#BuyIndian
Get Ready to Celebrate
@ Our 2023
Native American Heritage Month
Luncheon
Friday, December 1
Grand Californian Hotel
Disneyland Resort | Anaheim, CA
Prestigious Warrior Award Presentations
Over $70,000 in Scholarships to be awarded
Use the QR Code Above or Click the link
to register:
Tickets, Sponsorships, Info
Questions? Contact Maria
accounting@aicccal.org | 213-440-3232
---------------------------------
This 20th Anniversary EXPO Was Awesome!
This Trade Mission Was Also Awesome!
--------------------------------------------------
Congratulations Once Again To Our
2022 Warrior Awardees
Our 23rd Annual Warrior Awards
Tribal Leader:
Jack Potter Jr, Chairman
Redding Rancheria
Corporate Partner:
AT&T - Julio Figueroa
Our American Indian Student Scholarships Awarded
-------------------------
July 16-18, 2023!
Bonus Morning July 19
Jr. American Indian Chamber
Youth EXPO July 18
Highlights From Previous Years
This two and one-half day event was packed with meaningful business development plenary sessions, dynamic keynote speakers, strategic and fun networking combined with one on one pitches to those corporations, government agencies, tribes and others who are seeking tribal enterprises and Native owned businesses for their supply chain.
- Nationally recognized Keynote Speakers
- Procurement Oriented Sessions
- AICEF-PTAC Sessions
- One on One Pitches to Supply Chain Leaders
- Jr Chamber Youth EXPO
EXPO’23 will be presented in an in-person back at the beautiful Agua Caliente Resort in Rancho Mirage.
All tribal enterprises and Native owned businesses will be eligible for the one on one pitches whether attending in-person or virtually.
Our American Indian Chamber provides the best value for a business conference anywhere in Indian Country.
Our mission is to provide an awesome opportunity venue for our tribes, tribal enterprises and Native owned businesses. We do not charge high registration fees. We want you to enjoy a decent return on your investment in attending the EXPO with us.
We are a organization that is led by businesses for our businesses. Please register to join us today.
Questions contact Monique at events@aicccal.org
------------------------------
Round 6 Closed
aicccal.mylendistry
The Chamber is once again a partner in the effort to award state of California small business grants for COVID business interruption relief.
For any questions, our Chamber Lead Team member on this project is Annette Wakolee. She can be reached at Annette.wakolee@aicccal.org 213 442 8611
------------------------------
Chamber Participation In State of CA
Informational Hearing On COVID-19
Impact to Small Businesses & Communities
Well Received
This hearing led in a virtual format by State of California Assembly member Sabrina Cervantes, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy (JEDE), addressed a number of factors and challenges faced by the small business community in California.
In addition to Chair Cervantes, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians tribal member and the first California Indian tribal member elected to the State Assembly, James Ramos, also participated as a member of the JEDE committee.
The Chamber’s main points to discuss:
- Access to Capital – CA Small Business Relief Grant – Forgivable Loan Programs
- Lack of opportunities – getting RFPs and contracting started in all industry sectors
- The need to continue to open up the state for business in a COVID safe manner
Shown above is Tracy Stanhoff speaking during the hearing, live from her Huntington Beach office. Thank you to the JEDE Committee for providing an important platform for the Chamber.
------------------------
Thank You to the Tribal Business Empowerment Journey Team & Kevin Narcomey For A Great Training Module
This Past Week
Module Five of our Tribal Business Empowerment Journey (TBEJ) program featuring “Operations – Processes, Quality Control” was a really good success and we thank TBEJ Mentor and Chamber member Kevin Narcomey of Osceola Consulting – and our AICEF-PTAC for their assistance in this training module.
Next TBEJ session on April 22 – stay tuned for details!
presented in partnership with our good friends at:
For more information contact Linda Sandoval at 541-391-2992 or email her at outreach@aicccal.org
------------------
Thanks To All Who Joined in Our March 11th Chamber Meeting With AICEF-PTAC Training Including Special Guest Arnice Lamb of the Walt Disney Company
This Chamber meeting provided all with important updates and a great webinar presentation on "How to Fine Tune Your Proposals and Marketing with Powerful Descriptions of Your Business’s Successful Past Performance."
And, was presented in partnership with our good friends at:
Questions contact Monique at events@aicccal.org
------------------
Chamber Supports Cal Nations Indian Gaming Association Event & Meeting
Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff Presents Chamber Update During CNIGA Meeting
Earlier this week Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff was afforded value time at the California Nations Indian Gaming Association’s (CNIGA) meeting to present an update and overview of our Chamber’s programs and offerings.
The Chamber presentation included descriptions of all Chamber programs and included our annual calendar of events. The Chamber is committed to working hand in hand with CNIGA to help increase the success of tribal economies and diversification of our enterprises.
One important component presented was our “Buy Indian” initiative. This initiative of continuing to grow our economic base by keeping our dollars flowing internally to help all of our people was well received. Our annual EXPO and Jr American Indian Chamber EXPO also received good reviews from those in attendance who participate.
We salute CNIGA for their tremendous efforts to better Indian Country and thank them for their support of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce.
Pictured in Main Photo Above are, left to right:
CNIGA Treasurer Isaiah Vivanco
(Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians Chairman);
CNIGA Chair James Siva
(Morongo Band of Mission Indians Vice Chairman); and
CNIGA Executive Director Susan A. Jensen
---------------------
Chamber’s Participation In CA Small Biz Grant Program Helped Hundreds of Small Businesses Throughout the State
The Chamber was thankful to be a partner in the state of California Small Business Grant Program under the prime contractor on the program - Lendistry. Round Two of the application timeframe was completed this past Monday.
A huge thanks to the Chamber team who fielded over 1,000 calls and assisted hundreds in filing applications for the grants
---------------------
Chamber President Named to State of CA Hospital Diversity Commission
The Hospital Diversity Commission is being established by Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 1339.88.
The purpose of the commission is to advise and provide recommendations to the OSHPD Director and the hospital industry on the best methods to increase procurement with diverse suppliers within the hospital industry. The commission will also promote and provide outreach to hospitals that are actively engaged in supplier diversity issues.
Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff was appointed as a representative of a minority business enterprise on the Commission. The Commission will start meeting quarterly during 2021.
“We are looking forward to expanding the opportunities afforded to minority businesses within the Hospital industry,” said Tracy
Chamber Cautiously Optimistic Regarding New Legislation ---Indian Community Economic Enhancement Act of 2020
Legislation to Hopefully Strengthen
Buy Indian Act Implementation
This bill makes several revisions related to economic development for Native American communities.
(Sec. 3) Specifically, the bill establishes duties for the Office of Native American Business Development, including (1) advising the Department of Commerce regarding the relationship between the United States and Indian tribes; and (2) serving as the point of contact for tribes, tribal organizations, and members of tribes regarding economic development and doing business in Indian lands.
The bill also requires coordination between Commerce, the Department of the Interior, and the Department of the Treasury to support economic development in Native American communities.
Under the bill, assistance from the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund benefiting Native American institutions does not require matching funds.
The Government Accountability Office must conduct a study that assesses (1) current programs and services that assist Native American communities with business and economic development; (2) assistance provided to Native Americans pursuant to loan, bond, and tax incentive programs; and (3) alternative incentives for tribal governments to invest in a Native American community development investment fund or bank.
(Sec. 4) The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to use Native American labor and purchase Native American industry products, unless Interior or HHS determines it would be impracticable and unreasonable to do so. Among other requirements, HHS and Interior must conduct outreach to Indian industrial entities in the implementation of enterprise development.
(Sec. 5) Additionally, the bill authorizes the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) to provide financial assistance to Native American community development financial institutions. ANA must give priority for financial assistance to applicants whose programs seek to develop (1) tribal codes and court systems relating to economic development, (2) tribal business structures, (3) community development financial institutions, or (4) tribal master plans for community and economic development and infrastructure.
