Communication and Information Technology Tracks Create New Level Of Business Opportunities At "Reservation Economic Summit (RES) 2005"

For Immediate Release, Feb. 18, 2005

Contact Kenneth Robbins, President/CEO: (480) 545-1298, ext. 235

COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TRACKS CREATE NEW LEVEL OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AT “RESERVATION ECONOMIC SUMMIT (RES) 2005”

( Mesa , Ariz. , Feb. 18) “Reservation Economic Summit (RES) 2005,” the annual convention hosted by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) closed February 11 with more than 2,100 in attendance -- the largest ever in the organization's 35 years of existence.

Tribal leaders, executives from America 's largest corporations and federal and state officials met to share thoughts on how to capitalize on Indian Country's untapped potential and assure sustainable economic opportunity for all Indians, but the centerpiece of the event was the “Communications and Information Technology” tracks.

“I am grateful to all the individuals and the overwhelming corporate response that made ‘RES 2005' such a success,” said NCAIED President and CEO Kenneth Robbins. “The Communications and Information Technology Tracks have helped start an economic revolution at “RES” – a transition of economic action toward self-determination.”

“ We have begun to see the fruits of adopting technology solutions to meet community needs,” said Robbins. “The NCAIED can proudly say that ‘RES' is truly improving the quality of life for this country's Native peoples.”

“The National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) stands with pride as a partner to the NCAIED, with both promoting sovereignty through economic independence,” said NIGA Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. “'RES 2005' has achieved new heights.”

“The last panel of the Communications and Information Technology track was a historic moment for American Indians,” said National Congress of American Indians President Tex Hall. “The panel, moderated by Marty Hale, CEO of Blue Moon Solutions, Inc. and co-moderated by Nancy Plon, ‘RES 2005' Information Technology Track Coordinator, drove home the point of our dedication to technology.”

“It was an honor to stand with distinguished Tribal leaders A. Brian Wallace, Chairman of the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California, Charles Colombe, President of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, and President Joe Shirley and Mrs. Joe Shirley of the Navajo Nation as they shared their vision and successes using technology as an important tool for economic development in Indian Country.”

Most of America 's Tribal Nations have been excluded from taking advantage of the economic revolution brought about by the Internet and enhancements in broadband technology. Dubbed the “Digital Divide,” a recent partnership between the Federal Communications Commission's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau and the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service (USDA-RUS) titled the “Joint Federal Rural Wireless Outreach Initiative” holds promise of closing the divide and providing Native entrepreneurs and Tribal ventures business opportunities, as well as improvements in education, healthcare, safety and security, Tribal governance and cultural exchange.

The excitement at ‘RES 2005' about this development resulted from the comprehensive tracks, which explained the capabilities and limitations of the technology, showcased current success stories and provided detailed information and access to funding sources.

The convergence of technology and access to Indian Country is also prompting interest in a relatively new concept to Tribal nations, Joint Ventures. Conference speakers Bill Largent, member of the Board of Directors of the Native American Business Alliance (NABA) and John Beirise, President of the Native American Bank provided a detailed explanation of the process for working with Fortune 1000 companies through establishment of Joint Ventures.

“The potential to leverage American Indian assets through partnerships and joint ventures will be an exponential growth area for native owned businesses,” said Robbins, following the presentation. “The NCAIED is looking forward to the opportunities that could be created for our members and their communities.”

According to Nancy Plon, three-time winner of the NCAIED Volunteer of the Year Award and coordinator of the Communication and Information Technology sessions, preparation for next year's event has already begun as well as regional conferences that will bring hands on technology to individual Tribal communities. “Only five years ago, this track would not have been possible,” said Plon. “The genuine interest and partnerships between federal agencies, tribal leadership and the private sector are already delivering on the promises of just a couple of years ago.”