January 12, 2006
Thursday AM

Ketchikan, Alaska - The Seattle-based Community Advisory Board (CAB) of American Seafoods Group, one of the nation's largest seafood processors, announced Wednesday it has awarded a total of $30,250 to 23 Alaskan community projects through its community grant program.
 
Proposals were approved at the CAB's December meeting in Anchorage, and include SeaPro in partnership with Ketchikan's Alaska Ship and Dry Dock ($2,000), the St. Paul Food Bank ($2,000), Bristol Bay Native Association Regional Food Bank ($4,000), and the Aleknagik First Responders ($2,000).  A full list of the awards can be found on the American Seafoods website at www.americanseafoods.com.
 
"The money American Seafoods provides makes a big difference and we appreciate their efforts to help rural Alaska," said Phyllis Swetzof, a city official in St. Paul who also works with the community's food bank and volunteer fire department, both of which received grants. "The American Seafoods Community Advisory Board does a great job figuring out an equitable answer to everyone's requests and tries to aid as many organizations that are in need as possible."

The CAB grant program awards $75,000 annually to organizations and programs in Alaskan communities and has awarded more than $500,000 in total since 1997. Program funds are granted to projects that address a variety of issues including; hunger, housing, safety, education, research, natural resources and cultural activities.

"Through the CAB, American Seafoods is proud to help rural communities in need throughout Alaska" said Inge Andreassen, president of American Seafoods Company. "Each of the organizations provide important resources and services to the people in their communities and we are pleased to support their efforts."
 
The CAB is comprised of volunteers from all regions of Alaska.  Proposals are evaluated based on the following criteria: need in the community, project description, the number of people who will benefit from the program, and other matching funds.

Applications for consideration at the CAB's next meeting in February are available at www.americanseafoods.com or by contacting Kim Lynch at kim.lynch@americanseafoods.com.

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