Fortune 500 Companies Network with Native American Businesses at 7th Annual NABA Fund National Procurement Conference
7th Annual Native American Business Alliance's National Business/Procurement Conference; Apprentice 2 Winner and First Native American Astronaut Joined Business Leaders.
Southfield, MI (PRWEB) June 13, 2007 -- On April 22nd-24th 2007, business owners and Fortune 500 leaders convened for a unique, dynamic, and culturally enriching experience at the 7th Annual Native American Business Alliance (NABA) National Business/Procurement Conference in Galveston Island, Texas.
This national event, sponsored by General Motors Corporation, featured presentations from Kelly Perdew, winner of Donald Trump's Apprentice 2, and America's first Native American astronaut, John Herrington. Conference attendees and NABA members, including corporate partners, tribal and general members, networked, developed business relationships and identified procurement opportunities while learning from seasoned business and industry leaders. NABA was pleased to host other Native American organizations (American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Texas and Native American Chamber of Commerce), along with Tribal Chairman and Chiefs from Canadian territories of British Colombia and Ontario and governmental agencies such as International Trade Canada who have been supportive of the procurement conference and looking to bring together US companies with Canadian business owners.
"We were proud to offer a variety of sessions centered on our theme, Staying on the Path, at this year's Conference. We hope that our Conference was significant in helping businesses understand the focus and determination it takes to achieve their goals. The Conference offered a refreshing approach to goal achievement along with an array of tools for entrepreneurs to use in their daily business dealings," said Jackie Gant, National Executive Director of NABA (Oneida Nation of the Thames).
2007 NABA Conference Awards
During the Conference, five awards were presented to certain individuals/companies, recognizing them for their continued work and dedication on behalf of the Native American Business Alliance and Native people. All awardees are active members of NABA, committed to community service, and continually focused on promoting NABA's mission. They have all participated in NABA's annual events and actively mentor Native American business owners while promoting overall Native American culture.
Corporation of the Year - DaimlerChrysler Corporation
As a global automotive leader, the DaimlerChrysler Corporation's commitment to diversity and working with Native American suppliers is second to none. Their focus on diversity clearly makes them an industry leader and the type of Fortune 500 company that NABA is proud to have as a member.
Native American Business of the Year - Choctaw-Kaul Distribution Company
Choctaw-Kaul Distribution Company, headquartered in Detroit, MI, is a top performing Native American company. They are a single source company for industrial glove and safety protection. All of Choctaw-Kaul's employees work to promote a positive and strong Native American company to all of its distributors and companies.
New Member of the Year - Griffin Food Company
Founded by John T. Griffin in 1908, this Muskogee, Oklahoma food company specializes in syrups, jellies and preserves, mustards, salad dressings, etc. NABA is proud to welcome Griffin as a member and is proud of their long tradition and commitment to Native American values.
Spirit Award - Thomas "Running Bear" Smith of Tom Smith Industries, Inc.
Tom Smith Industries, Inc. is a Native American-owned company dedicated to creating jobs and opportunities for minorities and the local business community. Located in Clayton, OH, Tom Smith Industries was founded by NABA's former president, Thomas "Running Bear" Smith and has continually brought a vigorous commitment and dedication to the Native American community. Thomas "Running Bear" Smith passed away in December of 2006. His family accepted the award on his behalf.
Advocate of the Year - Cathy Kutch of the Kellogg Company
The Kellogg Company has committed large amounts of energy and time to providing opportunities for Native American companies and suppliers. Her continued personal attention to making certain that their commitment to diversity is at the forefront of the company mission is why Cathy Kutch is NABA's Advocate of the Year.
About the Conference
The Conference began with an informal golf event on Sunday, April 22nd at the Wildcat Golf Club in Houston, TX. Attendees enjoyed the Texas sunset while wearing leis and flowered shirts for the light-hearted Welcome Reception/Beach Party (sponsored by DaimlerChrysler Corporation).
Monday April 23rd kicked off with the Kellogg Company's Welcome Breakfast, featuring the winner of Apprentice 2, Kelly Perdew. Perdew shared with the attendees the tools and leadership skills that have served him so well in the business world. Members were able to personally interact with Perdew through a question/answer session and a book signing (for Perdew's book, Take Command). Well-attended professional development workshops, covering such topics as 'Supplier Diversity Programs' and 'Minority Certification', were conducted during the afternoon. A Tribal and Corporate Networking Reception sponsored by Dakkota Integrated Systems, LLC (a Native American-owned company and a division of Rush Trucking, Inc.) concluded the first day of the Conference.
Unique personal, one-on-one sessions between Native American business owners and corporate procurement representatives was the focus on Tuesday, April 24th. Attendees interacted in member-to-member long table sessions designed to foster personal connections and networking in an informal yet professional manner. Tuesday also featured culturally significant Talking Circles, featuring authentic Eagle feathers being passed around the circle; all who participated were thereby allowed to share their insight on the assigned topics. The Conference concluded with a Gala Dinner and Awards Reception (sponsored by Honda of America Mfg.) which featured a presentation by John Herrington (the first Native American astronaut) and a video tribute to the last Thomas "Running Bear" Smith (filmed by Kingfish Worldwide, Inc.). Herrington shared the determination and focus it took to become one of the United States' best-performing astronauts.
For more information on the Conference and on NABA, visit www.native-american-bus.org.
About NABA
Founded in 1995 by four Native American business owners, NABA provides independently owned and tribal-based businesses in the United States and Canada with the opportunity to develop relationships with purchasing representatives from Fortune 500 companies and more. The Alliance also provides corporations with opportunities to understand and enjoy Native American traditions through culturally enriching conferences and networking events. NABA currently has over 300 members and works with over 10,000 Native American-owned businesses registered as suppliers.
Media Contact Only
For more information or to arrange interviews contact Jackie Gant at (248) 988-9344.
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