Calista is holding a Gathering this Monday 3/25 (after Cama-i and before AVCP meeting). All Shareholders are encouraged to attend and celebrate YOUR Corporation.

At the Cultural Center, registration 12-1p, food / presentation / prizes 1-4p.

Immediate release

February 25, 2013

$4.3 Million: New Calista Corporation Shareholder Dividend Record

(Anchorage, Alaska) – The Calista Corporation Board of Directors voted at its February 22 meeting to approve a Shareholder dividend distribution totaling $4.3 million to Shareholders of record dated March 29, 2013. Total distribution of Shareholder dividends will exceed $19.9 million since inception. This is the sixth consecutive yearly dividend of eight total Shareholder dividends. Each dividend has increased from the previous distribution.

Calista has one of the largest populations of Shareholders among the Alaska Native Corporations at more than 12,000 individuals. This distribution equates to $3.25 per share, an eight percent increase from 2012. Checks are expected to be mailed out by the close of business Monday, April 15.

“Calista Corporation, like other ANCSA corporations, has unique requirements to operate as a business, work to benefit our region and also improve the socio-economic lives of our Shareholders,” said Calista Corporation Board Chair Willie Kasayulie. “The Calista region has some of the highest energy rates, food and transportation costs, and highest unemployment rates in the nation. Operating as a disadvantaged business in the federal contracting arena is crucial in allowing us to benefit our region while also providing cost-effective services for the government.”

In 2012 Calista provided a Shareholder dividend totaling $3.99 million. That year Calista also provided a distribution of more than $550,000 through the Shareholder-approved Elders Benefit Program. Additionally, $450,000 was donated to key regional and state organizations including the Bethel Senior Center, Emmonak Women’s Shelter, Yuut Yaqungviat flight school in Bethel, search and rescue teams, a donation of $270,000 for the scholarship program and other organizations.

Pursuant to the Alaska Corporations Code, this Shareholder dividend distribution is made entirely from Calista’s paid-in capital account. Because the distribution was made from the paid-in capital account the distribution is non-taxable to Shareholders.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 18, 2013

Calista Corporation Board of Directors Chairman Announcement

(Anchorage, Alaska) – As Chairman of the Board, I have directed and approved Robert Beans, Ethics Committee Chair, to make the following announcement. In response to Shareholder concerns, the Ethics Committee and Calista sought outside legal opinion as to whether an advance to a Director is a loan under Alaska State Law.

Respectfully,

Willie Kasayulie

Chairman of the Board, Calista Corporation

Calista Corporation, Board of Directors Ethics Committee, Chair – Robert Beans

As chairman of Calista Corporation’s Board of Directors Ethics Committee, I wanted to correct the misinformation that has been published in the Delta Discovery over the last few months regarding whether the “advances” that were previously paid to two Calista directors were or were not improper loans. The previous published statements advocated that they were proper and should not have been considered by shareholders as a negative during the directors’ election campaign.

To put this matter to rest, Calista hired legal experts to answer this question. The answer from the legal expert was based on Alaska statute, legislative history, and Alaska Supreme Court case law. The opinion stated:

“In conclusion, if funds are provided to a director as an advance with a stated or implied obligation to repay Calista such funds, the transactions would constitute “loans” under Alaska law and Calista’s Code of Ethics, and as a result would require the approval of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of Calista.”

There was no shareholder approval of the advances in question. There is no question that the previous advances violated Calista’s Code of Ethics and state law. It is now time to put this matter behind us. The full legal opinion is posted on Calista’s Website at www.CalistaCorp.com.

Calista’s Directors and management have the same goal – to ensure that Calista is united as a team, as that is the only way to ensure that our shareholders and descendants are properly served by those of us entrusted to the positions we now have.

Quyana,

Robert Beans

The Calista Board of Directors met today and the following changes to the Bylaws were adopted:

The Calista Board will hold their regularly scheduled Board Meeting tomorrow, December 12, 2012, at the Calista Corporation Main office. Starts at 9am. Be there if you are in the area and have some time. I would imagine that there will be a People to be Heard section.

