From staci at oweesta.org Wed Jan 2 14:27:41 2008 From: staci at oweesta.org (Staci Lacroix) Date: Wed, 2 Jan 2008 12:27:41 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] [NFEC Update] Call for Applications- Honoring Nations Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE02F794@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> (apologies for cross postings and please forward) Honoring Nations is now accepting applications for the 2008 awards! Honoring Nations is a grantmaking program at Harvard University, which identifies, celebrates and shares outstanding tribal government programs and practices across Indian Country. This year, Honoring Nations will award up to 10 exemplary tribal programs. High Honors programs will receive $20,000 and Honors programs receive $10,000. We award projects across a broad range of subject areas, including: Economic, Social & Cultural Programs Natural Resource Management Governmental Policy Development & Reform Intergovernmental Relations Education Justice Health The final application is due January 11, 2008 and an on-line application and more information about Honoring Nations is located at: www.ksg.harvard.edu/hpaied (See attached file: Press Release 11-27-07.pdf) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080102/b4b6672b/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Press Release 11-27-07.pdf Type: application/pdf Size: 41388 bytes Desc: Press Release 11-27-07.pdf Url : /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080102/b4b6672b/attachment-0001.pdf -------------- next part -------------- An embedded and charset-unspecified text was scrubbed... Name: ATT17546.txt Url: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080102/b4b6672b/attachment-0001.txt From staci at oweesta.org Thu Jan 3 16:47:15 2008 From: staci at oweesta.org (Staci Lacroix) Date: Thu, 3 Jan 2008 14:47:15 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] FW: First Nations Development Institute is seeking Letters of Intent for its Native Youth and Culture Fund Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE048334@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> (apologies for cross-postings and please forward onward) -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080103/76217a01/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 2008 NYCF Request for LOIs 1-2-2008.doc Type: application/msword Size: 74240 bytes Desc: 2008 NYCF Request for LOIs 1-2-2008.doc Url : /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080103/76217a01/attachment-0002.doc -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: 2008 NYCF LOI cover sheet 1-2-2008.doc Type: application/msword Size: 63488 bytes Desc: 2008 NYCF LOI cover sheet 1-2-2008.doc Url : /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080103/76217a01/attachment-0003.doc From stewart at oweesta.org Fri Jan 4 11:11:56 2008 From: stewart at oweesta.org (Stewart Sarkozy) Date: Fri, 4 Jan 2008 09:11:56 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] Seva Foundation Native American Grants Program-Deadline 1/25/08 Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE04837F@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> (apologies for cross-postings and please forward) From: nfec-bounces at lists.nfec.info [mailto:nfec-bounces at lists.nfec.info] On Behalf Of edgpj at aol.com Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2008 9:27 PM To: nfec at lists.nfec.info Subject: [NFEC Update] Seva Foundation Native American Grants Program-Deadline 1/25/08 The Seva Foundation is accepting applications for its Native American Grants Program to support community improvements by Native American-led organizations, such as economic development, health and wellness activities or educational development. Award amounts: $2,000-$10,000 Eligibility: Native American-led nonprofit organizations, Indigenous Nations, and public agencies For complete program information and program guidelines, see: http://www.seva.org/site/PageServer?pagename=programs_NA_content1 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080104/bb7c87dc/attachment.html -------------- next part -------------- An embedded and charset-unspecified text was scrubbed... Name: ATT21905.txt Url: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080104/bb7c87dc/attachment.txt From stewart at oweesta.org Mon Jan 7 22:00:27 2008 From: stewart at oweesta.org (Stewart Sarkozy) Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2008 20:00:27 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] NA Contractors Association January 8(a) Building Native Economies Workshop Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE048506@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> The Native American Contractors Association in partnership with the National Congress of American Indians and the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Building Native Economies 8(a) Workshop. I thought this may be of some interest to you and encourage you to take a look at the attached agenda and flyer. This event will be the first of its kind with the purpose of encouraging teaming opportunities between native contractors and other small businesses. I will be will be speaking at the event on the topic, "Choosing the Structure for Tribal 8(a) Enterprises" which will take place on January 15-16, 2008 in Santa Ana Pueblo, New Mexico. Please pass along to other persons or organizations that you think may be interested in attending. I hope to see you there. Holland + Knight Kathleen M. Nilles Partner Holland & Knight LLP 2099 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. Washington, DC 20006 Main 202 955-3000 Direct 202 457-1815 Fax 202 955-5564 Email kathleen.nilles at hklaw.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080107/8783bd62/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Building Native Economies 8a Workshop 2008.pdf Type: application/octet-stream Size: 2236193 bytes Desc: Building Native Economies 8a Workshop 2008.pdf Url : /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080107/8783bd62/attachment-0001.obj -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: NACA 8a Workshop Agenda 01-02-08.doc Type: application/msword Size: 654336 bytes Desc: NACA 8a Workshop Agenda 01-02-08.doc Url : /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080107/8783bd62/attachment-0001.doc From stewart at oweesta.org Tue Jan 15 14:22:48 2008 From: stewart at oweesta.org (Stewart Sarkozy) Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:22:48 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] Contact Senate for Health Care Vote! Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE0488B4@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> National Congress of American Indians HOME | EVENTS | ISSUES | RESOLUTIONS | RESEARCH CENTER | TRIBAL DIRECTORY | GET INVOLVED ACTION ALERT January 15, 2008 Broadcast # 08-004 Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA) Senate Floor Vote-Tues Jan 22 !Please Call by Friday January 18! The Indian Health Care Improvement Act of 2007 (IHCIA) [S. 1200] is scheduled for a vote on the Senate Floor on Tuesday, January 22nd. The bill will modernize and improve Indian health care services and delivery. We must have the support of 60 Senators for approval but there will likely be an attempt to block the bill. We need you to call your Senators to support S. 1200. (1) Background Information on the IHCIA * Talking Points on the IHCIA * Brief History on IHS and the IHCIA (2) Action Item: Call Your Senators (By Friday Jan 18) * Call your Senators office and ask to speak with the Health Care Staffer. Select here for a complete list of the Health Care Staffers for each office : * Be prepared to leave a detailed voice message. * Ask the following: (A) Be at the Senate by noon on Tuesday January 22nd (B) Vote in favor of cloture and the bill (C) Vote against all amendments (D) Speak on the Floor (3) Details (A) Be at the Senate by noon on Tuesday, January 22nd Because Monday is a three-day weekend for Martin Luther King Day, many Senators are not expected to come back to work until late on Monday. Because we need 60 votes, we need to ensure that all Senators who support the bill are back in the Senate by noon, when the debate begins, and by 5:30pm at the latest, when the votes begin. (B) Vote in favor of cloture and the bill We anticipate someone will object to voting on the bill and require what is called a "cloture" vote. When this happens, we must have sixty (60) Senators vote on our side (as opposed to the 51 you normally need for a Senate vote) in order to move on to the vote on the actual bill, the IHCIA S. 1200. We can only achieve this is everyone calls their Senators. (C) Vote against all amendments NCAI supports S. 1200, (the "Manager's amendment in the nature of a substitute") without any amendments. With only one day to vote on this bill (the Senate will go to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act on Wednesday January 23) there will barely be enough time to vote on the IHCIA. Therefore, we do not want to jeopardize passage of the bill by using up the limited time we have with amendments. * NCAI will be opposing all amendments. (D) Speak on the Floor Get your Senators to speak on behalf of the Tribes in your state and the health care issues in your communities on the Senate floor (Noon - 5:30). Provide your Senators with talking points on why the IHCIA is important to your local tribal community, as well as personal stories that the Senator can talk about on the floor. Topics can and should include health and/or health care matters in your state, issues you face locally, or successful things that you have done. * For examples of floor speeches visit: 1. Health Care and Child Welfare Services for Native Americans, Senator Baucus 2. Health Care for the First Americans, Senator Dorgan 3. Special Diabetes Program for Indians, Senator Dorgan For additional information, please visit: www.nihb.org or contact Ahniwake Rose, arose at ncai.org, or call 202.466.7767. 1301 Connecticut Avenue NW * Suite 200 * Washington, DC 20036 (202) 466-7767 * (202) 466-7797 fax * ncai at ncai.org Unsubscribe here -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080115/926aa884/attachment-0001.html From stewart at oweesta.org Tue Jan 15 14:25:59 2008 From: stewart at oweesta.org (Stewart Sarkozy) Date: Tue, 15 Jan 2008 12:25:59 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] CDFI Fund Seeks Application Reviewers for 2008 NMTC Program Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE0488B9@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> FYI - for those with interest and experience in this program or related program... (apologies for cross postings and please forward) The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (the Fund) is seeking reviewers to assist in its review of applications received under the 2008 round of the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Program. The Fund is seeking NMTC Program application reviewers with considerable expertise in community and economic development and finance, encompassing business and real estate development, financing of community-based organizations, the pooling of community development loans for sale to secondary markets, and financial counseling, particularly for small businesses. A reviewer orientation session will be held in Washington, D.C. from April 9th to April 10th, 2008. Application reviews will be completed using a web-based review tool. Reviewers will be able to work from their preferred venue for reading convenience, and will submit their evaluation forms to the Fund on-line. The Fund will require reviewers to complete all of their assigned reviews by Friday, May 16th, 2008. If you are unable to serve as a reviewer, you may forward this email to other individuals that you believe possess the appropriate expertise and might be interested in serving as a reviewer. For information about how to apply to serve as a reviewer, please click on the link below: https://www.cdfifund.gov/myCDFI/readers/registration/registration/2008%2 0Reader%20Initial%20Invitation%20Letter%20(Final).pdf This message (and any associated files) is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is confidential, subject to copyright or constitutes a trade secret. If you are not the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, copying or distribution of this message, or files associated with this message, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. Messages sent to and from us may be monitored. Internet communications cannot be guaranteed to be secure or error-free as information could be intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or incomplete, or contain viruses. Therefore, we do not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions that are present in this message, or any attachment, that have arisen as a result of e-mail transmission. If verification is required, please request a hard-copy version. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company. From stewart at oweesta.org Wed Jan 16 12:52:50 2008 From: stewart at oweesta.org (Stewart Sarkozy) Date: Wed, 16 Jan 2008 10:52:50 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] RESEND!: CDFI Fund Seeks Application Reviewers for 2008 NMTC Program Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE048997@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> NOTE: A PREVIOUS MESSAGE CONCERNING THIS TOPIC HAD A BROKEN LINK THAT SOME OF YOU INFORMED ME OF AND I PASSED ON TO THE CDFI FUND. THEY PROVIDED ME THE FOLLOWING CORRECTIVE DIRECTIONS TO SEND OUT TO THE LISTSERVE, SO THAT THOSE OF YOU INTERESTED CAN FOLLOW UP. THANKS TO THOSE THAT LET ME KNOW SO I COULD TELL THE CDFI FUND. Dear colleague: Earlier this afternoon, you received an email inviting you to apply to serve as a NMTC Program application reviewer for the upcoming 2008 round. If you were unable to access the information about how to apply through the link provided, please click on the following link. Thanks in advance for expressing an interest in serving as a NMTC Program application reviewer. https://www.cdfifund.gov/myCDFI/readers/registration/registration/2008%2 0Reader%20Initial%20Invitation%20Letter.pdf Bob Ibanez Financial and Program Analyst CDFI Fund 601 13th Street, NW Suite 200 South Washington, DC 20005 (202) 927-6232 (direct) (202) 622-7754 (fax) ibanezr at cdfi.treas.gov www.cdfifund.gov Stewart Sarkozy-Banoczy Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Oweesta Corporation 1010 Ninth Street, Suite 3 Rapid City, SD 57701 (605) 342-3770 phone (605) 342-3771 fax stewart at oweesta.org www.oweesta.org www.ournativecircle.org www.nfec.info "Developing Native Assets :: Building Native Communities" OUR NATIVE CIRCLE, the Native Community Development Resource Center (www.ournativecircle.org ) is LIVE! Register now and get involved! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080116/ea4a9bb0/attachment.html From stewart at oweesta.org Wed Jan 16 12:57:33 2008 From: stewart at oweesta.org (Stewart Sarkozy) Date: Wed, 16 Jan 2008 10:57:33 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] 2008 CDFI Institute - Hotel Deadline Feb. 11th Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE04899B@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> (apologies for cross postings and please forward) AN IMPORTANT CONFERENCE, ESPECIALLY FOR POLICY ISSUES RELATED TO CDFI EFFORTS. A GREAT CHANCE FOR NATIVE CDFIS AND THEIR SUPPORTERS TO DO VISITS TO CAPITOL HILL FOR DISCUSSIONS WITH YOUR SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES. registernow Register Now Forward email This email was sent to ssarkozy at oweesta.org, by info at cdfi.org Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe (tm) | Privacy Policy . Email Marketing by CDFI Coalition | 3240 Wilson Boulevard | Suite 220 | Arlington | VA | 22201 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080116/2bf341b6/attachment-0001.html From stewart at oweesta.org Wed Jan 16 13:01:53 2008 From: stewart at oweesta.org (Stewart Sarkozy) Date: Wed, 16 Jan 2008 11:01:53 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] IRS Designates January 31 EITC Awareness Day- Help Spread the Word to Native Communities! Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE0489A0@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> The Internal Revenue Service has designated January 31 as Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day. Your organization can recognize the day by promoting the EITC and free tax preparation services in your Native community. Possible activities include: * Make a presentation to your tribal council about how EITC dollars can benefit families and stimulate your local Native economy; * Publish an article in your tribal newspaper or your organization's newsletter; * Appear on a local radio show to discuss EITC and identify the location and hours of nearest free tax preparation services; * Include statement stuffers about EITC eligibility in employees' paychecks or W-2 forms and in resident mailings; or * Host a fun event for families with food and games to share information about the benefits of using a free tax preparation rather than high-cost commercial preparers. The EITC is a refundable tax credit for low- to moderate-income working families, married or single. After federal tax obligations are met, or even if no taxes are owed, eligible filers receive the benefit as a tax refund. In 2005, EITC raised 4.1 million individuals above the poverty line. But nearly $8 billion went unclaimed in 2007. For tax year 2007, qualifying working families with two or more children earning up to $39,783 are eligible for a credit up to $4,716. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, operated by trained and certified volunteers, provide free tax preparation services and an alternative to Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs) which are instant refunds offered by many commercial tax preparers. The National American Indian Housing Council's recent predatory lending study found that RALs were thought to be the biggest predatory lending problem facing Indian Country. If your community doesn't have a VITA site, the location of nearby sites may be obtained by calling 1-800-820-1040. With support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Oweesta Corporation developed Native-specific outreach materials using the slogan "Why pay for something you can get for free?" You download the materials which can be modified to include local information at www.oweesta.org/eitc . For other resources and ideas about what you can do to promote EITC Awareness Day, visit http://www.irs-eitc.info/spec/ and click on "Communication, Marketing and Outreach." Here you'll find tools and tips on holding a media event, sample news releases and more. For more information and to share what your community did to recognize EITC Awareness Day, contact Patsy Schramm, EITC Committee Facilitator of the Native Financial Education Coalition at edgpj at aol.com -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080116/cb087a93/attachment.html From stewart at oweesta.org Fri Jan 18 17:46:14 2008 From: stewart at oweesta.org (Stewart Sarkozy) Date: Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:46:14 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] Native Peer Networking Call: January 24, 2008 2:00-3:30 PM ET Sign up by noon ET on 1/22 Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE06E64E@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> The Native Financial Education Coalition EITC Committee is planning our next Peer Networking Call on January 24 from 2:00-3:30 PM ET. It will be led by Linda Austin with the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. Our thanks to Linda for volunteering for this. These calls are in response to an expressed desire for the opportunity for Native practitioners to network and we hope you'll be able to participate. The agenda follows: Local plans for National/Native EITC Day January 31, 2008 Use of Native outreach materials at www.oweesta.org/eitc: Who's using them? To what capacity and how? Any problems with use? Filing season plans: Start dates? Progress towards opening? Any pointers requested from peers? Who's offering asset building products? Who has new collaborations? Challenges: Any anticipated problems with form delays? Anticipated impact of new quality initiatives? Funding obstacles and workarounds? New or renewed partnerships Suggestions for topics for next call and timing If you want to participate, please email Adrianne Brave Heart at adrianne at oweesta.org no later than noon ET on January 22. Please title your email "Native Peer Networking Call 1/24" and provide your name, organization, email address and phone number. Linda Austin will provide the call in instructions one day prior to the call. We hope you'll join us. Patsy Schramm NFEC EITC Committee Facilitator -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080118/7d895c5e/attachment.html From stewart at oweesta.org Tue Jan 22 12:47:48 2008 From: stewart at oweesta.org (Stewart Sarkozy) Date: Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:47:48 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] Asian Trade Mission 2008 - Native Groups Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE06E6CB@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> (apologies for cross postings and please forward) Home Partnership & Investments Training About Us Request Info Aboriginal Business Leadership Trade Mission to Asia April 26 to May 4, 2008 Taipei/Hong Kong/Mainland China download pdf file of Trade Mission CONTENTS * Purpose * Outcomes * Itinerary * Fees & Costs * Registration Hong Kong the Trade Centre of Asia & the doorway to Mainland China Hong Kong Exhibition Centre World Trade Center, Taipei Limited Reproduction being made ready for the market Ceo Leonard Linklater with AIBDG rep Irene Wong in Hong Kong. Guandong, China Factory Visit Import/Export is a great existing business opportunity for the Aboriginal Communities and urban centers. The purpose of the Trade Mission is to create understanding for the Aboriginal Leadership and its members by bringing them directly to one of the largest trade shows in the world. In this way the Leadership will gain the knowledge to support and create opportunities for their business community and youth in developing Global Trade. As a direct result they will inspire their people and empower them with a business