Montana Has a New Logo for Native American Made Products

Montana has a new Native American Made in Montana (NAMiM) logo for products made by the state’s Native American people, as reported by Char-Koosta News on Oct 14.

In order to use the logo, an individual must be an enrolled member of a tribe in Montana, including Little Shell, and the finished product/service must be created, made or produced in the state.

The Made in Montana Program, part of the International Trade and Relations Bureau in the Business Resources Division of the Montana Department of Commerce, helps Montana businesses develop and market their products statewide, nationwide and globally. The program, which has more than 1,500 participants, was recently expanded to include the Native American Made in Montana logo, the article said.

To learn more about the Made in Montana Program, go to www.madeinmontanausa.com.

Clara Pratte Named Director of SBA’s Office of Native American Affairs

The U.S. Small Business Administration confirmed to AIR today that Clara Pratte has been appointed as the national director of the agency’s Office of Native American Affairs.

As national director, she will help ensure that American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians who want to create, develop and expand small businesses have full access to the tools available through the SBA's entrepreneurial development, lending and procurement programs, according to Cecelia Taylor of the SBA’s press office.

Before joining the SBA, Pratte worked for the Navajo Nation as a policy analyst and legislative liaison, focusing on economic and community development, housing and education issues.

Hilton Offers Free Seminar on Hospitality 101

Hilton Franchise Development is offering a free seminar, “Hospitality 101,” October 22-24, 2008 in Las Vegas, NV for those in Indian Country who are most closely tied to the investment, hospitality and community development efforts of their tribal organizations.

Hilton Hotels Corporation has developed a targeted outreach program designed to increase awareness, among tribal governments and enterprises, on investment and ownership opportunities in the hotel industry and within the Hilton Family of Brands.
This complimentary program covers all the fundamental considerations when evaluating investment in hotel development. Several entrepreneurs who have developed and/or purchased hotels, with the Hilton Family, will share their experiences and lessons learned.

Attendee lodging, meals and tickets to KA by Cirque du Soleil will be covered by Hilton. For additional information, please contact Tom Wilkins at 800-992-4489, ext. 119.

For additional information about Hilton Franchise Development, please click here.