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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 1, 1990)
Smoke Signals November 1990 page 13 Program Services Directory Economic Development Program: The Economic Development Department origins lie in section 6, Economic Development, of Public Law 100 425, Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Commu nity of Oregon Reservation Bill, mandating 30 of Tribal timber revenue be set aside, for a 20 year period, for economic development. Tribal Council has estab lished the following goals and objectives for economic development. 1. Economic Environment Goal: The creation of an environment that fosters economic development for the Grand Ronde Tribes, Tribal members, and other entities. Objectives: To promote feasible economic development on Grand Ronde Tribal lands and in surrounding areas; to establish a diversified and viable economy on Grand Ronde Tribal lands; and to develop Tribalprivate partnerships for economic development activities. 2. Tribal Economic Development Goal: The attainment of self-sufficiency through the creation of independent sources of revenue and employment. Objectives: To identify, promote and preserve economic opportunities on, and off, tribal lands; and to promote employment stability on tribal lands and in nearby areas. 3. Individual Economic Development Goal: The facilitation of individual choice and economic achievement for all Tribal members. Objectives: To improve employment opportunities and support business endeavors of Tribal members; and to reduce the number of Tribal households now below poverty levels. The department offers business education classes, technical assistance, and counseling for Tribal members wishing to start or expand an existing business, or who have specific business problems or questions. ill te - ill Cjsllllil Mitch Conley Correction The following correction needs to be made to the 1st Annual Timber Committee workshop article in last month's Newsletter. There was an additional guest speaker that was not mentioned. This guest speaker was our very own Mitch Conley from the Economic Devel opment Department. Sorry Mitch, you gave an excellent presentation. Conley Brings Experience to Grand Ronde New economic development specialist, Mitch Conley, has taken the long and winding road to Grand Ronde. Experience and ability are the trademarks of Conley's character. As the Tribe begins the move towards self sufficiency, a strong economic base is a necessary resource. The man to establish that base could very well be Mitch Conley. Conley's career as an economic development specialist is just 5 months old but, his career in developing successful businesses has been flourishing for quite some time. After seeing action in the Berlin crisis as part of the United States Navy, Conley returned to the states and started his business career in retail clothing in Alabama. "At that time I was probably the only person in the county that wasn't prejudice," explained Conley. Within a few months Conley's store was the top in his chain. "I think the reason was primarily because I didn't have any racial prejudices to the blacks and they became custom ers." After coming home to Oregon for a sister's wedding he realized how much he missed his home state. "I was amazed at how beautiful Oregon was, after being all over the world. I got home sick as soon as I arrived." Conley settled down and started logging. But, after witnessing the deaths of two friends in a matter of three days he decided to go to college. After achieving straight A's for a year at Portland Community College Conley was accepted at Portland State University where he eventually graduated with a degree in business. Conley's major field was international business and marketing. After school, Conley held a position in sales and advertising for Willamette Industries before starting his own business called West Coast Forest Industries. After Immunization Update Immunizations are available through the Tribal Health Clinic. The state is recommending a measles booster for 12 year olds because of the measles outbreak in the state over the past year. Haemphilis b conjugate vaccination is advised for children 15 months of age. For more information or an appointment please call 879-5211. operating successful businesses in California and Washington he retired from the business world in 1979 and traveled throughout Europe. While spending time in Europe Conley raced formula one cars for a BMW racing school. Conley then returned to Oregon and rattled off the foundations of several more successful business ventures before journeying to Japan where he spent all of 1989. Though his time spent in the far east was fruitful, Conley once again longed for the beauty of his home state. Conley said that he has always wanted to work with Native Americans because it reminded him of his childhood home and the people that he grew up with. "I started working in June and I enjoy it," said Conley. "It's alot like the community that I grew up in and the people here remind me alot of my family." The wealth of experience that Conley brings to Grand Ronde will be a major asset as he begins the process that will lead the Tribe to self sufficiency. "The goal that the Tribal Council laid out to me is to build an economic base that will ultimately give the Tribe the opportunity to become self-sufficient." Conley ex plained that his responsibility is to develop the economic plan and begin the process of establishing Tribal enterprises. The program is also set-up to help Tribal members to build their own businesses. "It's an open door policy. When a Tribal member walks through that door with a problem or a question or needs some assistance, I'm going to help them." Conley is excited about his opportunity to help people and share his experience. "I've been all over the world and I've seen almost every culture that exists out there. Every race of people, they all want the same thing, family, shelter, food, a peaceful co-existence and quality of life. Yes, I'm very happy here. Mitch Conley can be reached at the Tribe's forestry office by calling 879-5522. Call him today and take advantage of the services Mitch's program offers. November Holidays The following are the holidays for the month of November. Offices will be closed to observe these holidays: November 12 - Veteran's Day November 21 - Restoration Day November 22 & 23 - Thanksgiving Holiday A (4 COMMUNITY DRUG AWARENESS DAY December 1st, 1990 9:30 -3:30p.m. Willamina High School Designed for all Tribal Youth SPEAKERS INFORMATION WORKSHOPS RECREATIONAL THERAPY LUNCH PROVIDED Call: Alcohol and Drug Program to Register Transportation can be Provided II
