Third Tikahtnu Forum Economic Summit held
“It’s heartwarming to see how the Tikahtnu Forum is fulfilling its promise by creating opportunities to harness our combined skills and talents.”
That’s how CIRI President and CEO Sophie Minich opened the 2015 Tikahtnu Forum Economic Development Summit, held March 25 at the Hilton Anchorage Downtown. The event’s theme, “The Art of the Deal,” emphasized how attendees could seek out and develop successful business transactions to support their organizations, tribal entities and corporations.
Following Minich’s address, CIRI shareholder and Vice President of Government Services Greg Razo gave an introduction and overview. A presentation on economic outlook and development featured Gunnar Knapp, a professor of economics and director of the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Institute of Social and Economic Research, and Michael Nelson, the socioeconomic lead for Alaska LNG. Afterward, a panel discussion on the art of the deal included perspectives from John Kauffman (Stoel Rives LLP), Sheila Swanson (CIRI), Jeff Judd (Cook Inlet Housing Authority) and Gloria O’Neill (Cook Inlet Tribal Council). Information on the presentations and each presenter is available at www.tikahtnuforum.com.
During the afternoon, attendees participated in two break-out sessions, during which they discussed and learned about opportunities in real estate, natural resources or structure and financing. A reception followed the day’s events.
The annual Economic Development Summit, now in its third year, was implemented by the Tikahtnu Forum, a collaboration between Alaska Native corporations, villages and tribes in the Cook Inlet region to strengthen relationships and develop partnerships.