There are still open items to be heard about–

1) Board Meeting Minutes since June

2) Possible adoption of the resolutions from the Annual Meeting. Although the resolutions failed to win a majority, the Board can adopt them as policy by simple majority.

Other items of mention:

a) Bethel Annual Meeting

b) Calista Shareholders Network – Remote access to meetings

c) Electronic Proxy Voting

Voice your opinion. It is YOUR Corporation.

UPDATE- (This was a typo folks!! Thanks Cassius!)

Word from the wire is that the 20122013 Alaska Federation of Natives Convention will be held in Fairbanks. Our regional members voted in favor of Anchorage, but after a lengthy discussion, the majority support was for Fairbanks. With airfares as high as they are, the folks from the Northern region share our woes with high expenses, so no doubt that was very much a part of the discussion.

Una CalistaNews-aq naparcimauq nallunairutnguluni Calista shareholder-aanun kinguvneritnun-llu nunacuarni, nunarpagni, akmanun-llu upallernun.  CalistaNews-am paivtelarai nallunairutet nanlengerpeci shareholder-aarulriani kinguvnerpecenun-llu.  Uum website-am nasvagciqaa Calista Corporation-aam arulacestain egmirturautaitnek taringumallerkamtenun taqumaluni.  – Cingarkaq

CalistaNews.com was borne from frustration. It was created as a result of a news blackout that resulted in little information being shared with the true owners Calista Corporation Inc, it’s shareholders.

We have taken email recently that inferred that CalistaNews was intent on dividing and disabling. A leader in the lower Yukon has expressed that we at CalistaNews do not have the best interests of Native Alaska, Yup’ik Tradition, and Calista Corporation at heart. This is not the case. Our true goal was and is to share information. To make available the goings on that was causing frustration and division.

Today is a new day– Today the rebuilding of trust between the Corporation Board and its Shareholders begins. There has been a change in leadership that Shareholders through their proxies, asked for, but the challenge doesn’t end here– It begins here. The Board, as representatives of the owners, the Shareholders, must be honest and open with them. No, it cannot divulge every bit and piece of company business as there will always be information that needs to be hidden behind the Corporate Veil  for Calista Corporation to be successful.

But NEVER again should the Corporate Veil be used to keep a certain Board, Member, or Group, in power. The Corporate Veil is to hide actions from other Companies to keep its strategic goals private. It is NOT to keep Shareholders in the dark.

The mantle of corporate responsibility has been passed to new leadership, but we still need to keep their feet to the fire to keep them honest and forthright. That is our responsibility. That is YOUR responsibility as a Shareholder.

We humbly appreciate visitors who use this site. Yesterday as the reorganization was happening at any given time there were 20 or more visitors on the site. In conference with local elders and other members, we created and maintain this site.

Our family is heavily involved in all aspects of our Native traditions and values.

Ciugun- Student at University of Alaska studying Rural Development, Alaska Native Studies. Yur’aq is her mantra. As Miss World Eskimo Olympics, Ciugun has represented and promoted our Yup’ik tradition and values for a Nationwide audience. Watch her here!

Cingarkaq- Yup’ik Linguist- Master’s Degree in Linguistics with Yup’ik emphasis. Working on improving Yup’ik Language competencies in Lower Kuskokwim Schools.

Cungauyar- High School Student involved in Suicide Prevention projects and bringing Young Yup’ik voice to contemporary Rap. Watch him here!

Apassangayak- Technologist bringing Yup’ik culture to the web in various ways: Cama’i Festival- Yur’aq, Suicide Prevention, and other projects.

Thank you for your support!

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 15, 2012

Correction on Calista Corporation Annual Meeting Results

Calista Corporation Bylaws Require 50+ Percent Vote To Change Bylaws

(Anchorage, Alaska) – The 38th Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on November 3, 2012. There are 1,255,582.4882 eligible shares among Calista Shareholders and 55.2 percent of all outstanding shares of Common Stock, or 692,865.5534, were represented in person or by proxy. For a change to the Bylaws, more than 50 percent of all outstanding Shareholder shares must vote in favor of change.

