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2013 <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Conference<br />
BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES<br />
in <strong>the</strong><br />
NEW NATIVE AMERICA<br />
April 10-12, 2013 | Best Western Ramkota | Rapid City, SD
2013 <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Conference<br />
BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES<br />
in <strong>the</strong><br />
NEW NATIVE AMERICA<br />
April 10-12, 2013 | Best Western Ramkota | Rapid City, SD<br />
The bi-annual <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Conference is <strong>the</strong> premier event in <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>’s Native<br />
economic development field! The 2013 <strong>conference</strong>, <strong>the</strong>med “Building Opportunities in <strong>the</strong> New Native America,”<br />
and held April 10-12 at <strong>the</strong> Best Western Ramkota in Rapid City, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>, will bring hundreds of tribal and<br />
non-tribal government and <strong>program</strong> representatives, practitioners, policy-makers, lenders, educators, nonprofit<br />
organizations, foundations, and entrepreneurs toge<strong>the</strong>r with a focus on building <strong>Indian</strong> business.<br />
The overall objective of <strong>the</strong> <strong>conference</strong> is to share successful models and strategies that foster <strong>the</strong> development<br />
of private <strong>Indian</strong> business on and off <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>’s nine <strong>Indian</strong> reservations, and to develop policy ideas<br />
and action strategies to address <strong>the</strong> dilemmas. Whe<strong>the</strong>r you are a business owner, policy-maker, or represent<br />
a tribal <strong>program</strong>, <strong>the</strong>re is something for you at <strong>the</strong> 2013 <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Conference!<br />
2013 CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS<br />
NATIVE ENTREPRENEURS<br />
• Enter in <strong>the</strong> 1st Annual SDIBA <strong>Business</strong> Plan Competition<br />
for a chance to win up to $500.<br />
• Get inspired by o<strong>the</strong>r Native entrepreneurs who will share<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir successes and challenges in starting a business,<br />
during “The Native Entrepreneur Journey” panel.<br />
• Take advantage of a full day of one-on-one interaction<br />
with service providers at <strong>the</strong> Entrepreneur Resource<br />
Workshops.<br />
• Receive free booth space to advertise your business just<br />
by registering for <strong>the</strong> <strong>conference</strong>.<br />
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS<br />
• Participate in a series of Roundtable Sessions and<br />
discuss challenges and solutions to some of <strong>the</strong> most<br />
pressing issues in today’s <strong>Indian</strong> business development<br />
environment.<br />
• Enjoy an evening of dynamic networking and cultural<br />
entertainment at <strong>the</strong> Networking Reception.<br />
• Attend panels and breakout sessions to learn about innovative<br />
strategies in <strong>the</strong> areas of workforce development,<br />
lending and investment, up and coming industries, building<br />
sustainable communities, and more.
WELCOME<br />
Dear Conference Attendees,<br />
On behalf of <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Alliance I want<br />
to welcome you to <strong>the</strong> 2013 <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong><br />
Conference. <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>’s Native American population,<br />
specifically <strong>the</strong> reservation communities, have experienced<br />
economic growth, entrepreneurial successes, and political<br />
victories since we last convened in 2011. To affirm and celebrate<br />
our accomplishments, we have developed <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>me of this<br />
year’s <strong>conference</strong>, “Building Opportunities in <strong>the</strong> New Native America.” We are<br />
pleased to present a three-day event packed full of panels and sessions that<br />
will inspire us all to keep forging <strong>the</strong> way for <strong>Indian</strong> business throughout <strong>the</strong><br />
state of <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>.<br />
While we will share many innovations that span <strong>the</strong> four tiers of <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong><br />
<strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Alliance’s framework for sustainable economic<br />
development — governance, infrastructure, finance, and resources —<br />
<strong>conference</strong> attendees will also be encouraged to express <strong>the</strong>ir challenges<br />
surrounding private sector development. We know that our recent successes<br />
are only <strong>the</strong> initial steps of what we envision to be a long journey toward<br />
creating healthy and prosperous Native communities throughout <strong>the</strong> state.<br />
We also recognize that a certain synergy is created when we all bring our best<br />
ideas toge<strong>the</strong>r; that is how <strong>the</strong> most innovative solutions are created to address<br />
our truly unique challenges in <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>’s <strong>Indian</strong> Country, and beyond.<br />
Mostly, we hope that <strong>the</strong> 2013 <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Conference will<br />
inspire you to keep “Building Opportunities in <strong>the</strong> New Native America!”<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Tanya Fiddler<br />
Chairperson<br />
<strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Alliance<br />
APRIL 10-12, 2013<br />
RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA<br />
1
BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES in <strong>the</strong> NEW NATIVE AMERICA<br />
April 10-12, 2013 | Best Western Ramkota | Rapid City, SD<br />
Agenda<br />
7:00am<br />
7:30am<br />
8:00am – 6:00pm<br />
7:30am – 8:30am<br />
8:45am – 9:45am<br />
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10, 2013<br />
Exhibit Area Set up, Rushmore Room<br />
Registration Opens, Convention Center II Foyer<br />
Exhibit Area Open, Convention Center II Foyer<br />
Breakfast, Rushmore Room<br />
Opening Session, Pactola/Sheridan Room<br />
Introduction and welcome prayer led by David Cournoyer, Master of Ceremonies. Followed by honor song by<br />
M Hill Singers (supported by <strong>the</strong> Ateyapi Middle School Youth Program).<br />
Welcome messages by key leaders to present our <strong>conference</strong> <strong>the</strong>me, “Building Opportunities in <strong>the</strong> New<br />
Native America,” and provide unique perspectives on <strong>the</strong> growth and development of <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>’s Native<br />
private sector.<br />
• Tanya Fiddler, Chair of <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Alliance<br />
• Senator Tim Johnson<br />
• Senator John Thune<br />
• Representative Kristi Noem<br />
• Tribal Leaders<br />
9:45am – 10:00am<br />
10:00am – 10:45am<br />
10:45am – 11:45am<br />
11:45am – 12:45pm<br />
Break, sponsored by First Peoples Fund, Convention Center II Foyer<br />
Keynote Speaker: Jacqueline Pata, Executive Director, National Congress of American <strong>Indian</strong>s, sponsored<br />
by Four Bands Community Fund, Pactola/Sheridan Room<br />
Ms. Pata will enlighten <strong>conference</strong> attendees on <strong>the</strong> DC climate and current advocacy efforts to support small<br />
business environments in Native communities, as well as data collection initiatives underway that will support<br />
economic development and business growth in <strong>Indian</strong> Country.<br />
Panel: The Native Entrepreneurship Journey, Pactola/Sheridan Room<br />
Several seasoned Native entrepreneurs share <strong>the</strong>ir stories of starting a business on and off reservations throughout<br />
<strong>the</strong> state. This panel is designed to pass on knowledge about overcoming challenges of business ownership,<br />
while also celebrating entrepreneurial successes.<br />
Moderator: Karlene Hunter, Native American Natural Foods<br />
Panelists: Zach Ducheneaux, The Ducheneaux Ranch; UnaLee Howe, Working Cowboy Saddlery; Sandra<br />
K. Isburg, Shelby’s Mini-Mart; Sandy Swallow, Sandy Swallow Gallery<br />
Lunch, sponsored by Citi Foundation, Rushmore Room<br />
Featured Presentation: Deputy Under Secretary, USDA Rural Development, Doug O’Brien<br />
2 2013 SOUTH DAKOTA INDIAN BUSINESS CONFERENCE
12:45pm – 1:45pm<br />
1:45pm – 4:00pm<br />
Panel: Building Our Future by Investing in Our Youth, Pactola/Sheridan Room<br />
Approximately half of <strong>the</strong> populations on <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>’s reservations are comprised of youth, ages 18 and<br />
under. With such a large percentage of youth, it is imperative to invest in this segment of <strong>the</strong> population in<br />
order to build a solid future for our communities. This panel will feature <strong>program</strong>s that are building <strong>the</strong> entrepreneurial<br />
and leadership skills of our youth populations on <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>’s reservations.<br />
Moderator: Michelle DuBray, SDIBA Native Entrepreneur Investment Fund<br />
Panelists: John Charles Arcoren, Sicangu Nation Employment & Training Program; David Cournoyer, Native<br />
Youth Leadership Alliance; Keith Ferguson, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> State University Extension; Kristen Stambach,<br />
Four Bands Community Fund<br />
2013 <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Plan Competition, Coat Check Room<br />
Native entrepreneurs who are starting or expanding a business will have <strong>the</strong> opportunity to present <strong>the</strong>ir business<br />
plan to a panel of judges for a chance to win up to $500.<br />
1:45pm – 3:15pm<br />
repeating at<br />
3:30pm – 5:00pm<br />
2:00pm – 3:15pm<br />
Entrepreneur Resource Workshops<br />
Each of <strong>the</strong> Entrepreneur Resource Workshops, designed specifically for Native entrepreneurs who are starting<br />
or expanding a business, will provide an overview of critical business-building topics as well as detailed, handson<br />
assistance to <strong>conference</strong> attendees from service providers.<br />
Legion #1<br />
Small <strong>Business</strong> Planning.<br />
This interactive workshop<br />
environment will provide<br />
hands-on assistance to<br />
Native entrepreneurs who<br />
are in <strong>the</strong> process of starting<br />
or a business plan.<br />
Session attendees will<br />
be able to speak directly<br />
with resource providers to<br />
gain insight into developing<br />
a business plan, accounting<br />
procedures, and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r start-up business<br />
issues.<br />
Session Leader: Shawn Bordeaux,<br />
Sinte Gleska University<br />
Presenters: Traci Hanson, Ketel<br />
Thorstensen LLP; Veronica Hix,<br />
ONABEN; Dona Leavens, Small<br />
<strong>Business</strong> Development Center<br />
Legion #2<br />
Financing & Technical<br />
Assistance Solutions for<br />
Native <strong>Business</strong>es.<br />
This session will provide<br />
an overview of financing<br />
solutions and resources<br />
for Native entrepreneurs<br />
who are looking to start<br />
or expand a business, on<br />
or off a reservation. Session<br />
attendees will have<br />
<strong>the</strong> opportunity to speak<br />
directly with presenters.<br />
Session Leader: Mark Stevens, 1st<br />
Financial Bank USA<br />
Presenters: Logan Anderson, First<br />
Peoples Fund; Michelle DuBray,<br />
SDIBA Native Entrepreneur<br />
Investment Fund; Kristi Wagner,<br />
<strong>Dakota</strong> Resources<br />
Roundtable Sessions<br />
Each Roundtable Session will begin with an overview of some of <strong>the</strong> most pressing issues in <strong>Indian</strong> business<br />
development, followed by solution-oriented, constructive dialogue among session attendees. This will be an<br />
opportunity to share and listen to challenges and successes experienced by o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>conference</strong>-goers.<br />
[Resource Roundtable Session]<br />
Sheridan Room<br />
Innovative Asset-Building for Entrepreneurs.<br />
This roundtable will discuss innovative strategies that<br />
promote asset-building for Native entrepreneurs,<br />
including equity investments, credit building, and<br />
individual development accounts.<br />
Session Facilitator: Tawney Brunsch, Lakota Funds<br />
Discussion Starters: Cora Mae Haskell, Four Bands Community Fund;<br />
Doug Patton, Lakota Funds; Representative, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> Governor’s<br />
Office of Economic Development<br />
Sylvan #1<br />
Government Contracting<br />
in <strong>Indian</strong> Country.<br />
This session will focus<br />
on strategies and tips<br />
for marketing, finding<br />
contracting opportunities,<br />
and preparation for<br />
government contracting<br />
as <strong>the</strong>y pertain to <strong>Indian</strong><br />
Country. A focus on <strong>the</strong><br />
Disadvantaged <strong>Business</strong><br />
Enterprise and <strong>the</strong> Small<br />
<strong>Business</strong> Administration<br />
8(a) <strong>program</strong>s will be<br />
featured.<br />
Session Leader: Kadem Fischer,<br />
Lakota Funds<br />
Presenters: Sandy Burns, Project<br />
Solutions; Lisa Claasen, Small<br />
<strong>Business</strong> Administration; Leonard<br />
Smith, Native American Development<br />
Center<br />
Sylvan #2<br />
Marketing to Build Your<br />
<strong>Business</strong>.<br />
This session will provide<br />
an overview of resources<br />
to help entrepreneurs<br />
develop a marketing plan,<br />
as well as free and lowcost<br />
strategies that every<br />
small business can use<br />
to save time and money,<br />
including social media,<br />
email and calendar management,<br />
smart phone<br />
apps, time billing, and<br />
web applications.<br />
Session Leader: Ivan Sorbel, Pine<br />
Ridge Area Chamber of Commerce<br />
Presenters: Marcella Hurley, <strong>South</strong><br />
<strong>Dakota</strong> Small <strong>Business</strong> Development<br />
Center; Peggy Martin,<br />
Green Thumb Web Designs<br />
[Governance Roundtable Session]<br />
Pactola Room<br />
Uniform Commercial Code (UCC).<br />
This roundtable session will discuss UCC State-Tribal<br />
partnerships.<br />
Session Facilitator: Stacey LaCompte, Wakpa Sica<br />
Discussion Starters: Jason Gant, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> Secretary of State; JR<br />
LaPlante, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> Secretary of Tribal Relations<br />
APRIL 10-12, 2013<br />
RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA<br />
3
3:15pm – 3:30pm<br />
3:30pm – 5:00pm<br />
5:00pm – 6:00pm<br />
Break, sponsored by Wells Fargo, Convention Center II Foyer<br />
Roundtable Sessions<br />
Each Roundtable Session will begin with an overview of some of <strong>the</strong> most pressing issues in <strong>Indian</strong> business<br />
development, followed by solution-oriented, constructive dialogue among session attendees. This will be an<br />
opportunity to share and listen to challenges and successes experienced by o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>conference</strong>-goers.<br />
[Finance Roundtable Session]<br />
Sheridan Room<br />
Exploring Bold and Innovative Lending and Investment<br />
Ideas.<br />
This interactive discussion welcomes “outside <strong>the</strong><br />
