Fairbanks, Alaska – An economic impact report has been released detailing the significant contributions by Interior-based Native organizations to the local and state economies. These organizations number over 70 and are both for-profit and nonprofit, including tribes.
Based on 2010 data, the report was produced by Doyon, Limited; Tanana Chiefs Conference; Denakkanaaga; Fairbanks Native Association and Interior Regional Housing Authority.

The report shows that the annual economic contributions of Interior Alaska Native organizations to the region exceeded $300 million in 2010, and employment and spending by these organizations generated more than 3,500 jobs in the Interior, which equates to nearly one in every 12 civilian jobs.
Doyon, Limited CEO and President Aaron Schutt, states the report, “reflects our commitment to the Interior and to Alaska. As we have grown, the economic benefits of that growth have supported both our shareholders and our home communities.”

Fairbanks Native Association Executive Director Steve Ginnis said, “It is clear there is a major economic impact by our organizations. We are contributing to the workforce, to the overall economic health of our communities, and that needs to be viewed very seriously.”

Other highlights of the report include:

• Interior Native organizations were one of the top employers in the Interior with 2,725 direct jobs, placing fifth after the military, federal government (civilian), the University of Alaska, and the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District.
• Statewide, Interior Native organizations had an economic impact of nearly half a billion dollars in 2010. That included directly employing 3,704 people in the state and paying $145 million in direct wages and benefits.
• The Interior Native organizations spent $287 million within Alaska in 2010, 43 percent of which was spent on goods and services purchased from local Alaska businesses.
• Interior Native organizations paid more than $3.8 million in property taxes to the Fairbanks North Star Borough general fund and paid $5.5 million in local property taxes statewide.
• Charitable giving by the organizations totaled $2.5 million in Fairbanks, $500,000 in Interior villages and $670,000 in the rest of Alaska.

Interior Regional Housing Authority CEO Irene Catalone said, “We support the local economy by buying locally as much as possible, paying taxes and providing jobs throughout the Interior. We support this effort to inform people on our combined contributions to the economy.”

Tanana Chief Conference President Jerry Isaac, said, “Tanana Chiefs Conference has always strived to provide opportunities for all of our employees to be successful. This study shows that we have a significant impact on the local and state economies. TCC strives to be a part of our community in a way that we can proud of.”

Read the report:
Economic impact report