Ninth Annual Native American Economic Development

4/1/2015
8:58 AM
Ninth Annual
Native American
Economic Development
Diversification
and
Energy Projects Conference
June 14 –16th, 2015
Disney World - Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
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4/1/2015
8:58 AM
Sunday, June 14th
1:00—5:00 PM Pre-Conference Tribal Leadership Workshop

Gain clarity on the one leadership behavior you need to leverage for leading your tribe

Receive insight on your leadership style from the globally used Change Style Indicator

Engage in an interactive simulation that will offer strategic perspective to your tribal
leadership challenges

Build relationships, broaden your network, and learn best practices from other tribal
council leaders
Know that each leader who attends this slimmed down version of our National two-day
Training Seminars will walk away with a customized MAP, leadership guidebook along
with practical skills to immediately apply as you lead your tribe today. This is a great
opportunity for active leaders to create ways to become more cohesive and therefore
more creative as a governing body. We look forward to supporting you on your leadership
journey!
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4/1/2015
8:58 AM
Monday, June 15th
7:30—8:30 AM
Registration/ Breakfast / Exhibit Room Opens in Grand Floridian
Ball Room Four and Five
General Session Commences in Grand Floridian Ball Room Salon 6
8:30—8:35 AM
Opening Prayer
8:35—8:45 AM
Opening Remarks
8:45—9:15 AM
Setting the Stage: Native American Economic Statistics
This presentation will feature a prominent industry professional who will inform
the conference delegates on the latest statistics when it comes to Native America
compared with the rest of the United States as well as other minority groups. The
update will serve as a preview of the panels to follow and will demonstrate how
elected officials in attendance can bring valuable information back to their tribes to
better serve their people.
9:15—9:45 AM
Legislative Update: New & Existing Legislation & Policy That Can or Has Had
a Direct Effect on Indian Country Economic Development
We will get an update from one of the leading tribal law specialists throughout the
United States.
9:45—10:45 AM
Tribal Leaders & Industry Experts Round Table:
Addressing the Continued Wide Disparities Between Native Americans &
the Rest of the Population
This panel will explore and identify the major obstacles Native Americans have to
navigate around in order to create Economic Development Projects on or off the
reservation, from lack of financing opportunities, regulatory barriers and red
tape. Our panel of experts will talk about what is needed and what the next action
steps are in order for change so tribes can develop their resources and assets to
enhance their communities. How can the Federal Government assist with helping
tribes obtain new business investors and developers by cutting through the red
tape, reducing the review process and creating more autonomy for tribes to
engage in business opportunities? And how can tribes make sure they maintain
their sovereignty while doing this?
10:45—11:15 AM
Coffee Break /Exhibit Room
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Monday, June 15th
4/1/2015
8:58 AM
11:15—12:00 PM Understanding What the Right Project Is for Your Tribe
A feasibility expert along with tribal leaders will take us through the steps a tribe
should go through when starting a new business. From planning and research, to
assessing the right team, identifying the needs and competition and fully creating
a strategic plan.
12:00—1:00 PM
Lunch /Exhibits
Breakout Sessions
TRACK A—Financing Economic Development Projects—SALON 6
Track A focuses on creating and financing an economic development project and
the steps involved in that process. This track is designed to help tribes identify the
trends that are affecting economic development and see what role federal, state,
and local governments are playing in the economic development process. Track A
will also help tribes determine how to find capital needed for projects and how to
make sure they have a solid business plan in place.
TRACK B—Renewable Energy—SALON 7-8
Track B focuses on the state of renewable energy in Indian Country and the vast
potential for renewable energy production. Renewable energy projects could
bring in more income and jobs, and there are currently many projects in progress.
This track is designed to help tribes see what renewable energy can bring to their
tribe as well as go over some of the challenges involved in creating renewable
energy projects. There will also be tribal case studies and success stories.
TRACK C—Investment Opportunities
Track C focuses on investment opportunities and financial management– a very
important aspect of a tribe’s economic future. This track is designed to help tribes
learn how to utilize and manage accumulated wealth effectively after economic
ventures. Track C will discuss the legal updates, risks and rewards involved with
alternative mutual funds and illiquid alternatives and how to set up minor’s trusts
programs and 401K plans. Tribes will also learn best practices for investing for
growth in the U.S.
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Monday, June 15th
1:00—1:45 PM
4/1/2015
8:58 AM
TRACK A—SALON 6
Trends Affecting Economic Development in Indian Country and What Tribes
Need to Do to Work Through Them
This panel will consist of experts who will have a discussion on issues and trends
that will impact tribal economic development. Some of the topics to be discussed
are legal implications and the impact the short-term lending industry is having on
future development. Also hear how state and local governments continue to
impede trade through aggressive and unwarranted tax schemes and fees. It is
imperative that Indian Country maintain the integrity of its jurisdiction,
self-governance, and sovereignty by uniting around a strategy to defend tribal
commerce and trade.
1:00—1:45 PM
TRACK B—SALON 7-8
State of Renewable Energy in Native America
