Ukpeagvik Inupiat Corporation.

• Position: Business Profile - Company profile

Barrow, Alaska, the northernmost community in the United States, is perhaps best known for the 1988 rescue of three ice-stranded whales through the tireless efforts of local Inupiat hunters and other volunteers.

The community of Barrow is also well known as the seat of government for the North Slope Borough; as headquarters of the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission and the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation (ASRC); and as the birthplace Inuit Circumpolar Conference dynamic organizations are a trademark of Barrow, then Ukpeagvik Inupiat Corporation (UIC) is no exception. An Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) village corporation, UIC was incorporated in 1973 as a profit-oriented venture for the Native residents of Barrow.

in its early years, the corporation operated businesses with more emphasis on social and cultural benefits than on earning profits. In 1987 Ronald H. Brower Sr., a member of the board of directors since 1980, was elected president of the corporation.

Brower took immediate and decisive action, separating the traditional tribal government responsibilities from the corporation. He began laying the groundwork that would bring corporate definition and profits to the company. With the separation of the two entities, the traditional council was able to perform its role of attending to the social needs of the community, while leaving UIC the task of expanding its business interests.

One of UIC's first major investments was the acquisition of a local mercantile business. In support of this investment's potential, UIC constructed a modern building to house the rapidly expanding operation. Now leased for retail use and operated by Alaska Commercial Company, the property generates sales in excess of $10 million per year.

Brower credits the success of the company to its management style: "We work together as a team, instilling a sense of family among shareholder and corporate partners." UIC's foremost operating principle is management by objective, a commitment that incorporates Brower's personal commitment to management by values.

The business direction of UIC in the 1980s and 1990s illustrates adherence to a simple philosophy: increase the overall wealth of the village and enhance shareholders' ability to control changes affecting their unique way of life. To accomplish these objectives, UIC management strives to invest wisely; to manage the corporation's real estate profitably; to provide training, job and business...