Thanks from USCG
Dear Editor: On behalf of Sitka’s Coast Guard men and women, I would like to thank everyone in town for their kindness and generosity during the recent federal government shutdown. This was an unprecedented situation, not only for the Coast Guard, but also for the other federal government personnel who work and live in this great community. The numerous offers of assistance and messages of support our Coast Guard members received during this time reinforced how special this town is and why Sitka is one of the most sought-after locations in the service.
There are numerous organizations and individuals who went out of their way to offer resources that were critical to maintaining our mission focus. I do not think you have enough room to allow me to write out an exhaustive list, but I would like to highlight the help from the Sitka Sound Science Center and Alex Thorne, the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, KCAW and your newspaper. They were only the “tip of the iceberg” in help for our personnel. Each business, organization and person who offered material help and good wishes were hugely appreciated. I am not exaggerating when I say that we are all extremely proud to be standing the watch for the people of Sitka, Alaska, the best Coast Guard City in America.
Very Respectfully,
Commander Mike Frawley,
Commanding Officer,
USCG Air Station Sitka
Clarification
Dear Editor: Thank you so very much for spotlighting our companies and loan programs in your recent article! We value the impact it has for businesses in Sitka as well as us as lenders.
To clarify a few things:
Trevor Bradford of Evergreen Business Capital administers the SBA 504 loan program that participates with local lenders to help businesses purchase their own owner-occupied commercial real estate. It can also be used to purchase heavy equipment, planes and vessels included for commercial use.
Theo Ransum of Evergreen Business Capital Community Finance administers the SBA Community Advantage Loan Program (up to $250,000) and our own EBCCF Microloan (up to $15,000). Both of these programs provide working capital and fund purchases of inventory, equipment, business acquisitions, build business credit and refinance business debt. Both are great sources to fund start-up businesses. The SBA Community Advantage Loan Program can also fund purchases of commercial use vessels and commercial real estate up to $250,000. We are proud to assist startup businesses, businesses in LMI and HUBZones, minority owned and veteran owned businesses, too.
The EBCCF Microloan is currently at 5 percent fixed and is ideal for purchasing inventory for seasonal retail operations.
EBCCF’s SBA Community Advantage Loan Program and Microloan as well as EBC’s SBA 504 loan program are all designed to come into communities and develop them; the SBA 504 for example, helps fund new construction and adds additional infrastructure and fixed equipment, such as commercial use vessels and airplanes.
Would you be so kind to revise the article to differentiate what loan programs the two companies administer?
Thank you,
Theo Ransum,
Programs Loan Officer,
Evergreen Business,
Capital Community Finance
Polar Dip Thanks
Dear Editor: The 2019 Sitka Polar Dip, with the Seattle Fire Department Pipes and Drums, was held Feb. 16. This year the Polar Dip was held at Back Beach on another beautiful sunny Saturday. We had approximately 150 participants, volunteers and spectators take part in the plunge this year. On behalf of Baranof Island Brewing Co., we would like to thank the following business, organizations, and community members for their support and contributions.
Lisa Langenfeld went above and beyond by helping with advertising and organization needed for the event.
The Sitka Fire Department volunteered their time and support by providing staff time and emergency equipment. Along with the ground crew, we also would like to give a special thanks to the Dive Rescue Team that suited up for the event keeping everyone safe in the cold water.
The Seattle Fire Department Pipes and Drums joined us again this year with live music prior to the event and taking the plunge.
If you or a family member participated in the plunge, check out our Facebook page. Starling Birch did an amazing video and Roberta White took some outstanding pictures.
This community is truly amazing having so many different groups, organizations and people volunteer their time to come together to provide a safe, fun, free event for the community. We look forward to continuing to make this an annual event for local Sitkans.
Baranof Island Brewing Co.