purpose. The outcome is the creation of economic freedom. The Aboriginal People have immense creativity and already have established existing products. As an example their are great possibilites in the reproduction of Aboriginal Designs in the Art and Fashion Industry. The opportunities are endless, join us today. Please add yourself to our mailing list GO BACK This message was sent from AIBDG to SSARKOZY at OWEESTA.ORG. It was sent from: Believe In Our Youth, 313-207 Bank Street, Ottawa, On K2P 2N2, Canada. You can modify/update your subscription via the link below. Email Marketing Software Manage your subscription -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080122/82961b68/attachment-0001.html From stewart at oweesta.org Wed Jan 23 09:40:26 2008 From: stewart at oweesta.org (Stewart Sarkozy) Date: Wed, 23 Jan 2008 07:40:26 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] Scholarship for American Indians Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE06E782@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> (apologies for cross postings and please forward) American Indians Scholarships available - The American Indians Committee of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution awards scholarships to help Native American college and technical school students of any age, tribe and state striving to obtain an education. Candidates for the scholarships must be Native American, in financial need and have a grade point average of at least 2.75. Another scholarship requires at least a 3.0 GPA and academic achievement. For more information, phone Elizabeth Witherow at 580-332-5254. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080123/2eab3ba7/attachment.html From stewart at oweesta.org Fri Jan 18 13:14:04 2008 From: stewart at oweesta.org (Stewart Sarkozy) Date: Fri, 18 Jan 2008 11:14:04 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] eNews, Innovations & Results Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE06E5B2@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> (apologies for cross postings and please forward) Important news here for and about Native CDFIs and economic development efforts, as well as larger community development news... Email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Opportunity Finance Network - eNewsletter January 2008 News, Innovations, & Results: * Welcome to the NEXT Era of Opportunity Finance * Opportunity NEXT: See It. Learn It. Do It. * Congratulations to the Recipients of Wachovia NEXT Awards! * News from the Hill Also in this issue: * OFN News * Welcome New Members * Industry News * Job Bank * Events Calendar * Feedback ________________________________ Welcome to the NEXT Era of Opportunity Finance Mark Pinsky By Mark Pinsky Opportunity Finance Network's Conference last month in Miami marked the start of a new era for our industry-the NEXT Era. The Miami Conference was flush with examples of what's NEXT. To identify just a few: * Both of the Wachovia NEXT Award winners are using "NEXT" models-Latino Community Credit Union's innovative back-office partnership with the State Employees Credit Union and ACCION Texas's automated underwriting system that it is making available nationally. * Many of the other Wachovia NEXT Award finalists and semi-finalists-small CDFIs as well as larger ones-provided evidence that often "more" is NEXT. NEXT does not require experiments, but it does put a premium on performance and productivity. * The steady growth of the Native CDFI industry demonstrated the importance of new small and emerging CDFIs in un-served and underserved communities, just as many established small and emerging CDFIs are providing products and services to fill gaps in their communities. * The rapidly increasing use of proven marketing techniques by CDFIs reflects a broad industry-wide commitment to strategic communications efforts that better serve and reflect the people and places we serve. What has emerged from "grow, change, or die" is a strong, resilient, multi-faceted network of financial institutions with greater capacity than ever to solve problems that few others want to take on. We have changed how we work and, in some instances, who we work with. We have not changed or compromised our core purpose-to align capital with social, economic, and political justice-or our core values (justice and excellence). Read more Top ________________________________ Opportunity NEXT: See it. Learn it. Do it. Take the Conference Survey The 2007 Opportunity Finance Network Conference, "Opportunity NEXT: See it. Learn it. Do it." was filled with opportunities to see and learn, and be inspired in the process. From the opening plenary with John Talmage of Social Compact and John Herrera of Latino Community Credit Union, to OFN's President and CEO Mark Pinsky and his Challenge of NEXT speech, to more than 50 breakout sessions and the inspiring and insightful closing plenary conversation with the two recipients of the 2007 Wachovia NEXT Awards for Opportunity Finance, the conference provided new ideas, potential solutions, and inspiration to more than 700 of practitioners, funders, and investors from around the country. OFN has made it easy to access the wealth of information that was shared during the many exciting panels, sessions, and events. We have posted speeches, session materials, photographs, survey results, and much more from the 2007 Opportunity Finance conference. Visit www.opportunityfinance.net/conference . Top ________________________________ Wachovia NEXT Awards Wachovia NEXT Awards Wachovia NEXT Awards Prizes Will Propel Awardees to NEXT Level of Growth The first recipients of The Wachovia NEXT Awards for Opportunity Finance in partnership with the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation were revealed at an exciting "celebration of CDFIs" awards ceremony held in Miami, FL at the OFN Conference in December. Read more Top ________________________________ News from the Hill Taking the Policy Offensive $94 million for the CDFI Fund in Fiscal Year (FY) 2008! After Congressional approval, on December 27, 2007 President Bush signed a $555 billion omnibus spending bill. As part of the mammoth spending bill, the CDFI Fund received a $94 million appropriation for the CDFI Fund for FY 2008, which is almost double the current year budget of $54.5 million. Read more Senator Bob Menendez Introduces Bond Guarantee Bill Last month, Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) introduced OFN's historic legislation, the "Full Faith in Our Communities Act of 2007" to create a federally guaranteed tax-exempt bond for CDFIs. The purpose of the legislation is to provide below market-rate capital in the form of a bond guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury Department to a national Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) or other nonprofit lender for community or economic development purposes for low-income people and communities. View Senator Menendez's floor statement View the draft bill 2008 New Markets Tax Credits Application and Notice of Allocation Availability Now Available The sixth round of competition for New Market tax credits is now open. The 2008 application and Notice of Allocation Availability are now posted on the CDFI Fund website at www.cdfifund.gov . This year, there are $3.5 billion of credits available. Read more CDFIs to Benefit from Government Sponsored Enterprise Mission Improvement Act of 2007 Last November, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) introduced