Board offers guidance to Tribe for possible future investments

Observer Staff

1/21/2005 12:00:00 AM

A business board has been appointed by Tribal Council to evaluate potential Tribal businesses or joint ventures where the Tribe can diversify its economic activities to protect and increase financial assets.

Sitting on the board are Chairperson Ronald Douglas, Vice-Chair Josephine Jackson, Kenneth Douglas, Julie D'Artagnan and Alice Jo Ricketts, as well as alternates Eleanor Ebright and Angela Osterman.

"The board has also been asked to start a program where new Tribal member businesses can get started or to help current Native-owned business become more profitable," stated Chairperson Ron Douglas. "Another goal is to start a federally-chartered credit union for Tribal members, Indian businesses and their employees and family members."

He added these goals are part of a planned Indian Economic Development Center where federal grants and loans are sought, and management and assistance and business space is available. The center would help with bidding or contact services to the Tribe or the federal government.

"The board is seeking input from Tribal members who already have businesses to start and Indian Chamber of Commerce and help to begin this center," he also stated. "We will also need volunteers who would serve as incorporators and the initial board for the credit union. We are also seeking a good name for it."

For more information on the board, to volunteer or to identify areas where the proposed center can help, call (989) 775-7075 or write: Saginaw Chippewa Business Board, 7500 Soaring Eagle Blvd, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858.