box” thinkers who want to explore bold and innovative<br />
ideas about increasing investment and lending in<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> Country.<br />
Session Facilitators: Sandy Gerber, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis;<br />
Terry Lee, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; Michael<br />
Martinez, Office of <strong>the</strong> Comptroller of <strong>the</strong> Currency<br />
Discussion Starters: Tawney Brunsch, Lakota Funds; Ruth Christopherson,<br />
Citi Foundation; Tanya Fiddler, Four Bands Community<br />
Fund; Clinton Waara, Wells Fargo<br />
[Infrastructure Roundtable Session]<br />
Pactola Room<br />
Overcoming Obstacles with Trust Land Status.<br />
Trust land status typically creates barriers to establishing<br />
businesses on reservations; however, recent<br />
policies and innovative developments have created<br />
pathways toward overcoming <strong>the</strong>se barriers. This session<br />
will explore <strong>the</strong>se successful models and discuss<br />
land leases, consolidating fractionated land, and land<br />
use plans for commercial development.<br />
Session Facilitator: James A. Cordry, Office of <strong>the</strong> Special Trustee for<br />
American <strong>Indian</strong>s, Department of Interior<br />
Discussion Starters: Vincent T. Dupris, Office of <strong>the</strong> Special Trustee for<br />
American <strong>Indian</strong>s, Department of Interior; Gerald Sherman, <strong>Indian</strong><br />
Land Capital Company; Howard D. Valandra, Office of <strong>the</strong> Special<br />
Trustee for American <strong>Indian</strong>s, Department of Interior<br />
<strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> Native Marketplace Exhibit, Convention Center II Foyer<br />
Cruise <strong>the</strong> exhibit area and see what quality products are being produced by <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>’s Native entrepreneurs.<br />
Take part in our Marketplace Raffle by visiting as many booths as you can. For visiting a booth, you will<br />
receive one ticket. For making a purchase, you will receive three tickets. Tickets will be collected at <strong>the</strong> door of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Networking Reception.<br />
6:00pm – 7:30pm<br />
Networking Reception, Sheridan Room<br />
Join us for a dynamic evening of networking among <strong>conference</strong> attendees with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.<br />
The reception will feature a presentation of <strong>the</strong> Marketplace Raffle winner by Rapid City Mayor, Sam<br />
Kooiker, and a celebration as we announce <strong>the</strong> 2013 <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Conference <strong>Business</strong> Plan<br />
winners. The evening’s entertainment will be provided by <strong>the</strong> Oglala Lakota College Artists Consortium.<br />
4 2013 SOUTH DAKOTA INDIAN BUSINESS CONFERENCE
BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES in <strong>the</strong> NEW NATIVE AMERICA<br />
April 10-12, 2013 | Best Western Ramkota | Rapid City, SD<br />
Agenda<br />
THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013<br />
7:30am<br />
7:30am – 8:30am<br />
8:00am – 5:00pm<br />
8:30am – 8:45am<br />
8:45am – 10:15am<br />
10:15am – 10:30am<br />
10:30am – 11:45am<br />
11:45am – 12:45pm<br />
12:45pm – 1:45pm<br />
Registration Opens, Convention Center II Foyer<br />
Breakfast, sponsored by Lakota Funds & Lakota Federal Credit Union, Rushmore Room<br />
Exhibit Area Open, Convention Center II Foyer<br />
Welcome Message by David Cournoyer, Master of Ceremonies, Pactola/Sheridan Room<br />
Panel: Creating Employment Opportunities through Tribal Employment Rights, Pactola/Sheridan Room<br />
Tribal Employment Rights Offices (TEROs) were created to help ensure that Native preference policies are<br />
enforced and to increase business and employment opportunities in reservation communities. However, this is<br />
not always <strong>the</strong> case. This group of panelists will share best practices by TEROs in supporting Native entrepreneurs<br />
and local businesses.<br />
Moderator: Lonnie Brewer, Cheyenne River Chamber of Commerce<br />
Panelists: Kevin D. Buckles, Fort Peck Tribal Employment Rights Office; DelRay D. German, Sisseton Wahpeton<br />
Oyate Tribal Employment Rights Office; Veronica Hix, ONABEN<br />
Break, sponsored by <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> Small <strong>Business</strong> Development Center, Convention Center II Foyer<br />
Panel: Strategies for Building Tribal Economies, Pactola/Sheridan Room<br />
Economic development efforts in reservation communities are continuously faced with a myriad of challenges.<br />
Tribal leaders from across <strong>the</strong> state ga<strong>the</strong>r to share strategies that have been successfully implemented and have<br />
resulted in private sector growth in <strong>the</strong>ir communities.<br />
Moderator: Elsie Meeks, USDA Rural Development<br />
Panelists: Chairman Michael Jandreau, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe; President Tony Reider, Flandreau Santee<br />
Sioux Tribe; Chairman Brandon Sazue, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe; Chairman Robert Shepherd, Sisseton<br />
Wahpeton Oyate<br />
Lunch, sponsored by Northwest Area Foundation, Rushmore Room<br />
Featured Presentation: “Undercounting in American <strong>Indian</strong> Populations,” Mary Killsahundred and Mike<br />
McCurry, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> State University Rural Life and Census Data Center<br />
Panel: Growing Local Foods Infrastructure, Pactola/Sheridan Room<br />
While rural and reservation communities are typically considered food deserts, several organizations are building<br />
locally-grown food <strong>program</strong>s and promoting healthy lifestyles.<br />
Moderator: Shawn Burke, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> State University Extension<br />
Panelists: Mark Ford, National Relief Charities; Rose Fraser, Oyate Teca Project; Alison Kiesz, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong><br />
Department of Agriculture; BillyJo Sazue, Hunkpati Investments; Tonia Young, Lakota Funds<br />
APRIL 10-12, 2013<br />
RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA<br />
5
1:45pm – 3:15pm<br />
Breakout Sessions<br />
[Resources]<br />
Legion #1<br />
Creating Sustainable Communities.<br />
This session will explore<br />
best practices of organizations<br />
that prioritize<br />
streng<strong>the</strong>ning social and<br />
community relationships<br />
while considering<br />
sustainability. Concepts<br />
explored will be social entrepreneurship<br />
and green<br />
<strong>program</strong>s.<br />
Session Leader: David White Bull,<br />
Lakota Funds<br />
Presenters: Danny Butcher,<br />
Four Bands Community Fund;<br />
Veronica Hix, ONABEN; Lakota<br />
Mowrer, Four Bands Community<br />
Fund<br />
[Financing]<br />
Legion #2<br />
Underutilized Loan Guarantee<br />
Programs.<br />
Loan guarantee <strong>program</strong>s<br />
can be used to successfully<br />
build up community<br />
loan funds, however,<br />
<strong>the</strong>se <strong>program</strong>s are often<br />
underutilized in <strong>Indian</strong><br />
Country. This session will<br />
demonstrate successful<br />
models of tribal nations<br />
and organizations that<br />
are using loan guarantee<br />
<strong>program</strong>s.<br />
Session Leader: Christine Sorensen,<br />
USDA Rural Development<br />
Presenters: Stacey Johnston, Office<br />
of <strong>Indian</strong> Energy & Economic<br />
Development; Dana Kleinsasser,<br />
USDA Rural Development<br />
[Infrastructure]<br />
Sylvan #1<br />
Broadband & Telecommunications<br />
in <strong>the</strong> New<br />
Native America.<br />
The session will discuss<br />
how various tribes are<br />
building services in underserved<br />
and unserved<br />
tribal land areas, and how<br />
Tribes are building taxation<br />
systems.<br />
Session Leader: Tonia Young,<br />
Lakota Funds<br />
Presenters: Randall Hughes,<br />
Native Tech Consulting; Madonna<br />
Peltier Yawakie, Turtle<br />
Island Communications; Tracey<br />
Zephier, Fredericks, Peebles, &<br />
Morgan<br />
[Governance]<br />
Sylvan #2<br />
Breaking <strong>the</strong> Pattern:<br />
Hosting Powerful<br />
Conversations.<br />
One basic step in creating<br />
positive change in<br />
Native communities is<br />
having honest, productive<br />
conversations about both<br />
needs and opportunities.<br />
How can we move forward<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r when we<br />
don’t have real exchange<br />
of ideas, discussion of differences,<br />
and a process for<br />
new ideas to emerge<br />
Session Leader: Michelle DuBray,<br />
SDIBA Native Entrepreneur<br />
Investment Fund<br />
Presenter: David Cournoyer,<br />
Plain Depth Consulting<br />
3:15pm – 3:30pm<br />
Break, sponsored by First Interstate Bank, Convention Center II Foyer<br />
3:30pm – 5:00pm<br />
Breakout Sessions<br />
[Resources]<br />
Legion #1<br />
Collaborative Models for<br />
Expanding Entrepreneurship<br />
& Asset-Building<br />
Resources.<br />
Working in rural and remote<br />
areas often presents<br />
a challenge, as resources<br />
are spread far and wide.<br />
This session will examine<br />
best practices in collaboration<br />
that have resulted<br />
in fur<strong>the</strong>ring <strong>the</strong> reach<br />
of entrepreneurship and<br />
asset-building <strong>program</strong>s.<br />
Session Leader: James A. Cordry,<br />
Office of <strong>the</strong> Special Trustee for<br />
American <strong>Indian</strong>s<br />
Presenters: Tawney Brunsch, Great<br />
Plains Native Asset Building<br />
Coalition; Krystal Langholz,<br />
Hunkpati Investments<br />
[Financing]<br />
Legion #2<br />
Alternative Financing<br />
Solutions.<br />
There is never enough<br />
capital in <strong>Indian</strong> Country.<br />
This informative<br />
session will demonstrate<br />
how to use participation<br />
loans, joint ventures, and<br />
New Markets Tax Credits<br />
to fund projects.<br />
Session Leader: Clinton Waara,<br />
Wells Fargo<br />
Presenters: Mat<strong>the</strong>w Bland,<br />
Travois; James Crawford, Native<br />
Homes and Development; Taffy<br />
Lafferty, Native American Development<br />
Corporation<br />
[Infrastructure]<br />
Sylvan #1<br />
Preparing for New Industries<br />
in <strong>the</strong> New Native<br />
America.<br />
Reservation communities<br />
are growing, so how<br />
do we prepare to meet<br />
<strong>the</strong> demand of developing<br />
new business sectors<br />
It is essential that <strong>South</strong><br />
<strong>Dakota</strong> Tribes focus now<br />
on building a ready and<br />
able workforce as well as<br />
creating viable business<br />
sectors to support future<br />
growth.<br />
Session Leader: Lakota Mowrer,<br />
Four Bands Community Fund<br />
Presenters: Rachel Lindvall,<br />
<strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> State University<br />
Extension; Barbara Stiffarm,<br />
Opportunity Link; Tom Zohner,<br />
Job Corps<br />
[Governance]<br />
Sylvan #2<br />
Building Tribal Judiciary<br />
Systems.<br />
A strong independent<br />
tribal judiciary that<br />
reflects local values and<br />
traditions is vital to <strong>the</strong><br />
success of tribal nations<br />
in <strong>the</strong> modern era. This<br />
session will examine best<br />
practices in <strong>the</strong> areas of<br />
judicial structure, law<br />
and order development,<br />
constitutional and legal<br />
code analysis and revision<br />
services, working agreements<br />
between jurisdictions,<br />
separation of business<br />
and governmental<br />
interests, and long-term<br />
strategic planning.<br />
Session Leader: Lisa Claasen,<br />
Small <strong>Business</strong> Administration<br />
Presenters: Mat<strong>the</strong>w L. Rappold,<br />
Owl Nest Consulting;<br />
Mato Standing High, Owl Nest<br />
Consulting<br />
6 2013 SOUTH DAKOTA INDIAN BUSINESS CONFERENCE
BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES in <strong>the</strong> NEW NATIVE AMERICA<br />
April 10-12, 2013 | Best Western Ramkota | Rapid City, SD<br />
Agenda<br />
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2013<br />
7:30am<br />
7:30am – 8:30am<br />
8:00am – 11:30am<br />
8:30am – 8:45am<br />
8:45am – 9:00am<br />
9:00am – 10:30am<br />
10:30am – 11:00am<br />
11:00am – 11:15am<br />
11:15am – 1:00pm<br />
Registration Opens, Convention Center II Foyer<br />
Breakfast, sponsored by Bush Foundation, Rushmore Room<br />
Exhibit Area Open, Convention Center II Foyer<br />
Welcome Message by David Cournoyer, Master of Ceremonies, Pactola/Sheridan Room<br />
Call for Membership, Pactola/Sheridan Room<br />
Stacey LaCompte, Secretary, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Alliance, will share SDIBA’s planned activities and<br />
invite <strong>conference</strong> attendees to join <strong>the</strong> SDIBA mission with details on membership.<br />
Panel: Building <strong>the</strong> Framework to Implement Policy Strategies, Pactola/Sheridan Room<br />
Information is key to understanding any development environment, especially in determining needs and impact.<br />
Therefore, this panel will analyze data and information that hugely affects <strong>Indian</strong> Country development.<br />
Moderator: David Cournoyer<br />
Panelists: Tanya Fiddler, SDIBA Chairperson; Mary Beth Jager, Native Nations Institute; Lakota Mowrer,<br />
Four Bands Community Fund; Joy Smolnisky, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> Budget & Policy Project;<br />
Closing Ceremony, Pactola/Sheridan Room<br />
Tanya Fiddler, Chair, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Alliance, will offer <strong>conference</strong> attendees some final<br />
thoughts on “Building Opportunities in <strong>the</strong> New Native America.” Followed by prayer and honor song.<br />
Break, sponsored by Northwest Area Foundation, Convention Center II Foyer<br />
<strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Alliance Member Meeting, Rushmore Room<br />
The SDIBA Executive Team, Leadership Council, and <strong>conference</strong> attendees will convene for a working lunch<br />
session to debrief <strong>the</strong> <strong>conference</strong> and have additional discussions on strategies for “Building Opportunities in<br />
<strong>the</strong> New Native America.” Lunch served at 11:45am.<br />
APRIL 10-12, 2013<br />
RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA<br />
7
Speaker Biographies<br />
Logan Anderson<br />
Logan Anderson joined First Peoples Fund in 2012 as <strong>the</strong> Program<br />
Manager for Nonprofit Partnerships. She is an enrolled member of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Comanche Nation of Oklahoma; however, she is closely tied to<br />
her Mandan roots on <strong>the</strong> Fort Berthold Reservation in North <strong>Dakota</strong>.<br />
Logan has worked with Native community development financial<br />
institutions (CDFIs) for 7 years. Her CDFI experience and knowledge<br />
stems from working with a grassroots, certified Native CDFI<br />
on <strong>the</strong> Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation in <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>. Logan<br />
has strong working knowledge in client management and training<br />
facilitation, and hands-on expertise as a technical assistance provider,<br />
which allows her to be a successful manager of First Peoples Funds’<br />
Training & Technical Assistance <strong>program</strong>s. Living most of her life in<br />
<strong>the</strong> California Bay Area, Logan moved to <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> in 2003 to<br />
be closer to family.<br />
Mat<strong>the</strong>w Bland<br />
