Economic Impact to be highlighted; Tribal Nations, Community and Business Leadership to Attend
Oklahoma City - Oklahoma Tribal Finance Consortium is hosting an event “Celebrating Oklahoma Tribal Communities,” from 6:30 – 9:30PM, Tuesday Aug. 9 at Tulsa’s Cox Business Center’s second floor Legacy Hall. Media is invited to attend, and interviews with Tribal Nation and other leaders will be available.
This special event will celebrate the spirit of collaboration and partnership between Oklahoma tribal nations and businesses and communities across the state. These partnerships create positive impacts on Oklahoma communities large and small.
Leadership from all 38 Tribal Nations and dozens of Okahoma’s business and community leaders will be in attendance and available for interviews.
Tribal leadership including chairmen, chiefs, presidents and cabinet members will be joined by industry and civic leaders including Oklahoma Representative, District 78, Meloyde Blancett; Shawnee Mayor Ed Bolt; Wyandotte Fire Chief Jodi Francisco; Akana Group President Chad Johnson; and Tulsa County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Michael Neal and many others.
“Tribal nations are one of the greatest resources in our state. They are economic drivers for the communities they call home and are dedicated to making Oklahoma a better place for all Oklahomans to live, work and raise their families,” said Victor Flores, President, Oklahoma Tribal Finance Consortium and Director of Tribal Services, REDW, LLC. “Unlike corporations that move based on economic conditions, our tribes are here to stay. Oklahoma is home, and we will continue to reinvest in our communities through job creation, critical service delivery and infrastructure development. Oklahoma is stronger when we all work together.”
“The positive economic impact of our regional tribal partners cannot be overstated,” says Mike Neal, president and CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. “Our region is home to three of the largest and most influential tribal nations in the country—the Cherokee Nation, the Muscogee Nation and the Osage Nation. These tribal nations have become integral partners in the Chamber-led Tulsa’s Future regional economic development partnership and have been key participants in all phases of our region’s most historic economic development projects. Tribal participation, from initial proposal to post-groundbreaking talent recruitment, has given the Tulsa region a competitive advantage among peer communities. Since its inception more than 16 years ago, Tulsa’s Future has supported the creation of more than 72,000 jobs and more than $4.2 billion in capital investment in northeast Oklahoma, and that would not have been possible without tribal support,” said Mike Neal, president & CEO, Tulsa Regional Chamber.
“Premier Steel is proud to partner with Tribal Nations to install our Fast Cast Bridge system as a cost effective and efficient solution to failing bridges throughout Oklahoma. From helping to improve rural infrastructure to creating business opportunities, tribes create positive working relationships in our communities,” said Andy Vanaman, CEO of Premier Steel.
In addition to being dedicated and consistent partners, Oklahoma Tribal Nations are major drivers of Oklahoma’s overall economy, ranking as a Top 10 industry. As sovereign nations, tribes deliver key safety-net services and invest billions in businesses that benefit both tribal members and all Oklahomans.
“I believe that our State is infinitely better having a significant Tribal presence and I am honored to recognize our Tribal partners as colleagues who together can help Oklahoma be the best we can be, whether it’s their beautiful cultural contribution or their governmental support for the communities they serve. I am honored to stand side by side with them,” said Oklahoma Representative, District 78, Meloyde Blancett.
Tribes in Oklahoma operate a diverse portfolio of businesses which provide revenue
vital for tribal self-determination and long-run stability. Read the recent Economic Impact Report at http://www.oknativeimpact.com/.