Native Americans and Alaska Natives hold 5% of the land in the US and 10% of the
nation’s renewable energy potential, so native lands have a vast potential for
renewable energy production. Native American Reservations are sometimes
referred to as the “Third World” of the US, but some tribes are embracing
renewable energy technologies to bring in more income, create jobs, and access
reliable electricity. The potential is large and there are many renewable energy
projects in the works. Indian Country Today Media Network considered the topic of
renewable energy a “big business story” of 2014, and it has been proven that just a
small amount of power can drastically improve someone’s quality of life. Native
America is beginning to understand the importance of renewable energy, and the
federal government does as well. The White House recently honored 10 heroes as
“Champions of Change.” The Tribal Energy Program under the US Department of
Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Weatherization and
Intergovernmental Program also supports renewable energy by promoting tribal
energy sufficiency and fostering economic development.
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Monday, June 15th
1:00—1:45 PM
4/1/2015
8:58 AM
TRACK C
Investment Opportunities in Non-Liquid and Liquid Alternative Assets
Panelists will discuss definition and types of both Non-liquid and Liquid
Alternative Assets. Find out how alternative mutual funds are delivering the
same benefits as illiquid alternatives. And do these alternatives provide a
smoother ride? Panelists will get into detail about consideration of the risks and
the rewards.
1:45—2:30 PM
TRACK A—SALON 6
Finding Capital for Your Economic Development & Infrastructure Projects
You have the concept for an Economic Development project your tribe is interested
in developing. Now the question, are all your ducks in a row? Who does your team
consist of? Are you ready for financing? Do you have a solid business plan? Did you
conduct a feasibility study, and how does this project fit into your tribes Master
Plan? In this session we will hear from some of the leading experts whose input
would be vital for the success of your project. Architects and Construction Experts
will talk about the plan in general, what is needed and the steps to take. We will
hear from Finance professionals within Native America and learn how you can
obtain funding from federal programs, bond issuance, and other debt financing as
well as using tax credits through a CDFI to provide your tribal members with the
basic infrastructure that is needed prior to engaging in most Economic
Development projects to build your community. From government essential
services to expanding your Casino, what is the best source to finance these
projects?
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4/1/2015
8:58 AM
Monday, June 15th
1:45—2:30 PM
TRACK B—SALON 7-8
Challenges to Renewable Energy Developments on Native Lands - Is it Worth it?
Although the idea of renewable energy projects on Native Lands sounds great, there
are still many challenges involved in renewable energy developments. What are
those challenges? Sometimes the cost is high or the projects infringe on tribal
history, such as replacing acres of ancestral homeland with reflective photovoltaic
panels. But ultimately, could the process of creating successful renewable energy
projects be worth the challenge? The cost of extending utility distribution lines to
remote locations on tribal lands can be high- it is often cheaper to power remote
homes with renewable energy forms like solar energy and battery storage. The
Tribal Energy Program helps by providing financial and technical assistance to
tribes, and new federal policies could improve the ability of Native communities to
develop their renewable resources. The process of creating renewable energy
projects can be long and difficult, but a successful project can really affect a tribe - it
can allow children to do homework at night raising education levels, it could give
more people refrigeration to prevent so many long trips into town for food, and it
could allow people to communicate better through the use of cell phones and
laptops.
1:45—2:30 PM
TRACK C
Investing For Growth in the U.S.
Mega-cap companies have more cash than ever before and need to find revenue
growth. Should we expect an increase in mergers and acquisitions? Hear the
panelists discuss if small and mid-cap companies are naturally merger and
acquisition targets. And how are money managers positioning portfolios to
address this and other market opportunities?
2:30—3:00 PM
Afternoon Break / Exhibit Hall
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4/1/2015
8:58 AM
Monday, June 15th
3:00—3:45 PM
TRACK A—SALON 6
Steps That Various Federal Agencies Are Taking to Ensure Tribes Have the
Opportunity for Economic Prosperity
This panel will feature representatives from federal agencies such as the Bureau
of Indian Affairs, Department Of Justice, Housing & Development, Department of
Education and Indian Health Services. What initiatives or policy changes are
lacking or needed to make self-determination and self-government a reality?
From the Hearth Act to an increase in federal procurement ops, how do tribal
governments successfully advocate for themselves?
3:00—3:45 PM
TRACK B—SALON 7-8
Tribal Renewable Energy Success Stories
Many tribes have worked on renewable energy projects recently that have
dramatically benefited their tribe. People are using resources such as solar power,
wind power, hydropower, and more to enhance their tribe and their tribal income.
Some examples include the Hopi Nation in Arizona forming the Hopi Solar Electric
Enterprise in 1987, now called the NativeSUN, which helped install 300 residential
solar PV systems on homes throughout a revolving loan program, and the Navajo
Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) offering solar PV systems since 1999 and more
recently using solar-wind hybrid systems. The Forest Potawatomi Community
launched its FCPC Renewable Generation Digester, which in 2014 produced enough
energy to power about 1,500 homes. Round Valley Indian Tribe and New Forests