Mat<strong>the</strong>w Bland, Asset Manager for Travois New Markets, handles<br />
accounts receivable and payable, prepares financial reporting, and<br />
coordinates financial audits for Travois New Markets and all subsidiary<br />
entities. Mat<strong>the</strong>w graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor’s<br />
Degree in Art History, holds a Master’s Degree in Accounting<br />
from <strong>the</strong> University of Missouri-Kansas City, and is a certified public<br />
accountant (CPA).<br />
Shawn Bordeaux<br />
Shawn Bordeaux is an enrolled member of <strong>the</strong> Rosebud Sioux Tribe.<br />
He serves as a board member for <strong>the</strong> Rosebud Economic Development<br />
Corporation (REDCO), <strong>the</strong> tribe’s economic development<br />
company, and also as a Tribal Utility Commissioner. He is a former<br />
Tribal Councilman, having served as Chairman of <strong>the</strong> Economic<br />
Development and Education Committees and was <strong>the</strong> Vice Chairman<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Treaty Council. He’s employed as <strong>the</strong> Economic and<br />
Community Development Officer for Sinte Gleska University. Mr.<br />
Bordeaux has held several senior level management positions in various<br />
tribally-owned corporations, has taught college courses on <strong>the</strong><br />
Rosebud and Winnebago Reservations, and has provided consulting<br />
for over fifteen years and served on numerous regional and national<br />
boards in education, business, health and tourism. He holds degrees<br />
in <strong>Business</strong> Administration and a Master’s Degree in Community &<br />
Regional Planning from <strong>the</strong> University of Nebraka-Lincoln. He is a<br />
certified Economic Development Finance Professional.<br />
Lonnie Brewer<br />
The Cheyenne River Chamber of Commerce currently employs<br />
Lonnie Brewer as Chamber Coordinator, responsible for its dayto-day<br />
functions, membership recruitment, event coordination, and<br />
fundraising. Lonnie brings a wide range of experiences and broad<br />
skill set, including years of client interface, exceptional customer<br />
service, and strong organizational capacity, which contributes to <strong>the</strong><br />
Chamber’s growth and streng<strong>the</strong>ned presence on <strong>the</strong> reservation.<br />
He is dedicated to fulfilling <strong>the</strong> Chamber’s mission and seeing <strong>the</strong><br />
organization through <strong>the</strong> incubation phase towards a thriving selfsufficient<br />
entity.<br />
Tawney Brunsch<br />
Tawney Brunsch is <strong>the</strong> Executive Director of Lakota Funds, <strong>the</strong><br />
first-ever Native community development financial institution<br />
(CDFI) on a reservation. Since becoming Executive Director of<br />
Lakota Funds in 2010, Ms. Brunsch has led <strong>the</strong> financial institution<br />
through several history-making accomplishments, including: <strong>the</strong><br />
charter of <strong>the</strong> Lakota Federal Credit Union, <strong>the</strong> launch of a child<br />
development account <strong>program</strong>, and <strong>the</strong> conversion that is currently<br />
underway of a low-income tax credit housing development into<br />
privately-owned homes, which will be <strong>the</strong> largest influx of deeded<br />
properties into <strong>the</strong> reservation’s real estate market.<br />
With a well-versed career in <strong>the</strong> financial industry, Ms. Brunsch is<br />
committed to revitalizing <strong>the</strong> Pine Ridge <strong>Indian</strong> Reservation’s economy<br />
by providing access to sound lending products paired with <strong>the</strong><br />
assistance necessary for private sector development. She innovated<br />
a collaborative of key regional leaders in <strong>the</strong> Native asset-building<br />
field to form <strong>the</strong> Great Plains Native Asset Building Coalition, and<br />
is a member of <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Alliance and a<br />
member of <strong>the</strong> Board of Directors of <strong>the</strong> Native CDFI Network. In<br />
addition, Ms. Brunsch serves on <strong>the</strong> Board of Directors for Mazaska<br />
Owecaso Otipi Financial, a Native community development financial<br />
institution dedicated to creating opportunities for homeownership<br />
on <strong>the</strong> Pine Ridge Reservation. Ms. Brunsch received her Bachelor’s<br />
Degree in Commercial Economics from <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> State University<br />
and is certified as a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Preparer.<br />
Kevin D. Buckles<br />
Born and raised on <strong>the</strong> Fort Peck <strong>Indian</strong> Reservation, Kevin D.<br />
Buckles is an enrolled member of <strong>the</strong> Assiniboine Tribe. For <strong>the</strong><br />
past seven years he has been working diligently in <strong>Indian</strong> Country to<br />
address <strong>the</strong> high unemployment rate that has been a way of life for<br />
Native America for over fifty years. Kevin was <strong>the</strong> first-ever Native<br />
American elected to serve as mayor of <strong>the</strong> town of Poplar, Montana,<br />
and served on various boards within <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
Kevin began working with <strong>the</strong> national Tribal Employment Rights<br />
Office (TERO) to implement <strong>the</strong> Native Construction Careers Initiative,<br />
which had its first success on <strong>the</strong> Fort Peck <strong>Indian</strong> Reservation.<br />
In 2010 he established Native American Construction Training<br />
Management (NACTM). Since <strong>the</strong>n he has created permanent jobs<br />
for over 100 tribal members from various tribes. Kevin has come<br />
full circle and is now working again as <strong>the</strong> Fort Peck Tribe’s TERO<br />
8 2013 SOUTH DAKOTA INDIAN BUSINESS CONFERENCE
Director. He hopes to bring his experience and expertise back to his<br />
tribe in an effort prepare workers to meet <strong>the</strong> needs of <strong>the</strong> industries,<br />
to get ahead of <strong>the</strong> upcoming oil boom, and rebrand <strong>the</strong> image<br />
of TERO.<br />
Shawn Burke<br />
Shawn Burke is <strong>the</strong> Program Leader for <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> State University<br />
(SDSU) Extension Native American Programs, and is <strong>the</strong><br />
Project Director for three grants that fund Extension offices on<br />
Cheyenne River, Pine Ridge, and Rosebud Reservations. Shawn<br />
has worked for SDSU Extension for nine years, beginning as <strong>the</strong> Agriculture<br />
and Youth Outreach Educator for Pine Ridge Reservation.<br />
He is a graduate of <strong>the</strong> University of <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> and has experience<br />
in education, natural resources management, and community<br />
development in four countries.<br />
Sandy Burns<br />
Sandy Burns has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical and Petroleum<br />
Refining Engineering from <strong>the</strong> Colorado School of Mines,<br />
and owns Project Solutions Inc., a project management company.<br />
Project Solutions Inc. was started in 2000 and now manages 19<br />
projects and employs 36 people throughout <strong>the</strong> US and Italy. Some<br />
of <strong>the</strong> projects include <strong>the</strong> Small <strong>Business</strong> Administration (SBA) 7j<br />
Consulting and <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> Department of Transportation’s<br />
Disadvantaged <strong>Business</strong> Enterprise (DBE) <strong>program</strong>. She assists<br />
women and minorities in bidding for contracts with <strong>the</strong> government<br />
and in running successful businesses. She has presented many workshops<br />
on <strong>the</strong> reservations and cities in <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>, Wyoming, and<br />
Montana. Sandy won <strong>the</strong> SBA Minority Small <strong>Business</strong> Champion<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Year Award for <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> in 2011.<br />
Danny Butcher<br />
Danny Butcher is <strong>the</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Success Coach at Four Bands and<br />
provides outreach, coaching, and technical assistance to promote<br />
entrepreneurship and small business development in all communities<br />
on <strong>the</strong> Cheyenne River <strong>Indian</strong> Reservation. He graduated Tiospaye<br />
Topa High School, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in <strong>Business</strong><br />
Administration, and plans to achieve his Masters in Lakota Studies.<br />
Danny’s passion for business development led him to a finalist position<br />
in <strong>the</strong> 2011 <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> Governor’s Giant Vision <strong>Business</strong><br />
Competition. In addition to his role at Four Bands, Danny is <strong>the</strong><br />
owner of Rez Kid Studios, an art company that specializes in tattoos,<br />
graphics, murals, canvas paintings, photography, and apparel.<br />
Danny is an enrolled full blood member of <strong>the</strong> Cheyenne River<br />
Sioux Tribe. Danny was born in Rapid City and raised in <strong>the</strong> communities<br />
of Eagle Butte and La Plant, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>.<br />
Ruth Christopherson<br />
Ruth Christopherson is <strong>the</strong> Director for Community Development<br />
and a Senior Vice President with Citibank. Ruth is a 15 year veteran<br />
of Citi, holding a variety of positions including Financial Controller<br />
for Citi Global Technology, Vice President of Operations for <strong>the</strong><br />
Student Loan Corporation, and Managing Director of Mortgage<br />
Originations for CitiMortgage in St Louis. She returned to <strong>South</strong><br />
<strong>Dakota</strong> and assumed <strong>the</strong> role of State Director for Community<br />
Development in October of 2009.<br />
Ruth was a member of <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> Air National Guard with<br />
over 30 years of service, culminating in attaining <strong>the</strong> rank of Colonel,<br />
and holding <strong>the</strong> position of Chief of Staff for <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong><br />
Air National Guard prior to her retirement in 2008. Ruth is an<br />
Adjunct Professor and received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees<br />
in <strong>Business</strong> Administration from <strong>the</strong> University of <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>.<br />
She currently serves as a director on five community boards as well<br />
as serving in numerous o<strong>the</strong>r volunteer activities. Ruth and her husband<br />
Reid reside on an acreage near Garretson, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>. They<br />
have two grown children.<br />
Lisa Claasen<br />
As <strong>Business</strong> Development Specialist for <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> District<br />
Office of <strong>the</strong> U.S. Small <strong>Business</strong> Administration, Lisa Claassen<br />
is responsible for 8(a) <strong>Business</strong> Development duties, including<br />
HubZone and Native American Affairs, and is also <strong>the</strong> Administration<br />
Division point of contact. She has been with <strong>the</strong> Agency for<br />
22 years, and since 2000, has been working with <strong>the</strong> 8(a) <strong>Business</strong><br />
Development Program.<br />
James A. Cordry<br />
James A. Cordry is an enrolled member of <strong>the</strong> Rosebud Sioux<br />
Tribe. He is a graduate of <strong>the</strong> University of <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>, having<br />
attended <strong>the</strong> University of <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> School of Fine Arts and<br />
<strong>the</strong> University of <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> School of <strong>Business</strong>. From 1983 to<br />
2004, Mr. Cordry was a Registered Investment Advisor and Financial<br />
Advisor in <strong>the</strong> Kansas City metropolitan area, specializing in tax<br />
advantaged investments, fixed income, and management of equity<br />
portfolios. During that time he hosted a weekly call-in radio talk<br />
<strong>program</strong>, featuring investment talk of <strong>the</strong> day, and interviewing<br />
notable investment professionals from around <strong>the</strong> country. Since<br />
2004, Mr. Cordry has held <strong>the</strong> position of Fiduciary Trust Officer<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Rosebud Agency, Office of <strong>the</strong> Special Trustee for American<br />
<strong>Indian</strong>s.<br />
David Cournoyer<br />
David Cournoyer has worked in a variety of roles for over 25 years:<br />
<strong>the</strong> news media, communications, and <strong>the</strong> nonprofit sector, focusing<br />
his professional and personal work in support of vulnerable children<br />
and communities. An enrolled member of <strong>the</strong> Rosebud Sioux Tribe,<br />
David is especially passionate about “connecting <strong>the</strong> dots” across<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> Country by helping connect people, ideas, and resources in<br />
order to build stronger Native American communities. He has more<br />
than 17 years of experience in <strong>the</strong> nonprofit sector, at national foundations<br />
and nonprofit organizations. At <strong>the</strong> W.K. Kellogg Foundation,<br />
he provided communications support to youth and education<br />
initiatives including <strong>the</strong> Native American Higher Education Initiative.<br />
In 2005, he became a <strong>program</strong> director at Lumina Foundation<br />
for Education, helping lead <strong>the</strong> national KnowHow2GO Campaign<br />
to show low-income students <strong>the</strong> steps to get ready for college. David<br />
chaired <strong>the</strong> board of Native Americans in Philanthropy for four<br />
years, and previously worked at <strong>the</strong> American <strong>Indian</strong> College Fund<br />
to publicize how tribal colleges are effective by blending academics<br />
and tribal culture. His tribe’s college is named for his great-grandfa<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
Sinte Gleska.<br />
APRIL 10-12, 2013<br />
RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA<br />
9
Today, he works as an independent consultant for nonprofit, tribal,<br />
and state government entities, typically addressing early childhood,<br />
education, and community development initiatives. Early in<br />
his career, David was a television journalist, working for local TV<br />
stations in Albuquerque and Minneapolis. He later was <strong>the</strong> Denver<br />
correspondent for Fox News Channel, covering <strong>the</strong> Oklahoma City<br />
bombing trials. In his volunteer work in 2011, David was appointed<br />
by <strong>the</strong> Minnesota governor to serve on Minnesota’s Early Learning<br />
Council. He also serves on <strong>the</strong> boards of <strong>the</strong> First Peoples Fund and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Native Youth Leadership Alliance. He and his family live in St.<br />
Paul, Minnesota.<br />
James “JC” Crawford<br />
In June of 2009 JC started working for Superior Homes, LLC in<br />
Watertown, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>, where he was hired to develop <strong>the</strong> Native<br />
American Sales Division. As <strong>the</strong>ir newly hired Vice-President of<br />
Tribal Sales, James led Superior Homes in an expansion that reached<br />
