Business spotlight: Bethel Native Corp.: super subsidiaries: BNCI, BSI.

• Author: McCorkle, Vern C.
• Position: ABM's Annual Alaska Native Business Review

Shareholders of Bethel Native, Corp. (BNC), Alaska s sixth largest Native village corporation, can take pride in its successful operation over the to President/CEO Marc Stemp. "Not only have we celebrated our 30th anniversary, but the corporation is doing well financially, and the subsidiaries in our family of companies are positioned for remarkable success in the near future." Plans for the long term also look extremely promising, Stemp says.

The two wholly owned subsidiaries to which Stemp refers are BNC International inc. (BNCI) and Bethel Services Inc. (BSI). Both firms are Small Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, U. S. Small Business Administration 8(a) Indian Self-Determination Act, and HUBZone participants, although BNCI is nearing the end of its 8(a) life, and is bowing to its sister corporation, BSI.

While both corporations share much of the same management group, each has unique operational goals and objectives. Work is taken up seamlessly between the two entities and is assigned on the basis and nature of the work to be done and the funding mechanisms available for each new project. This allows for maximum management flexibility and operational options.

BNCI came to life on Dec. 27, 1994, to perform environmental, demolition and construction projects. Its first big job came in 1995: a $4 million demolition contract for the old Bethel Hospital. It called for removal of medical waste, disposal of hazardous materials, asbestos abatement, and processing of lead and contaminated soils. Since then BNCI has received two consecutive safety awards from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers In 2001, BSI was formed to pursue construction of vertical and horizontal structures.

THE SECRETS TO BNC SUCCESS

With 31 projects under contract presently, Program Manager Tim Finnigan is feeling good about his work in progress. A graduate civil engineer, Finnigan has more than a generation of construction experience under his belt.

"BNCI and BSI are well known around the state for our commitment to use community-based resources," Finnigan explains. "We train local people in remote places and assist them in developing new skills. In areas of low employment, it helps individuals and communities economically improve their quality of life. It's also a great public relations bonus for out contract clients because we invite local folks to participate in some of the decision-making and this enhances their stewardship of the work that we do for them."

Contracts...