(Photo by Bethany S. Goodrich)
As we reflect on 2023, we are filled with gratitude for all the amazing contributions and collaborations that have resulted in the great work Spruce Root accomplished.
This was a year of focusing on our sophistication as an organization. With tenured employees in leadership roles, we examined our existing programs and explored areas for improvement and new approaches. I am happy to report that we continued our growth from the previous year and we are a stronger organization than ever before.
We don’t measure success by staff size, but we have grown to over 20 employees, which is more than double our size before the COVID pandemic. We do measure the satisfaction of our clients and our ability to reach our annual objectives. Spruce Root staff continues to work toward our goals because of their passion and care for the future of this region and future generations.
Maintaining optimism and hope can be difficult as events in the world continue to unfold. By focusing on our strategy in Southeast Alaska and creating spaces where all residents can learn from Indigenous values to inform their decisions, I see examples of how people in a place can determine their future and build with generational abundance in mind. We can have an immense impact as a model for what a changing world can look like.
One of our values, Progress Over Perfection, means the journey is where the value lies; it is in the lessons along the way that lead to creative solutions. It means we don’t become paralyzed by the fear of failure. The many amazing entrepreneurs we work with constantly remind us that Progress Over Perfection is a beautiful journey and can be done thoughtfully and productively.
In 2023, one of our longtime clients, Our Town Catering, led by Edith Johnson, received our largest loan to date. Her path is indicative of our clients embracing Progress Over Perfection. Edith’s journey included Spruce Root from the beginning when she got assistance to set up her LLC. From there, she participated in Spruce Root’s training programs to start her first small business and worked on her personal finances to buy her first home. By then, she was ready to come to Spruce Root for a loan to purchase her second business. Edith’s journey exemplifies our mission to empower local talent and support local businesses. We feel so fortunate to be witness to the positive impact people like Edith have on our region’s community, culture and economy.
This past year, we learned we are never done working on our relationships. Starting with our internal organizational relationships is key — with a team-based approach to our work, different lived experiences and skills create a dynamic work environment. Through building trust, understanding and shared goals we believe all things are possible. To work in Southeast Alaska is a gift and we hope our sovereignty and solutions-based approach can be a model for others.
From this foundation of good relationships, we continue to develop integral partnerships with collaborators outside of Spruce Root to foster and further this important work.
Through these efforts, Home Planet Fund Executive Director Dilafruz Khonikboyeva traveled to Sitka to participate and facilitate work sessions at the 2023 Sustainable Southeast Partnership annual spring retreat, and as a result Home Planet Fund, as well as Rasmuson Foundation and Edgerton Foundation, joined our growing list of partners to support the Seacoast Trust, with a transformative $1 million investment, which propels our work with the Sustainable Southeast Partnership to new heights.
We celebrated Norman Cohen, who stepped down from our Board of Directors after more than 10 years, and welcomed a new member, L’uxshakee Rob Allen. Both members enrich our leadership with fresh perspectives. We are grateful for the time we shared with Norman and all his wisdom and experience that helped us through our first decade, and we look forward to the ideas Rob brings to the board table.
Together, we are weaving a vibrant tapestry of impact. As we move forward, let’s continue planting seeds, tending to growth and celebrating the harvest. Thank you for being part of our Spruce Root family.
With gratitude, Gah Kith Tin Alana Peterson