November 1994
Page 6
Business
Smoke Signals
Tribe secures
The Tribe has been awarded a
construction grant of nearly three
quarters of a million dollars from a
federal agency, the Economic
Development Administration
(EDA). The grant is for major
improvements to the Grand Ronde
community water system, including
a 500,000 gallon water tank and
pipeline to deliver water from the
tank to the Tribal headquarters area.
"The Tribe is happy that EDA
understands the importance of
water development to the future of
our Tribe as well as the Grand
Ronde community. This grant will
provide the foundation for
development that is needed to offset
the timberindustry downturn," said
Mark Mercier, tribal chairman.
"Improving the water system is
absolutely critical to the
construction of housing and other
forms of economic development."
The Grand Ronde water system
is owned and operated by the local
water district, the Grand Ronde
Entrepreneur
Mike Reibach
Mike Reibach, founder of
Standing Elk Incorporated, is in
the business of barn wood salvage
sales. He and his crew tear down
older, unwanted barns and sell the
wood product to interested buyers
and developers.
"There is a big market for older
wood," said Mike. "People want a
certain look to their business or
home, and barn wood is some of the
best and the strongest."
Standing Elk, Inc. recently sold
some wood to an owner of a small
grocery store, who wanted the older
"general store" country look to his
business.
Mike is a wholesaler who runs
advertisements inlarge newspapers.
People all over the west are
interested as well as other parts of
theU.S. Mikewilldeliverthewood
to a destination or port.
"This type of wood is not available
in many foreign countries," he said.
"There is a demand for it abroad,
too."
Mike says the reason for the
wood's popularity has to do with its
age. "It's already seasoned," he
said. "It won't crack or rot. It's
grant for water system
Community Water Association,
which is also adding a tank to the
system. The Tribe has worked
closely with the association during
the past year on planning and fund
raising. EdLarsenwhoison Tribal
Council and the Water Association
Board ofDirectors said, "With over
1,000,000 gallons of new water
storage coming on-line, the water
association can lift the moratorium
on water hook-ups. People will be
able to build homes and start
businesses in our community."
The new grant of $724,000 from
EDA will be combined with other
federal grants the Tribe has received
from the Department of Housing
andUrbanDevelopment, and a loan
from the Farmer's Home
Association to the Water
Association, as well as financial
contributions from both the Tribe
and the association. The total
package of water system
improvements is expected to cost
about 1.7 million. Construction on
of the Month:
Mike Reibach
totally solid."
Mike works as a firefighter for
the Tribe as well as run this business,
and is busy working every day of
the week.
"It takes a lot of hours, but if you
put enough energy into something,
it will pay off."
Fortunately, Mike resides in
Grand Ronde and can access the
Small Business Development
facilities often. He has also attended
several of the monthly seminars.
"IVe used the materials, phones,
the tank and lines may be started
this winter and will likely be
finished next year.
Chairman Mark Mercier said the
Tribe had substantial support for
the project from the Oregon
Congressional Delegation. He also
attributed some of the Tribe's
success to the Statewide Economic
Revitalization Team, which is
President Clinton's effort to assist
communities affected by the
downturn in the timber industry.
The federal agencies on the team
coordinated with each other, and
gave the Tribe technical assistance
which enabled the project to be put
together in less than a year.
Constance Albrecht, the grantwriter
for the Tribe, prepared the grant
applications and an environmental
assessment, with the Public Works
Division, and the Tribe's
engineering firm, Mater
Engineering.
J4 ' t
equipment, and have gotten a lot of
advice," he said.
Embodied in Standing Elk, Inc.
is Red Threads Designs, a business
in which Mike is co-owner. Mike
has a lot ofbusiness ideas regarding
the Tribe, and youth in particular.
He sees this community as his home,
which holds and endless string of
opportunities for tribal members,
"I want to help enhance the
quality of life for our people," he
said. "I want to contribute to the
economy and community."
Timber Committee position open
Applications are now being accepted for one position
on the Timber Committee. We will be accepting
applications until December 3L For an application
you may contact Connie Holmes, Timber Committee
SecretaryTreasurer at 879-2381 or 879-5522.
Christmas Bazaar
Friday, December 2, and Saturday,
December 3, Small Business
Development is sponsoring the
Second Annual Christmas Bazaar.
This yeartbazaar will be held at St
Michael's gymnasium in Grand
Ronde from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on
Friday, and 10-5 on Saturday.
Tables are available for $25 for
both days. There will be two
complimentary tables for elders. If
Business Loan money available
If you are looking for business financing, now is the time to get busy!
ONABEN financing will be offering several small loans in early
November to qualified Native Americans in the state. The minimum term
is three years, and the maximum loan amount is $2,500. For more
information and application materials, call Small Business Development
The Bureau of Indian Affairs will also have business loan dollars soon.
Guaranteed loans through your local bank, and a limited amount of Direct
Loan money will be available for Native American business loans. There
are a variety of rules and regulations concerning these programs, so
contact Small Business Development about eligibility requirements.
Computer training classes
Regularly scheduled computer classes for November are full. Never
fear, it is not too late to sign up for those computer classes you have been
yearning to take. Classes in Basic Computers, Word for Windows, and
Printshop Deluxe are all scheduled, so if you are interested in one of those
classes, call Small Business Development to get on a waiting list for a new
class time. Classes consist of three people, so if you and two friends would
like to schedule a "private class" call Debby Childers at Small Business
Development
ONABEN Business classes
If you are interested in starting a business, but are not sure how to get
started, or if you have wondered about what it really takes to own and
operate a business read on.
The Oregon Native American Business and Entrepreneurial Network
is sponsoring a two-part "Going Into Business" class. Classes are held
Tuesday nights at the Community Center from 6:30-9:30. Contact
Penny DeLoe for more information.
Lost: Bronze medallion
A bronze military-style medal was found at the Tribal Community
Center in October. It is a pin and has an inscribed message on the back.
If you have lost such an item, call Tracy Olson at the Tribal offices.
coining soon
you are a tribal elder and wish to
sell some crafts at the bazaar,
contact Penny DeLoe at SBD offices
to reserve a space.
Your $25 fee pays for advertising,
rental space and rental of tables
and chairs, and festive decorations
that liven up the building. For
reservations contact Penny at the
Tribal offices. Phone is 1-800-422-0232,
extension 2476.