President’s Message – February 2024
Greetings and Osiyo!
Though we are only a few weeks into 2024, we are a mere month away from RES 2024. We at The National Center are eagerly counting down the days until we can reunite with familiar faces and forge new connections with the thousands who will gather in Las Vegas. We just released our agenda for the Summit – check out the RES website to learn what we have in store for you.
If you haven’t already secured your spot at RES 2024, don’t fret – there’s still time. Simply visit res.ncaied.org to register, book a hotel room, and learn more about what’s in store at Indian Country’s largest economic development gathering. And while sessions and trade show booths are filled, there are still sponsorship and advertising opportunities available. Please contact Emerald Skye Byrd at e.skye@ncaied.org or Erin Abrahamson at erin@ncaied.org if interested.
At RES, we’ll recognize the 2024 class of Native American 40 Under 40 awardees, which were just announced on February 6. From an Oscar-nominated actress to leaders in Native foods and agriculture, members of the 2024 class are shining examples of the diverse fields in which Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians are excelling. I can’t wait to celebrate with them in Las Vegas.
While we are working hard on RES, our other regular programming doesn’t stop.
Members of our team participated in the National Small Business Conference in Atlanta in early February, where they showcased the remarkable growth of Native-owned small businesses. A bit further south, we will host our next Native Edge Institute on February 15 in Atmore, Alabama at the Wind Creek Casino & Hotel, owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. NEI Alabama will delve into various business themes in Indian Country, with a specific emphasis on the strategies for bidding on – and winning – federal contracts as a Native-owned business. Whether you’re in the area or attending virtually, we hope you join us for this free event led by experts in their fields. Click here to register.
We’ll also be hosting and partnering in a couple of fascinating webinars this month. On February 8, our team will be guests on our friends at the Canadian Consulate’s webinar series as they prep attendees on what to expect at RES. On February 21, our Arizona MBDA Export Center team will resume its regular Trade Talks webinar. The special guest is attorney Tyler Bewley, who will be discussing the Corporate Transparency Act and what businessowners need to know about this relatively new law.
Whether you participate in one of our events or follow us on social media, thank you to each and every one of you for your unwavering support of The National Center. Your continued dedication and enthusiasm truly propel us forward, and we can’t wait to share these exciting moments with you at RES and throughout the year.
Chris James
President and CEO
The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development