Alaska Miner Journal, September 2020

AMA Convention Goes Virtual!

A s readers know, the AMA Convention and Executive Committees made the difficult decision to cancel the Annu- al Convention and Trade Show scheduled for Nov. 1-7, 2020 at the Dena’ina Center in An- chorage. We are all greatly saddened to lose our yearly gathering to network, generate business opportunities, and seeing our AMA family. But we simply had no other choice than to keep safety in mind and adhere to the ever-changing health guidelines. The AMA Board of Directors, Convention Committee and staff want to express our most heartfelt thanks at the outpouring of support we received from our miners after the announcement. You assured us it was the right decision and thanked us for the due diligence in researching all options. You expressed the desire to keep the organization and mission strong and offered financial and technical support to ensure we can keep advocating for Alaska’s miners. We are so grateful. Following the announcement, the AMA Convention Committee convened a planning meeting to brainstorm what aspects of the convention could be held virtually. We know many of you have “Zoom fatigue” and we know that absolutely nothing can take the place of our in- person gatherings. But, we also heard that much is happening in our industry and there are stories to tell — even if they have to be told virtually. So we will do so. Please watch your email and the AMA website for this information, and please plan to join us, no suit and tie required, the week of Nov. 2. AMA Convention via ZOOM powered by GCI! The virtual convention will use ZOOM technology — make sure have yours set up so you’re ready to participate! It’s easy — visit zoom.us to download the software on your device or desktop. Closer to then, AMA will conduct training sessions to ensure all members are able to enjoy the convention sessions. THANK YOU to GCI for its sponsorship of AMA’s master ZOOM account that hosts our virtual events!

Please make sure you are on AMA’s email list to get Convention Updates! Email ama@alaskaminers.org.

Your Southeast Alaska Mine Supply Headquarters

Presentations AMA is pursuing the most sought after talks on operations, projects, field programs, politics, and more! These will be in small chunks of time throughout the week to prevent the dreaded virtual meeting fatigue! Short Courses Our Committee is working to finalize the short courses you have come to depend on, with learning credits and curriculum. Core Shack, Prospector’s Tent & Claim Post There’s a “silver” lining in terms of a virtual event this year — we’ve taken advantage of the opportunity to expand the offerings of the core shack, prospector’s tent and claim post. Please watch for further details on how you can participate in this online event! MSHA Training Many of you rely on the MSHA trainings as part of the convention. Not to fret: MAPTS is offering them via Zoom on a continuous basis! See https://uaf.edu/mapts. Elections Week! Stay tuned for coverage leading to the 2020 General Election on Nov. 3, including a hosted Elections Watch Party for AMA members! Regards, Kevin Adler, Convention Committee Chairman Deantha Skibinski, AMA Executive Director Jennifer Luiten, AMA Membership and Fundraising Director

Photo: Sandvik

Photo: Sandvik

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THANK YOU TO ALL OUR PARTNERS WHO HELPED MAKE THE 2020 BACKHAUL PROJECT A SUCCESS!

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September 2020 I The Alaska Miner I www.alaskaminers.org

www.alaskaminers.org I The Alaska Miner I September 2020

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