Shareholder participation committees
Accomplishments
Since inception, the Shareholder Participation Committees have addressed a broad range of matters. The following are a few of their accomplishments:
Special Shareholder Vote
In 1998, CIRI conducted the Special Shareholder Vote, in which shareholders were asked to decide the future direction of the corporation. Four options were presented to shareholders to vote on:
- Option 1 (Continue Stock Restrictions),
- Option 2 (Lift Stock Restrictions),
- Option 3 (Stock Buy-back) and
- Option 4 (Issue Bonds).
Each committee provided key consultation to the corporation on the options prior to the vote, and provided guidance on materials distributed to shareholders to ensure that issues were presented in a manner clearly and easily understood by shareholders.
Election of CIRI Board of Directors
CIRI shareholders have repeatedly expressed greater interest and involvement in the election process of the CIRI Board of Directors. This issue was an early focus for the committees and continues to be a priority. The Shareholder Participation Committees have assisted in setting priorities and updating qualifications for potential board candidates, expanding the Nominating Committee to include the three committee chairpersons, and developing an alternative proxy form for consideration by the Board of Directors.
Shareholder Communications
The Shareholder Participation Committees assisted in the expansion and improvement of the CIRI newsletter to better serve shareholders.
Cultural Events
At the request of shareholders, the Shareholder Participation Committees encouraged the establishment of the Northwest Potlatch as an annual event. The Potlatch provides a central occasion for shareholders living in the Pacific Northwest to renew cultural and family ties, visit with friends and catch up on events in Alaska.
Other Issues
Each Shareholder Participation Committee continues to explore avenues for CIRI, its subsidiaries and non-profits to better serve CIRI shareholders and descendants.
