Working through these last few years has truly been a cooperative effort and I would be remiss in not acknowledging our long-time sponsors and Tribal partners. Through their continued support during the worst of the pandemic, they helped us maintain operations on behalf of Tribal Governments and Indian Gaming. Just as important, the Association was able to avoid layoffs and retain our loyal staff who continued to keep the Association active through new forms of communication and lobbying. Our Associate members are an important component at IGA and we have always worked to meet the needs of the dedicated gaming industry serving Indian Country. During the great recession of 2009 and again during the Covid pandemic, IGA suspended associate member dues to help our customers through difficult financial conditions. In the past two years, we have worked to reform our Associate Member Program and we more than doubled their membership ranks at IGA, providing much needed new revenues to the Organization. I pledge to continue our cooperative work on IGA’s Annual Budget, and will continue to coordinate with the Finance Committee, the Chairman, Executive Director, and our Membership, to protect the Association’s resources and ensure they are being used to meet Indian Country’s priorities. I am humbled to serve as your Treasurer and by the unity displayed in Indian Country during these trying times. Because of our collective advocacy, the Federal Government provided unprecedented support to Tribal Governments and our reservation economies during the Biden Administration. As Treasurer, I want to build on this cooperation and respect for Tribal sovereignty as we work our way out of the pandemic challenges and prepare for new methods of doing business in Indian Country. IGA owes it to our Tribal Membership to not only maintain the Association’s excellent credit rating, but to ensure the long-term fiscal health of the Association. It is an honor to have an elected role in an organization that is now of the most esteemed advocacy groups in Washington, D.C. I look forward to meeting with you in Anaheim and hearing your suggestions on how to continue to help all Tribal Nations pursue economic self-sufficiency, protect essential government services, and build a future for Native generations to come. I wish you much success in 2024 and I look forward to seeing you at the Tradeshow.
11 INDIAN GAMING - ANNUAL REPORT 2023
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