Shareholders voted on the election of four Board of Director seats and several resolutions. The election of Board Directors are correct and remain unchanged. Only the results of the binding resolutions to amend the Bylaws were incorrect.

The results were tabulated and certified by the Inspector of Elections, independent firm Sramek-Hightower, with input and guidance from the Parliamentarian, Julius Brecht of Wohlforth, Brecht, Cartledge, Brooking.

To change the Bylaws, at least 627,792 shares for this meeting of all outstanding Shareholder shares (more than 50 percent) must have voted in favor of change. An advisory resolution requires only a majority of actual votes cast in order to pass; however, advisory resolutions do not change the Bylaws.

Initially, the Inspector of Elections announced that the Shareholder-submitted binding resolutions to change the Bylaws had passed because they received a substantial majority approval of the voting quorum (listed below). However, since the number of approval votes did not exceed 627,792 for any of the binding resolutions, the binding resolutions in fact did not pass. The error was not noticed or corrected at the annual meeting.

The number of votes cast in favor of each resolution is included below for your reference.

The Board will meet at its regularly scheduled Board meeting on December 12 to review the corrected results. Updates will be announced on www.CalistaCorp.com and Calista’s official Facebook pages (www.facebook.com/CalistaCorp and www.facebook.com/CalistaCorporation).

Corrected Results For 2012 Annual Meeting Resolutions

Correction – Failed: Binding Resolution To Amend the Calista Corporation Bylaws to Eliminate the Designation of a Board Slate and Eliminate Cumulative Voting by the Nominating Committee of Non-Directed Votes in Board Solicited Proxies (Yes Votes 339,199.2191 and No Votes 164,580.1818)

Correction – Failed: Binding Resolution: Should the Calista Bylaws be Amended to Require that Annual Meetings be Held Periodically in Bethel and Anchorage? (Yes Votes 367,043.8415 and No Votes 144,386.2680

Correction – Failed: Binding Resolution: Should the Calista Corporation Bylaws be Amended to Limit the Number of Terms the Chairman of the Board May Serve as Chairman to No More than Three Consecutive Yearly Terms? (Yes Votes 396,980.0107 and No Votes 121,939.3421)

Correction – Failed: Binding Resolution: Should the Calista Corporation Bylaws be Amended to Preclude the Nominating Committee from Viewing the Tally of Directed Voting Prior to Voting their Proxies? (Yes Votes 370,254.8572 and No Votes 143,746.6524)

Failed (no change): All Binding Resolutions to remove Directors:

Michael D. Akerelrea (Yes Votes 296,073.4055 and No Votes 220,522.9203)

Arthur S. Heckman, Sr. (Yes Votes 339,544.0338 and No Votes 177,858.8381)

Felix P. Hess (Yes Votes 338,982.2691 and No Votes 178,098.2694)

Robert “Bobby” Hoffman (Yes Votes 238,579.7162 and No Votes 277,858.4172)

William Igkurak (Yes Votes 277,647.5132 and No Votes 238,382.0730)

Harley J. Sundown (Yes Votes 266,583.3831 and No Votes 249,897.5760)

JoAnn J. Werning (Yes Votes 256,114.7738 and No Votes 260,461.3191)

Passed (no change): Advisory Resolution To Ban Discretionary Voting in Annual Meetings: Should Calista Ban Discretionary Voting in Annual Meetings? (Yes Votes 314,841.8082 and No Votes 163,319.6141)

Quyana cakneq to the communities of Goodnews Bay and Platinum for your hospitality. High winds caused problems and resulted in flight delays on both Friday and Saturday. Most Calista employees and several boxes of equipment couldn’t arrive until a couple hours before the meeting. We are thankful that all visitors arrived and returned home safely

When it comes right down to it, there is nothing as important as Family. In our Yup’ik culture, we are ALL family in one way or another.