The Government Sponsored Enterprise Mission Improvement Act of 2007. The bill includes a new fund, the Capital Magnet Fund, housed at the CDFI Fund. This will be a separate program from the other CDFI Fund programs. Funding for the Capital Magnet Fund is 35% of the allocations from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (estimated at $175 to $350 million annually) and any other amounts that may be appropriated, transferred, or credited to the Capital Magnet Fund by law. Currently, the bill is in the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Read more Top ________________________________ OFN News OFN Welcomes New Executive Staff To Lead Financing and CARS(tm) Howard Banker, formerly of ALL AHEAD, joins OFN as Executive Vice President for Financial Services at Opportunity Finance Network. Howard brings a deep and diverse set of skills that combine CDFI lending experience with single-family and multi-family mortgage lending and on-the-ground community development work. Howard will oversee OFN's financing business, including its Financing Fund and its affiliated Opportunity Mortgage Network, a national anti-predatory mortgage lending business. Paige Chapel is our new Executive Vice President of OFN responsible for CARS(tm)-the CDFI Assessment and Ratings System. Paige has been the acting EVP for much of 2007 and so will transition easily into the position. Paige has worked for and around CDFIs for more than 25 years, most recently running her own consulting business focused on market-based strategies and innovations in community development and finance. We are also excited to welcome back Cheryl Neas. Cheryl has more than 15 years of experience in community development and in federal and state policy. She spent nearly a decade at Opportunity Finance Network (formerly National Community Capital Association), most recently as Vice President, Policy. At OFN Cheryl helped CDFIs become involved in the public policy process, provided advice on the Treasury Department's CDFI Fund programs, and analyzed regulations and legislation affecting community development finance. We are delighted to welcome them on board, and look forward to introducing each of them to you in more depth with our next issue. Thank you to everyone who participated in OFN's online survey "CDFIs and Subprime-Mortgage Products and Services". The information gathered will be used in the OFN Innovation Guide, Responses to Predatory Mortgage Lending: Innovative Strategies within Opportunity Finance. If you did not have a chance to respond to the survey but would like to share your work with us for the Innovation Guide, please contact Bryony Edwards at bedwards at opportunityfinance.net . The winners of the iPod Nano and the JBL Speakers are Sarah Wolff of Self Help and Miguel Rivera of Worchester Community Housing Resources, Inc. Sarah and Miguel were randomly selected from the 41 respondents. The work of both of these CDFIs will be featured in the Innovation Guide along with innovations from other respondents. Member Profile Gallery Member Profiles Capture Attention 80 Members were recently highlighted in a Member Profile Gallery hung at the OFN Conference. Conference attendee Randall P. Rice of Trillium Asset Management Corporation said, "From an investor perspective, the time spent on a Member Profile is time well-spent. Having that one-pager to give to interested clients is a real time saver for everyone." Read more Top ________________________________ Welcome New Members ECDI (Economic and Community Development Institute) Established in 2004 and certified as a CDFI in January 2005, ECDI is the only microlender for the city of Columbus and Franklin County government; and the sole CDFI microlender and SBA microloan intermediary in central Ohio. To meet its mission, ECDI offers microenterprise training, microloans, and other asset-building programs, all of which provide clients with financial assistance as well as the knowledge to maintain self-sufficiency well after the loan term. ECDI continues to grow dramatically and set an aggressive strategic agenda to expand services, introduce new financial products and services, and reach out to additional vulnerable populations. ECDI joined OFN to become an active, participating, and contributing member of the CDFI community. Virginia Community Development Fund The Virginia Community Development Fund (VCDF) was created in 1997 by the Virginia Community Development Corporation. VCDF's mission is to provide alternative financing and technical assistance to non-profit developers of affordable, multi-family rental housing in Virginia. VCDF fulfills this mission by offering predevelopment loans, Section 42 carry forward loans, acquisition loans, and construction loans to non-profits and housing authorities in support of affordable housing and other community development projects to be located within Virginia. New Mexico Community Capital New Mexico Community Capital (NMCC) is the first and only community development venture capital (CDVC) fund in the state of New Mexico and one of only seven CDFI's in New Mexico. New Mexico, a predominantly rural state with large numbers of Hispanic and Native Americans residents, has among the lowest per capita income in the nation, and has historically suffered from a lack of economic vitality, entrepreneurial capacity and capital investment. NMCC's mission is to improve the lives of New Mexicans, particularly those in rural and underserved areas, by investing in small and mid-sized companies, and helping these companies create quality jobs and contribute to local community and economic sustainability. Top ________________________________ Industry News Chicago Community Loan Fund Celebrates Capitalization Milestone With a new $2 million investment commitment from Harris N.A., the Chicago Community Loan Fund (CCLF) has surpassed $20 million in total capital under management. The milestone represents great progress in CCLF's five-year capitalization campaign. Just two years ago, the organization managed less than $16 million and set out to double its impact by 2011. Read more Philadelphia Fed to Host Conference: "Reinventing Older Communities" Registration is now open for Reinventing Older Communities, a conference focused on reviatilizing neighborhoods with issues such as high foreclosure rates, poverty, and crime. Read more Mercy Loan Fund OFN Member Mercy Loan Fund Featured in National Publication A recent issue of the Washington Post featured a front page story about a group of Central and South American immigrant women known as "The Marias" who, with the help of OFN Member Mercy Loan Fund and other groups, banded together and purchased their apartment building Columbia Heights, MD. Their effort preserved affordable housing and prevented the building from being turned into expensive condominiums. Read the article New regional entrepreneur initiative launches to increase skills and success for small businesses The Northeast Entrepreneur Fund has received a $2.5 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to launch the Greenstone Group, a new, long-term initiative aimed at cultivating a culture of entrepreneurship and strengthening entrepreneurs in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. Read the article Bank of America Bank of America Charitable Foundation Launches Fifth Year of Neighborhood Excellence Initiative The Bank of America Charitable Foundation today announced the fifth year of the Neighborhood Excellence Initiative, its