out to tribes in <strong>the</strong> Great Plains Region and to <strong>the</strong> First Nations of<br />
Canada, as <strong>the</strong>ir primary market.<br />
After <strong>the</strong> first year of developing <strong>the</strong> Native American Sales Division,<br />
Superior Homes created a joint venture company. That newly<br />
created company was called Native Homes and Development,<br />
LLC. With this partnership, Native Homes was created to reach<br />
out to tribes and First Nations to meet <strong>the</strong>ir specific construction<br />
needs. Along with <strong>the</strong> partnership, James bring years of networking<br />
relationships from a wide range of tribal fields that include: tribal finance,<br />
taxation, gaming, economic development, retail development,<br />
and tribal government.<br />
Michelle DuBray<br />
Michelle has over 25 years of experience working in <strong>the</strong> nonprofit<br />
field. Most recently she has been contracted as <strong>the</strong> Coordinator of<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Alliance (SDIBA). Michelle is an<br />
enrolled member of <strong>the</strong> Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation of North<br />
<strong>Dakota</strong>. She established her consulting firm, Pinto Horse Woman<br />
Consulting, in 1997 and has enjoyed working for several Native nonprofits<br />
that have a community development focus. She makes her<br />
home on a buffalo ranch along <strong>the</strong> Missouri River on <strong>the</strong> Cheyenne<br />
River Sioux Reservation.<br />
Michelle was selected for <strong>the</strong> first cohort of <strong>the</strong> Bush Foundation’s<br />
Native Nations Rebuilders Program in 2010. She currently serves on<br />
<strong>the</strong> Board of Directors and Advisory Council of <strong>the</strong> Native Youth<br />
Leadership Alliance and on <strong>the</strong> Leadership Council of <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong><br />
<strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Alliance. In 2012, Michelle was appointed to<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> Commission of National and Community Service<br />
by Governor Daugaard.<br />
Zach Ducheneaux<br />
Zach Ducheneaux is a member of <strong>the</strong> Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe<br />
in north central <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>. He grew up ranching on <strong>the</strong> Cheyenne<br />
River Sioux Reservation. He and his family raise beef cattle<br />
and Quarter Horses. He started ranching on his own in 1993 with<br />
<strong>the</strong> assistance of a Bureau of <strong>Indian</strong> Affairs Economic Development<br />
Grant. Shortly after this, Zach was elected to serve on <strong>the</strong><br />
Tribal Council on <strong>the</strong> Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. During<br />
his term <strong>the</strong>re he was appointed by <strong>the</strong> tribe to be <strong>the</strong> delegate to<br />
<strong>the</strong> Intertribal Agriculture Council, and was subsequently elected<br />
Secretary of <strong>the</strong> Board of Directors. Zach is currently <strong>the</strong> Program<br />
Manager for <strong>the</strong> Intertribal Agriculture Council’s Tribal Technical<br />
Assistance Network.<br />
Vincent T. DuPris<br />
Vincent T. DuPris, member of <strong>the</strong> Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, has<br />
been working with <strong>the</strong> Office of <strong>the</strong> Special Trustee for American<br />
<strong>Indian</strong>s, Department of Interior, as an Accounting Technician since<br />
2006. In this role Mr. DuPris works with Individual <strong>Indian</strong> Money<br />
account holders to help <strong>the</strong>m in all areas of trust, from distributing<br />
account balances to land sales. In addition, Mr. Dupris owns and<br />
operates a family business, The Oriental Express, with his wife and<br />
children. His business has grown over <strong>the</strong> years and now serves large<br />
powwows on <strong>the</strong> Pine Ridge, Rosebud, and Cheyenne River Reservations.<br />
Tanya Fiddler<br />
Tanya Fiddler is <strong>the</strong> Executive Director of Four Bands Community<br />
Fund, a Native community development financial institution (CDFI)<br />
focused on entrepreneurship and financial literacy development<br />
on <strong>the</strong> Cheyenne River Sioux <strong>Indian</strong> Reservation, located in north<br />
central <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>. Tanya, an enrolled member of <strong>the</strong> Cheyenne<br />
River Sioux Tribe, has served as Executive Director of Four Bands<br />
since 2002, and has built <strong>the</strong> organization from <strong>the</strong> start-up phase<br />
into a successful, innovative, and award-winning organization. She<br />
holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Interdisciplinary Sciences<br />
from <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> School of Mines & Technology and has 15<br />
years of experience working with Native organizations. Tanya is <strong>the</strong><br />
recipient of several prestigious awards including <strong>the</strong> 2008 Bureau<br />
of <strong>Indian</strong> Affairs “Entrepreneur Advocate of <strong>the</strong> Year,” <strong>the</strong> 2007<br />
Small <strong>Business</strong> Administration “Minority Small <strong>Business</strong> Champion<br />
for <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> and Region VIII,” and <strong>the</strong> 2007 “Visionary Leader<br />
Award for Outstanding Achievement,” in recognition of her impact<br />
in <strong>the</strong> CDFI field. She received a Fellowship in <strong>the</strong> Aspen Institute’s<br />
Ideas Festival in 2008 and has been an active voice in Native community<br />
and economic development.<br />
In addition to her role at Four Bands, Tanya is also <strong>the</strong> Board Chair<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Native CDFI Network and <strong>the</strong> Chair of <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong><br />
<strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Alliance. Tanya serves on <strong>the</strong> Board of Directors<br />
for Mazaska Owecaso Otipi Financial and <strong>the</strong> Corporation for<br />
Enterprise Development. Ms. Fiddler was recently appointed by<br />
President Obama to <strong>the</strong> Community Development Advisory Board.<br />
She is a frequent speaker and workshop facilitator at regional and<br />
national <strong>conference</strong>s. Tanya values her family and <strong>the</strong> beautiful<br />
outdoors.<br />
Kadem Fisher<br />
Kadem Fisher is a Success Coach Specialist for Lakota Funds. He<br />
has certificates of completion in Weaving Your Financial Future from<br />
<strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> State University; Building Native Communities: Financial<br />
Skills for Families from First Nations Oweesta Corporation; and credit<br />
coaching. Currently, Kadem is taking an on-line class called “Native<br />
10 2013 SOUTH DAKOTA INDIAN BUSINESS CONFERENCE
American Credit Counseling Certification,” through Association for<br />
Financial Counseling Planning Education to become an accredited<br />
financial counselor. Prior to coming to Lakota Funds, Kadem was a<br />
General Contractor, remodeling and rebuilding reservation housing<br />
on various reservations. He also has worked as a Sales Representative/Market<br />
Promotions Coordinator for U.S.S.T.C. which gives him<br />
a creative edge in assisting local commerce. Kadem is an enrolled<br />
member of <strong>the</strong> Oglala Sioux Tribe and has lived on <strong>the</strong> Pine Ridge<br />
Reservation for his entire life.<br />
Mark Ford<br />
Mark originally is from Alamosa, Colorado, and is of Chiricahua<br />
Apache and Spanish descent. Mark spent 17 years as a Roman<br />
Catholic priest. After assisting persons with disabilities following<br />
Hurricane Katrina, he was appointed by Governor Bobby Jindal as<br />
<strong>the</strong> Executive Director of <strong>the</strong> Governor’s Office of <strong>Indian</strong> Affairs<br />
in 2008, assisting tribes after Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Seeking a<br />
change of career outside church and state politics, Mark moved to<br />
<strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> and began working as <strong>the</strong> Collaboration and Training<br />
Coordinator at National Relief Charities in November 2010. Mark’s<br />
training/teaching experience includes: training of church leaders,<br />
intercultural communication workshops, animal spirit medicine,<br />
youth leadership development, emergency preparedness and disaster<br />
recovery for tribal communities, and <strong>the</strong> spirituality of storytelling<br />
and drumming. Mark also has spoken at a number of regional and<br />
national <strong>conference</strong>s.<br />
Jason Gant<br />
Jason grew up in Geddes, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>, and is a fifth generation<br />
family-farmer. He attended <strong>the</strong> University of <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> where<br />
he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science with<br />
a Minor in <strong>Business</strong> Administration. After graduation, Jason began<br />
working for a health insurance company, and eventually started his<br />
own healthcare consulting business in Sioux Falls.<br />
Jason’s political career began in 2004 when he was elected to <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong><br />
<strong>Dakota</strong> State Senate, where he served until 2010. During this period<br />
Jason sponsored many bills related to <strong>the</strong> Secretary of State’s office.<br />
Jason was elected <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>’s 27th Secretary of State in November<br />
of 2010. His time in office has been marked by several technology<br />
initiatives to help better provide information to <strong>the</strong> public and<br />
allow <strong>the</strong> online filing of documents. Jason also serves as Co-Chair<br />
for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Services Committee and Elections Committee of<br />
<strong>the</strong> National Association of Secretaries of State.<br />
Sandy Gerber<br />
Sandy Gerber is a Senior Project Manager in <strong>the</strong> Community<br />
Development Department at <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.<br />
Her work has included participating in <strong>the</strong> creation and<br />
growth of multi-sector <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Alliances in <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong><br />
and Wisconsin; coordinating multi-agency efforts to increase small<br />
business lending in low- and moderate-income communities in <strong>the</strong><br />
ninth Federal Reserve district; conducting field research on Montana’s<br />
Blackfeet reservation as part of a national study and report on<br />
concentrated poverty; and training banks and community organizations<br />
in <strong>the</strong> Community Reinvestment Act. Prior to her work<br />
with <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve, she was a field researcher for Manpower<br />
Demonstration Research Corporation (MDRC) on a national pilot<br />
<strong>program</strong> to increase employment levels in public housing projects,<br />
a <strong>program</strong> officer with <strong>the</strong> Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, a<br />
project specialist for a racial inclusiveness initiative at <strong>the</strong> Greater<br />
Twin Cities United Way, and <strong>the</strong> director of an inner-city community<br />
mediation <strong>program</strong> in North Minneapolis. Sandy was a recipient<br />
of a Bush Foundation Leadership Fellowship, which she utilized to<br />
obtain a Masters Degree in public administration at <strong>the</strong> John F. Kennedy<br />
School of Government at Harvard University. Sandy has been<br />
dedicated to community development in low- and moderate-income<br />
communities, and to multicultural participation, throughout her life<br />
and work.<br />
DelRay D. German<br />
DelRay German is <strong>the</strong> Director of <strong>the</strong> Sisseton Wahpeton Tribal<br />
Employment Rights Office. An expert with more than 18 years of<br />
successful experience in <strong>Indian</strong> preference and tribal employment<br />
rights law and <strong>Indian</strong> business development collaboration, DelRay<br />
German has a proven ability to foster relationships between <strong>Indian</strong><br />
and non-<strong>Indian</strong> businesses operating in <strong>Indian</strong> Country. DelRay is<br />
a strong believer in building opportunities for tribal members and<br />
Native-owned businesses and working to build a thriving indigenous<br />
economy.<br />
Mr. German began his career in tribal government after serving in<br />
<strong>the</strong> United States Marine Corps. He has worked in <strong>the</strong> tribal employment<br />
rights arena since 1994, and has worked to build strong Nativeowned<br />
businesses through equitable negotiations and partnerships.<br />
He has also worked in <strong>the</strong> areas of employee retention, recruitment,<br />
competitive compensation survey, and career path training. DelRay<br />
has helped contractors in both <strong>the</strong> residential and commercial construction<br />
industries maximize <strong>the</strong>ir opportunities under TERO law.<br />
Cora Mae Haskell<br />
Cora Mae Haskell is <strong>the</strong> Asset Development Coordinator at Four<br />
Bands. In this role, she provides outreach, coaching, and technical<br />
assistance to promote financial literacy and credit-building to help<br />
residents of Cheyenne River <strong>Indian</strong> Reservation to access financial<br />
products and services. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education<br />
and Curriculum and a Bachelor’s Degree in <strong>Business</strong> Education<br />
from Black Hills State University, and is a certified trainer for Fannie<br />
Mae/First Nation’s Financial Skillbuilding for Families coursework.<br />
Since joining Four Bands in 2003, Cora Mae has conducted business<br />
development and financial literacy workshops for hundreds of<br />
people and has been instrumental in establishing <strong>the</strong> Individual Development<br />
Account <strong>program</strong>. Prior to that, Cora Mae was Dean of<br />
Academics at <strong>the</strong> former Si Tanka/Huron University and has accumulated<br />
more than 20 years of teaching experience on <strong>the</strong> reservation.<br />
She has served as Co-chair of <strong>the</strong> Native Financial Education<br />
Coalition and is a former board member of <strong>the</strong> Eagle Butte District<br />
20-1 school system. Cora Mae was named <strong>the</strong> 2008 Outstanding Entrepreneurship<br />
Educator by <strong>the</strong> Consortium for Entrepreneurship<br />
Education for her outstanding service to <strong>the</strong> field of entrepreneurship.<br />
She has been <strong>the</strong> religious coordinator for grades K-9 at <strong>the</strong> All<br />
Saints Catholic Church in Eagle Butte, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> for 10 years.<br />
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Traci Hanson<br />
Traci Hanson is an Audit Senior Manager with Ketel Thorstenson,<br />
LLP. Traci graduated in 2001 from Black Hills State University in<br />
Spearfish, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> with a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional<br />
Accountancy and <strong>Business</strong> Administration. She works primarily<br />
on not-for-profit, governmental, and compliance audits. She is a<br />
