Fall CEO Livestream: Cascade Point, Tram and Goldbelt's Future
Goldbelt President and CEO McHugh Pierre addressed shareholder questions and shared updates on major development projects, business performance and shareholder opportunities during the November 13 Fall CEO Livestream.Goldbelt President and CEO McHugh Pierre addressed shareholder questions and shared updates on major development projects, business performance and shareholder opportunities during the November 13 Fall CEO Livestream. The discussion focused on how Goldbelt is managing current challenges, protecting its assets and pursuing opportunities that support long-term financial strength and benefits for shareholder owners.
Cascade Point: Improving Transportation and Creating Opportunity
The proposed Cascade Point Ferry Terminal was a key topic of discussion, including Goldbelt's role, project funding and the protection of cultural resources.
Pierre discussed how the State-led project could improve ferry connections between Juneau, Haines and Skagway, reduce operating costs and support more reliable transportation throughout Southeast Alaska. A State analysis projects savings of more than three hours in ferry operating time per round trip and approximately 117,000 gallons of fuel annually.
He also addressed several questions raised by shareholders and the community:
- Goldbelt's role and funding: The ferry terminal is a State transportation project, not a Goldbelt-funded construction project. Pierre discussed approximately $80 million in identified State and federal funding toward an estimated $120 million project cost.
- Cultural resources: Pierre reviewed archaeological investigations dating to 1991, including evidence of traditional harvesting activity and a 2024 survey. He stated that no village or burial site had been identified at the proposed terminal location and emphasized Goldbelt's responsibility to protect culturally significant places.
- Transportation access: Goldbelt is planning a paid shuttle service to help ferry passengers connect with transportation services in Juneau.
- Future opportunities: Goldbelt is exploring responsible development of its adjacent lands, including potential marine services and commercial opportunities.
Pierre also discussed the possibility of additional federal highway maintenance funding, including snow removal, if the necessary federal approvals and funding decisions are secured. Goldbelt recognizes the importance of keeping shareholder owners informed as the project advances. Pierre welcomed opportunities for shareholders to learn more through site visits, photographs and additional project information.
Shareholder owners can submit questions to info@goldbelt.com. Additional project information and FAQs will be shared as available.
Goldbelt Tram: Safety and Planning for the Future
Pierre provided an update on Goldbelt Tram following the April incident and closure during the 2026 season.
Safety remains the highest priority as Goldbelt works to obtain specialized replacement parts, reviews operating procedures and continues processing insurance claims related to property damage and business interruption. The Board has approved plans to remodel the Tram, including replacing its approximately 30-year-old cabins and creating an enhanced visitor experience that places greater emphasis on Tlingit culture, education and storytelling. Goldbelt is working toward an enhanced visitor experience in 2028. Whether the Tram will operate during the 2027 season remains under evaluation, with additional information expected in the coming weeks. The Tram is an important part of Goldbelt's commercial portfolio. These investments are intended to support its long-term operations while strengthening how Tlingit culture is represented to visitors.
Goldbelt Aaní: Connecting Culture and Economic Opportunity
Goldbelt Aaní continues advancing through the State's tideland lease process and the City and Borough of Juneau's Conditional Use Permit process. The project hired Tlingit cultural advisors as its first professional services partners to help guide cultural representation in its design, storytelling and visitor experience. Pierre discussed the vision for a living cultural village that supports cultural education, gatherings and opportunities for shareholder-owned businesses. The project represents an opportunity to develop Goldbelt's lands in a way that connects cultural stewardship with future economic activity.
Business Outlook: Supporting Long-Term Financial Strength
Pierre discussed the changing federal contracting environment and Goldbelt's strategy for maintaining financial stability.
Goldbelt projects approximately $25 million in net income for 2026, compared with approximately $29 million in 2025. While revenue has remained steady, tighter margins in federal contracting have affected profitability. Goldbelt is responding by maintaining its federal contracting capabilities while pursuing commercial business opportunities with the potential for stronger margins and long-term growth. This approach is intended to strengthen Goldbelt's financial position and support its ability to provide sustainable benefits to shareholder owners. Shareholder Distributions and Benefits
For the second consecutive year, Goldbelt's fall Tináa Trust distribution is $20 per share for shareholders with voting stock. Payment is scheduled for November 25.
Pierre explained that the Board uses a five-year financial average to help maintain consistent, financially responsible distributions. Since 2019, the Trust has helped shareholder owners save more than $6 million in federal income taxes on distributions. Goldbelt also continues investing in scholarships, internships, externships and opportunities that support shareholder career development and entrepreneurship.
Board Governance and Company Achievements
Goldbelt's Board of Directors recently adopted a Code of Conduct reinforcing expectations for integrity, accountability and service to shareholder owners. Pierre also discussed proposed election process improvements intended to strengthen ballot security and consistency. Additional information will be shared following Board review. Other achievements included Goldbelt earning Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 and 14 Goldbelt LLCs receiving HIRE VETS Medallions for their commitment to veteran employment.
Shareholder Opportunities and Upcoming Dates
Important dates
- November 15: Spring semester higher education scholarship application deadline.
- November 25: Fall Tináa Trust distribution payment.
- November 27–29: Tlingit & Haida Indigenous Holiday Market, Juneau.
- December 3: Unity Group Holiday Fair, Juneau.
2027 Shareholder Opportunity Meetings
- January 30: Anchorage, Marriott Hotel.
- February 6: Auburn, Washington, Muckleshoot Resort & Casino.
- February 20: Juneau, Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall.
Shareholder resources
Congratulations to Our Door Prize Winners
Congratulations to Eleanor Smith, Marylou Miller, Roberto Acevedo, LaPree Lundy and Roberto Ramirez, who each received a $100 cash prize. Thank you to everyone who participated and submitted questions. Goldbelt remains committed to keeping shareholder owners informed about the decisions, challenges and opportunities shaping the corporation's future.
The discussion focused on how Goldbelt is managing current challenges, protecting its assets and pursuing opportunities that support long-term financial strength and benefits for shareholder owners.