Alaska Village Initiatives (AVI) invited me as a guest to the 32nd annual Rural Small Business Conference last week. I learned new things, met great people, and made new connections. I was also invited to give a presentation.

Alaska Village Initiatives is a non profit organization committed to improving the well being of rural Alaskan communities. They do not specialize in one single skill set. AVI is committed to solving any problem, no matter how big or small, affecting any individual or community. They offer necessary education for small business owners and help create sustainable agriculture in rural communities amongst many other things. Additionally, they host this annual conference to work towards solving problems and to promote networking connections with people and businesses in Alaska. I owe a special thank you to President and CEO of AVI, Charles Parker, and V.P. Operations, George Quinto who invited me. I met amazing people and learned about many businesses located in our state.

Mayor Bronson addressed the importance of sustainable infrastructure which ensures that food and resources maintain their flow throughout our state. The Anchorage Port is Alaska’s food and supply hub. He stressed the important need to generate funds required to repair and update the aging port. Any additional damage caused by potential future earthquakes would have detrimental impacts to our ability to receive food and supplies in our state. He and Junior Aumavae took the time to talk to me after their presentation. They asked about who I was and the goals that I have for my sports and my future. It was an honor to speak with them as well as listen to what they both shared in their presentations.

As a guest speaker, I shared who I am, my future personal goals, and ideas on how to make both biathlon and skiing more accessible in rural communities.

Not only did I meet great people, but I also learned new things about the inner workings of businesses and their unique connections in rural Alaska. It’s awesome that Mr. Quinto and Mr. Parker included me in the conference and introduced me to the people that they care about.

I spent a lot of time researching more about biathlon and skiing in our state as I prepared my presentation. I learned about several great organizations that support youth and adults here in Alaska. Every year the Western Interior Ski Association (WISA) hosts skiing and biathlon races near Nome for athletes in that area. The non profit, Skiku, and their sister program NANANordic, are committed to creating sustainable access to skiing and biathlon all across the state.

I am grateful to Skiku for letting me borrow a laser rifle to demonstrate how easy and accessible biathlon can be introduced in any location. I met with Skiku Program Director, Tyler Henegan, and Addison Wright personally. They gladly shared support and enthusiasm for me to share more about their program. Every year they offer volunteer nordic ski coaching opportunities for anyone interested in traveling, learning, teaching, and skiing in different parts of Alaska! Check it out if you’re interested!

Many inspiring people like Mr. Quinto and Mr. Parker gave me their time and attention last week. I learned something valuable from every single aspect, from the preparation, to being a guest, to making new connections. All the way to speaking with business owners, politicians, tribal leaders, teachers, and other people who care about Alaska.