member of <strong>the</strong> American Institute of CPAs and <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong><br />
CPA Society.<br />
Veronica Hix<br />
Veronica Hix (Cherokee) is ONABEN’s Executive Director. Previously,<br />
she was <strong>the</strong> Entrepreneur Development Manager for <strong>the</strong> Small<br />
<strong>Business</strong> Assistance Center in Oklahoma. An advocate for small<br />
business creation and economic development, Veronica was named<br />
<strong>the</strong> Minority <strong>Business</strong> Advocate of <strong>the</strong> Year by <strong>the</strong> Native American<br />
<strong>Business</strong> Enterprise Center, a facet of <strong>the</strong> Minority <strong>Business</strong><br />
Development Agency. With a background in marketing and public<br />
relations, Veronica works to create opportunities for <strong>Indian</strong>-owned<br />
businesses to grow and prosper. Over <strong>the</strong> course of <strong>the</strong> last year, Veronica<br />
has assisted more than 250 aspiring entrepreneurs and small<br />
business owners in workshop settings, and has created a network<br />
of opportunities designed to enhance business development within<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> Country.<br />
Karlene Hunter<br />
Karlene Hunter is CEO and co-founder of Native American Natural<br />
Foods. A member of <strong>the</strong> Oglala Sioux Tribe, Ms. Hunter has more<br />
than 32 years of experience working on educational and economic<br />
development on <strong>the</strong> Pine Ridge Reservation in <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>, where<br />
Native American Natural Foods is based. The Kyle, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>,<br />
company, founded with her longtime business partner Mark Tilsen,<br />
is <strong>the</strong> second business Ms. Hunter has started on <strong>the</strong> reservation.<br />
In 1996, Ms. Hunter and Mr. Tilsen created Lakota Express, a direct<br />
marketing and customer care management company focused primarily<br />
on fundraising for nonprofit organizations. In 2005, Ms. Hunter<br />
and Mr. Tilsen created Native American Natural Foods, a company<br />
devoted to <strong>the</strong> establishment of <strong>the</strong> first Native American national<br />
branded line of natural meat and fruit snacks. The company’s line of<br />
Tanka buffalo products has since grown to more than 4,000 retailers<br />
nationwide and has created more than 20 jobs on <strong>the</strong> reservation.<br />
Tanka Bars, <strong>the</strong> company’s signature product, is now <strong>the</strong> number one<br />
selling natural meat snack in <strong>the</strong> United States, according to SPINS,<br />
<strong>the</strong> natural food industry’s top retail measurement service.<br />
Well-known throughout <strong>the</strong> Native American community for her<br />
local and national service record, Ms. Hunter serves on <strong>the</strong> Board<br />
of Directors of <strong>the</strong> National Center for American <strong>Indian</strong> Enterprise<br />
Development. She has also served on <strong>the</strong> Board of Directors for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Native American Rights Fund, <strong>the</strong> National <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Association,<br />
<strong>Dakota</strong>’s America LLC, and <strong>the</strong> Pine Ridge Area Chamber<br />
of Commerce.<br />
Ms. Hunter, who holds an MBA from Oglala Lakota College, has<br />
received numerous awards, including <strong>the</strong> 2011 Social Venture Network<br />
Innovation Award, <strong>the</strong> Natural Foods Industry’s prestigious<br />
2010 Cliff Adler ‘Heart in <strong>Business</strong>’ Award, and <strong>the</strong> 2007 SBA Small<br />
<strong>Business</strong> Woman of <strong>the</strong> Year for <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>. Recognized in 2003<br />
as one of <strong>the</strong> 100 Best Minority Suppliers by <strong>the</strong> Minority <strong>Business</strong><br />
Network, Ms. Hunter received <strong>the</strong> National Director’s Pioneer<br />
Award in 2006.<br />
Marcella Hurley<br />
As Regional Director of <strong>the</strong> Small <strong>Business</strong> Development Center in<br />
Pierre, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>, Marcella Hurley serves business clients in a<br />
fourteen-county area in Central <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>. She serves as Lead<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Small <strong>Business</strong> Development Center of Excellence for Native<br />
Entrepreneurship and is a member of <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong><br />
<strong>Business</strong> Alliance Leadership Committee. Marcella has also served<br />
as budget analyst for <strong>the</strong> University of <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> School of<br />
Medicine, senior planner for University of Nebraska Medical Center,<br />
manager of <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> Housing Authority Homeownership<br />
Program, partner in a real estate mortgage company, and commercial<br />
banking branch manager. Ms. Hurley graduated from <strong>the</strong> University<br />
of <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> with an MBA. She is a member of <strong>the</strong> National<br />
Small <strong>Business</strong> Association and is a Certified Economic Development<br />
Finance Professional.<br />
Sandra K. Isburg<br />
Sandra K. Isburg is an enrolled member of <strong>the</strong> Crow Creek Sioux<br />
Tribe. She attended <strong>the</strong> Crow Creek Tribal Schools and graduated<br />
from Chamberlain High School and from Augustana University<br />
in Sioux Falls, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>. Since she moved back to <strong>the</strong> Crow<br />
Creek Reservation in 1993, she has been an advocate for new<br />
Native-owned businesses on her reservation. She has served on <strong>the</strong><br />
boards of Harvest Initiative Inc. and Hunkpati Investments, Inc.<br />
since <strong>the</strong>ir inception. She currently serves as Board President for<br />
Hunkpati Investments, Inc. She is a co-owner and <strong>the</strong> CEO of<br />
Shelby’s LLC and General Manager of Shelby’s Minimart in Fort<br />
Thompson, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>.<br />
Mary Beth Jäger<br />
Mary Beth Jäger (Citizen Potawatomi) is a Research Analyst for <strong>the</strong><br />
Native Nations Institute for Leadership, Management, and Policy at<br />
<strong>the</strong> University of Arizona. Mary Beth earned her Bachelor of Arts<br />
at Carroll College and a Master’s of Social Work from Washington<br />
University in St. Louis, with an emphasis on Social and Economic<br />
Development in American <strong>Indian</strong> Communities. While in school<br />
Mary Beth participated in <strong>the</strong> Washington Internship <strong>program</strong> for<br />
Native Students and interned in <strong>the</strong> Food Distribution Policy Branch<br />
at <strong>the</strong> USDA. Also, she was a Kathryn M. Buder Center for American<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> Studies Scholar and research assistant for <strong>the</strong> Center for<br />
Social Development.<br />
Mary Beth is interested in applied research on institutional change<br />
in Indigenous communities. She has researched policies to promote<br />
saving for post-secondary education in American <strong>Indian</strong> communities,<br />
reviewed Healthy Eating and Active Living policies in <strong>Indian</strong><br />
Country, and conducted empirical legal research on federal <strong>Indian</strong><br />
law topics.<br />
12 2013 SOUTH DAKOTA INDIAN BUSINESS CONFERENCE
Michael B. Jandreau<br />
Michael B. Jandreau is <strong>the</strong> Chairman of <strong>the</strong> Lower Brule Sioux<br />
Tribe. He is a successful rancher on <strong>the</strong> reservation. He also serves<br />
on <strong>the</strong> tribal council. He began in 1972 as Vice-Chairman. He has<br />
been Tribal Chairman for more than thirty years. He started many<br />
of <strong>the</strong> tribe’s projects. Today <strong>the</strong> tribe’s farm corporation is <strong>the</strong> number<br />
one grower of popcorn in <strong>the</strong> world. It also grows navy beans.<br />
Jandreau also guides o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>program</strong>s for <strong>the</strong> tribe. Some of <strong>the</strong>m are<br />
<strong>the</strong> Lower Brule Wildlife Program and <strong>the</strong> Golden Buffalo Casino.<br />
Stacey Johnston<br />
Stacey Johnston, a member of <strong>the</strong> Oglala Sioux Tribe, is currently a<br />
Loan Specialist at <strong>the</strong> Bureau of <strong>Indian</strong> Affairs and has held this position<br />
since 1989. Prior to his position as Loan Specialist, he served<br />
as an Agricultural Economist for <strong>the</strong> Bureau of <strong>Indian</strong> Affairs in<br />
Aberdeen, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>, from 1987 - 1989. In addition, he has four<br />
years of experience in <strong>the</strong> private lending industry. Mr. Johnston<br />
received his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong><br />
State University.<br />
Alison Kiesz<br />
Alison Kiesz is <strong>the</strong> Ag <strong>Business</strong> Development Specialist for <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> Department of Agriculture. Her work focuses on<br />
local foods and farmers markets but also includes exporting and<br />
international trade. She also helps plan many events for <strong>the</strong> department<br />
including <strong>the</strong> State Fair Wine Pavilion, <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> Local<br />
Foods Conference and <strong>the</strong> Governor’s Ag Development Summit.<br />
She grew up on a family farm and custom harvesting operation near<br />
Brandt, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in<br />
Agronomy and Ag Journalism from <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> State University<br />
and currently lives near Aberdeen.<br />
Mary Killsahundred<br />
Originally from Flandreau, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>, where she is a member of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, Mary Killsahundred began taking<br />
classes at <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> State University in 2002. After a few years<br />
and many changes in majors while pursuing her undergraduate degree,<br />
Mary finally discovered her interest in Sociology and obtained<br />
her Bachelor’s in 2007. Almost immediately, she went to work for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe newspaper and printing press. By<br />
2011, she decided she had taken a long enough break from school<br />
and went through <strong>the</strong> process of reentering academia. Currently,<br />
Mary works as a Graduate Research Assistant in <strong>the</strong> Sociology Department<br />
at <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> State University (SDSU). Currently working<br />
towards completing her Master’s Degree, she also works in <strong>the</strong><br />
Rural Life and Data Center collecting and analyzing demographic<br />
data for <strong>the</strong> state. Besides her work at SDSU, she also serves on <strong>the</strong><br />
Flandreau Santee Sioux Higher Education Committee.<br />
Sam Kooiker<br />
Sam Kooiker began his public service as part of <strong>the</strong> Rapid City<br />
Planning Commission from 2001-2002. Sam was elected to <strong>the</strong><br />
Rapid City Common Council in 2002 and represented Ward 2 until<br />
he was elected Mayor of Rapid City in 2011.<br />
Sam was raised near Boyden, Iowa, a small Northwest Iowa town<br />
famous only for its zip code--51234. Sam is <strong>the</strong> oldest of four<br />
children. Sam graduated from <strong>the</strong> University of <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> with<br />
a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He graduated with his Master’s<br />
Degree in Public Administration in 1998. Before being elected<br />
Mayor, Sam worked as an operations manager for a telecommunications<br />
business in Rapid City.<br />
It was while at <strong>the</strong> University of <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> that Sam met his<br />
wife, Jennifer, who is <strong>the</strong> daughter of Wayne and Bonnie King from<br />
Lead, SD. The Kings owned King’s Grocery/Pasties in Lead for<br />
many years. Jennifer works as a Dental Hygienist in Rapid City. Sam<br />
and Jennifer are <strong>the</strong> parents of three daughters, Abbie, Aubrie and<br />
Ellie.<br />
Stacey LaCompte<br />
Stacey LaCompte, enrolled member of <strong>the</strong> Standing Rock Sioux<br />
Tribe and born and raised on <strong>the</strong> Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation<br />
<strong>the</strong> majority of her life, is <strong>the</strong> Executive Director of <strong>the</strong> Wakpa Sica<br />
Historical Society, Inc. / Reconciliation Place located in Fort Pierre,<br />
<strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>. Ms. LaCompte was first employed with Wakpa Sica<br />
in 2002 as <strong>the</strong> Executive Assistant and was promoted to Executive<br />
Director in 2003. Prior to working with Wakpa Sica, Ms. LaCompte<br />
was employed at <strong>the</strong> City of Fort Pierre as <strong>the</strong> Administrative Assistant.<br />
For 13 years, Ms. LaCompte dedicated her life to caring and<br />
educating o<strong>the</strong>rs by working with <strong>the</strong> Teton Ambulance Service on<br />
<strong>the</strong> Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation as <strong>the</strong> Secretary, Emergency<br />
Medical Technician, Emergency Medical Dispatcher, and CPR /<br />
First Responder Instructor. In 1988, she was nominated as “E.M.T.<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Year”, and in 1992, won <strong>the</strong> National <strong>Indian</strong> School Board<br />
Associations “Parent of <strong>the</strong> Year” award. Ms. LaCompte has served<br />
on several committees and boards – City of Fort Pierre Board of<br />
Adjustments and Appeals, Fort Pierre Volunteer Fire Department<br />
Auxiliary, Law Enforcement Auxiliary, Fort Pierre Legion Auxiliary,<br />
and <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Alliance. She is a member of<br />
<strong>the</strong> first cohort of Native Nation Rebuilders selected by <strong>the</strong> Bush<br />
Foundation in 2010.<br />
Leroy “J.R.” LaPlante<br />
LaPlante, an enrolled member of <strong>the</strong> Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, is<br />
a practicing attorney in Vermillion and serves as <strong>the</strong> Chief Judge and<br />
court Administrator for <strong>the</strong> Crow Creek Sioux Tribe in Ft. Thompson.<br />
In both his law practice and his work, LaPlante has focused on<br />
serving <strong>the</strong> Native American community. He was <strong>the</strong> former Administrative<br />
Officer for <strong>the</strong> Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and has an<br />
extensive background working for Native American human service<br />
organizations. He is a member of <strong>the</strong> first cohort of Native Nation<br />
Rebuilders selected by <strong>the</strong> Bush Foundation in 2010 and served<br />
as an Equal Justice Works, AmeriCorps Legal Fellow with <strong>South</strong><br />
<strong>Dakota</strong> Access to Justice in 2009. LaPlante’s Lakota name is Tasunke<br />
Waste, which means His Horse is Beautiful.<br />
Krystal Langholz<br />
Ms. Langholz earned her Master’s Degree Summa Cum Laude from<br />
