U.S. Chamber of Commerce targets Native-owned businesses with new initiative

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Chamber of Commerce launched a new initiative Dec. 3 targeted at Native-owned businesses.

“The spirit of enterprise, entrepreneurship is thriving in Indian Country,” said Rolf Lundgren, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s senior vice president of Congressional and public affairs. “Native Americans are a key part of our economic engine and they must navigate same uncertain waters as other members of the chamber.”

Governed by a council with representatives from tribes and tribally-owned businesses, the initiative will advocate on behalf of tribes to foster a more conducive environment to conduct and launch businesses in Indian Country. Among the areas the initiative’s partners plan to pursue in the upcoming Congressional session are energy development, environmental policies and potential foreign direct investment in Indian Country.

“The Chamber and Native groups have an opportunity to show how business should be done,” Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) said. “I believe this is a great step forward if you use it and don’t just have meetings.

“You have the opportunity to get things done. Let’s do this together.”

Joel West Williams, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and a member of the organization’s governing council, said the new initiative stands to not only benefit Indian Country, but the United States as a whole.

“We don’t just employ Cherokees; we employ other tribal citizens and non-Native Oklahomans, plus people out of state,” he said. “Our success in business has been a tie that has lifted all boats. As we’ve seen success in Oklahoma, we’ve seen success in other states as well. We’re looking forward to working together.”