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Thoughts from the National Executive Director
(Jackie Gant)
What
a great National Conference! These are the words that I heard from many of our board members, conference participants, workshop
facilitators and guest speakers. As NABA’s new Executive Director, I was
impressed with the energy I felt among participants, the motivation I observed between Corporations and Native American Businesses
and the desire by non-NABA members to be apart of such an organization like the Native American Business Alliance. For my first national conference and the work that our sponsors and the committee members did to put the
conference together, NABA’s mission was communicated by participants throughout the entirety of the conference-strength,
building relationships and raising awareness of Native American culture.
Although it was a difficult time for me personally following the death of my father, I was fortunate
to be surrounded by family and friends while at the conference and the Hyatt-Tamaya seemed to be a place where the healing
process could begin for me. I found the conference to be a place that drew comfort
from others and it provided an inner peace for not only me but for all conference participants. From my reserve in Canada, I was honored to present to NABA’s Board Members Chief Roger Thomas, Munsee-Delaware Nation and Economic Development Committee Members from Oneida
Nation of the Thames, who
look forward to working more closely with the organization and continuing to build upon the relationships they made while
at the conference.
As we move forward, NABA has much to do to prepare for the 2005 Conference scheduled for April 17-19, 2005 at Walt Disney World Coronade Springs Resort, Orlando, Florida. NABA
is offering a Private Party Sponsorship for those corporates wanting to have more time with a specific group of suppliers-space
is limited so reserve your sponsorship early. We have reviewed the Conference
Surveys and we appreciate the feedback which was filled with great suggestions. Lastly,
I would like to thank Liz Hicks and Florinda Gamboa for their dedication to making this event a success and raising the bar
for our 2005 NABA Conference!
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