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TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2002

The first national American Indian Chamber of Commerce has been established to promote economic growth of Native-owned businesses.

With the help of the Department of Commerce, the first meeting was hosted by the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma last week. Officers were elected and include president Richard Jaramillo of Isleta Pueblo, New Mexico; first vice president Gene Bloomfield, Choctaw from Texas and second vice president Richard Antell, who resides on the White Earth Reservation in Minnesota.

"The formation of the USAICC brings this dream and vision into reality," Jaramillo said in a statement. "The USAICC will proudly represent a large and diverse group of American Indian businesses and enterprises. It is the duty of the USAICC to have impeccable integrity and credibility to further the needs of all American Indian businesses."

In addition to fostering economic opportunity, the group also seeks to unite various state Indian chambers of commerce. The USAICC will be based in Washington, D.C.

Last week's meeting in Oklahoma coincided with Gov. Frank Keating's declaration of "American Indian Chamber of Commerce" week.

Relevant Links:
American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma - http://www.aicco.org