May 1993
Page 5
Entrepreneurs of the Month: Reyn & Liz Leno
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This month, Reyn and Liz Leno, who ownR&L Janitorial, are Entrepreneurs of the
Month. Their business is so new, they only have one clienL.The Confederated Tribes of
Grand Ronde.
Every evening they do the janitorial office work after everyone has gone home, plus
one major clean-up on Sunday. Liz works for the Tribe during the day as a Floater, (someone
who helps out different programs as needed) and Reyn also works for Zimbrick Logging.
Between the two of them, they have three full-time jobs.
Reyn explained their reasons for starting up the business. "This business is a chance
for a new opportunity. Lots of people in the timber industry are looking towards other things,
because they're unsure of their future." Liz says she won't quit her position with the Tribe
they decide to pursue more clients, because Reyn wants to run the business. He started the
Economic Development ON ABEN Greenhouse class, but didn't have the chance to graduate.
Economic Development has helped them in other ways, though.
"We already had the money we needed to buys supplies and things for the business,"
said Reyn. "But the Tribe helped us with our taxes and paper work. They set everything up
on computer. Plus it's a lot easier to go through (Economic Development) because they can
help you with your permit, licences, and liability insurance."
Added Liz, "It's also a lot easier having our checkbook on computer. If anyone ever
needs to see our finances, it's all right there. We don't have to keep papers sorted and
organized."
The Lenos sited another reason for exploring the possibilities of this business: spend
more time with their kids. "Our son Shonn will be going off to college. We can attend some
of his wrestling matches during the day," explained Reyn.
"Our kids are a big part of the job. They come out and help us for extra money. For
the future, the hours we work would allow us more time to spend with them."
Conley Receives
Recognition
Oregon Native American Business and
Entrepreneurial Network (ONABEN), was first conceived
by Business development branch manager Mitch Conley
after he began working for the Tribe. Mitch's first call to
action after being hired by the Tribe was to plan and
implement tribal business development projects. Soon after
he began in his position, tribal members began calling for
assistance with other personal business projects. Mitch
discovered early on that there was a great need for business
planning and financing assistance for Grand Ronde tribal
members, and one of his solutions to the problems resulted
in the formation of ONABEN. ONABEN is a coalition of
four Oregon tribesGrand Ronde, Siletz, Warm Springs,
and Klamath, who came together and provided funding and
expertise to ONABEN. ONABEN offers one-on-one
counseling, Greenhouse Business development classes, and
Advanced Management training for Native Americans.
Mitch served as the Chairman of the Board during
ONABEhTsfirstyearof operation, and in February, 1993 the
Board presented him with a plaque recognizing him for his
efforts in creating and enhancing their endeavors.
Congratulations to Mitch onajob well done! Keep watching
in the newsletter for more services offered by ONABEN.
it -i
Computer Training Available Greenhouse Classes To Begin
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
SEMINARS
51893 Cash Flow Management
61593 Small Business Financing
The Small Business center in the Economic
Development office is offering a variety of Computer training
classes in May. Classes are open to all tribal members and
their families. Registration is limited to three people per
class, call Debby at 1 -800-422-0232 to reserve your space.
Don't forget that the computer lab in the Small Business
Development Center is open during regular business hours
Monday through Friday and Tuesday evenings. The center
is available for business correspondence, school projects,
and practice. We have several games if you are unsure of
your computer skills, stop by and play a little bit.
Business Development Seminar
"Cash Flow Management"
Do you one of the top reasons why businesses fail?
Insufficient cash planning! On Tuesday, May 18, come to
the Tribal Community Center at 6:30 P.M. for a session on
"Cash Flow Management". Elaine Moore, Business
Development Specialist, will educate seminar participants
on what cash flow management is, how it affects your
business, and how to plan for "cash down times". If you
currently operate a business, this seminar could help you stay
in business. If you are planning on owning your own
business, this information presented in this seminar can
ensure that your business will grow and prosper. Remember
that all of our seminars are open to the public, so bring your
friends and family. For more information about the seminar,
please contact Debby Childers 1-800-422-0232.
ONABEN's ten-week Greenhouse Business
development classes will begin again in May. There will be
a four-week introductory session before the ten-week class
begins. Classes will be offered in Salem and Portland. The
exact dates, places, and times have not been determined, but
if you are interested, call Debby Childers (1-800-422-0232
or 879-521 1). Debbywillcontactyouoncethedateand times
have been determined. Registration began the 1 9th of April,
so hurry and call. ONABEN Greenhouse classes give an
overview of the business planning process. If you think you
may be interested in owning and operating a business, the
class is a good opportunity to learn what is involved.
ONABEN will be offering an Advanced Greenhouse
class for those who have graduated from the first classes.
These classes are scheduled to begin in May. Again, call
Debby for more information.
Fax Servlca
Computer Lab
Library-Magazines, books &
videos
Phone Message Center
Mail Center
Phone Servlca
Photocopy Service
Business Planning &
Management Assistance
Training in Management ft
Computer Usage
Iwrfca;
9615 Grnd Ronde Road
Grand Ronde, OR 97347
t the Economic
DevelopmentPlanning
Modular
Hon rt;
Monday thru Friday 8:00 am
to noon It 1.-00 pm to 500 pm
Sptettl Tuesdiy Hours: S.-00
to 9.00 pm
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