Phone: 213-448-2330
events@aicccal.org
------------------
It Was GREAT SAFELY Holding
EXPO'20 July 19-21
@ Agua Caliente Resort
2020 Vision:
Connecting Business, Technology & Culture
in the New Decade
------------------------------------
It Was Awesome!
THANKS Everyone
----------------------------------------------------
Living Up to Expectations!
EXPO’19
Was Indian’s Country’s
Most Progressive
Business Conference
Thank You
Attendees & Sponsors
16th Annual EXPO: July 14 – July 16, 2019
“Creating Connections & Business Success In A Changing Market”
Presented By Eagle Sponsors
Southern California Edison • Northrop Grumman Corporation • AT&T
Comcast NBCUniversal • Southern California Gas Company
Raven Sponsors
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDGE) • Wells Fargo Bank
Thunderbird Sponsors
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. • Southwest Gas • San Manuel Band of Mission Indians • Frontier Communications
EXPO Sponsors
Apple Computer • Southern California Edison • Wells Fargo Bank • Northrop Grumman Corporation
East Bay Municipal Utility District • Blair, Church & Flynn Consulting Engineers • SC Anderson • AMG
Jr. American Indian Chamber Youth EXPO Title Sponsor
Disneyland Resort • Wells Fargo Bank
Jr. American Indian Chamber Youth EXPO Program Sponsor
American Honda Motor Co., Inc
---------------------------------
Chamber Honors Three Great Partners During
Native American Heritage Month LuncheonWe are so blessed to have many great collaborators who steadfastly support our Chamber’s mission. This year, not unlike any other year we saluted an individual and a corporation for their work on behalf of our community and the Chamber – Tuolumne’s Dennis Hendricks and the American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Also, this year during the lunceon, we honored Paula Starr with our third presentation of the Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
The food was delicious, the networking was superb and all of the attendees provided for great fellowship as “generators of success” in the Chamber’s mission to promote economic self-sufficiency for our people through business enterprise success.
2018 Warrior Award – Corporation – American Honda Motor, Co., Inc.
& the Chamber Board
2018 Warrior Award – Tribal Leader – Dennis Hendricks, Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians,
with former Warrior Awardees the Honorable Rosemary Morillo (2nd Left) and the Honorable Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena (3rd Left) & the Chamber Board
2018 Lifetime Achievement Awardee – Paula Starr
surrounded by Chamber members with
Rick West of the Autry Museum (far left) providing a special moment of best wishes to Paula spoken in their Cheyenne
tribal languageAnother highlight of the luncheon included the presentation of the Chamber’s Annual College Scholarships. Thank you to all who sponsored an award – including an additional $1,500 scholarship that was recently donated by Northrop Grumman Corporation -- and donated during our auctions and raffles throughout the year.
Pictured below are four of the recipients who were able to attend (l to r): Taylor Brooks, UCLA; Marcus Bear Eagle, UCLA; Clementine Bordeaux, UCLA; and Renee White Eyes, UCLA. The complete list of scholarship awardees with their donors is below the photo.
Also the Chamber extends a special thank you to an awesome human being – Walter Ahhaitty – pictured below, for once again conducting our live auction during the luncheon to raise funds for our scholarships and Jr. American Indian Chamber of Commerce program.
The Chamber and our American Indian Chamber Education Fund
thank you all for your stellar support
of this luncheon and our efforts.
---------------------------------
It Was Indian Country's
Premier Procurement Event
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS, PRESENTERS & ATTENDEES
“Collaborating Today to Build Tomorrow”
| Presented By Eagle Sponsors Southern California Edison • AT&T Northrop Grumman • PG&E Comcast NBCUniversal |
| Tribal Agency Presenting Sponsor Department of Interior OIEE |
| Raven Sponsors California Water Association Frontier Communications |
| Thunderbird Sponsors American Honda Motor Co., Inc. San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Southwest Gas |
| EXPO Sponsors Wells Fargo • California Water Service Southern California Edison Northrop Grumman East Bay Municipal Utility District MWD • AMG - American Marketing Group AD•PRO |
Youth EXPO’18
presented by
The Disneyland Resort • Wells Fargo Bank
Youth EXPO’18 Program Sponsored by
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Youth EXPO Sponsors
Southern California Edison • Agua Caliente Resort
---------------------------------
Thank You Everyone!
June Recognition Luncheon
One of Our Best Ever.
Our taste buds were really rewarded by the great work of the fry bread team and Indian taco makers led by Maurice Begay, the fry bread king, with the assistance of the Southern California Indian Center “crew of awesomeness.”
Diana Terrazas, you are one of the best community organizers around. Thank you for your support and partnership.
Rick West, famous Rick West, thanks for being there to welcome us and provide remarks – and help “one-armed” Venessa with her Indian taco.
Our AICEF-PTAC training presented by our program manager Venessa Gleich, was well-attended and super informative.
Cheri Myron (see below) along with her special deputy William Morales (Paula Starr’s grandson) ran an exceptional raffle. Thank you to all who donated items and to the Pala Band of Luiseno Indians and their Chairman Robert Smith for donating an overnight stay to their beautiful resort.
It was another extraordinary day to promote #BuyIndian, network and strengthen our community. Thank you all for your support.
AICEF-PTAC Tribal Business Empowerment Workshop presented by
“Introductions & Updates to
Key Tools Needed For
Business Success”
-
Cyber Security Policy &
Requirements Overview for
Your Tribal Enterprise or AI/AN business
Points To Enhance Your
Capabilities Statement
For Your Target Audience
THANK YOU TO THE PALA CASINO FOR PROVIDING THE RAFFLE GRAND PRIZE
There is no charge for this event, please consider donating raffle item(s) and/or purchasing raffle tickets to benefit our scholarship fund.
---------------------------------------
Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff &
Tribal Advisory Council Leader
Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena
Speak at Leadership California
Organized by CA Department of Water Resources Tribal Liaison, Anecita Agustinez (Class of ’17), Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff (right) and Chamber Tribal Advisory Council Leader, Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (left) presented at the recent Leadership California event held last week at Yocha Dehe’s Cache Creek Resort in Brooks, California.
Tracy and Lynn flank Jennifer Persike, Executive Director, Leadership California.
Leadership California is a network of over 1,600 accomplished women, dedicated to advancing the leadership role of women in business, communities and public policy.
Seventy accomplished women from the entire state of California form each year’s class.
This year, Vice Chairwoman Tishmall Turner of the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians and Joely Proudfit of Cal State University San Marcos are in this year’s class.
We thank Anecita and Leadership California for the interest in promoting women in leadership and using this tribal leader panel as an example.
---------------------------------------
Congratulations to the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians
On Their Resort Expansion Opening
Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff, and many of our Chamber Advisory Council including: San Manuel Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena; Rincon Vice Chairwoman Tishmall Turner; Pechanga’s Andy Masiel, Sr.; SCE’s Brian McDonald; and NAFOA Vice President VaRene Martin; among others were in attendance to celebrate with the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians on Saturday, March 3
in Temecula.
Above, the Pechanga Tribal Council and members of the Pechanga Development Corporation surround Pechanga Chairman Mark Macarro as he cuts the ribbon to open their expanded resort. The updated resort has 1,200 rooms, seven swimming pools, a two level spa and new restaurants.
Many other dignitaries joined in the fun, some even taking “selfies” with Tracy:
|
|
x |
|
|
|
|
|
Minority Business Opportunity Day (MBOD)
April 23 – 24, 2018
Pasadena, CA
Minority Business Opportunity Day (MBOD) is an institution in Los Angeles. Always highly anticipated, MBOD brings together more corporate members, minority business enterprises, expert speakers and sponsors than any other single SCMSDC event of the year.
MBOD 2018 will be held at an exciting new venue – the Pasadena Convention Center – which, because of its central location, will create even more possibilities for sponsors to create associated activities and opportunities for engagement.
