Historic Launch of Navajo Chamber of Commerce Applauded

Native News Network Staff in Native Currents. Discussion »

Navajo Small Business

WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA - Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly and Vice President Rex Lee Jim applauded the creation of the first-ever Navajo Chamber of Commerce.

The idea to develop a Chamber was announced by Navajo businessmen and women attending President Shelly's Business Leaders Roundtable back in April 2011.

“Small businesses are the backbone of any economy,”

said President Shelly. "For too long Navajo companies and businessmen and women have struggled to survive without general support for private businesses. At the roundtable, I said we will work for you and I meant it. We are committed to supporting the Navajo Chamber of Commerce. Their business expertise will be important in changing the policies and laws that will result in increasing the number of successful small businesses on the reservation."

"Lifting our people out of poverty means providing jobs and economic development, a main priority of the Shelly-Jim Administration and the Navajo Chamber of Commerce can help us reach those goals," stated Vice President Jim.

"I would like to see the Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise open stores and do business in Rome, Paris and New York, selling our Navajo jewelry and products. Can you imagine if people could buy Navajo jewelry in Rome, that's what we should strive for."

Navajo Chamber of Commerce Steering Committee Member Cal Nez concluded, "We are excited President Shelly and Vice President Jim supports the Navajo Chamber of Commerce in realizing a new and exciting time in our history. As Navajo business owners we will help guide policy and work toward building a strong private sector on the Navajo reservation."

posted June 25, 2011 11:57 am et