Colorado State University. While earning her MA in Anthropology<br />
and International Community Development, she specialized in<br />
Lakota community development and microlending. Ms. Langholz<br />
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serves on <strong>the</strong> Executive Board of <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong><br />
Alliance (SDIBA) and <strong>the</strong> Advisory Council of <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
Plains Initiative. She also maintains several professional memberships,<br />
including membership to <strong>the</strong> High Plains Society for Applied<br />
Anthropology. Before her time at Colorado State University, she<br />
did her undergraduate degree at Lu<strong>the</strong>r College, a highly respected<br />
liberal arts college in Decorah, Iowa, double majoring in religion<br />
and anthropology. Ms. Langholz has worked with and served many<br />
nonprofits in various capacities, including Habitat for Humanity,<br />
Nor<strong>the</strong>ast Iowa Community Action, and <strong>the</strong> Camp Fire Boys and<br />
Girls Club.<br />
Dona Leavens<br />
Dona Leavens began working with <strong>the</strong> West River <strong>Business</strong> Service<br />
Center in 2002 as a consultant and was appointed Regional Director<br />
of West River Small <strong>Business</strong> Development Center in 2005. In<br />
this position she counsels new business startups, existing businesses<br />
needing to grow or expand or change <strong>the</strong>ir operations in o<strong>the</strong>r ways<br />
and a myriad of related business needs to <strong>the</strong> community. Ms. Leavens<br />
also works closely with <strong>the</strong> banks, <strong>the</strong> Small <strong>Business</strong> Administration,<br />
<strong>the</strong> State of <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>, and micro lending agencies and<br />
foundations that provide funding to small businesses. Dona holds a<br />
Bachelor’s Degree in Managerial Accounting and NDC Certification<br />
as Economic Development Finance Professional.<br />
Terry Lee<br />
As a Community Affairs Specialist (CAS) for <strong>the</strong> Federal Deposit<br />
Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC’s) Division of Depositor and Consumer<br />
Protection, Terry A. Lee is responsible for convening banks,<br />
nonprofits, and o<strong>the</strong>r stakeholders to identify community development<br />
opportunities through appropriate outreach events in North<br />
<strong>Dakota</strong>, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>, Minnesota, and <strong>the</strong> St. Louis metro. These<br />
outreach events center around strategies that promote eligible opportunities<br />
responsive to <strong>the</strong> credit, service and investment needs of<br />
communities.<br />
Mr. Lee serves as a point of contact and information exchange<br />
between <strong>the</strong> public, <strong>the</strong> financial industry, and o<strong>the</strong>r FDIC divisions<br />
and offices to share knowledge of activities, and resolve issues,<br />
related to <strong>the</strong> Community Reinvestment Act, fair lending, community<br />
development, consumer protection laws and regulations, and<br />
<strong>program</strong> initiatives. Prior to Lee’s current position, he served as an<br />
Assistant Compliance Bank Examiner for <strong>the</strong> Sioux Falls, <strong>South</strong><br />
<strong>Dakota</strong> Field Office.<br />
Rachel Lindvall<br />
Rachel Lindvall has been involved in community development<br />
on <strong>the</strong> Rosebud Reservation since 1986 - first with Sinte Gleska<br />
University (SGU) as a Vocational Educator for Forestry and Natural<br />
Resource Management; followed by a long stint as SGU’s Director<br />
of Library Services and most recently, from 2010, in <strong>the</strong> role<br />
of Community Development Field Specialist for SDSU’s Rosebud<br />
Federally Recognized Tribal Extension Program, headquartered in<br />
Mission, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>. Under this <strong>program</strong>, Rachel works with entrepreneurs<br />
and producers in local foods/agriculture, tourism, arts,<br />
and service sectors. This past summer she completed certification to<br />
teach ONABEN’s <strong>Indian</strong>preneurship Program and is also involved<br />
with developing workforce readiness <strong>program</strong>ming for youth and<br />
adults. Rachel completed her undergraduate degree in Wildlife<br />
Science from <strong>the</strong> University of Wisconsin. She studied secondary<br />
science teacher education at <strong>the</strong> Master’s level from CW Post College.<br />
While working at <strong>the</strong> SGU Library, she studied for her Master<br />
of Library Science degree in an online <strong>program</strong> from Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Connecticut<br />
State University.<br />
Peggy Martin<br />
Peggy Martin is <strong>the</strong> owner of Green Thumb Web Designs and Cedar<br />
Creek Gardens LLC. Starting her entrepreneur journey at age 10,<br />
she has owned several small businesses - some successful, some not -<br />
and has learned new things with each and every one. In late 1996 Ms.<br />
Martin became a Contract Computer Trainer with <strong>the</strong> State of <strong>South</strong><br />
<strong>Dakota</strong>. Since <strong>the</strong>n, Peggy has acquired skills in computer training,<br />
networking, web design, online marketing, and social media.<br />
In addition, she is a co-owner of Cedar Creek Gardens LLC, which<br />
sells farm fresh produce and eggs, jams, jellies, and salsa at local<br />
farmers markets and various retail locations.<br />
Michael Martinez<br />
Michael Martinez is <strong>the</strong> Western District Community Affairs Officer<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Office of <strong>the</strong> Comptroller of <strong>the</strong> Currency (OCC). Michael<br />
came to <strong>the</strong> OCC with over 25 years of experience in CRA and<br />
Community Development work. Prior to joining <strong>the</strong> OCC Michael<br />
was <strong>the</strong> Community Development Director for Vectra Bank Colorado<br />
where he developed and managed <strong>the</strong> CRA department for<br />
9 years. Michael was also a management consultant for nine years<br />
with Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation (dba NeighborWorks<br />
America) providing technical assistance on neighborhood revitalization,<br />
community development and organizational issues for non<br />
profit agencies. Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science<br />
and a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning both from<br />
<strong>the</strong> University of Colorado.<br />
Mike McCurry<br />
<strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>’s State Demographer grew up in <strong>the</strong> rural west, and<br />
has been lucky enough to work professionally while living rural. He<br />
completed his Bachelor of Science from Montana State University<br />
in 1976, and went to work doing snow surveys to predict runoff<br />
for hydroelectric power generation and flood control – and insists<br />
that <strong>the</strong>re’s not much difference between calculations for hydrology<br />
and demography. Mike has worked for both <strong>the</strong> Soil Conservation<br />
Service and <strong>the</strong> Forest Service, and taught at Trinidad State Junior<br />
College and Fla<strong>the</strong>ad Valley Community College before moving to<br />
Montana State University’s Extension Service, and <strong>the</strong>n to <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong><br />
State University (SDSU) – leaving Extension to become State<br />
Demographer – which he feels is like being a very specialized county<br />
agent in a very large county. He received his Master’s from Nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
Montana College, and earned his Ph.D. while working for Extension<br />
at SDSU.<br />
Elsie Meeks<br />
Elsie Meeks was named State Director of <strong>the</strong> USDA Rural Development<br />
in <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> by <strong>the</strong> Obama Administration on July 27,<br />
14 2013 SOUTH DAKOTA INDIAN BUSINESS CONFERENCE
2009. In this capacity, she coordinates <strong>the</strong> efforts of 72 employees<br />
to work with o<strong>the</strong>rs to ensure use of resources and 40 + <strong>program</strong>s<br />
are serving rural <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> residents. Ms. Meeks has over 20<br />
years experience working to promote economic and community<br />
development. She was previously <strong>the</strong> President/CEO of First Nations<br />
Oweesta Corporation and <strong>the</strong> founding Executive Director<br />
of Lakota Funds, <strong>the</strong> first certified Native community development<br />
financial institution on a reservation. Through her leadership, communities<br />
and rural residents will have <strong>the</strong> opportunity to develop<br />
and grow while also improving <strong>the</strong>ir quality of life.<br />
She has served on several boards, including <strong>the</strong> Lakota Funds,<br />
Corporation for Enterprise Development, Council on Foundations,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Oglala Sioux Tribe Partnership for Housing. She was also an<br />
International Advisory Council member of Native Nations Institute<br />
and on <strong>the</strong> Board of Governors for <strong>the</strong> Honoring Nations <strong>program</strong><br />
of <strong>the</strong> Harvard Project on American <strong>Indian</strong> Economic Development.<br />
Ms. Meeks was <strong>the</strong> first Native American to serve on <strong>the</strong> U.S.<br />
Commission on Civil Rights where she completed a six-year term.<br />
Ms. Meeks currently sits on <strong>the</strong> board of <strong>the</strong> Northwest Area Foundation.<br />
She and her husband, Jim, make <strong>the</strong>ir home on <strong>the</strong>ir ranch<br />
near Kyle, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> on <strong>the</strong> Pine Ridge Reservation.<br />
Lakota Mowrer<br />
Lakota Mowrer is <strong>the</strong> Assistant Director at Four Bands. In this role,<br />
Lakota supports <strong>the</strong> leadership of Four Bands’ Executive Director,<br />
establishes new and fosters existing partnerships, and leads and<br />
manages efforts to reach organizational goals. Lakota is an enrolled<br />
member of <strong>the</strong> Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. She graduated from <strong>the</strong><br />
University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology.<br />
Upon graduation, she joined Teach for America and taught<br />
on <strong>the</strong> Rosebud Sioux Reservation at Todd County High School.<br />
Lakota obtained her Masters in Social Work Degree from Washington<br />
University in St. Louis with <strong>the</strong> Kathryn M. Buder Center for<br />
American <strong>Indian</strong> Studies. Lakota individualized her course of study<br />
to concentrate in economic security and social development through<br />
<strong>the</strong> life course of American <strong>Indian</strong>s. In addition to her educational<br />
experience, Lakota has completed a summer fellowship with National<br />
Congress of American <strong>Indian</strong>s. She has served on <strong>the</strong> Native<br />
American Alumni Board of Directors at <strong>the</strong> University of Notre<br />
Dame. Lakota initiated <strong>program</strong> evaluations at <strong>the</strong> Consortium for<br />
Graduate Study in Management and Washington Internships for Native<br />
Students to develop <strong>program</strong> components for American <strong>Indian</strong><br />
participants.<br />
Doug O’Brien<br />
Doug O’Brien J.D., LL.M., was appointed Deputy Under Secretary<br />
for USDA Rural Development on August 1, 2011. Prior to his appointment,<br />
O’Brien served as a Senior Advisor to Secretary Tom<br />
Vilsack and Chief of Staff to Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan.<br />
Before joining <strong>the</strong> United States Department of Agriculture,<br />
O’Brien served as <strong>the</strong> Assistant Director at <strong>the</strong> Ohio Department of<br />
Agriculture. In this capacity, he assisted <strong>the</strong> Director in administering<br />
<strong>the</strong> day-to-day operations of that department in such areas as<br />
plant industries, animal health, and its laboratories. In addition, he<br />
was responsible for developing <strong>the</strong> department’s biofuels, bioproducts<br />
and renewable energy policy efforts. O’Brien has also served as<br />
Senior Advisor to Iowa Governor Chet Culver, Interim Co-Director<br />
for <strong>the</strong> National Agricultural Law Center in Fayetteville, Ark., and<br />
Senior Staff Attorney at <strong>the</strong> Drake Agricultural Law Center in Des<br />
Moines, Iowa.<br />
He is former counsel for <strong>the</strong> U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee,<br />
where he worked on <strong>the</strong> 2002 Farm Bill, livestock marketing, concentration,<br />
agricultural credit, and cooperative issues. He also served<br />
as Legislative Assistant for Representative Leonard Boswell, focusing<br />
primarily on Rep. Boswell’s work on <strong>the</strong> House Agriculture Committee,<br />
and as a Clerk for Justice Jerry Larson of <strong>the</strong> Iowa Supreme<br />
Court. O’Brien graduated from Loras College and earned a Juris<br />
Doctorate with honors from <strong>the</strong> University of Iowa. In addition, he<br />
holds a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Law from <strong>the</strong> University of<br />
Arkansas.<br />
Jacqueline Pata<br />
Jacqueline Pata is <strong>the</strong> Executive Director of National Congress for<br />
American <strong>Indian</strong>s (NCAI). She is a member of <strong>the</strong> Raven/Sockeye<br />
Clan of <strong>the</strong> Tlingit Tribe (pronounced – Kling-get) and a member<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Central Council of <strong>the</strong> Tlingit-Haida <strong>Indian</strong> tribes of Alaska.<br />
Mrs. Pata was <strong>the</strong> Deputy Assistant Secretary for Native American<br />
Programs of <strong>the</strong> U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development<br />
(HUD) during <strong>the</strong> Clinton Administration.<br />
Mrs. Pata serves on a variety of national executive boards, including<br />
<strong>the</strong> Executive Board for <strong>the</strong> Leadership Conference on Civil Rights<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Executive Board for <strong>the</strong> George Gustave Heye Center of<br />
<strong>the</strong> National Museum of <strong>the</strong> American <strong>Indian</strong>. She is also a board<br />
member of Sealaska Corporation, an Alaska Native regional corporation.<br />
In her commitment to American <strong>Indian</strong> youth development,<br />
Pata sits on <strong>the</strong> Native American Advisory Council for <strong>the</strong> Boys and<br />
Girls Clubs of America.<br />
Prior to joining NCAI in June 2001, Pata served as Deputy Assistant<br />
Secretary for Native American Programs of <strong>the</strong> U.S. Department of<br />
Housing and Urban Development. The Office of Native American<br />
Programs (ONAP) administers <strong>program</strong>s throughout <strong>the</strong> United<br />
States, which provide affordable housing for Native Americans.<br />
Previously, Pata served as <strong>the</strong> Executive Director of <strong>the</strong> Tlingit-Haida<br />
Regional Housing Authority headquartered in Juneau, Alaska and<br />
she is a former Vice-Chair of <strong>the</strong> Alaska Housing Finance Corporation.<br />