signature philanthropic program. This year, the Neighborhood Excellence Initiative (NEI) will be expanded to Detroit, Michigan, bringing the program's reach to 45 communities including London, England. Over five years, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation has committed over $90 million globally to the NEI program and will give over $20 million in 2008 alone. Read more To get more Industry News visit the Industry & Member News section of our Web site. Tell the industry about your news, send us an email so we can highlight your achievements. Top ________________________________ Job Bank For a comprehensive list of all current job opportunities, including openings at Opportunity Finance Network, visit the new Job Bank on Opportunity Finance Network's Web site. And now we've made it easier for you to submit job postings online with our online form . Top ________________________________ Events Calendar What to showcase your events? Email us at webupdates at opportunityfinance.net to let us know the details. Top ________________________________ Feedback We value your feedback and would be very interested in hearing what you like and don't like about our current e-Newsletter as well as what you would like to see in future editions. Our goal is to provide you with the information that you would like to see in a readable format. Please send your comments and suggestions about this e-Newsletter to Jeffrey Gelt at jgelt at opportunityfinance.net . Top You are receiving this email because you signed up to be on the Opportunity Finance Network Mailing List. Unsubscribe stewart at oweesta.org from this list. Our mailing address is: Opportunity Finance Network 620 Chestnut St. Suite 572 Philadelphia, PA 19106 Our telephone: 215-320-4319 Copyright (C) 2007 Opportunity Finance Network All rights reserved. Forward this email to a friend -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080118/64b3f1d3/attachment-0001.html From stewart at oweesta.org Fri Jan 18 19:00:34 2008 From: stewart at oweesta.org (Stewart Sarkozy) Date: Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:00:34 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] NAFOA Launches Inaugural Financial Leadership Awards Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE06E671@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) invites tribes to submit nominations for its new Financial Leadership Awards program. Nominations are due on January 31, 2008, and winners will be announced at the NAFOA Spring Meeting in San Diego at the Awards Dinner on March 26. Please see the attached nomination form or visit www.nafoa.org for more information. Tribes are encouraged to nominate their own programs. Of particular interest is an award for financial education programs. Here is the description: Financial Literacy Program of the Year. Economic Development is vital to the long-term overall health and success of a Tribe. Part of the issue of economic development is the financial literacy of Tribal members. NAFOA's Financial Literacy Program of the Year Award aims to honor a financial literacy program developed and instituted by a Tribe. To be eligible, the financial literacy program needs to have been in place for at least 12 months by January 31, 2008, and have been developed by a Native American Tribe. For more info, contact: Christina Morbelli Program Coordinator Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) p: 602-466-8697 f: 201-447-0945 christina at nafoa.org www.nafoa.org -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080118/9104bfc2/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: AwardsDinner-NominationsForm.pdf Type: application/octet-stream Size: 1904041 bytes Desc: AwardsDinner-NominationsForm.pdf Url : /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080118/9104bfc2/attachment-0001.obj From staci at oweesta.org Wed Jan 23 10:14:37 2008 From: staci at oweesta.org (Staci Lacroix) Date: Wed, 23 Jan 2008 08:14:37 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION FOR THE UPCOMING NEED TRAINING - DENVER, CO Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE06E791@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 4th, 2008 For Upcoming NEED Training PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION TODAY. NEED TRAINING SESSION AVAIBLE AT: February 26-28, 2008 Hyatt Regency Convention Center February 4, 2008 Denver, CO NEED is part of a comprehensive training and technical assistance program funded by the Department of Treasury's CDFI Fund. Organizations that participate in NEED training will be able to identify the components of - and learn how to develop - a successful enterprise and entrepreneurship environment within their Native community. Participants are responsible for all their own travel expenses, but the cost of the 3-day training is only $25 per participant. For more information please see the attached application or go to www.oweesta.org THANK YOU STACI! Kim Tilsen-Brave Heart Mentor Networks Manager Oweesta Corporation 1010 9th Street, Suite 3 Rapid City, SD 57701 (605)342-3770 phone (605) 342-3771 fax (605) 430-3957 cell From: Staci Lacroix Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 3:38 PM To: Kim Tilsen-Braveheart Subject: RE: PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION FOR THE UPCOMING NEED TRAINING - DENVER, CO This is already posted at http://www.oweesta.org/training/neei and on Our Native Circle. Staci LaCroix Information Resource Manager staci at oweesta.org 605-342-3770 From: Kim Tilsen-Braveheart Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 3:35 PM To: Staci Lacroix Subject: PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION FOR THE UPCOMING NEED TRAINING - DENVER, CO Staci, Can you please post? APPLICATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 4th, 2008 For Upcoming NEED Training PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION TODAY. NEED TRAINING SESSION AVAIBLE AT: February 26-28, 2008 Hyatt Regency Convention Center February 4, 2008 Denver, CO NEED is part of a comprehensive training and technical assistance program funded by the Department of Treasury's CDFI Fund. Organizations that participate in NEED training will be able to identify the components of - and learn how to develop - a successful enterprise and entrepreneurship environment within their Native community. Participants are responsible for all their own travel expenses, but the cost of the 3-day training is only $25 per participant. For more information please see the attached application or go to www.oweesta.org Kim Tilsen-Brave Heart Mentor Networks Manager Oweesta Corporation 1010 9th Street, Suite 3 Rapid City, SD 57701 (605)342-3770 phone (605) 342-3771 fax (605) 430-3957 cell -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080123/0c0bcf9c/attachment.html From stewart at oweesta.org Thu Jan 24 18:50:23 2008 From: stewart at oweesta.org (Stewart Sarkozy) Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2008 16:50:23 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] Reminder for Native CDFIs concerned about policy efforts -- 2008 CDFI Institute - Hotel Deadline Feb. 11th Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE06E8F3@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> REMINDER FOR NATIVE CDFIS AND THEIR PARTNERS WISHING TO ATTEND SESSIONS AND DO CAPITOL HILL VISITS - HOTEL DEADLINE COMING UP! HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE... registernow Register Now Forward email This email was forwarded to