Pamela Pratt, President Weldon Salkey, Vice President Barbara E. Robles, Secretary/Treasurer

The Gila River Business Owners Association was formed from an entrepreneur support group and is sponsored by the Gila River Entrepreneurship Program. It is chartered as a not-for-profit corporation under Gila River Indian Community through Resolution GR-189-03 with membership into GRBOA of Community Member entrepreneurs and associate members. Regular meetings are held the first Thursday of the month in various locations of the Community. GRBOA’s mission is to unite entrepreneurs and to promote activities that assist in their success, individually and collectively.

• Community Member Owned Businesses
• Purpose of Association
• Fund Raising Efforts
• Buy Local Campaign
• Proclamation Declaring February as the Month of the Entrepreneur
• Become a Member

PURPOSE OF ASSOCIATION

To provide a forum for the enrolled Community member entrepreneur to voice areas of mutual concern and exchange ideas and information on matters relevant to Economic Development activities of the Community; and

Promote change in federal and tribal policies to improve opportunities for the success of businesses owned by enrolled Community member entrepreneurs; and

Gather and disseminate information concerning legislative and federal policies affecting the enrolled Community member entrepreneur’s interests; and Advise and work with the federal, state and tribal governments to fully develop the potential benefits attainable by all enrolled Community member entrepreneurs in the development of their businesses; and

To encourage the training and development of the enrolled Community member entrepreneur of expertise in the business world, using all possible resources available to the enrolled Community member entrepreneur for this purpose; and

Enhance relationships with private and governmental sectors through productive networking; and

Provide information on contract opportunities for enrolled Community member owned businesses; and

Provide funding opportunities for the development of enrolled Community member owned businesses; and

To provide any other form of assistance and support that will benefit the development of enrolled Community member owned businesses.

FUND RAISING EFFORTS

Fund raising activities have proven to be an effective way to bring necessary dollars to the Association. If not for the participation of Community residents, tribal employees and the generous donations and sponsorships of various tribal corporations, this would not be a worthwhile endeavor. To date, the Association has held 8 fund raising events.

BUY LOCAL CAMPAIGN

“Gila River First” is a campaign endorsed by the Gila River Business Owners Association to encourage purchasing products and services from Community Member Owned Businesses. This initiative targets GRIC departments, districts, tribal and non-tribal corporations, employees and residents. Gila River First has opened the door for procedural changes in governmental processes and has expanded business at the local level.

• Gila River Entrepreneurs as Vendors of First Choice.

PROCLAMATION

On January 27, 2005, Governor Narcia proclaimed February as the Month of the Entrepreneur. This proclamation supports the efforts of the Community Entrepreneur to provide services and products to the Community. It also supports the mission of the Gila River Business Owners Association of unity and promotion of activities assisting in successful Community entrepreneurs. Further, the proclamation supports and acknowledges the efforts of the Entrepreneurship Program to promote small business development. Finally, it encourages active and ongoing participation by tribal departments and corporations, districts, employees and residents to support entrepreneurship on Gila River.

BECOME A MEMBER

To download membership application press here

Print application and mail along with check or money order to
GRBOA,
P.O. Box 1051,
Sacaton, Arizona 85247