Programming for the daylong event will include keynote speakers, an exhibit fair, matchmaking interviews and a closing reception.
For questions regarding sponsorship or exhibiting opportunities, please contact events@scmsdc.org.
---------------------------------------
Native Voices 2018 Season Starts In March
Native Voices At the Autry presents Bingo Hall by Dillon Chitto at The Autry, March 9 – 25. See flyer below in our Partner Event section.
Later this year Stories From the Indian Boarding Schools, a Spring tour and then a Festival of New Plays at The Autry, June 6-7 and La Jolla Playhouse, June 9-10, 2018.
Recognizing The 2017
Warrior Award Recipients
– Corporate Partner –
The Honorable Gwen Moore
Former State Assembly Member
& Author of GO-156
– Tribal Leader –
Denis Turner
Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians
Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association
& THE FIRST EVER
– American Indian Chamber Education Fund – Procurement Technical Assistance Center Warrior
Anne Jennings
Office of Indian Energy & Economic Development
 Cheers from the first ever Chamber picnic at State of California Native American Day. Above a photo of some of our attendees enjoying the lunch. |
|
| This year’s Native American Day hosts, Chairman Michael Hunter from the Coyote Band of Band of Pomo Indians and Vice Chairwoman Tishmall Turner of the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians. These two leaders did a great job! |
|
|
Chairman Bo Mazzetti, of the Rincon Band Of Luiseno Indians and the leader of the Southern California Tribal Chairman’s Association (SCTA), this year’s Native American Day host tribal organization. Chairman Mazzetti welcomes the crowd. |
| Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff visits with the Honorable California Attorney General Xavier Becerra regarding tribal enterprise and American Indian/Alaska Native small business initiatives. The Chamber looks forward to expanding our relationship with the Attorney General. |
|
|
Chamber member, Elizabeth Perez of GC Green and Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff of AD PRO flank, California State Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Vito Imbasciani, M.D.
|
| Chairman Emeritus, Marshall McKay of Yoche Dehe and Chamber member, Diana Terrazas of the Autry Museum enjoying the day. The Autry Museum was a great outreach booth neighbor for this day. |
|
"Accelerate Your Business in the Spirit Of
Innovation
& Collaboration"
Cheers To EXPO ’17
It Was A Great Success!
|
Michael Picker, President, California Public Utilities Commission Monday Leadership Dinner - Keynote His speech provided all of us with his commitment to our efforts – and the efforts of all diverse communities in our state. We honored him as the Warrior as his support for Indian Country is exceptional. |
|
Kevin M. Payne, chief executive officer Southern California Edison Monday Leadership Dinner – Welcome Keynote Our Chamber was truly honored to have the president of SCE speak at the EXPO. It was the first time we had the president of a major coporation support our events. We are truly grateful and presented him with our “Soaring with Eagles” honoring for the top-notch support SCE provides the Chamber. |
|
Brenda A. Soulliere, MBA Honorable Member at Large Cabazon Band of Mission Indians Tuesday Luncheon - Keynote Brenda gave us a great verbal history of her experiences with her tribe’s and her successful efforts to start gaming in Indian Country; and the historic Cabazon case victory. |
|
Thomas Brooks (Mohawk) vice president, External & Legislative Affairs -- AT&T Tuesday Morning Breakfast Program Our breakfast program was highlighted by a frank and fun discussion with Tom on his daily job activities, overall acccomplishments and the meaning of having an American Indian in a top level position at a global business titan – AT&T. |
|
Catherine J.K. Sandoval Associate Professor, Santa Clara University School of Law Former Commissioner, Cal Public Utilities Commission Monday Afternoon – Tribal Leader Summit – Infrastructure Summit Another great tribal discussion led by our wonderful partner Catherine Sandoval. Special thanks to Rosemary Morrillo, Brian McDonald, Marcus from Campo, Adam from San Manuel for participating as tribal leaders. Also, additional thanks to: Anecita Agustinez, tribal liaison from the Cal Water Department; Trina Martynowicz, US EPA, and others who thoughtfully joined in for added resources. |
|
Ileana Winterhalter & Emma Maxey from AT&T and California Water Association respectively Monday Morning Stretch & Health Walk The Chamber thanks these two ladies for leading a nice group of participants in the health walk and stretch. This activity is a great way to start any Monday! |
|
Dennis Thurston & Susan Ortuno from SCE and Native Hire/Tribal Print Source respectively Chamber Cup Stacking Competition Susan topped Dennis as this year’s cup stacking champ. This fun, ice-breaker started Tuesday off with a ton of excitement. |
Thank you to all of the participants, sponsors, speakers, volunteers and supporters of our annual EXPO. Once again we had a stellar line-up of keynote speakers, tribal leaders, academics, government agencies, corporate partners and other entities seeking to do business with tribes, tribal enterprises and our American Indian/Alaska Native owned busineses.
Our Chamber and our AICEF-PTAC endeavor each year to provide for an action-packed two and one-half days of business capacity building and connections for opportunities. Below are just a few of the photo highlights – enjoy!
“Standing With Standing Rock” – the Chamber Supports the Historic Efforts of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe To Protect Their Water & Lands of Cultural Significance
An oil pipeline approved by the Army Corp of Engineers to be built through lands of cultural meaning, burial grounds and over tribal water supplies has been the cause of historic protest by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, whose lands this oil pipeline affects.
Thousands of American Indians from all over the United States in solidarity with the tribe, have convened in a camp to protest the endangerment of the Tribe’s water supply that the building of this pipeline represents. In addition to the destruction of spiritual and culturally sacred Tribal lands and the endangerment of the area’s water supply, one of the main issues with the process of the building of this pipeline is the Tribe’s assertions that it was not properly consulted with by the Army Corp before approval was granted to build.
The Tribe won a temporary stop to the pipeline building project on September 6. You can help by writing your congressional delegation and/or making a financial donation to the Tribe online at: http://standingrock.org/news/standing-rock-sioux-tribe--dakota-access-pipeline-donation-fund/
We support the Standing Rock Sioux and applaud all those who have traveled long and far to assemble, pray, sing and peacefully protest this unjust misuse of tribal lands.
Thank You Everyone!
“Soaring Together Through Strategic Partnerships" |
| Presented By Eagle Sponsors Southern California Edison • AT&T Northrop Grumman • Verizon Comcast NBCUniversal • SoCalGasCo |
| Tribal Agency Presenting Sponsor Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Indian Energy & Economic Development |
| Raven Sponsors Wells Fargo • California Water Association SDG&E |
| Thunderbird Sponsors San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Southwest Gas Tribal Infrastructure Development Co-Op Frontier Communications |
| EXPO Sponsors Southern California Edison • Northrop Grumman Blair, Church & Flynn Consulting Engineers SC Anderson/Diversified Utilities OCTA |
Jr. American Indian Chamber
August 2, 2016
Youth EXPO Title Sponsor
Disneyland Resort
For EXPO registration, Youth EXPO registration & sponsorship information, please contact
Sophia Gleich 213-448-2330 events@aicccal.org
--------------------------
Thank You All For Your Support Of The Chamber's Native American Heritge Month Luncheon
The 2015 Warrior Awards went to Anthony Pico (third from left) and the California Water Association, Jackie Glover (second from left) accepting the award on their behalf.
The Warrior Award is the highest honor that the Chamber awards each year to a deserving corporate partner and tribal leader. Both the California Water Association (CWA) and Former Chairman Pico provided rousing acceptance speeches to the crowd.
We honored CWA for their participation in Chamber events and activities and their keen interest in increasing contracting with our people within their industry.
Former Chairman Pico has been an icon in Indian Country leadership for decades and we thank him for his service to everyone in our community.
MORE THANKS AND PHOTOS FROM THE LUNCHEON TO BE SHARED SOON!
