The Business of Native Americans
Wednesday, April 08, 2009FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Amy Benson
amy@rosengrouppr.com
212.255.8455 ext. 237
The Business of Native Americans
3-Part Series on PBS' Nightly Business Report
Begins April 13
Miami, FL (April 6, 2009) -- Comprising approximately one percent of the U.S. population, Native Americans have faced myriad barriers to business development. But while the hurdles may have been numerous, the will to overcome has persevered and Native communities throughout the country contain telling examples of Native American entrepreneurship. On Monday, April 13, PBS' Nightly Business Report kicks off "Native American Entrepreneurs," a 3-part series that profiles thriving Native Americans and their businesses, and explores the growing role Native Americans are playing in the country's commerce. It debuts in conjunction with the award-winning PBS series American Experience's multi-media project, "We Shall Remain," which establishes Native history as an essential part of American history.
"The diversity of Native American culture has manifested itself in the business world, resulting in fascinating and multi-faceted ventures," explained Rodney Ward, Executive Editor/Senior Vice President, Nightly Business Report. "As one Native American business leader told us, it's important to continue the spirit of self-sufficiency, and creating your own destiny. That's what tribal entrepreneurship, and our stories, are all about."
Series Overview:
Monday, April 13 - Minnesota: He's the founder of Famous Dave's Legendary Pit Bar-B-Q Restaurants, the Rainforest Cafe restaurant chains, and now, at an unassuming locale north of Chicago he has come up with America's most extensive and cutting-edge indoor water park. We profile Native American serial entrepreneur Dave Anderson (Chippewa/Choctaw), who is also a former leader of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Monday, April 20 - Nebraska: Winnebago, NE is home to Ho-Chunk, Inc. HCI), the award-winning international economic development corporation that was founded in 1995 with a single employee. Owned by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, it now boasts over 500 staff members in eight states, as well as in Mexico and Iraq. HCI operates in a diverse range of industries including information technology, construction, professional services, distribution, marketing, media and retail.
Monday, April 27 - Oklahoma: Bucking the idea that current economic conditions are necessarily a barrier to success, the Oklahoma City-based Bank2, wholly owned by the Chickasaw Nation, is aggressively expanding its home mortgage business. It's focusing on the lending needs of the nation's Native American population, and the housing shortage that exists on many reservations. Bank2 intends to place $100 million in mortgages in 2009, mostly for Native American homeowners.
For more information, or to speak with a Nightly Business Report representative, please contact Amy Benson at 212-255-8455 or amy@rosengrouppr.com.
About Nightly Business Report: For three decades, the award-winning Nightly Business Report has provided business news in a fast-paced format. Timely investment information helps viewers manage their money and stay abreast of the news that affects their portfolios. Nightly Business Report premiered as a Miami regional program on January 22, 1979, with national distribution beginning in 1981. Nationally underwritten by Franklin Templeton Investments, Nightly Business Report is distributed live to public television stations at 6:30pm EST every weeknight. Local broadcast times vary.
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