View the first edition of The National Center’s magazine
To Our New National Center Readers
A Message from the President and CEO, Chris James:
Welcome to the first edition of our new publication – NC Magazine! We are excited to share the work The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development is doing to advance American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as bring to you the latest news from across Indian Country.
In each edition of NC Magazine, you will find original reporting on the subjects that matter to you. I am particularly excited about the person featured in the cover story of our inaugural edition, Congresswoman Sharice Davids of Kansas. Congresswoman Davids, who is also a past winner of the Native American “40 Under 40 Award”, has quickly become a leader in Congress and a prime example of why representation matters. I hope you enjoy our feature on Congresswoman Davids.
It is not only members of Congress who will grace the pages of NC Magazine. From contracting to gaming, the culinary field, agriculture, energy, consulting, and more, we aim to feature the individuals and companies shaping the future of the economy inside and outside of Indian County. In our first edition, you’ll find stories about an award-winning distillery’s connection to Indian Country, how one of the country’s leading tribe’s economic development arms is serving its community, and a feature on one of the tribes in our backyard here in Southern Arizona.
There is a good chance you are reading this in Las Vegas at the 35th Reservation Economic Summit, or as most people know it, RES. We are starting RES about four months later than usual due to COVID-19, but the most important thing is that we made it. Despite pandemic-related challenges and obstacles, we are proud to bring you Indian Country’s premier business event. Some things may look different this year due to COVID-19, but I know you will enjoy our first-rate programming, networking opportunities, and everything that Las Vegas has to offer. I hope to see you while we are here.
As I often do, I want to remind you that The National Center – both the organization and now NC Magazine – is more than RES. We offer incredible programming throughout the year, including our one-day training sessions, the Native Edge Institute. Our Procurement Technical Assistance Centers help businesses and entrepreneurs take their plans to the next level. Our PTAC clients have won more than $4 billion in contracts over the last two decades. The National Center’s work with allied organizations has led to real victories for Indian Country in Congress and the Administration.
This work is made possible through the financial support and guidance of our partners, as well as the leadership of our Board and our dedicated – and growing – staff. I am guilty of not spending enough time highlighting their work and accomplishments. NC Magazine will give us plenty of opportunities to do just that.
NC Magazine will print twice a year. I hope you will become a regular reader. And, if it makes sense for you or your tribe, business, or organization, support the magazine by purchasing an ad or becoming a sponsor. However, what we really want is for you to enjoy the magazine and learn something about Native businesses, or perhaps find a new partnership opportunity or two.
I look forward to communicating with you through this new venue. Happy reading!