--------------------------
Thank You Dry Creek For The Awesome December Northern Cal Chapter Meeting
 |
| Chamber Members were hard at work during the first part of our annual Northern Cal Chapter Holiday event with PTAC Training and luncheon hosted by our great partners at the Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians. The Mark West Lodge was our picturesque location. The food was delicious and the meeting rooms were comfortable. This lodge is owned by a Dry Creek tribal member and her husband. |
 |
| Northern Cal Chapter leader, Matthew Kennedy thanks our special guest presenter, Lisa Castillo of AT&T. Lisa presented then led a great discussion on finding opportunities and positioning your business for success in 2016 and beyond. |
 |
| American Indian Child Resource Center’s Mary Trimble Norris and board member Damian Wilson, also a tribal liaison for the US EPA; accept toy drive items and donations for toys from the Chamber and our members. |
---------------------------
Holiday Cooking With the SoCalGasCo
Southern California Gas Company President & CEO Dennis Arriola and Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff pose in their fine aprons at a recent educational workshop held at SoCalGasCo’s Energy Resource Center.
Along with the rest of the Gas Company’s Community Council, Dennis and Tracy cooked using the latest and greatest in commercial cooking equipment for restaurants and businesses.
Yes, both Dennis and Tracy worked in the kitchen with others attending making a full festive holiday lunch. Believe it or not, the food was just delicious – must have been those high tech ovens.-------------------------------
Super September San Diego
Chapter Meeting - Cheers to All!
 |
Thank you to the great folks at the Pauma Band of Luiseno Indians for their assistance at the San Diego Chapter meeting. At left is a photo of many of the meeting attendees in the private dining area adjacent to their buffet where we met. | |
 |
|
|
 |
We were happy to see all of the attendees, especially our good hearted friend Chato who was back in fine form after emergency neck surgery earlier this year. Steff Saavedra was happy too, nice photo bombing! |
--------------------------
Chamber Members Featured In ICT 2015 50 Faces of Indian Country Special Issue
Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff (page 42), Chamber Advisory Council members Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (page 48) and NAFOA Vice President VaRene Martin (page 41) were featured as part of Indian Country Today’s - 2015 50 Faces of Indian Country special edition.
This inaugural “50 Faces” special edition has been well received amongst the readership. Click on the photo above or link below to read the stories on these “50 faces.”
http://indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com/enewsletters/50-faces-indian-country-161524?prompt=1
--------------------------
Chamber President Featured in August Edition of Alaska Airlines’ Alaska Beyond Magazine
The August edition of Alaska Beyond magazine, the official magazine of Alaska Airlines featured Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff in their article titled Indigenous Entrepreneurs. Check out the article starting on page 70 by clicking on the photo above.
--------------------------
EXPO’15 –
The Joy Of It All!
Thank you everyone, so many good opportunities and connections were made it is very difficult to list them all. As the sucess stories resulting from the EXPO unfold, we will endeavor to provide updates. Please enjoy this EXPO ‘15 photo gallery – photos were professionally shot by our own Native businessperson Joshua Tousey. Also a three cheers to Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians for their very kind donation of their wines from their vineyards for the Monday night dinner.
|
 |
Indian Business One On Ones |
Youth EXPO '15 Featured A Hack-A-Thon |
 |
 |
| Strategic Agreement signing with Donna Davis/ US SBA | BIA Buy Indian Roundtable Session with Anne Jennings |
 |
 |
| Personalized Indian Business Development Session | Scholarship Fundraising Golf Tourney – Hey Hedi! |
 |
 |
| Good Morning Stretch – Allison Hicks Leads The Moves | Followed By A Health Walk... Go-Go-Go! |
 |
 |
| ETCH Rocked The Opening Reception |
Smiles Everywhere |
 |
 |
| Tribal Leaders Networking During Opening Reception |
Tribal Leaders Networking During Monday Dinner |
 |
 |
Tuolumne Tribal Youth Dancers Perform At |
Chamber Board Members Thank Assembly member Eduardo Garcia |
 |
 |
| SCE VP Doug Bauder Welcomes The Dinner Crowd | CPUC Commissioner Catherine Sandoval Discusses Tribal Infrastructure |
 |
 |
| Our Chamber’s Veterans Outreach Led by Jeff Estep |
Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award to Steve Stallings |
 |
 |
Thank You Elva & Arnice – |
Non-Profit Development Session With The Gigi Dixon of Wells Fargo |
 |
 |
| Awesome Luncheon Presenters – Oneida Nation Leader Ray Halbritter, AT&T VP Tom Brooks, Disneyland’s Elva Rubalcava & Boeing’s Jonathon GreyEyes |
Chamber President Tracy Thanks ETCH, Guitarist Moira & San Manuel Tribal Youth Leilani |
 |
 |
| Great Ideas Brewing During Strategic Planning | More Thoughtful Members Helping Our Chamber Here |
 |
 |
| Conterra’s Rachel Stanhoff Documents Their Strategy |
While Another Group Discusses Their Ideas |
 |
 |
| Economic Development Discussion During Tribal Leader Roundtable |
Assembly Member Eduardo Garcia Looks On While CPUC Commissioner Sandoval Addresses Tribal Roundtable |
THIS WEEK WE HAVE LOTS OF BIG NEWS, first, thank you to the California Water Association and the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development, Bureau of Indian Affairs (OIEED) for signing up as a top level sponsor. Additionally, Toyota has come on board as a Thunderbird level supporter; Blair, Church & Flynn Consulting Engineers, OCTA, and East Bay Municipal Utility District have come on as EXPO sponsors.
Also, with the addition of the OIEED, we are additional roundtable session on “Buy Indian” starting at 2:00 pm in the main ballroom on Monday afternoon. This session will be hosted by the famous Anne Jennings of the OIEED with Venessa from our AICEF-PTAC will also be there to help all of us navigate through “Buy Indian.”
AN OVERFLOW HOTEL HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR YOUR USE, The Westin Mission Hills where we are holding our American Indian Chamber Golf Championships has great rates and is very close to Agua Caliente. See the link below. Please note the Agua Caliente Resort is sold out of our room block; Agua Caliente does however, have a small amount of higher priced rooms.
ONLINE REGISTRATION CLOSES THIS FRIDAY 11:59 AM, computers may close but you can still register at the EXPO onsite registration desk, but sign up early to avoid any lines at the event.
TABLE TOP TRADE SHOW IS SOLD OUT, we have established a waiting list – Call Sophia at 213-448-2330!
Attention All Tribal Leaders – You will not want to miss our annual tribal leader summit with tribal consultation. This year we will be discussing reservation and tribal land infrastructure development; right of ways; power purchase agreements (PPAs); broadband development; water rights, and business/economic development in a consultation format with Commissioner Catherine J.K. Sandoval and others who will be there to listen, and provide expert input.
Attention All Tribal Enterprises and American Indian/Alaska Native owned businesses – get ready for the Sunday “Perfect Pitch” session and the One on Ones to be held on Tuesday afternoon during the Trade Fair! Contact Sophia for the Perfect Pitch form.
Attention All Youth for our Jr. American Indian Chamber – Tishmall Turner of the Rincon Band will be ready to lead our on-site computer lab for our hack-a-thon. Tishmall will be joined by our fearless Youth EXPO leaders Arnice Lamb of the Walt Disney Company and her co-host Cora Gaane of Wells Fargo.
BIG NEWS! California Public Utilities Commission’s Commissioner Catherine J.K. Sandoval is confirmed for the EXPO, the Tribal Leader Consultation and more. Soon we will be announcing the esteemed tribal leaders who will be participating.
BIG NEWS x 1! SCE’s Vice President of Procurement, Doug Bauder, is coming to speak as the Monday night Welcome Keynoter and support the Chamber once again.
BIG NEWS x 2! Oneida Nation of New York tribal leader Ray Halbritter and AT&T’s highest ranking American Indian executive, Tom Brooks, vice president of AT&T are confirmed as luncheon keynoters to highlight Tuesday luncheon of our three day action-packed EXPO agenda.