Newly elected Board member Robert Beans and his family are struggling with the loss of their young boy that passed away on Tuesday. As we struggle with differences in politics and business, we MUST come together to support this family.

An account as been setup at Alaska USA. Account# 1724531 has been set up to help with burial expenses. Please share this information and donate what you can.

Our condolences to the Beans family during this trying time.

In some ways it is the sad ending to what had to be a great beginning. Felix Hess left the Calista Corporation building today an ordinary citizen. A shareholder just like the rest of us. Mr. Hess has served Calista for 26 years. To end this period in the midst of turmoil and controversy is indeed sad. Did he make an impact on our region and the Company– Yes. It is commendable to spend that much time forging a company from the ashes it had become. Unfortunately though, the last years of service were marred by many things that the majority of Shareholders could not tolerate any longer. The Calista Shareholder community spoke with their proxy ballots and it was time to part ways and to breathe new life into the Board and the direction of the company.

Quyana Felix, your years of service are indeed remembered.

http://www.ktuu.com/news/ktuu-calista-native-corporation-ceo-reinstated-20121107,0,1664915.story

By Rhonda McBride Channel 2 News

10:37 p.m. AKST, November 7, 2012
ANCHORAGE, Alaska—

The CEO and President of the Calista Native Corporation was at his desk working on Wednesday afternoon, after more than three months of administrative leave.

The reasons why the Calista board of directors sidelined Andrew Guy remain a mystery.  In August, a majority of the board voted to hire a law firm to investigate him.  At that time, Calista leaders would not comment on the reasons why — and would only say that personnel matters are confidential.

But a restructuring of the board took place last weekend during the corporation’s annual shareholder’s meeting in Goodnews Bay, a village on the mouth of the Kuskokwim River in Southwest Alaska.   Two board members were voted out, and two new ones were voted in.  Guy, who was at the meeting, was given a standing ovation, a sign that his administrative limbo might soon come to an end.

On Wednesday, the new board made it official.   It held a special meeting at Calista’s Anchorage headquarters — and after electing new officers, began the process of reinstating Guy.

First, they had to resolve old business.

“The newly formed board took a look at the investigation,” said Thom Leonard, communications manager for Calista. “They found no merit or cause to the allegations or complaints, so immediately they reinstated Andrew Guy as president of Calista Corporation.”

Leonard says, at this time, the corporation at Guy’s direction is trying to move forward — and the reasons for his administrative leave will remain confidential.

Leonard says Guy returns to his former job with full authority.

In a written statement Guy made no mention about his exile from management and said the focus needs to return on fulfilling the corporation’s obligations to shareholders and the region.

KTUU’s request for an interview with Guy was declined.

Four board members, including the former chairman, Art Heckman were not present at Wednesday’s special meeting.  They were part of the faction which had pushed for Guy’s ouster.  Supporters of Guy say this group was unhappy with the CEO’s efforts to streamline the board process and improve accountability – and the rift between Guy and the board stemmed from a dispute over the annual shareholder meeting, which was scheduled for the spring but was postponed until this October.

The new board also terminated Felix Hess’ position as board spokesman. The position was created in August, with an annual $100,000 salary. Hess was secretary of the board but failed to be reelected at Saturday’s shareholder meeting. Earlier, he told KTUU he hoped the board would pursue the investigation.  On Wednesday, when reached by telephone, Hess said he had no comment about Guy’s reinstatement.

Leonard says it comes as a relief to employees and will allow them to concentrate on their work and making the corporation successful.  Despite the board turmoil, Leonard says the company remains profitable and recently landed a $4.5 million dollar federal defense contract.

Leonard says Guy began meeting with company executives this afternoon. He also took time out to pose for a photograph with board members and Calista staff.

Mike Williams, a shareholder who headed up a recall effort against two board members who were trying to oust Guy, says he credits the shareholders for restoring the CEO to his job.

