Highlight – Sault Tribe Business Alliance Forms Tribal Charter

Jun 1, 2021 | Highlights

SAULT STE. MARIE, MICHIGAN  – The Sault Tribe EDC sees continued growth with the establishment of Sault Tribe Business Alliance, TC. The Sault Tribe Business Alliance (STBA) beginnings date back to early 2018, when a group of Sault Tribe member-owned businesses approached the Sault Tribe EDC about networking and advocacy programming available to Sault Tribe member-owned businesses.

Working together with EDC Executive Director, Joel Schultz, the group began forming a Sault Tribe member-owned business association, sustained by founding members ISPHI, Tipping Point Solutions, Creative Change Associates Inc., Moore Trosper Construction Co., Irwin Hospitality, Better World Group, and Sault Printing Company. Early objectives of the group included providing support, advocacy, and education to the Sault Tribe member business community.

“STBA member businesses will have access to unique networking and promotional opportunities, educational programs, business services, and special events – all designed to help their tribal business succeed, ” says EDC Executive Director, Joel Schultz.

 

As the Sault Tribe EDC has grown over the past three years, so too has the capacity to offer increasing support to Sault Tribe member-owned businesses. In August 2018 the inaugural STBA Expo provided an organized event for Sault Tribe member business owners to network with other Sault Tribe member business owners and created an educational forum for speakers to present tribal business topics and interact with other growth-oriented Sault Tribe member business owners through panel and round table discussions. An awards banquet celebrated member business’ achievements throughout the year.

In year two, the STBA Expo extended program offerings, with growing collaborators in regional, state, and federal economic development organizations bolstering the group’s efforts. In late 2019, with the assistance of the newly formed Sault Tribe Thrive program, the STBA formally appointed a governing board consisting of established and emerging Sault Tribe member business owners, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. As a corporate charter, bylaws and mission, vision, and values statement were formally crafted, the STBA was primed to petition the Sault Tribe Board of Directors to officially organize as a Tribally Chartered Non-profit corporation of the same name, the Sault Tribe Business Alliance.

 

The STBA Board, consisting of Sault Tribe member business leaders and support service providers from IvyTek, Dream Catchers Consulting, Eagle Specialties, Saulteur, and the MEDC, continue to define the group’s objectives and increase program offerings. From these efforts, planning of a newly branded Sault Tribe Business Alliance Conference to be held August 6, 2021, at the Sault Ste. Marie Kewadin Convention Center is currently underway. The STBA is excited to announce a new partnership with Pure Michigan Business Connect for this year’s event. The annual event, after taking 2020 off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is shaping up to be the group’s most ambitious offering to date.

 

 

 

The Sault Tribe Business Alliance Conference presented in part by Pure Michigan Business Connect, will be a 1 day event with a slate of panelists from across the state and Indian Country. For more details and information, or to find out your tribal business can become involved, contact info@saulttribethrive.com.

 

 

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