US Chamber Seeks to Promote Native Owned Businesses

Native News Network Staff in Native Briefs. Discussion »

WASHINGTON – The US Chamber of Commerce today launched the Native American Enterprise Initiative to promote the interests and agenda of tribes and tribal entrepreneurs across the country. The Native American Enterprise Initiative will work with tribes and businesses to highlight opportunities for economic growth and networking for American Indian enterprises.

David Emery – Cheyenne River Sioux

In coordination with other American Indian advocacy organizations the Native American Enterprise Initiative will promote foreign direct investment on tribal lands and pursue an aggressive advocacy agenda before Congress and the administration.

“Native American's have made enormous strides in the past ten years. …an economic driver of the American economy.”

said David Emery, Cheyenne River Sioux, CEO of Black Hills Energy and US Chamber board member.

“This Initiative is long overdueand something that is much, much needed.”

"Tribes and tribal enterprises across the country face a unique set of economic opportunities and challenges as entrepreneurship and economic diversification in Indian country continues to grow,"

said Rolf Lundberg, the Chamber’s senior vice president for Congressional and Public Affairs.

"The US Chamber is launching the Native American Enterprise Initiative to help boost economic growth and job creation by identifying opportunities and advocating for the policies that will help tribes and tribal entrepreneurs succeed."

"Drawing on the Chamber’s longstanding track record of successful business advocacy, The Native American Enterprise Initiative will provide value to Indian country by working to remove legislative and regulatory road blocks to their economic success."

The issues that the Native American Enterprise Initiative's advocacy will focus on include taxation, energy development, trade and economic development, and promoting a sensible regulatory policy. The Native American Enterprise Initiative's Leadership Council, composed of major tribes and tribal enterprises, will serve as the governing body of the initiative and will further develop policy priorities.

photo credit Ian Wagreich;
posted December 11, 2012 11:50 am est