Executive Director’s Report
Dear AMA Members and Friends,
I can’t believe we will all actually be back togeth- er again! What would we have said, if anyone had told us in 2019 that it would be the last in person Convention for three years? I’m so proud of us: as we miners always do, we made the best of it, persevered, adapted and stayed connected via zoom and email and lots of phone calls. And as we saw with our first big event, Min - ing Day 2022 in Fairbanks, we really did miss seeing each other in person. AMA is the largest business association in Alaska and amongst the largest mining association in the country — because of our membership. We are also without a doubt the most engaged. When we ask you for help, whether it be attending or testifying or contributing, you step up. I think others take it for granted sometimes that, when you need something done, ask Alaska miners. Whether it is responding to a natural disaster, as happened in Haines last year on in Western Alaska recently, or a global pandemic, or a manmade di- saster like continuing attempts to stop strong, safe, responsible, needed projects, you answer the call. It is in our nature. We deal with impossible every day. What is the old saying … we do the difficult every day … the impossible just takes a little longer. So much of what we are dealing with is sadly manmade, in the form of government policy defies logic. Like the assumption that a new green ener- gy society can happen instantly, with fairy dust and wishful thinking. Or that energies of our way of life will still provide the critical minerals that power most everything we do. However — common sense seems to be slow- ly, quietly beginning to creep into conversations at a high level. Which brings us to our direction from here. Let’s look at the 2022 Annual Convention! We chose Rock On! as our convention theme be- cause it represents the essence of Alaska mining. Through the challenges and obstacles, we also have a lot to share, discuss and act upon. The world has not stopped, the need has not changed. And neither have the challenges. Our convention committee and host of volunteers have planned an awesome full week of programs for us. Our sponsors and hundreds of trade show exhib-
itors have committed money, time, and resources to make it all possible. Please join us in person this year. I miss you! Also please invite your friends and business as- sociates. And if they cannot attend, share with them what you learn and see. I know you are as ready as we are to be together, to share a laugh and a good story and a big hug. And to plan ahead for next. Because we are ready to Rock On!
Deantha Skibinski AMA Executive Director
Please see complete AMA Convention coverage on Pages 26-40 and visit our website at AlaskaMiners.org for more information.
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The Alaska Miner
Fall 2022
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