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.
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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
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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
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