have regulatory approval for the first forest carbon offset project developed on
Native American trust land for the California carbon market, which will be a
significant revenue stream for the tribe as well as a way to protect its forest for
future generations. Some tribes are even partnering with others to get the job done.
Jemez Pueblo leaders in Northwestern New Mexico joined a national program that
pairs tribes with Native American college student researchers to see the benefits of
building a renewable energy project. This could open a lot of doors for other tribes
to help them in their economic development efforts.
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Monday, June 15th
3:00—3:45 PM
4/1/2015
8:58 AM
TRACK C
Minor’s Trusts and 401K Plans
During this panel hear what the best practices are for transition and set-up of a
minor’s trust program. What is the taxation of per capita? Find out about minor’s
trust contributions and the conflict with Social Security Administration payments
and what the latest updates are. Learn how to incorporate financial literacy into a
minor’s trust program.
You will also be hearing about 401k plans—defined benefits vs defined
contribution plans. What are the tax-deferred annuities? Hear what the latest
legal updates are.
3:45—5:00 PM
TRACK A—SALON 6 TBD
3:45—5:00 PM
TRACK B—SALON 7-8 TBD
3:45—5:00 PM
TRACK C— TBD
5:00 PM
Day One Sessions Conclude
9:00—10:30PM
Dessert Reception Under the Fireworks at the Grand Floridian Docks
Families Are Welcome
10:30 PM
Day One Concludes
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4/1/2015
8:58 AM
Tuesday, June 16th
7:30—8:30 AM
8:30– 9:30 AM
Exhibit Room Opens in Grand Floridian Ball Room Four and Five
TRACK A—SALON 6
Embracing Change: Bringing It All Together with Innovation and
Entrepreneurship in Native America
It is clear that the best way to secure the economic future of Native Americans is
to constantly look at new revenue generating opportunities. This can be
achieved at both the tribal level as well as the individual tribal member level. At
the heart of this growth is innovation and entrepreneurship.
Bringing together Native American leaders and those that have been identified
as innovators within their tribes, we aim to initiate meaningful dialogue so that
true innovation can occur at the tribal level. Real change requires tribal
leadership to embrace new ideas, welcome new voices, and cultivate leaders
from within. This is not always an easy process, but one that must start to occur
so that tribes remain viable sovereign nations and the best and brightest find
reason to return to the reservation after university.
8:30– 9:30 AM
TRACK B—SALON 7-8 TBD
9:30– 10:30 AM
Brunch
10:30– 11:30 AM
TRACK A—SALON 6 TBD
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4/1/2015
8:58 AM
Tuesday, June 16th
10:30– 11:30 AM
TRACK B—SALON 7-8
Enbridge / Osage Nation Case Study
In August 2013, Enbridge began construction on the Flanagan South Pipeline
project, a nearly 600-mile crude oil pipeline originating in Flanagan, IL and
ending in Cushing, Oklahoma. A portion of this pipeline crossed the historic
Osage Nation reservation area in Osage County, Oklahoma. Enbridge and the
Osage Nation worked together in a mutually beneficial partnership to assist the
pipeline construction project while bringing jobs and revenue to the local
community. The Osage Nation initiated an extensive training program to
prepare workers for jobs on the pipeline, provide workers with union cards and
enable them to secure additional union jobs once the project was complete.
Cooperative relationships with local companies provided a variety of work
opportunities and revenue. Come learn more about this project and how the
Osage Nation tribal government worked with the private sector to promote
economic development and benefit the local community.
Jill Jones
Board Chair
Osage Nation Energy Services LLC
Senior Consultant
ConocoPhillips
11:30– 12:30 PM
General Session
The Next Big Thing: Marijuana - Looking at the Economic Opportunities
It is estimated that if all States legalize marijuana by the year 2020 this will be a
$35 Billion Dollar industry. In the last year alone investment dollars increased by
941% from the year prior and that is with just four states legalizing marijuana for
recreational use. Some experts estimate about $2 billion being invested in the next
few years and many of them are eager to be the investors. Many experts believe
the marijuana industry can be a substantial source of income for tribes for several
reasons, such as the huge competitive advantage they will have by not paying taxes
on their earnings. In fact some believe tribes will be able to sell their product 30%
cheaper than non-tribal manufacturers. Most agree this industry will not be as
lucrative as gaming has been to Native America, but others believe that like
gaming, it will start off slow and then boom. What are some of the legal
ramifications of entering into this industry? What is being done about getting the
bankers to accept revenue from marijuana sales? What are the different
opportunities available in the commercial and industrial hemp industries?
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4/1/2015
8:58 AM
Tuesday, June 16th
12:30– 1:15 PM
General Session—TBD
1:15– 2:15 PM
General Session
How Do Successful Tribes Continue to Succeed?
This Round Table Discussion will feature leaders from several of the more
successful tribes when it comes to Economic Development. How do they all have
the midas touch or do they also have sound management and policies in common?
We will hear of the ebbs and flows that they went through to get to this point. How
have they separated politics from business development? Are they diversified in
their enterprises - why or why not? How did they get started and who was the
driving force behind their success? All these tribes are able to sustain social service
programs and create jobs for their people. What is the secret to their success?
2:15 PM
Conference Adjourns
ENJOY THE PARKS!!!
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