As you may know, the Oneida Nation of New York is the owner of Indian Country Today media network, Turning Stone Resort and other successful businesses. And everyone knows AT&T, as the telecommunications global giant and a great supporter of the Chamber.
BIG NEWS x A Whole SBA Region & Washington, DC! Donna Davis, Regional IX, Administrator of will be attending to sign a Strategic Alliance Memorandum with the Chamber and the SBA Washington DC’s Office of Native Americans new leader, Nate Segal will be participating on our Tuesday morning panel regarding Supply Chain.
More great participants to be announced soon. You will not want to miss the 20th Anniversary celebration version of the EXPO.
Please make your hotel reservations and send in your EXPO registrations as soon as you can. EXPO trade fair tables going fast and we anticipate a sell-out.
Thank You To Our
Raven Thunderbird
Sponsors
East Bay Municipal Utility District Orange County Transportation Authority |
Jr. American Indian Presented by With Sponsors
To register by
Youth EXPO’15 The Youth EXPO is a Youths are served a continental breakfast, lunch banquet, The best Youth Entrepreneurial exercise/game will win prizes from Disneyland Resort. Each youth will |
Need some more information? Contact Sophia Gleich at EVENTS@AICCCAL.ORG - 213-448-2330
For sponsorship information contact Chamber President, Tracy Stanhoff at tracy@adproweb.com
Hotel Reservation Hot Line - HOTEL IS SOLD OUT OF ROOM BLOCK, SOME HIGHER PRICED ROOMS STILL AVAILABLE
Agua Caliente Resort
32-250 Bob Hope Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Toll free group reservation line: 800-854-1279
Use block code of:
American Indian Chamber EXPO 2015
Special room rates:
$109 Sunday - Tuesday Standard Room
$109 Monday - Tuesday Nights only Standard Room
$169 Very limited number of Saturday night Standard Rooms
Blazing Trails of Success For All!
Sacramento Legislative Day & Northern Cal Chapter Meeting- Just Fabulous!
Chamber members from throughout the state met up in Sacramento on May 14 to meet with legislators and partners to further our agenda of successful Indian Country business development. The State of California’s Go Biz website was the discussion with Brook Taylor (4th from left above) in the office of Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. / Office of Business & Economic Development. Go Biz’s functions will be very useful to those starting new businesses or wanting to expand their current situation. Go Biz will also be a very useful tool in the Chamber’s and our American Indian Chamber Education Fund Procurement Technical Assistance Center’s (AICEF-PTAC) training workshops – stay tuned for more on the Chamber’s and AICEF-PTAC’s use of Go Biz.
After a successful meeting with the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development the Chamber then convened for a lunch meeting sponsored by AT&T with the discussion focused on Indian Country business development and how it is impacted by state regulations. The discussion was followed by a session for EXPO’15 agenda input from all who attended.
A highlight of the day was the presentation of a Chamber 20th anniversary grant from our great partners at AT&T (shown above). Thank you AT&T for your outstanding support of the Chamber and our efforts throughout the United States on behalf of our tribes, tribal enterprises and individual American Indian/Alaska Native owned businesses. AT&T’s Chamber Advisory Council representative Ileana Winterhalter center presents the check to Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff and Chamber Treasurer Matthew Kennedy with (left to right) Shannon Marquez of Blair, Church & Flynn Consulting Engineers, Dry Creek Rancheria of Pomo Indians’ Secretary/Treasurer – Marjie Rojes, Tracy, KC Lyons of AT&T InterTribal affinity group, Ileana, Matt, Venessa Gleich of the AICEF-PTAC, Linda Miller of iOSafe and Dry Creek Rancheria of Pomo Indians’ Councilmember, Tieraney Giron. THANK YOU AT&T!
We ended the day with a meeting with Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development and the Economy. Assemblymember Garcia is bringing forth a bill to recognize technical support providers in the state such as our AICEF-PTAC. This legislation could have a very positive outcome for our Chamber and recognize the great work of our PTAC. Please keep watch for AB 184 – Small Business Technical Support.
AICEF-PTAC Conducts Training Workshop @ Scott’s Valley Band of Pomo Indians Headquarters
AICEF-PTAC Program Manager, Venessa Gleich (standing far left), conducted a government contracting and tribal enterprise business structure training workshop to a packed classroom full of Scott’s Valley tribal council members and the tribe’s economic development staff at their tribal administration headquarters in Lakeport, California.
Thank you to the Scotts Valley Tribe for their invitation to be part of their efforts!
Also, while in this beautiful area of California, the Chamber and our AICEF-PTAC also stopped at the headquarters of the Robinson Rancheria Tribe and stayed at their hotel in Nice, California. WE BUY NATIVE!
Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff Attends OCTA’s OC Streetcar Milestone Celebration
“The Future Is On Track” was the theme of the milestone celebration for the Orange County Transportation Authority’s OC Streetcar implementation held on May 11 at the Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center. The celebration was attended by many area dignitaries, and Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff represented the American Indian business community, pictured above with OCTA Chief Executive Officer, Darrell Johnson (far left), Sr. Community & Business Development Specialist, Bekele Demissie (2nd left) and Tracy.
The first OC Streetcar route will be located in historic downtown Santa Ana connecting to Harbor Boulevard in Garden Grove, serving the OC’s busiest bus corridor. The Chamber will be advocating for our business inclusion in this building process.
Announcing Native American Heritage Night With the San Francisco Giants – June 24, 2015 @ 7:15 pm
Native American Dancers and Singers will be featured before the game and by the big glove during the 7th inning at this annual favorite, Native American Heritage Month with the San Francisco Giants. Our good friend, Earl Neconie is one of the organizers and is taking orders for $60 club level tickets and $30 bleacher seats. Get there early to enjoy the festivities. And, reserve your seats today to enjoy all the benefits of the night – contact Earl Neconie at 510-459-7645; neconie@me.com or purchase via paypal 1CaLKiowa@gmail.com.
Chamber President Attends US Small Business Administration National Small Business Week Celebration
Los Angeles, CA - In celebration of National Small Business Week, Chamber President, Tracy Stanhoff, attended a special event focused on International Trade and Innovation.
The keynoter at the event, was Chamber supporter US Small Business Administration Administrator, Maria Contreras-Sweet (shown above).
Here's to our Chamber Small Business Warriors!
April Meeting Featuring “Leveraging Your Chamber Participation
For Success” Panelists From SCE, SoCalGas & Other Special Guests A
Great Success – Thank You Everyone!
“Reflect, re-charge and energize your business” was the theme of last Wednesday’s annual joint meeting of the SoCal and San Diego chapters with Dennis Thurston of SCE, Rodney Potts of SoCalGas and Paul Coughlin of SCE participating in an informative panel discussion on “Leveraging Your Chamber Participation For Success.”
Our panelists provided short opening remarks after which Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff asked the panel several questions focused on how to leverage theirs and your participation in the Chamber. A brief question and answer session from the “floor,” followed the formal discussion.
Everyone was then able to join in and provide input on purposed interactive changes to the usual agenda at our upcoming EXPO ’15 to be held July 19-21 at the Agua Caliente Resort in Rancho Mirage.
Thank you to the staff at Marie Callender’s in San Juan Capistrano, as the meal, pie and service were exceptional. Thank you once again to our great partners at SCE who sponsored this meeting. And, thank you to everyone who attended and packed the private dining room sharing a meal, offering up their ideas, providing positive energy and lots of enthusiasm for the Chamber and Indian Country, together we make quite a dynamic organization.
SAVE THE DATE
EXPO’15
“Everyone Wins – Leveraging Supply Chains to Enhance Business Opportunities”
The Chamber and our American Indian Chamber Education Fund Procurement Technical Assistance Center are pleased to announce that EXPO’15 will be back at the beautiful Agua Caliente Resort on July 19-21, 2015.
