Strategic developments with Native American tribes
Growth, expansion part of the vision of the Gila River Indian Community
By Peter Madrid
Cushman & Wakefield of Arizona, Inc.
Economic development by Arizona’s Native American tribes used to be heavily dependent on constructing casinos and other hospitality amenities. Lately, however, these same Indian communities are beginning to diversity when it comes to economic growth and expansion.
Members of one tribe shared their vision with about 200 partners as Valley Partnership presented an update on the Gila River Indian Community's development plans for future growth and expansion.Making opening remarks was tribal Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis.
Kari McCormick, Native American Division, Kitchell Construction, served as the moderator. The panel featured Heidi Staudenmaier, Partner, Snell & Wilmer; Alia Hauter, Director of Marketing, Wild Horse Pass Development Authority; and Rodney B. Lewis, consultant to Akin Gump and member of GRIC.
Gov. Lewis said his community bases its economic development on a value system in which there is a respect for tradition coupled with the nature of the business. Water rights and water conservation also play integral parts in economic development.
“We follow the principles of our fore fathers,” Gov. Lewis said. “We recognize the strength of diversity and expanding and strengthening our business partnerships.”
The community owns and operates three Valley casinos: Wild Horse Pass, Vee Quiva and Lone Butte. Its non-casino business enterprisesshow diversity. They include the Phoenix Premium Outlets, Rawhide Western Town, Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, WHP Motorsports Park and Four Points by Sheraton at Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport.
Panelist highlights when it comes to conducting business in Indian Country:
> Heidi Staudenmaier: “When working with tribal communities, know who your business partners are. Know their traditions and procedures. Remember that each tribe is its own sovereign nation.”
> Rodney B. Lewis: “Tribal communities are a viable economic force these days. They are pretty stable government entities that are able to do business.”
> Alia Hauter: “There are plenty of opportunities within the authority’s 3,320-acre planned commercial development. There is great access (the I-10 and the 202). We foresee economic growth in this area.”
Dates to remember:
Aug. 28: August breakfast
> Nov. 7: 2015 Valley Partnership Community Project, Florence Crittenton Services of Arizona, Scottsdale Girls Ranch