025.

• Allison Pestrikoff: Treasurer, term ending 2027.

• Luke Lester: Board Member, term ending 2025.

Professional Backgrounds and Contributions

The Board of Directors comprises individuals with deep ties to the Old Harbor community, including members from the Old Harbor Native Corporation, Alutiiq Tribe of Old Harbor, and the City of Old Harbor. Their collective experience and leadership are instrumental in guiding the corporation's strategic direction and ensuring alignment with community values and needs.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

As a Native village corporation, OHNC operates in a unique market segment with limited direct competition. Its focus on government contracting, telecommunications, and sustainable construction materials positions it to serve niche markets with specific needs.

Competitor Analysis

While there are other Native corporations and businesses in Alaska, OHNC's integrated approach combining cultural preservation with economic development through diverse subsidiaries provides a distinctive competitive advantage.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Significant Collaborations

• Kodiak Microwave Systems: Partnership with Ouzinkie Native Corporation to provide telecommunication services.

• Geofortis, LLC: Investment in a company producing sustainable construction materials.

Impact on Market Position

These collaborations enhance OHNC's ability to offer comprehensive services, expand its market reach, and strengthen its position in the federal contracting and telecommunications sectors.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

OHNC's operations are strategically aligned with its mission to empower the community economically while preserving cultural heritage. Its diversified portfolio mitigates risks and leverages opportunities across different sectors.

Competitive Advantages

• Cultural Integration: Deep understanding of community needs and values.

• Diversified Portfolio: Engaging in multiple industries including government contracting, telecommunications, and construction equipment leasing, providing stability and growth potential.