OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Oklahoma Tribal Finance Consortium is hosting an event “Celebrating Oklahoma Tribal Communities,” from 6:30 – 9:30pm on Tuesday, August 9 at Tulsa’s Cox Business Center’s second floor Legacy Hall.
This event will celebrate the spirit of collaboration and partnership between Oklahoma tribal nations and businesses and communities across the state. Leadership from all 38 tribal nations and dozens of Okahoma’s business and community leaders will be in attendance. Also in attendance will be Oklahoma Rep. Meloyde Blancett; Shawnee Mayor Ed Bolt; Wyandotte Fire Chief Jodi Francisco; Chad Johnson of Akana Group; and Michael Neal, Tulsa County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO.
“Tribal nations are one of the greatest resources in our state,” said Victor Flores, President of the Oklahoma Tribal Finance Consortium. “They are economic drivers for the communities they call home and are dedicated to making Oklahoma a better place for all Oklahomans to live, work and raise their families. Unlike corporations that move based on economic conditions, our tribes are here to stay. Oklahoma is home, and we will continue to reinvest in our communities through job creation, critical service delivery and infrastructure development. Oklahoma is stronger when we all work together.”
“The positive economic impact of our regional tribal partners cannot be overstated,” said Mike Neal, President & CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. “Our region is home to three of the largest and most influential tribal nations in the country – the Cherokee Nation, the Muscogee Nation and the Osage Nation. These tribal nations have become integral partners in the Chamber-led Tulsa Future regional economic development partnership and have been key participants in all phases of our region’s most historic economic development projects. Tribal participation, from initial proposal to post-groundbreaking talent recruitment, has given the Tulsa region a competitive advantage among peer communities. Since its inception more than 16 years ago, Tulsa’s Future has supported the creation of more than 72,000 jobs and more than $4.2 billion in capital investment in Northeast Oklahoma, and that would not have been possible without tribal support.”
Oklahoma tribal nations are major drivers of Oklahoma’s overall economy, ranking as a top 10 industry. As sovereign nations, tribes deliver key safety-net services and invest billions in businesses that benefit both tribal members and all Oklahomans.
“I believe that our state is infinitely better having a significant tribal presence and I am honored to recognize our tribal partners as colleagues who together can help Oklahoma be the best we can be, whether it’s their beautiful cultural contribution or their governmental support for the communities they serve,” said Oklahoma Rep. Meloyde Blancett. “I am honored to stand side by side with them.”
