Economic & Business Development Success in Indian Country Highlighted at 2019 Reservation Economic Summit
Las Vegas, NV – March 25, 2019 – The 2019 Reservation Economic Summit was the best attended RES in many years, with over 2,400 people gathering in Las Vegas for four days. While it would be impossible to capture all of the great things that occurred at RES, the NCAIED wanted to do a quick highlight a few of the events, speakers, and programming that defined the week in celebration of the 50 years of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. RES 2019 officially kicked on Monday with the annual scholarship golf tournament. On Tuesday the ever-popular opening general session kicked off the economic development celebrations, with remarks from an impressive lineup of speakers, including National Director for the Minority Business Development Agency Henry Childs, Key Bank’s Head of Corporate Responsibility and Community Relations Don Graves, and former Ambassador Keith Harper. The Procurement Expo also kicked off on Tuesday, where hundreds of contractors and suppliers met with top procurement officers in both federal agencies and the private sector. It’s our way of directly connecting RES attendees with business opportunities. Throughout the week, “energy in Indian Country” was a major theme at RES. Attendees heard from Department of Energy officials such as James Campos, Director of the Office of Economic Impact; Anne Marie White, Assistance Secretary for DOE’s Office of Environmental Management; and John Sneed, Executive Director of DOE’s Loan Program Office. There were great sessions focused on various aspects of energy on tribal lands, including renewable energy, fossil fuels, energy and water infrastructure, environmental management, and Loan Programs. At the celebration, NCAIED announced the winners of our annual business awards. These awards highlight individuals, organizations, and businesses that are making significant contributions to Indian Country. It was our honor to recognize their achievements. On Wednesday morning RES 2019 opened our Business Trade Show, where hundreds of Native and non-Native-owned businesses opened their doors to prospective customers and clients. It was a clear sign that Indian Country is indeed open for business.
One of our most attended sessions was one that focused on Native Women in Power and Leadership, where attendees gained insight into the empowerment of Native women in today’s professional world. It was moderated by National Center Board Member Margo Gray who is President of Margo Gray and Associates and featured Deana Jackson, managing partner at Zion Enterprises, LLC (NCAIED 2019 Native Woman Business Owner of the Year), Autumn Dawn Monteau, Ginger Sloan from Nations Global Services, and Danelle Smith, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System. United States Congresswomen Debra Haaland (D-NM) provided a video address from Washington, D.C. at the RES 2019 Wednesday Luncheon where she announced the introduction of the Native American Business Incubators Act, designed to boost support for Native-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. In the evening, theNCAIEDcelebrated the 10thAnniversary of the 40 under 40 awards with a reception to honor the many past awardees who were at RES. This impressive and growing group will define our community’s future. Before RES concluded, attendees heard from several panels on various topics, including one entitled “Encouraging and Strengthening the Next Generation of American Indian and Alaska Native Youth.” Moderated by National Center Board Member Lillian Sparks Robinson, leaders from Native Americans in Philanthropy, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, the Cheyenne River Youth Project, and UNITY. The youth are our future, and these organizations are working to ensure they are given every opportunity to succeed.
9 | INDIAN GAMING UPDATE - MID YEAR EDITION 2019
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