A two and one-half conference featuring business capacity building/mentoring sessions, tribal leader economic development consultation, keynote addresses, procurement panel discussions, one on one matchmaking, a trade fair and more.
We will also host our famous Youth EXPO once again concurrently with the EXPO on Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Details and registration informaiton to be announced in a few days!
AICEF-PTAC Success Story Chamber Member Larry Sharette Receives 8(a) Certification
Long-time Chamber member, Larry Sharette, the owner of Sharette has been certified as a participant in the US Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program.
The Chamber is pleased that our American Indian Chamber Education Fund Procurement Technical Assistance Center (AICEF-PTAC) was engaged by Larry and provided critical assistance to Sharette in his quest for this certification.
A LEED accredited professional, Sharette’s services include commissioning large buildings, hospitals, universities and K-12 schools.
Larry will start the program immediately beginning with developing his business plan for participation in the 8(a) program. It is the goal of this program to fine-tune the skills of the participant for long-term success in the government contracting market.
Good luck Larry, our AICEF-PTAC team is here to support you through this journey!
Chamber Success Story
Chamber Member Shannon O’Loughlin Appointed Chief of Staff To NIGC Chairman
Chamber member, Shannon O’Loughlin, formerly a partner in the law firm Lewis Brisbois, has been named as the new chief of staff to National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) Chairman Jonodev Chaudhuri.
The NIGC serves as the federal agency charged with overseeing tribal gaming in the U.S.
Shannon, a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and graduate of California State University, Long Beach, will lead the day-to-day management of NIGC operations, including compliance, finance, public affairs and the recently created technology divisions.
Shannon is well-known throughout tribal communities for her stellar work on the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act Review Committee.
The Chamber congratulates Shannon and sends our best wishes to her on this exciting new opportunity to serve the United States and Indian Country!
Chamber Seeks Volunteers For NCAI’s 72nd Annual Conference
The Chamber is seeking volunteers to assist the National Congress of American Indians who are holding their annual Conference in San Diego from October 18-23, 2015 at the Town & Country Hotel. Details are in the flyer below. Please identify yourself as a Chamber member when volunteering.
Chamber Members Attend National Indian Gaming Show – San Diego
Several Chamber members attended last week’s 30th Annual Indian Gaming Trade Show presented by the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA).
Held this year at the San Diego Convention Center, Indian Gaming attracted over 6,500 attendees and hundreds of trade fair booths.
Attendees included: Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff of AD PRO; Chamber Board Member, Cheri Myron of Native American Enterprises; Jeff Estep of Heritage Global Solutions; Allison Hicks of New World Environmental; Tishmall Turner of CSU San Marcos/Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians and VaRene Martin of NAFOA.
Chamber member Tribal leaders Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and Chairwoman Rosemary Morillo also attended participating in the main sessions for tribal leaders.
Overall it was an impactful week for the Indian Gaming industry – three cheers for the folks at NIGA for their great work!
Thank You Pacific Power & Elk Valley Rancheria – Our March Northern Cal Event Was Great
Crescent City, CA - The Chamber held our first Northern California Chapter meeting of the year, way up north at the Elk Valley Rancheria in Crescent City partnering with the Supplier Diversity and Procurement Outreach team from Pacific Power.
We were very happy to meet the leadership of Elk Valley including their Chairman Dale Miller, pictured above left, with Northern Cal Chapter leader, Matt Kennedy and hold our first procurement outreach event with Pacific Power, pictured above right with Matt and our events gal Sophia Gleich.
The day started off with an AICEF PTAC Training Workshop led by Venessa Gleich on structuring tribal enterprises and Native businesses for certifications with tips on successful applications. Venessa’s interactive presentation was followed by the one and only Nicole Murphy-Garcia, of Pacific Power who went through steps on how to access opportunities up at Pacific Power and previewed upcoming bids. Monte Mendenhall of Pacific Power’s community outreach team, welcomed the attendees on behalf of Pacific Power.
Other tribes who attended included the Yurok Tribe and Karuk Tribe. Chamber American Indian business members who attended included: AD PRO, Diversified Utility, SC Anderson, Blair Church & Flynn, Costello Kennedy Landscape Architecture, and others.
The trip also featured a dinner (above left) with staff members of the Yurok Tribe, including our old friend Javier Kinney. We also had time to enjoy the redwoods with Matt and Sophia standing in the tunnel of a drive-thru redwood (above right) – then Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff drove the rent a car through it. After a short tour of the Yurok Tribal area coast and redwoods we again focused our dinner purchase on our “Buy Indian” policy and enjoyed a delicious meal at the Steelhead Lodge now owned by Yurok Tribal Vice Chair Susan Masten.
We look forward to a long-term partnership with Pacific Power and the tribes in this awe-inspiring area.
Chamber Milestones
Farewell To Some Good Friends
The Chamber bids a fond farewell to:
- Charmaine Jackson, formerly of San Jose Water who has moved onto a new married life in the state of Texas
- Caren Bowman, formerly of AT&T who has retired
- Stephanie Sweinseid, formerly of Suburban Water, who has moved onto another opportunity
And, finally Rose Cote of LAWA has transitioned out of her role in Supplier Outreach, and has been replaced by new liaison Harold Johnson. Welcome Harold and we will honor Rose for her long-term commitment to the Chamber later this year.
Our Prayers To Heritage Global’s
Lydia McCarthy
Please say a prayer for Chamber member Lydia McCarthy whose husband Frank passed away unexpectedly last Friday.
Private funeral services will be held shortly. If you wish to contact her, send Tracy a note at tracy@adproweb.com who will link you up with the remembrance details.
WOW! Thank You San Manuel Band Of
Mission Indians & All Who Attended The Chamber’s 20th Anniversary Kick-Off
& PTAC Training
What an event, what a training workshop and what a meal! Those of us who attended the Chamber’s 20th Anniversary Kick-Off training workshop and reception dinner were treated to the “best of the best” from our hosts, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, and participants last Saturday, February 28.
An over-flow crowd of members and tribal enterprise representatives joined in the first part of the day – a training workshop presented by the American Indian Chamber Education Fund – Procurement Technical Assistance Center (AICEF-PTAC) on “How to Start & Conduct A Successful Business“ with the main presenter being our Program Director, Venessa Gleich (left). Also, participating in the presentations were Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff and our Corporate Advisory Council co-Chair from Southern California Edison (SCE), Dennis Thurston.
This training was followed by a lovely dinner reception attended by Chamber members and supporters that was in a private dining room in the Pines Steakhouse. The dinner buffet food was delicious and plentiful as we all enjoyed sushi, salads and entrees of steak, salmon and chicken.
We were welcomed to San Manuel from their Tribal Chairwoman, Lynn Valbuena, pictured left and center above surrounded by four members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. Joining the Chairwoman to enjoy the event with us from San Manuel, were former San Manuel Tribal Treasurer and Chamber Warrior Award winner, Audrey Martinez; the Chairwoman’s husband – Coach Steve Valbuena and their great outreach representative Roy Martinez, who worked diligently to organize the entire day for us.
Our Chamber Advisory Council was well-represented by SCE’s Dennis Thurston, Cora Gaane of Wells Fargo, and Diana Terrazas of the Autry National Center. Additionally, numbers of our Chamber business owners were there to engage, learn, network and celebrate 20 years of the Chamber’s existence.
We have heard that many enjoyed the casino night that followed dinner with Chamber members and supporters being seen all over the San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino – dancing, gaming, visiting and enjoying a beverage or two in the lounges.
Thank you San Manuel, thank you AICEF-PTAC and thank you to the numbers of Chamber members who enrich our organization in many ways. We look forward to 20 more years of providing the Chamber as a vehicle to advocate, mentor and support the business development in Indian Country.Chamber President Attends National Congress of American Indians In Washington, D.C. Part 2
Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff was in Washington, D.C. this past week for the annual National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Executive Winter Session.
As noted in our Chamber e-news last week, Tracy met with numbers of influential folks while back in our nation’s capitol.
