Northrop Grumman Supports American Indian Business Development as Title Sponsor of the 28th Annual INPRO 2003 Awards Banquet

Los Angeles-The 28th Annual American Indian Progress In Business (INPRO) Awards Banquet will be held at the historical and elegant Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, September 18, 2003. Northrop Grumman Corporation is the proud sponsor of INPRO 2003 supporting the activities and efforts of The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. Thomas E. Vice, Sector Vice President, Operations, for Northrop Grummans Integrated Systems sector, will serve as Dinner Chair. Floyd Red Crow Westerman from "Dances with Wolves" will host as emcee of the INPRO 2003 event along with the outstanding cultural dance entertainment of The Red Tipi Descendents Dance Group.

Los Angeles,CA-(PRWEB) September 11,2003---The 28th Annual American Indian Progress In Business (INPRO) Awards Banquet will be held at the historical and elegant Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, September 18, 2003. Northrop Grumman Corporation is the proud sponsor of INPRO 2003 supporting the activities and efforts of The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. Thomas E. Vice, Sector Vice President, Operations, for Northrop Grummans Integrated Systems sector, will serve as Dinner Chair.

We are proud to announce that Floyd Red Crow Westerman will host this years GALA Celebration and Awards Dinner as the Master of Ceremonies. Mr. Westerman, a native Dakota Sioux, is an actor, singer, activist, and poet. Mr. Westerman made his big screen debut in the motion picture RENEGADES, where he played Arthur, the Lakota Sioux father to Lou Diamond Phillips. Since that time his list of screen credits has continued to grow on the silver screen and on television. His work with a number of prestigious directors includes Kevin Costner, who was quick to cast him as the third lead in DANCES WITH WOLVES. His brilliant and memorable portrayal of Chief Ten Bears earned him worldwide acclaim and recognition in the motion picture industry. As an added treat, Mr. Westerman will be performing some of his most popular songs at the event. Also featured for entertainment will be The Red Tipi Descendents Dance Group. They will be performing several dances including some hoop dances and an eagle dance.

INPRO is an evening of tribute to honor the diversity, tradition, and achievement of American Indians. Each year during INPRO, the National Center awards scholarships to American Indian students majoring in business who represent Americas future entrepreneurs. In addition, the National Center honors American Indian leaders and Private Corporations who have demonstrated achievements. The Jay Silverheels Achievement Award is presented as well as the First American Enterprise Award. The Jay Silverheels Award is the highest honor bestowed by the National Center. The award is presented each year to an outstanding individual of American Indian descent who has achieved personal and professional success while making significant contributions to the community. The National Center is proud to present this years prestigious Jay Silverheels Award to the honorable Governor Richard P. Narcia, Governor of the Gila River Indian Community.

The First American Enterprise Award is presented each year to a corporate citizen who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the development and growth of American Indian-owned businesses. The First American Enterprise Award will be awarded this year to Mark L. DeVoss of The Boeing Company in recognition of The Boeing Companys outstanding contributions and support, over the years, to the American Indian business community and economy.

The INPRO 2003 Awards event benefits The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. Founded in 1969, The National Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with offices in Phoenix, Los Angeles, Seattle and Atlanta (UIDA Business Services, Inc.). With new offices opening soon in Washington DC and Montana.

The National Center is committed to Business Development for Indian People nationwide. At our annual INPRO event, we celebrate and recognize the achievements of American Indian leaders and entrepreneurs, present and future. Together we contribute to the prosperity of all Americans and know that our efforts will flourish for future generations. "
-- Ken Robbins, President and CEO, The National Center (Standing Rock Sioux)

For more information on INPRO 2003, Sponsorship Opportunities, or The National Center, please call (800) 462-2433, or visit the NCAIED web site at www.ncaied.org.

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