Spotlight On: Northern Air Cargo, Iron Dog 2020 Sponsor
One of the most critical aspects of putting on a successful Iron Dog race is getting supplies to their needed destinations. From fuel to spare parts to tools, these supplies must be available in the 28 rural Alaska communities through which the race passes, and most of these destinations are off the road system. So it’s not an understatement to say that the Iron Dog could not happen without this sponsor’s help.
Northern Air Cargo is one of Alaska’s most dependable businesses around and has been a diehard supporter for as long as the race has existed. Iron Dog wants to thank these sponsors who support the World’s Longest, Toughest Snowmobile Race, and help you get to know them a bit better. Here, we talk with Janet Klatt, director of sales and public relation at Northern Air Cargo in Anchorage, who shared some of NAC’s vision.
Q. Tell us about your business and what services you provide.
A. Northern Air Cargo, (NAC), provides cargo service throughout northern Alaska. With a fleet of Boeing 737 jets, NAC serves Bethel, Dillingham, King Salmon, Kotzebue, Nome, Deadhorse, Barrow, Unalakleet, Aniak, and McGrath with scheduled freight services. NAC has been an Alaskan company since 1956, growing with the state throughout the years.
Q. How long have you been an Iron Dog Sponsor?
A. NAC has been an Iron Dog sponsor since the first race in 1984.
Q. Why did you decide to become an Iron Dog sponsor?
A. NAC sponsors the Iron Dog to support winter outdoor activities in Alaska. It is a tradition that showcases the ability of NAC to support rural Alaska. The largest part of our sponsorship for the Iron Dog involves setting the race organization up for success. This entails shipping gear, machines, and fuel to different locations all along the route. Additionally we support the recognition of the racers with a banquet in Nome as well as a presence at the start and finish of the race. With the new route this this year, NAC is also providing food and a luncheon in Kotzebue for the racers. By sponsoring and assisting with logistics throughout the race route, NAC demonstrates our capabilities and keeps the race alive and racers safe.
Q. Why do you think supporting the Iron Dog is a valuable use of your annual giving?
A. The Iron Dog touches many of the communities that NAC serves. By supporting active lifestyles and safe operation of snow machines in these areas, NAC hopes to promote these habits in rural Alaska. The race also has a financial benefit for each of the communities generating additional local activity around the race. Our employees love to participate in the event promotion. We grill hot dogs at the start/finish in Willow; we help with the Nome banquet. We sponsor individual racers in addition to sponsoring the race. (Iron Dog racer and defending champion) Mike Morgan has been sponsored by NAC for many years. He comes out to our events and makes personal appearance. He came to our community appreciation events in Anchorage, Nome, and Unalakleet in 2019. Being the champions the past two years, the team of Olds/Morgan has helped support NAC in our promotions.
Q. What do you think of the revamped race this year, with the additional miles near Kotzebue and the Fairbanks start?
A. I think the racers finishing in Willow will enhance the end of the race. Adding the miles and the new stop in Kotzebue brings in another community to enjoy and support the race and racers.