How the Top 49ers Communicate and Collaborate.

• Position: TOP 49ERS SPECIAL SECTION / Q & A

The Top 49ers are ranked on gross revenue; while earning money is one obvious indication of success, it certainly isn't the only one. And in meeting with and learning from our Top 49ers over the years, we know that they all measure success broadly to include happy employees, satisfied clients, and healthy communities. It's not just about the money, though that is a vital component of operating any company and for the health of the economy as a whole. Put all the parts together and ultimately it's about becoming a team.

And every successful team shares one trait: great teamwork. The Alaska Business Top 49ers have some of the best teams around, so for 2018 we asked them, "What initiatives or policies have been most effective at your business to improve communication and teamwork?" This year's Top 49ers share their secrets to successful synergy in the workplace.

ASRC

Since its incorporation nearly fifty years ago, ASRC has been guided by our Inupiaq values to be a foundation for all business decisions we make. As Ihupiat, we rely on the teachings of our ancestors and live by the values passed on through countless generations. Our core values are the cornerstone of our success as a community and corporation. They are combined with disciplined business practices to deliver high levels of performance and returns. Jacob Adams Sr., former ASRC President and CEO, explains this in our Emmy-winning documentary True North, the Story of ASRC: "If you're a whaling captain and you've got a crew working together, you're successful. We took those values that we have (as Ihupiat) and transferred them into the corporation. We work together." You can learn more about ASRC's history and reliance on Inupiaq values by watching True North, the Story of ASRC on www.asrc.com.

Afognak Native Corporation

Afognak Native Corporation, Alutiiq, and their subsidiaries maintain the www. afognak.com and www.alutiiq.com websites as their primary marketing vehicles beyond direct proposals for government and commercial contracts. Their reputation is built on innovative partnerships while providing comprehensive, high quality services to customers. Afognak Native Corporation is rooted in the core Alutiiq values of harmony, respect, efficiency, communication, trust, Elder knowledge, commitment to community, and heritage. As an Alaska Native Corporation, employees and shareholders are united in this shared value system. A leader in service contracting in Alaska and beyond, they rely on past performance as their most successful communications strategy.

Ahtna, Inc.

The employees at Ahtna work together as "One Team, One Ahtna" toward a unified mission and vision. They also uphold our company values of respect, unity, safety, quality, and integrity.

Airport Equipment Rentals

Having an experienced management team who work independently in their area of responsibility yet still work closely together to maximize inventory and profit.

BBNC

BBNC's family of companies utilizes an internal website called Infonet that allows employees, no matter where they're located, to access BBNC news, resources, tools, and training.

Bering Straits Native Corporation

With BSNC's continued growth comes a need for established company-wide policies and procedures. BSNC's policies and procedures...