Exciting Times for the Native American Business Alliance
(Jackie Gant - NABA National Executive Director - Oneida Nation of the Thames)

 

In the early part of 2007, NABA had a change of leadership within the board of directors. With that change came an abundance of experience. I am thrilled to have this chance to work closely with Lee Pepion, our new board President and co-founder of NABA; Lee brings with him his heart and passion for continually improving NABA. The other board officers are Dr. Stormy Hicks and William Moon, who share the wisdom of their long experience working in the Corporate sector; and Will Hunt, who has brought fresh ideas to the organization to assist us with its growth and development. With the recent passing of Thomas “Running Bear” Smith, my heart is heavy but I know with the experience and guidance of these officers NABA will continue on its bright journey. The first part of that journey began with a successful 2007 National Business/Procurement Conference in Galveston Island, Texas. It continues now with Board Development Training, the development of a Corporate Advisory Committee and the new board President setting the tone of "leadership, commitment and working together to get the job done".

I am proud to be an enrolled member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames community and a member of the Muncee-Delaware Nation. Each of these Aboriginal communities is closely linked to the other. They each possess a deep commitment to carrying on their traditions and to the renewal of economic development and prosperity for the future. With this in mind, serving as the National Executive Director for the past 3 plus years has given me the opportunity to lend support not only to both of these communities' economic development, but to many tribal communities and Native American-owned businesses who wish to expand their business and find new opportunities. I am especially pleased when NABA can provide them with the necessary resources so they can build a solid infrastructure for their company and its future.

It is an exciting time for NABA and we are always looking for ways to address the needs of our membership from our well-received pre-certification classes to the networking opportunities hosted by NABA. We also let our members know about networking events hosted by other organizations and promote your company through NABA in a variety of ways, including our newest membership category, the Eagle Member, which allows you to have your company logo and a link to your company’s website at the beginning of the NABA membership page.

I've heard the challenges and listened to the needs of small businesses and I have worked to advocate for them and address their issues with the respective companies and/or organizations; I have also been afforded the opportunity to work with many Corporate Representatives who are truly passionate about their “Diversity Programs” and witnessed their desire to work with certified-minority MBEs, particularly Native American Businesses.

By being a member of NABA, you not only support our organization and its mission of promoting Native American businesses but you serve as a role model to many Native American People who are just starting their own business or who want to expand and grow their businesses into Tier I suppliers. Remember, working collectively as Native People is better than working as one - join forces! As we continue our journey to develop sustainable businesses for the future, begin to joint venture with one another, become partners in business deals or mentor other Native American business owners, When we join forces with one another we become stronger, wiser and more skillful in today’s fast growing economy.

Thank you for being a supportive member of NABA as we continue to develop and introduce new benefits to serve you as members.

With warmest regards,

-Jackie Gant,
NABA National Executive Director