She served as Chairperson of <strong>the</strong> National American <strong>Indian</strong><br />
Housing Council and was appointed to <strong>the</strong> National Commission on<br />
American <strong>Indian</strong>, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Housing. She<br />
also has served on <strong>the</strong> National Community Development Financial<br />
Institution Fund Advisory Board, an advisory board to <strong>the</strong> U.S.<br />
Department of <strong>the</strong> Treasury.<br />
Doug Patton<br />
Doug Patton currently serves as <strong>the</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Success Coach/Youth<br />
Involvement Specialist at Lakota Funds. In this capacity, he works<br />
with clients and teaches financial literacy, business, and homebuyer<br />
education classes. He is certified in Core Four, Building Native Communities,<br />
<strong>Indian</strong>prenuership, and Pathways Home curricula. Doug was<br />
APRIL 10-12, 2013<br />
RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA<br />
15
orn and raised in Pine Ridge, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>, and graduated from<br />
Red Cloud High School in 1992. After graduating high school, he<br />
moved forty miles north east of Pine Ridge on <strong>the</strong> sou<strong>the</strong>rn edge<br />
of Badlands National Park, where he currently lives on family land.<br />
He graduated from Oglala Lakota College in 2007 with a Bachelor’s<br />
Degree in Lakota Studies and a teaching certification in Lakota Language.<br />
Prior to coming to Lakota Funds, he worked as a GED tutor<br />
and as an alcohol/drug counselor. Doug currently sits on <strong>the</strong> Board<br />
of Directors for Tusweca Tiospaye Inc., a nonprofit organization<br />
that promotes Lakota language and cultural revitalization on <strong>the</strong> Pine<br />
Ridge <strong>Indian</strong> Reservation.<br />
Madonna Peltier Yawakie<br />
Madonna is <strong>the</strong> President and CEO of Turtle Island Communications,<br />
Inc. (TICOM). TICOM is an American <strong>Indian</strong> owned firm<br />
that provides telecommunication engineering and technical consulting<br />
services. TICOM has provided wireline and wireless system<br />
design and implementation services for numerous tribal and federal<br />
clients. She has contributed to federal telecommunication policy<br />
development on tribal lands and has testified on client telecommunication<br />
issues to <strong>the</strong> Senate Committee on <strong>Indian</strong> Affairs. She is<br />
currently Co-Chair of <strong>the</strong> Minnesota <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Alliance, is a<br />
Member for <strong>the</strong> Blandin Foundation’s Broadband Strategy Board,<br />
and a Board Member for Pejuta, Inc. Madonna has an Associate of<br />
Arts in <strong>Business</strong> Administration from Haskell <strong>Indian</strong> Junior College,<br />
a Bachelor of Science in <strong>Business</strong> Administration, and a Master’s degree<br />
in Community and Regional Planning from North <strong>Dakota</strong> State<br />
University. Madonna is an enrolled member of <strong>the</strong> Turtle Mountain<br />
Band of Chippewa.<br />
Mat<strong>the</strong>w L. Rappold<br />
Mr. Rappold is currently a co-owner of Owl Nest Consulting, LLC,<br />
an <strong>Indian</strong>-owned minority business located in <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>. Prior<br />
to forming Owl Nest Consulting, Matt was <strong>the</strong> Chief Prosecutor<br />
for <strong>the</strong> Rosebud Sioux Tribe as well as a Special Assistant United<br />
States Attorney. As a 2003 graduate of <strong>the</strong> University of <strong>South</strong><br />
<strong>Dakota</strong> School of Law, Mr. Rappold’s legal career as an attorney has<br />
centered around working in <strong>Indian</strong> Country in <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>. In addition<br />
to serving as Chief Prosecutor for <strong>the</strong> Rosebud Sioux Tribe,<br />
Mr. Rappold has been a Staff Attorney and Managing Attorney with<br />
<strong>Dakota</strong> Plains Legal Services on <strong>the</strong> Pine Ridge <strong>Indian</strong> Reservation<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Rosebud Sioux <strong>Indian</strong> Reservation.<br />
Billy Jo Sazue<br />
Billy Jo Sazue is <strong>the</strong> Youth Program Coordinator at Hunkpati Investments.<br />
Billy Jo is an enrolled member of <strong>the</strong> Crow Creek Sioux<br />
Tribe. A graduate of Crow Creek High School (CCHS) in 2000, he<br />
went on to <strong>Dakota</strong> Wesleyan University (DWU) and study Secondary<br />
Education with an emphasis in History. After leaving DWU in 2005,<br />
Billy Jo returned to CCHS and taught World History, Geography,<br />
and Native American History. After 3 years in <strong>the</strong> classroom, he<br />
served as <strong>the</strong> Dean of Students at <strong>the</strong> Middle School level for <strong>the</strong><br />
next 4 years. Working with young people has always been a passion<br />
of his.<br />
Gerald Sherman<br />
Gerald Sherman (Oglala Lakota), has more than 20 years experience<br />
working in banking and finance in <strong>Indian</strong> Country. He was<br />
<strong>the</strong> founding director of Lakota Funds, <strong>the</strong> first Native community<br />
development financial institution (CDFI) in <strong>the</strong> U.S., located on<br />
and serving <strong>the</strong> Pine Ridge <strong>Indian</strong> Reservation. Sherman worked in<br />
banking for Norwest Bank (now Wells Fargo), <strong>the</strong> Federal Reserve<br />
Bank of Minneapolis, and First Interstate BancSystem of Montana.<br />
His banking career focused on community development and financing<br />
on <strong>Indian</strong> reservations. Sherman is a member of <strong>the</strong> International<br />
Advisory Council of <strong>the</strong> Native Nations Institute at <strong>the</strong> University<br />
of Arizona, which is affiliated with <strong>the</strong> Harvard Project on American<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> Economic Development. He is also a board member of <strong>Indian</strong><br />
Dispute Resolution Services of Sacramento, California; Chairman<br />
of <strong>the</strong> board of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> Nonprofit Alliance in Montana; and Co-<br />
Chair of <strong>the</strong> Native CDFI Network Board of Directors. Sherman<br />
and his wife, Jael Kampfe, own and operate a cattle operation and<br />
guest ranch on a 12,000-acre Montana ranch.<br />
Leonard Smith<br />
Mr. Smith is a tribal member of <strong>the</strong> Assinaboine & Sioux from <strong>the</strong><br />
Fort Peck Reservation in Montana. He has over 30 years experience<br />
in business and economic development with various tribes and<br />
Native American organizations. He is <strong>the</strong> founder and Executive<br />
Director of <strong>the</strong> Native American Development Corporation, providing<br />
technical assistance and training to Montana, Wyoming, North<br />
and <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> Native owned businesses. He was successful in<br />
organizing <strong>the</strong> Tribal Leadership Council (representing seven tribes<br />
in Montana / Wyoming), Native American Manufacturers Network<br />
(representing <strong>the</strong> tribal businesses in Montana and Wyoming) and<br />
Memorandum of Agreements with economic development agencies/organizations<br />
to combat depressed economies of reservations.<br />
As CEO of a tribal owned manufacturing enterprise for <strong>the</strong> Fort<br />
Peck Tribes he organized business strategies and developed strategic<br />
business partnerships for profitability using <strong>the</strong> 8(a) <strong>program</strong> with<br />
<strong>the</strong> U.S. Small <strong>Business</strong> Administration.<br />
Christine Sorensen<br />
Christine Sorensen is <strong>the</strong> Rural Development Coordinator for <strong>South</strong><br />
<strong>Dakota</strong> USDA Rural Development, providing <strong>program</strong> outreach for<br />
core USDA RD <strong>program</strong>s as well as special projects and initiatives.<br />
She is Native American coordinator, Broadband Coordinator, Cultural<br />
Transformation Committee co-chair, and Stronger Economies<br />
Toge<strong>the</strong>r trainer as part of her job. Prior to her current position,<br />
Christine was <strong>the</strong> chief loan officer for <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>ast <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong><br />
Economic Corporation for 13 years. She is a native of <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong><br />
growing up on a farming and ranching operation north of Pierre,<br />
<strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>. She has recently been named as a Bush Foundation<br />
Fellow and will continue her work on regional development as part<br />
of her fellowship.<br />
Kristen Stambach<br />
Kristen Stambach is <strong>the</strong> Loan and Outcomes Coordinator at Four<br />
Bands. In this role, she is responsible for assisting with <strong>the</strong> day to<br />
day activities associated with maintaining <strong>the</strong> revolving loan fund<br />
and coordinating <strong>the</strong> organization’s Wicoicage Sakowin kin un<br />
16 2013 SOUTH DAKOTA INDIAN BUSINESS CONFERENCE
Wicakagapi (Building for <strong>the</strong> Seventh Generation) <strong>program</strong>. Kristen<br />
also supports organizational development by analyzing and managing<br />
<strong>the</strong> client database for outcomes tracking, <strong>program</strong> deliverables,<br />
and performance measures. Kristen holds an Agriculture <strong>Business</strong><br />
Degree from Western <strong>Dakota</strong> Tech and a Bachelor of Science Degree<br />
in Biology from Black Hills State University. Prior to coming on<br />
board at Four Bands in November 2010, Kristen worked at Premier<br />
Bankcard for over four years. A native to <strong>the</strong> area, she grew up on<br />
a buffalo ranch near Red Scaffold, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>. Kristen currently<br />
lives in Dupree, a small town west of Eagle Butte, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>.<br />
Mato Standing High<br />
Mato Standing High, Esq. is a licensed Colorado and <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong><br />
attorney, and along with general law practice focuses on consultant<br />
work through <strong>the</strong> co-ownership of Owl Nest Consulting, LLC.<br />
Mato has a strong background in <strong>the</strong> practice of <strong>Indian</strong> law as well<br />
as a passion to serve and assist under represented individuals. Currently<br />
Mato is Vice President of <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> Country<br />
Bar Association as well as Vice President of Native Educational<br />
Endeavors. Mato serves a nonprofit, How 2 Unite, on <strong>the</strong> Board of<br />
Directors as Treasurer, and is a founding member of this organization.<br />
Prior to forming Owl Nest Consulting, Mato was <strong>the</strong> Attorney<br />
General for <strong>the</strong> Rosebud Sioux Tribe in <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> and<br />
also served as In-House Counsel. Mato has taught <strong>Indian</strong> Law,<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> History, and Sociology at Black Hills State University in his<br />
hometown of Spearfish, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>. Mato is a graduate of <strong>the</strong><br />
University of Wyoming where he earned a Bachelor of Science in<br />
<strong>Business</strong> Marketing as well as <strong>the</strong> University of Montana, School of<br />
Law, where he earned a Juris Doctorate in law.<br />
Mark Stevens<br />
Mark Stevens is <strong>the</strong> Assistant Vice President / Loan Officer of 1st<br />
Financial Bank USA in Dupree, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>. He is very active in<br />
<strong>the</strong> community as a member of Dupree Booster Club, a coach for<br />
<strong>the</strong> 7th and 8th grade girls basketball, President of Dupree Community<br />
Club, President of <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> Junior High Rodeo<br />
Board, Dupree High School Rodeo coach/advisor, Ziebach County<br />
4-H rodeo board member, and Four Bands Community Fund Board<br />
Member and Loan Committee Member. In my spare time, I like to<br />
help friends on <strong>the</strong>ir ranches, rope, help kids with <strong>the</strong>ir horses, play<br />
and coach basketball, hunt, and do woodworking. I have been married<br />
to my wife, Rhea, for 17 years, and have 2 daughters that keep<br />
us busy going to basketball games and rodeos.<br />
Barbara Stiffarm<br />
Barbara has extensive background in community and economic<br />
development services to Native and non-Native communities.<br />
Before joining Opportunity Link in 2006, she served as Senior<br />
Staff Writer for RJS & Associates, Inc., an American <strong>Indian</strong>-owned<br />
consulting firm located on <strong>the</strong> Rocky Boy’s <strong>Indian</strong> Reservation. She<br />
also worked for Fort Belknap <strong>Indian</strong> Community Council as <strong>the</strong><br />
Tribal Planner/Community Development Block Grant Coordinator,<br />
serving as research and development manager for established and<br />
non-established tribal services. Barbara has worked in many areas<br />
of business development to support entrepreneurship and tribal<br />
enterprises. She is currently a member of <strong>the</strong> Community Advisory<br />
Committee for Policy Link’s Program for Environmental and<br />
Regional Equity and serves as <strong>the</strong> Chairman of <strong>the</strong> Montana Community<br />
Finance Corporation Board. She also served as a member of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Governor’s Council on Economic Security for Montana Families<br />
until 2009, and currently serves on <strong>the</strong> Fort Belknap Investment<br />
Board, Montana <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Alliance, University of Montana’s<br />
Bureau of <strong>Business</strong> and Economic Research Board, and <strong>the</strong> United<br />
Tribes Workforce Development Board. She is an enrolled member<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Blackfeet Tribe and has lived on <strong>the</strong> Fort Belknap Reservation<br />
since 1982.<br />
Sandy Swallow<br />
Internationally and locally-renowned Sandy Swallow’s (Oglala<br />
Lakota) artistic passion began in mid life, as she experimented with<br />
oils and watercolors while living on a ranch near Pine Ridge. Sandy<br />
is most well known for her hand-pulled block printmaking. This<br />
painstaking medium provides her with <strong>the</strong> ability to create dramatic<br />
pieces saturated with deep earth and pastel colors which evoke<br />
traditional Native American symbols and images from <strong>the</strong> natural<br />
world. Winning awards from many art shows such as <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn<br />
Plains <strong>Indian</strong> Art Market, Sioux Falls, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>; Sweet Willow<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> Market at Great Falls, Montana; and Grand River <strong>Indian</strong> Artists<br />
Ga<strong>the</strong>ring at Grand Junction, Colorado have helped inspire her<br />
art career.<br />
National recognition of her artwork began in 1999, as she was<br />
selected to be <strong>the</strong> artist for <strong>the</strong> National American <strong>Indian</strong> Heritage<br />
Poster for <strong>the</strong> United States Department of Agriculture. In 2007<br />
