Exciting updates and opportunities at Spruce Root

This month, we're thrilled to announce that Spruce Root is expanding its team with the recruitment of key positions. Get to know L’uxshakee Rob Allen, our newest addition to the Board of Directors, as we introduce you to the wealth of experience and passion he brings. Dive into the dynamic realm of workforce development as we explore the return of a catalyst to SSSC, leading an impactful work planning session. Additionally, don't miss out on the insights shared at the Kodiak kelp workshop, where innovative business planning and marketing models are unveiled for aspiring farmers.

Join our team! Spruce Root is hiring for two key positions

As a leader in community and economic development in Southeast Alaska, Spruce Root continues to grow to meet the needs of our neighboring communities. As a result, we are looking for two amazing individuals to take on new roles within our organization.

Are you interested in supporting investment in the small business community in Southeast Alaska? Consider applying for our new Loan Compliance & Portfolio Manager position. This position serves as a central member of our CDFI team which invests capital in our small business partners, and is the client point of contact for ongoing loan servicing. This role is responsible for payment performance, compliance monitoring, annual review, financial analysis, and risk mitigation. Deadline to apply extended to February 15, 2024.
Do you have a mind for planning and want to support communities in achieving their priorities for the future? Consider applying for our new Community Planner position. This position is responsible for leading community planning and facilitation projects to drive regenerative economies in partnership with communities and Tribes throughout Southeast Alaska. The deadline to apply is February 25, 2024.

To find out more about these positions and begin to apply, go to spruceroot.org/careers.

APPLY NOW

Meet L’uxshakee Rob Allen, the newest member of our Board of Directors

Rob Allen is a lifelong Alaskan from Sitka. His Tlingit name is L’uxshakee. He is a Kaagwaantan of the Box House.

Rob Allen has decades of experience leading organizations in the for-profit, non-profit, and public sectors in Alaska, as both chief executive officer and a board member.

Rob’s many strengths include business model analysis, cultivating positive cultures in organizations and remaining calm in storms. He is especially interested in working with nonprofit boards and staff on the alignment of values.

He worked in his family business, Allen Marine, from childhood to his early 40s. Rob has an undergraduate degree in U.S. history from Harvard College and a master’s degree in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School.

His board service includes the Foraker Board, Rasmuson Foundation, Sitka Sound Science Center and Shee Atiká Inc.

Gunalchéesh to L’uxshakee Rob Allen for joining our board!

To learn more about Rob and the rest of the board, go to spruceroot.org/board.

Photo by Shaelene Grace Moler

Michael Mausbach leads Sitka Sound Science Center organization through a work planning workshop in 2023. Mausbach serves as board chair and is the workforce development catalyst for Spruce Root and the Sustainable Southeast Partnership.

Workforce development catalyst returns to SSSC to lead work planning session

Before the end of 2023, Spruce Root and the Sustainable Southeast Partnership's Regional Workforce Development Catalyst Michael Mausbach led a work planning workshop for the Sitka Sound Science Center (SSSC).

Ten years ago, Mausbach began their career as an economic development volunteer at SSSC and returned as both a work planning facilitator and as the newly appointed board chair.

"We are incredibly lucky to have Michael at the helm. They bring so many skills and understandings to the Science Center — workforce development training, knowledge of Human Resources, facilitation expertise, a love of Alaska, an understanding of small town life,” Sitka Sound Science Center Executive Director Lisa Busch said. “I have so much hope that with Michael as chair of the board, SSSC will accomplish great things."

In work planning, together they determined project priorities, fostered community connection and set personal and professional goals.

"Work planning sessions are a powerful way to bring staff together for fellowship, fun and strategic and operational planning," Mausbach said.

In addition to workshops like this and catalyzing workforce development projects across the region, Michael also provides career coaching to groups and individuals. To learn more about Spruce Root’s Career Coaching, go to spruceroot.org/coaching.

CONTACT A COACH

Photo by Brian Delay

Spruce Root Business Coach Marc Wheeler joined other kelp workshop participants in processing bull and sugar kelp, and making kelp pickles, fondue and seaweed salad.

Kodiak kelp workshop presents business planning and marketing models for farmers

In October, Spruce Root Business Coach Marc Wheeler attended a kelp workshop sponsored by Alaska SeaGrant and the Kodiak Archipelago Leadership Institute in Kodiak.

The focus of the workshop was on business planning, marketing and processing for beginning kelp farmers. Workshop sessions included business plan modeling, break even analysis, marketing, and market analysis. Participants also toured kelp planting and harvesting vessels and experienced hands-on kelp processing and cooking.

Presenters included Alaska SeaGrant staff (housed under University of Alaska Fairbanks), as well as expert kelp farmers.

One of the most impressive presenters was Lexa Meyer, an experienced kelp farmer, PhD student in kelp and contractor for kelp, who presented the potential markets for kelp. Her conviction is that kelp is a commodity product and that producers have to plan for a ceiling price of 30 cents per pound.

There was some discussion about the potential for food markets for Alaska kelp to produce a higher value crop, but food markets appear to be much smaller than other markets, which include beauty products and dietary supplements, bioplastics, soil and plant amendments and animal feed.

Thank you to all our partners, supporters, donors and communities for continuing to share in our vision for the region!

Spruce Root is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Our services for small businesses include coaching, training and lending for startup enterprises, working capital, business expansion, leasehold improvements and other business capital needs. We are a driver of a regenerative economy across Southeast Alaska so communities can forge futures grounded in this uniquely Indigenous place.