Tracy continued the week with brief discussions with California Congressman Mike Honda, pictured above. Congressman Honda represents the Silicon Valley.
After the conclusion of the formal meetings of the NCAI Winter Session, Tribal Consultations were conducted by several agencies including the US Small Business Administration; who asked for comments on proposed revisions to the 8(a) program. Tracy was able to present the Chamber’s and our AICEF-PTAC comments to the participants from the SBA including our friend, from the Office of Native American Affairs, Chris James (far right).
Chamber President Attends National Congress of American Indians In Washington, D.C.
Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff is in Washington, D.C. this week for the annual National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Executive Winter Session.
This NCAI session provides a venue for discussion of the legislative efforts in Indian Country including economic, infrastructure and workforce development.
Tracy had brief discussions with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (pictured above left), Senator Maria Cantwell (pictured below right) and US SBA Administrator Maria Contreras Sweet on the needs for both reservation and urban-based economic development programs in Indian Country.
After the day’s formal sessions, Tracy will be “walking the halls of Congress” meeting with legislators to discuss economic development needs for our people.
She will also attend an SBA consultation on the 8(a) Program on Thursday before returning back to California to join in the Chamber’s 20th Anniversary celebration at San Manuel.
Chamber President Meets New President of CPUC - Michael Picker
The Chamber has enjoyed a great relationship with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Together, we have been increasing opportunities for many Indian Country businesses by including our tribal enterprises and American Indian/Alaska Native businesses in the supply chain of the state’s utilities, telcos, and water companies.
After many great years of leadership from Michael Peevey, the CPUC has a new president, Michael Picker.
In a recent meeting with the California Utilities Diversity Council (CUDC), of which Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff President is a member, President Picker spoke of his priorities at the CPUC and his commitment to keeping the GO-156 supplier diversity effort momentum going forward.
To achieve his goal of maintaining momentum, he has tasked us with identifying ways that his time could be best used to continue to pursue opportunities and business success for everyone.
American Indian Businesses Shine
on SCE Bridge Project
The Chamber wants to take a moment to acknowledge a historic “win” for our Chamber members and one of our utility member partners.
Recently, Southern California Edison (SCE) contracted for a new pedestrian bridge at their headquarters in Rosemead.
Chamber member Blair, Church & Flynn Consulting Engineers designed the bridge, Chamber member Hal Hays Construction constructed the bridge – their team pictured above – and there was even a banner produced by Chamber member AD PRO which hung from the bridge.
This project is indicative of the capacity and strength of our Chamber business members – and the commitment of our partners at SCE to use American Indian owned businesses.
Thank you SCE, Dennis Thurston, Eric Fisher for their Supplier Diversity efforts.
Chamber Participated In A Superb WIGC/CNIGA Event At The Lovely
Rincon Resort
The Chamber sends much appreciation to the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) for their partnership with our Chamber, which was evident during this past week’s Western Indian Gaming Conference (WIGC) held this past week at the Harrah’s Rincon Resort in Valley Center, California.
Pictured in the photo above are three of our Chamber board members –Secretary Sara Finseth, President Tracy Stanhoff and Treasurer Matt Kennedy surrounding CNIGA Executive Director Lee Acebedo and his wife Karen.
Tracy also moderated a session on “Doing Business with Tribal Casinos” that featured panelists from accounting firm Moss Adams, Kitchell Construction and fellow Chamber member Colin Cloud Hampson, Attorney at Law.
Sara and Matt staffed the Chamber’s outreach booth, shown below.
Also Chamber board member Cheri Myron also joined in the outreach effort on behalf of our tribal enterprises and American Indian/Alaska Native owned businesses.
Special Thanks to SCE’s Dennis Thurston for joining in on the annual CNIGA golf tourney, golfing with Tracy, other Tribal leaders and CNIGA supporters during WIGC.
SAVE THE DATE
EXPO’15 Date & Location Set
The Chamber and our American Indian Chamber Education Fund Procurement Technical Assistance Center are pleased to announce that EXPO’15 will be back at the beautiful Agua Caliente Resort on July 19-21, 2015.
We will also host our famous Youth EXPO once again concurrently with the EXPO on Tuesday, July 21, 2015.
Chamber Board Appoints Matthew Kennedy To Fill Vacant Northern Cal Chapter Position
Matthew Kennedy, Owner of Costello/Kennedy Landscape Architects, a member of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska has been appointed by the board of directors of the Chamber to fill the Board Treasurer/Northern California Chapter Coordinator position, that was left vacant due to Randy Twist’s passing.
Matthew has been a longtime member of the Chamber and an active supporter of our Scholarship Fund.
“It was an extremely hard decision for the Board to make since we have so many great business owner members in the Chapter, we know Matthew will be a tremendous asset to the Northern Cal Chapter and the Chamber’s leadership team. Please join us in welcoming Matthew to the board," said Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff.
Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff Receives Northrop Grumman
World Class Team Award
December, 2014 --Chamber president Tracy Stanhoff traveled to just outside of Washington, DC to receive an honor from the great folks at Northrop Grumman Corporation.
Pictured above (l to r) Vicky Harper-Hall, Tizoc Loza, both of Northrop Grumman, Tracy, and Northrop’s Gloria Pualani smile for the camera after the awards luncheon presentation.
The Northrop Grumman awards luncheon celebrates the great small business procurement results that Northrop Grumman achieves annually.
 |
Sophia graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Business. She finished her degree in three and one-half years and will be pursuing an advanced degree in the near future. Great Going Sophia! |
Thank You To All Who Attended The Last Chamber Meeting For 2014 – SoCal/SD Joint Holiday Celebration!
It was a great end to the Chamber’s meeting schedule at last Tuesday’s Joint SoCal/SD Chapter Holiday meeting hosted by and at Chapman University in the City of Orange.
We thanked Chamber Academic Advisory Council member, Dr. Victoria Morris (above left) for hosting the membership and our Advisory Council retreat meeting.
Everyone enjoyed a great meal - exhibited above by Golden State Water’s Emma Maxey.
Our program featured an end of year review and a group planning discussion focused on strategies for a great 2015 for our work to build Native American businesses.
We also donated toys for deserving Native American children to the Southern California Indian Center Toy’s Drive (group photo above).
Thank You Dry Creek Band Of Pomo Indians - Northern California Holiday Meeting Success!
Our American Indian Chamber thanks the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians for their kind hosting of the Chamber’s annual Northern Cal Chapter Holiday event.
The meeting started at 9:00 and included a discussion on the Chamber’s annual events, mixed in with a PTAC Procurement training.
Our Advisory Council members who attended added to the discussion and we all had time to learn, discuss and enjoy the meeting.
Thank you once again to the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians for their support of the Chamber by hosting this event.
Pictured above is Tieraney Giron, a longtime friend of the Chamber, receiving a thank you gift from Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff.
Tieraney was elected to the Dry Creek Rancheria Tribal Council recently. Tieraney arranged for the Chamber’s day and provided great food and beverages.
We are proud of our partnership with the Dry Creek Tribe. Our longtime friend Reg Elgin also attended – introducing the Chamber once again to Tieraney, now a tribal leader. Great to see you Reg and thank you Tieraney!!
American Indian National Chamber of Commerce To Hold Washington DC Meeting December 9&10
Chamber members please confirm with Sophia if you are able to join us in the Nation’s Capitol representing California at the National Chamber meeting.
This meeting will be held on December 9 and 10 at the Holiday Inn Capitol that is located near the National Museum of the American Indian and the US Capitol building.
A group hotel rate of $199 per night is offered by calling 877-572-6951 and using the group code C7C.
Chamber & Our AICEF PTAC Attend National Congress of American Indians Annual Conference in Atlanta
Our American Indian Chamber and our Procurement Technical Assistance Center was well represented this past few days in Atlanta at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Annual Conference.