Sandy was commissioned to provide <strong>the</strong> artwork for <strong>the</strong> “USDA<br />
Guide to American <strong>Indian</strong>s and Alaska Natives Programs.” Her success<br />
as a Native American Artist continued to grow in 2007 as, First<br />
Lady Laura Bush sent and invitation for Sandy to attend a White<br />
House Reception for her painting of <strong>the</strong> Devil’s Tower National<br />
Park for <strong>the</strong> White House Christmas Ornament.<br />
Presently, Sandy has her own gallery located on Main Street in Hill<br />
City, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>.<br />
Howard D. Valandra<br />
Howard D. Valandra, Sicangu Lakota, graduated from St. Francis<br />
Mission School and <strong>the</strong> University of <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> School<br />
of <strong>Business</strong>. Howard has held a variety of positions in <strong>the</strong> tribal,<br />
government, private, and philanthropic sectors. Work in <strong>the</strong> private<br />
sector started early when Howard worked <strong>the</strong> family businesses of a<br />
grocery store and a service station on <strong>the</strong> reservation. He founded<br />
FIRST Computer Concepts, Inc., a certified 8(a) business by <strong>the</strong><br />
Small <strong>Business</strong> Administration, and helped start St. Francis Energy<br />
Company. In 1996 Howard became Executive Director of <strong>the</strong> Tribal<br />
Land Enterprise, an organization that managed tribal lands and<br />
acquired new land on behalf of Rosebud Sioux Tribe. Currently<br />
Mr. Valandra is a Fiduciary Trust Officer with <strong>the</strong> Office of Special<br />
Trustee working with <strong>the</strong> Santee Sioux Nation, <strong>the</strong> Yankton Sioux<br />
Tribe, and <strong>the</strong> Crow Creek Sioux Tribe. He is involved in many<br />
aspects of tribal and Individual <strong>Indian</strong> Money (IIM) accounts.<br />
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Clinton Waara<br />
Clinton is an enrolled member of <strong>the</strong> Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe,<br />
and received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from <strong>South</strong><br />
<strong>Dakota</strong> State University in 1993. Clint began his career with Sigma<br />
Alpha Epsilon Fraternity as a National Education and Leadership<br />
Consultant from 1993 to 1995. From 1995-1999 Clint was an account<br />
analyst for Wells Fargo Financial Bank in Sioux Falls. In 1999<br />
Clint taught at Roosevelt High School in Sioux Falls where he instituted<br />
<strong>the</strong> Academy of Finance model of instruction and coached<br />
track. Clint joined <strong>the</strong> University of <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> (USD) School of<br />
<strong>Business</strong> staff in 2001 where he ran <strong>the</strong> USD and Sitting Bull College<br />
Entrepreneurship Partnership. In 2003, Mr. Waara became <strong>the</strong><br />
Community Development Officer and Assistant Vice President for<br />
Wells Fargo Bank. Clint resides in Sioux Falls, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>, with<br />
his wife, Billie Jo, and two children, Mya and Jett.<br />
Kristi Wagner<br />
Kristi Wagner is <strong>the</strong> Owner of <strong>the</strong> Rushmore Center for Civic<br />
Leadership, LLC. Her consulting business provides communities,<br />
corporations, businesses, organization and nonprofits assistance<br />
in organizational and business development. Wagner provides<br />
her clients community coaching and process designing; nonprofit<br />
management and capital campaign fundraising; strategic planning; facilitation;<br />
organization and workplace teambuilding; community and<br />
healthcare needs assessment and planning; and leadership training<br />
and educational workplace seminars. In <strong>the</strong> early 1990’s, Kristi was<br />
instrumental in establishing <strong>the</strong> International <strong>Business</strong> Department<br />
at Nor<strong>the</strong>rn State University. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree<br />
from <strong>the</strong> University of <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> in <strong>Business</strong> Management /<br />
Marketing and Public Relations. Currently, she serves as a member<br />
of <strong>the</strong> School of <strong>Business</strong> Advisory Board – Black Hills State University,<br />
Board of Directors to <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Hills Junior Achievement<br />
Board of Directors, University of <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> Chiesman<br />
Endowment for Civic Education, University of <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> Farber<br />
Center and <strong>the</strong> Black Hills <strong>Business</strong> Council.<br />
David White Bull<br />
As <strong>the</strong> Asset Development Manager at Lakota Funds, David White<br />
Bull has been instrumental in keeping <strong>the</strong> delinquency under 1% and<br />
continuing to lead <strong>the</strong> loan department in reaching <strong>the</strong>ir annual goals<br />
that include assisting aspiring Oglala Lakota entrepreneurs with cash<br />
flows, business plans, and loan applications. He also helps guide <strong>the</strong><br />
Individual Development Accounts (IDA) <strong>program</strong> where Lakota<br />
Funds provides $2 for every $1 <strong>the</strong> qualified individual saves. Lastly,<br />
David also actively helps Lakota artists work towards entrepreneurship<br />
by assisting with marketing and promoting <strong>the</strong>ir work. David<br />
graduated from Oglala Lakota College in 2008 where he received his<br />
Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. David is also a certified Economic<br />
Development Finance Professional and a certified Volunteer Income<br />
Tax Assistance (VITA) preparer. He has a strong desire to teach and<br />
is certified in Core Four <strong>Business</strong> Planning, Building Native Communities,<br />
and Pathways Home curricula. Mr. White Bull is <strong>the</strong> Co-Chair for <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Alliance.<br />
Tonia Young<br />
Tonia Young, <strong>Business</strong> Success Coach at Lakota Funds, received<br />
certification as an Economic Development Finance Professional<br />
from <strong>the</strong> National Development Council in April of 2008. She has<br />
also completed <strong>the</strong> following training and/or certification <strong>program</strong>s:<br />
Rural Community Innovation Small <strong>Business</strong> Success Coaching<br />
and Customer Service Training, First Nations Development<br />
Institute Building Native Communities: Saving for <strong>the</strong> Future and<br />
Building Native Communities: Financial Skills for Families, NeighborWorks<br />
Institute’s Pathways to Homeownership, and Assets for<br />
Independence University’s Money Smart and Training Techniques.<br />
Ms. Young is an enrolled member of <strong>the</strong> Oglala Sioux Tribe and<br />
currently resides on <strong>the</strong> Pine Ridge <strong>Indian</strong> Reservation with her two<br />
children. In <strong>the</strong> spring of 2010, she completed a minor in Accounting<br />
from Oglala Lakota College and will be pursuing a major in <strong>Business</strong><br />
Administration with a specialization in Tribal Management.<br />
Tracey Zephier<br />
Tracey Zephier (Cheyenne River Sioux) joined Fredericks, Peebles, &<br />
Morgan in 2008 and became partner in 2010. She practices in <strong>the</strong> areas<br />
of Tribal/State relations; tribal legal and physical infrastructure;<br />
and tribal financial and real estate transactions. Ms. Zephier has been<br />
part of <strong>Indian</strong> law-related business and real estate transactions and<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> Equal Justice Commission, which was created by<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> Supreme Court to identify and devise remedies for<br />
<strong>the</strong> disparate treatment of minorities in <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> Unified<br />
Judicial System.<br />
Ms. Zephier has done extensive legal work for <strong>the</strong> Cheyenne River<br />
Sioux Tribe and o<strong>the</strong>r tribes in <strong>the</strong> Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Plains region. She<br />
served as <strong>the</strong> President and CEO of First Nations Oweesta Corporation<br />
in Rapid City, <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong>, developing community development<br />
financial institutions (CDFIs), tribal enterprises, and tribal citizen<br />
entrepreneurship systems in Native communities throughout <strong>the</strong><br />
United States. Ms. Zephier is <strong>the</strong> President of Wind Energy Tribes<br />
United (WETU), an inter-tribal organization whose purpose is to<br />
inform, advise, represent, and, advocate on behalf of its member<br />
tribes on issues related to commercial wind production and transmission.<br />
Tracey works closely with her own tribe on its commercial<br />
wind energy development project, serving as <strong>the</strong> tribally-owned<br />
energy corporation’s Vice President. She also has experience as an<br />
auditor for <strong>the</strong> <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> Department of Labor and as a banker<br />
for Norwest (now Wells Fargo). She received her Juris Doctorate<br />
from Yale and also holds a Bachelor of Science in <strong>Business</strong> Administration<br />
and Accounting.<br />
Tom Zohner<br />
Tom Zohner is a retired Air Force Veteran who has spent <strong>the</strong> last<br />
twelve years working with Job Corps. Tom started out as <strong>the</strong> welding<br />
instructor at Box Elder Job Corps, and after six years <strong>the</strong>re, moved<br />
on to become a Job Corps Admissions Counselor for a private<br />
contractor. Tom travels all over western <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> performing<br />
outreach activities to inform people about <strong>the</strong> advantages of<br />
Job Corps. Tom speaks at schools, Native American groups, church<br />
groups, women’s organizations, civic organizations, groups large and<br />
small, basically anyone who will listen, about <strong>the</strong> Job Corps <strong>program</strong><br />
and <strong>the</strong> importance of Career and Technical Education. In his spare<br />
time Tom travels by motorcycle with his wife, Julie, to visit grandkids<br />
and sample wines in Colorado.<br />
18 2013 SOUTH DAKOTA INDIAN BUSINESS CONFERENCE
Color<br />
LEGEND<br />
Key Notes, Panels, Roundtable Discussions<br />
Resource Workshops, Break Out Sessions<br />
Exhibitors & Vendors<br />
Coffee & Snacks for Breaks<br />
Registration<br />
Preparation Room, <strong>Business</strong> Plan Contest<br />
Meals (breakfast, lunch)<br />
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19
Our Sponsors and Partners<br />
The 2013 <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Conference would not be possible without <strong>the</strong> generous support of our<br />
many sponsors and partners. The <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Alliance recognizes <strong>the</strong> following entities for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
support and dedication to “Building Opportunities in <strong>the</strong> New Native America.”<br />
20 2013 SOUTH DAKOTA INDIAN BUSINESS CONFERENCE
APRIL 10-12, 2013<br />
RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA<br />
21
22 2013 SOUTH DAKOTA INDIAN BUSINESS CONFERENCE
LEADING an economic<br />
resurgence of <strong>the</strong> Oglala<br />
Lakota Oyate on <strong>the</strong> Pine<br />
Ridge Reservation through<br />
culturally appropriate<br />
strategies reigniting <strong>the</strong><br />
traditional Lakota spirit of<br />
productivity, commerce, and<br />
trade.<br />
www.lakotafunds.org<br />
PROVIDING TOOLS<br />
TO HELP YOU<br />
BUILD A BRIGHTER<br />
FINANCIAL FUTURE.<br />
savings accounts | check cashing<br />
auto loans | personal loans<br />
www.lakotafcu.org<br />
Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000<br />
and backed by <strong>the</strong> full faith and credit of <strong>the</strong> United States Government.<br />
(605) 455-1515 NCUA<br />
National Credit Union Administration, U.S. Government Agency<br />
SOUTH DAKOTA<br />
NATIVE ENTREPRENEUR<br />
INVESTMENT FUND<br />
fostering<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong><br />
in <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong><br />
The leading organization on <strong>the</strong> Cheyenne River<br />
<strong>Indian</strong> Reservation in <strong>the</strong> areas of business lending<br />
and small business training.<br />
www.fourbands.org<br />
www.sdibaonline.org<br />
APRIL 10-12, 2013<br />
RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA<br />
23
2013 <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong><br />
Conference Planning Committee<br />
Many thanks to all <strong>the</strong> individuals on <strong>the</strong> <strong>conference</strong> planning board and <strong>the</strong>ir organizations who worked toge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
diligently to organize this year’s <strong>conference</strong>.<br />
Cynthia Antelope<br />
Lonnie Brewer<br />
Tawney Brunsch<br />
Shawn Burke<br />
Lisa Claassen<br />
Jim Cordry<br />
Danelle Daugherty<br />
Michelle DuBray<br />
Tanya Fiddler<br />
Sandy Gerber<br />
Marcella Hurley<br />
Ernestine Jane Jamerson<br />
Stacey LaCompte<br />
Krystal Langholz<br />
Theresa Long Turkey<br />
Brek Maxon<br />
Deb Painte<br />
Jesi Shanley<br />
Christine Sorensen<br />
Courtney Two Lance<br />
Clinton Waara<br />
Loren White<br />
David Whitebull<br />
Native American Development Center<br />
Cheyenne River Chamber of Commerce<br />
Lakota Funds<br />
Sinte Gleska University<br />
U.S. Small <strong>Business</strong> Administration<br />
Office of <strong>the</strong> Special Trustee for American <strong>Indian</strong>s<br />
Bureau of <strong>Indian</strong> Affairs<br />
Pinto Horse Woman Consulting<br />
Four Bands Community Fund<br />
Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis<br />
Small <strong>Business</strong> Development Center<br />
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe<br />
Wakpa Sica Historical Society, Inc.<br />
Hunkpati Investments<br />
Hunkpati Investments<br />
Minority <strong>Business</strong> Development Agency<br />
United Tribes Technical College<br />
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe<br />
USDA Rural Development<br />
Oglala Sioux Tribe Credit & Finance Program<br />
Wells Fargo<br />
Native American Development Center<br />
Lakota Funds<br />
A special thanks to Four Bands Community Fund for acting as <strong>the</strong> fiscal agent for <strong>the</strong> <strong>conference</strong> and so ably managing<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>conference</strong> registration.<br />
24 2013 SOUTH DAKOTA INDIAN BUSINESS CONFERENCE
We look forward to seeing you again<br />
in two years for <strong>the</strong><br />
2015 <strong>South</strong> <strong>Dakota</strong> <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong> Conference.<br />
How many opportunities will you build in <strong>the</strong> New Native America by <strong>the</strong>n
Our Mission<br />
SDIBA’s mission is to enhance <strong>Indian</strong> <strong>Business</strong><br />
development by leveraging partnerships<br />
and resources of diverse institutions and<br />
organizations.<br />
c/o Four Bands Community Fund<br />
PO Box 932<br />
101 <strong>South</strong> Main Street<br />
Eagle Butte, SD 57625<br />
tel 605.964.3687<br />
fax 605.964.3689<br />
www.sdibaonline.org