“We see so much suffering in our villages.  We need a good lead dog,” said Williams. “If you don’t raise your voices, you won’t be heard.”

But one thing Williams would like to hear more about is a full accounting of the circumstances that led to Guy being put on administrative leave.   But for now, both factions on the board are keeping quiet about that.  KTUU attempted to reach the new chairman of the board, Willie Kasayulie, for comment, but had no success in reaching him.

The Calista Board has reorganized.

New Officers-

Chairman- Willie Kasayulie

Vice Chairman- George Guy

Secretary- Margaret Pohjola

Treasurer- Marcie Sherer

https://www.facebook.com/notes/calista-corp/calista-corporations-38th-annual-meeting-of-shareholders-results/543807725632595

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 6, 2012

Calista Corporation’s 38th Annual Meeting of Shareholders Results

(Anchorage, Alaska) – In the midst of another successful business year for Calista Corporation, Shareholders once again shared their voice at the 38th annual meeting of Shareholders on November 3 in Goodnews Bay, Alaska. Approximately 200 people attended the meeting, an impressive turnout with a town population of 264.

A total of 55.2 percent of all shares of Common Stock, or 692,865.5534, were represented in person or by proxy at the annual meeting. Up for consideration for the Shareholders were the election of four Board of Director seats and several resolutions. The results of the voting, tabulated and certified by the independent firm of Sramek-Hightower, are as follows:

Board of Director seats

• Unit 1 Director: Michael Akerelrea (reelected)
• Unit 2 Director: JoAnn Jorgensen Werning (reelected)
• Unit 3 Director: Robert L. Beans (new Director)
• At-Large Director: Marcie Sherer (new Director)

Resolutions

• Passed: Binding Resolution To Amend the Calista Corporation Bylaws to Eliminate the Designation of a Board Slate and Eliminate Cumulative Voting by the Nominating Committee of Non-Directed Votes in Board Solicited Proxies
• Passed: Binding Resolution: Should the Calista Bylaws be Amended to Require that Annual Meetings be Held Periodically in Bethel and Anchorage?
• Passed: Binding Resolution: Should the Calista Corporation Bylaws be Amended to Limit the Number of Terms the Chairman of the Board May Serve as Chairman to No More than Three Consecutive Yearly Terms?
• Passed: Binding Resolution: Should the Calista Corporation Bylaws be Amended to Preclude the Nominating Committee from Viewing the Tally of Directed Voting Prior to Voting their Proxies?
• Failed: All Binding Resolutions to remove Directors: Michael D. Akerelrea, Arthur S. Heckman, Sr., Felix P. Hess, Robert “Bobby” Hoffman, William Igkurak, Harley J. Sundown and JoAnn J. Werning
• Passed: Advisory Resolution To Ban Discretionary Voting in Annual Meetings: Should Calista Ban Discretionary Voting in Annual Meetings?

The election results are the voice of the Calista Shareholders and pave the way for Calista’s voting foundation. With a commitment to reaching as many Shareholders as possible, Calista has held annual meetings in 29 of the region’s 56 villages since inception.

Calista continues to fulfill its ANCSA obligations in a variety of ways. Since inception, Shareholder dividends and distributions have totaled more than $17.4 million. Of that amount, more than $1.8 million has been provided in the form of special Elder distributions, which was voted on and approved as an advisory resolution at the 2007 annual meeting of Shareholders. More than 46 percent of these total distributions have taken place in the last two years alone.

Calista is also fulfilling its commitment to educating future leaders, and more than $3.2 million in scholarships has been provided to Shareholders and Descendants since inception. The scholarships from the last two years accounts for more than 20 percent of that total.

Calista Corporation has one of the highest populations of Shareholders among all of the regional Alaska Native Corporations. There are 1,255,582.4882 eligible votes among Calista Shareholders, and more than 12,000 Shareholders.

http://www.ktuu.com/news/ktuu-limbo-for-calista-native-corporation-ceo-may-be-over-soon-20121105,0,35227.story