NCAI is the oldest and largest annual gathering of the tribes in the United States.
Highlights of the event included a presentation by the Secretary of the Department of the Interior Sally Jewel.
Pictured in the photo above are Chamber board member and San Diego Chapter leader, Cheri Myron and our PTAC Program Manager Venessa Gleich.
We met with several tribal leaders and their staffers in attendance form California and our additional service territory of our PTAC of Nevada, Utah and Arizona.
Chamber president Tracy Stanhoff also attended and joined in the dialog during the Economic Development and Employment Committee meetings.
One of the topics that resonated during that discussion was the Chamber’s work in promoting infrastructure development on tribal lands.
We also supported for consideration a funding resolution providing for job training program focused on developing Native Americans for the energy industry workforce.
The American Indian/Alaska Native Tourism Association also put forth a resolution supporting their great work in Indian Country.
Northern California Chapter Meeting Is A Giant Homerun
Thank you to PG&E’s Jerilyn Gleaves for her setting up of a wonderful Northern California Chapter meeting held earlier this week.
Jerilyn and her team from PG&E including purchasing department agent Rudy Promani (pictured above) provided a great presentation on responding to PG&E’s inquiries and bids – let’s just say we got the real story with some great tips for success.
As shown above, the meeting was set up in a roundtable format where everyone who attended had access to the PG&E team.
Another really great partner who presented and attended this meeting was Douglas Phason of the California Public Utilities Commission Supplier Diversity department.
Douglas had completed much homework on the Native American spend within GO-156 and provided us with great ideas of how our businesses can achieve more of the opportunities.
Chamber Corporate Advisory Council member, Charmaine Jackson (above), chair of the California Water Association Supplier Diversity team and of San Jose Water also attended our meeting and provided her input during the dialog.
Thanks also to all of the Chamber members who attended!
SDG&E Hosts An Awesome
San Diego Chapter Meeting
Thank you to SDG&E’s Jaymee Lomax for setting up a wonderful San Diego Chapter meeting held last Friday at the SDG&E Energy Innovation Center (EIC) in San Diego.
As shown above, Chamber meeting attendees were taken on a tour of the EIC and were led on this tour by Cece Cazares of SDG&E. The photo above shows the Chamber group listening to Cece discuss water-wise plantings to help out during our drought.
Many of you may remember Cece from her tenure as past SDG&E Supplier Diversity Director Frank Urtasun’s administrative assistant. Now Cece serves as one of the EIC’s tour leaders.
After showing the Chamber members the latest and greatest in energy efficiency for home and business, Cece returned control of the meeting back to Jaymee Lomax.
Jaymee then provided an overview of the next few months of SDG&E’s procurement contracting opportunities.
Lunch, networking and Chamber updates were next on the agenda. The meeting wrapped up with future meeting dates and other announcements.
Thanks to all who attended and learned of the special codes to put in your email subject line to garner expedited attention from Jaymee.
Remember when you attend these Chapter meetings, you receive extra special tips and access to those who can help your business grow quicker!
CPUC EnBanc A Success For Chamber Members Last Week
This year’s California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) annual EnBanc regarding the GO-156 implementation was a very successful one in the Chamber’s quest for greater recognition of our American Indian/Alaska Native owned businesses.
For the first time, our lack of numbers in procurement from many of the GO-156 regulated companies was addressed in the annual report from the CPUC.
We remain ever vigilant and hopeful that our low procurement numbers will keep increasing as many of our businesses are obtaining contracts through the hard work of everyone involved in the Chamber.
Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff, pictured above left with CPUC President Michael Peevey and Chamber member Allison Hicks, presented on “payment terms” during the Community Based organization/ Business Association panel.
We have great partners within the GO-156 regulated companies and at the CPUC and we will all continue to work to make contracts a reality.
We will bid a sad farewell to outgoing President Peevey who is coming to the end of his second term as CPUC President and will retire from the post at the end of this term.
President Peevey has been an unparalleled diversity advocate, transforming the state of California’s regulated utilities, telcos, water and cable companies processes of inclusion in their procurement and supply chains. THANK YOU MICHAEL PEEVEY!
A Belated, But Heartfelt Welcome To New SoCalGasCo President Dennis Arriola
Last week, we welcomed the new president of SCE, and this week we extend a belated but heartfelt welcome to new SoCalGasCo president Dennis Arriola- photo center – enjoying the post CPUC EnBanc reception with Chamber member Allison Hicks and Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff.
Pictured center above Dennis has taken over the reigns of our good partners at the Gas Company and is a stalwart advocate for diversity. Welcome Dennis!
AICEF PTAC Conducts Marketing &
FY 2015 Procurement Forecast Training @SoCal Chapter Meeting
Chamber members are shown in the photo above enjoying a delicious dinner by Mimi’s Café and training conducted by AICEF PTAC Program Manager Venessa Gleich.
Venessa informed attendees of the some of the latest options for marketing and finding opportunities for our businesses while providing an overview of the fiscal year (FY) 2015 opportunities being announced on several websites.
Thanks to all who attended and joined in this lively discussion on positioning your company for continued success in 2015, by avoiding “pretenders” and “presume-rs” while, finding how to work with “negotiators” and connecting with “the deciders.”
Chamber President Meets With New
SCE President
Chamber president Tracy Stanhoff (2nd right) met with new SCE president Pedro Pizarro (far right) at a recent dinner.
Pedro was most recently the president of Edison Mission Energy and has served as SCE’s vice president of Strategy and Business Development among other leadership positions within SCE and its parent company Edison International.
Also pictured is SCE vice president of Local Affairs, Veronica Gutierrez (2nd left) and SCE Supplier Diversity Senior Manager Eric Fisher (farleft).
In this meeting, SCE’s new president reinforced the company’s commitment to supplier diversity.
__________________
Congratulations to the Chamber Advisory Council Members Honored At Last Week’s SCMSDC Gala
SCE’s Joe Alderete, SCMSDC Lifetime Achievement Honoree, with Gaddi Vasquez, SCE Sr. Vice President
SCMSDC Corporation of the Year, Southern California Gas Company
Monica Heredia of Verizon, SCMSDC Ambassador of the Year
Northrop Grumman, SCMSDC Innovation Awardee
Congratulations To All!
24th Administrator of the US SBA & President Obama Cabinet Member Maria Contreras Sweet Visits AD PRO To Hold Roundtable with Chamber Business Members
Chamber President Tracy Stanhoff hosted the leadership of the US SBA to her offices at AD PRO and to a Roundtable discussion with American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) businesses from the Chamber.
It was an awesome event moderated by the Assistant Administrator, Office of Native American Affairs, Christopher James, linking our AI/AN businesses with the topmost leadership of the US SBA. Special thank you to Chris for selecting our Chamber for this event!
Administrator Contreras Sweet toured the AD PRO facility then joined a number of great Chamber member businesses for a discussion on Indian Country economic development and the US SBA services.
|
EXPO ’14 Wrap Up –
Over 400 Adults and Youth attended the 11th convening of our annual conference and trade fair – EXPO ’14. First, thank you to all of the great volunteers, Chamber Staff and AICEF PTAC staff for their work and energy in making the EXPO a success.
Tuesday Was Focused On Procurement & Featured Targeted Plenary Sessions & One on One Meetings
YES, THIS WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT INDIAN COUNTRY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE YOU CAN ATTEND ANYWHERE! If you missed it, plan on joining us in 2015. LA Sparks American Indian ATTENTION – All Chamber members and supporters – Join in the party on Friday night, August 8th for our own Los Angeles Sparks versus Shoni’s Atlanta Dream 7:30 pm Staples Center. |
Sign Up Today for AICEF PTAC Supported Event at Yuma Proving Grounds
Saluting the Chamber's Top Level Turquoise Members
NEW ADDRESS
American Indian Chamber of
Commerce of California
633 West Fifth Street
26th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213-440-3232
stateadmin@aicccal.org