stewart at oweesta.org, by Joel Befus . Privacy Policy .Email Marketing by Constant Contact -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080124/8e954d63/attachment.html From staci at oweesta.org Mon Jan 28 14:23:11 2008 From: staci at oweesta.org (Staci Lacroix) Date: Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:23:11 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] Four Bands Community Fund Wins $100, 000 Great Strides Award from Northwest Area Foundation Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE06E9EF@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> For Immediate Release CONTACTS: Susan Buckles, APR Kerry Frei Public Relations Specialist Four Bands Community Fund Northwest Area Foundation 605-985-5541 651-225-3865 sbuckles at nwaf.org Eagle Butte, SD - Four Bands Community Fund Wins $100,000 Great Strides Award from Northwest Area Foundation The Award Recognizes Poverty Reduction Efforts and Successes ST. PAUL, Minn. (January 25, 2008) - The Northwest Area Foundation today named Four Bands Community Fund of Eagle Butte, S.D., a 2008 Great Strides award winner for its success in private business development and growing assets on the Cheyenne River reservation. The award is given in recognition of innovative strides communities have taken to reduce poverty for the long term. Every year up to four communities are selected for a Great Strides Award; each winner receives $100,000. Located on the rolling prairies of the Cheyenne River Reservation, the Four Bands Community Fund is a Native American community development financial institution that addresses the challenges of high unemployment and low wages faced by people in an area of high poverty (49 percent poverty rate for the Cheyenne River Reservation). Four Bands assists small businesses through lending, technical assistance, business education and financial literacy. Since it was established in 2000, Four Bands has helped 70 businesses get their start or expand. The impressive list of businesses include a youth-owned sporting goods store, a plumbing and heating service, a tourism collaborative and a flower and gift shop. Four Bands offers Individual Development Accounts that can be tapped for home ownership, higher education and asset development. An emphasis is placed on training the next generation of entrepreneurs through financial literacy training for youth. "We believe in and recognize the values and virtues of our communities and support the many talented individuals we serve through integrated asset building on the Cheyenne River Reservation," said Tanya Fiddler, executive director of Four Bands Community Fund. "Our financial education and business development tools are offered to youth and adults to empower our people to become self-sustaining and self-sufficient." Other 2008 Great Strides winners include the Elk City, Idaho, Framing our Community (FOC), Inc.; Glendive, Mont., Community GATE; and Roseburg, Ore., Umpqua Community Development Corporation. The $100,000 award will go to community organizations to be used for community benefit. Northwest Area Foundation has asked each winner to work with the Foundation to share key lessons about their efforts and programs so that other communities can learn from their experiences and possibly replicate the success. "In our work, poverty reduction is neither fast nor easy. This year's Great Strides winners have proven that by identifying new economic engines communities can make sustainable changes to reduce poverty over the long run. They have valuable lessons to share," said Kari Schlachtenhaufen, interim president and CEO of the Northwest Area Foundation. Twenty-three communities from the Northwest Area Foundation's eight-state region applied for the 2008 Great Strides award. Six finalists hosted on-site visits by the Foundation after which the four winners were selected. Great Strides Award recipients were selected using the following criteria: * Inclusiveness: community involvement from diverse sectors and groups. * Regional impact: interaction with and awareness of other communities facing similar issues in their geographic area. * Asset-based perspective: recognition of the community's existing strengths. * Economic engines: involvement with businesses and other organizations that drive the local economy. * Leadership: efforts to develop leaders from different public and private sectors, ages and genders. The Northwest Area Foundation's mission is to help communities reduce poverty long term. The Foundation's service area includes Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon and Washington - the states once served by the Great Northern Railway, founded by James J. Hill. In 1934, Hill's son, Louis W. Hill, established the foundation. For additional information about the Great Strides Award and about the Northwest Area Foundation, visit www.nwaf.org or call 651-224-9635. END From staci at oweesta.org Tue Jan 29 16:26:59 2008 From: staci at oweesta.org (Staci Lacroix) Date: Tue, 29 Jan 2008 14:26:59 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] Program Advisor Opportunity Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE06EA9F@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> Hello, Attached please find a posting for our search for a Rural & Tribal Development Program Advisor. We are requesting your help in distributing it. Specifically, if you could post it through a newsletter, listserve and/or bulletin board, then this excellent opportunity will reach many qualified people. Thank you very much! Scott Margeson Receptionist, YouthBuild USA smargeson at youthbuild.org 617-741-1200 -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080129/e3c8980c/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: Tribal Consultant Posting.doc Type: application/msword Size: 42496 bytes Desc: Tribal Consultant Posting.doc Url : /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080129/e3c8980c/attachment-0001.doc From staci at oweesta.org Thu Jan 31 14:37:04 2008 From: staci at oweesta.org (Staci Lacroix) Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:37:04 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] FW: Announcement - CDFI Fund seeks comments regarding the certification of organizations as Community Development Financial Institutions Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE06EBD9@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> The CDFI Fund is seeking comments from the public regarding the CDFI Fund's parameters and process for certifying organizations as Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). Currently, CDFIs must meet seven criteria to be eligible for certification. This certification allows these entities to apply for funding through a variety of CDFI Fund programs, and potentially access benefits from other agencies and organizations. Commentators are encouraged to consider, at a minimum, the issues outlined in the Notice published in the Federal Register which is available at the following link: http://www.cdfifund.gov/docs/NRCCDFICert-Recert.pdf. William B. Luecht, Jr. Public Affairs Advisor Office of Public and Legislative Affairs CDFI Fund, U.S. Department of the Treasury 601 Thirteenth Street, NW, Suite 200 South Washington, DC 20005 T: (202) 622-8042 F: (202) 622-8328 www.cdfifund.gov This message and any attachments may contain confidential or privileged information and are only for the use of the intended recipient of this message. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender by return email, and delete or destroy this and all copies of this message and all attachments. Any unauthorized disclosure, use, distribution, reproduction or taking action in reliance upon this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited and may be unlawful. From staci at oweesta.org Thu Jan 31 16:26:26 2008 From: staci at oweesta.org (Staci Lacroix) Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2008 14:26:26 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] Aneth CDC Open House 2008 P R E S S R E L E A S E PLEASE FORWARD Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE06EBFF@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> Aneth nonprofit hopes to create businesses by Marley Shebala Navajo Times Business Section Thursday, January 31, 2008 MONTEZUMA CREEK, Utah - Having a business should not be about creating jobs. It should be about making money. That advice was repeated several times when the Aneth Community Development Corporation held and open house Jan. 23 to introduce its new office, located in a renovated house in this close-knit Navajo community. The corporation, a nonprofit lending institution, has been helping local residents build businesses for two years but waited until 2008 to hold an open house for symbolic reasons, said director Cliff Tohsonii. He explained that the number 8 symbolizes new beginnings according to Western and Navajo traditions, and for the corporation it means "a new dawn of financing." Keynote speaker Peter MacDonald, Sr. emphasized that theme in his keynote address, telling an audience of about 25 people that the cold weather was needed to "toughen up" the financial habits of Navajo who want to benefit from the corporation. Navajos, he noted, love to spend money. "We're not satisfied until all the money is gone," MacDonald said. "Even Window Rock is like that. They can't wait until the next quarter to spend all of the reserves fund." If, instead, Navajo people treat their money like they traditionally treated their livestock, they begin to make money and be successful entrepreneurs, he said. Navajo elders knew that it takes hard work, coupled with self-control, to build up a herd, MacDonald said. They didn't butcher an animal to simply satisfy their yearning for mutton because they knew they'd eventually eat all their livestock and have nothing. They also took good care of their livestock, putting in long hours and building corrals and sheds, and keeping a watchful eye out for ma'ii (coyote), he said. Nowadays, the ma'iis that stalk and circle the b?eso (money) of the Navajo people are the predator leaders or payday loan businesses. MacDonald said, and energy companies are the ma'iis of Navajo government funds and mineral riches. The Navajo people need to remember when they had everything the outside world needed - fresh meat, cowhides and weavings - and think about what they have that's in demand now, he said, listing coal, gas, oil, and water along with traditional arts and crafts. Tohsonii emphasized that the Navajo people must remember how life flourished in Dinetah because they were not afraid of hard work. The ancestors also understood the business concepts of today, which is that a healthy economy exists when communities promote their small businesses, he said. Tohsonii, who formerly was with the tribe's Regional Business Development Office, said he has learned that nurturing a small business requires patience and Aneth CDC spends a lot of time talking with customers about the qualities and resources they'll need to succeed. The nonprofit gets to know individuals well before loaning them money, and stays in close contact to help them follow good business practices, he explained. After all, the success of their business means they'll repay their loan and the money can be used again to expand their business or finance another small business, he said. Tohsonii said it takes a lot of hard work from both the lender and customer, but that's the only way for the Navajo Reservation to develop a healthy economy in which money circulates freely within communities and is continually invested to grow new businesses. Right now, Navajos get most of their goods and services in border towns, which is why they are flourishing while reservation communities languish, he said. However, it's unrealistic to think Navajos will stop going to border towns or shopping at Wal-Mart, so entrepreneurs must call on their creativity to offer goods and services that can't be found there, he added. But in order for that creativity to translate into business prosperity, he said, the Navajo people must learn the value of money. They must begin saving it so they can become independent instead of continually asking for loans. It doesn't take a masters degree in business management to become a successful small business person, Tohsonii said, but it does take good money sense. MacDonald added, "Let's support the Aneth Community Development Corporation and return to being lords of the Southwest once again." Information: angela at anethcdc.org or malclmbenally at anethcdc.org, or call 435-651-3355/3358. ___________________________________________________________________ WE ARE NOW AN OPEN HOUSE YEAR AROUND. COME AND SEE US TODAY. LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080131/f2d9fdd5/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 16656 bytes Desc: image002.jpg Url : /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080131/f2d9fdd5/attachment-0001.jpe From staci at oweesta.org Thu Jan 31 14:28:26 2008 From: staci at oweesta.org (Staci Lacroix) Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2008 12:28:26 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] Announcement - CDFI Fund seeks comments regarding the certification of organizations as Community Development Financial Institutions Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE06EBD5@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> The CDFI Fund is seeking comments from the public regarding the CDFI Fund's parameters and process for certifying organizations as Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). Currently, CDFIs must meet seven criteria to be eligible for certification. This certification allows these entities to apply for funding through a variety of CDFI Fund programs, and potentially access benefits from other agencies and organizations. Commentators are encouraged to consider, at a minimum, the issues outlined in the Notice published in the Federal Register which is available at the following link: http://www.cdfifund.gov/docs/NRCCDFICert-Recert.pdf. William B. Luecht, Jr. Public Affairs Advisor Office of Public and Legislative Affairs CDFI Fund, U.S. Department of the Treasury 601 Thirteenth Street, NW, Suite 200 South Washington, DC 20005 T: (202) 622-8042 F: (202) 622-8328 www.cdfifund.gov This message and any attachments may contain confidential or privileged information and are only for the use of the intended recipient of this message. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender by return email, and delete or destroy this and all copies of this message and all attachments. Any unauthorized disclosure, use, distribution, reproduction or taking action in reliance upon this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited and may be unlawful. From stewart at oweesta.org Thu Jan 31 17:48:55 2008 From: stewart at oweesta.org (Stewart Sarkozy) Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2008 15:48:55 -0700 Subject: [CircleUp] Aneth CDC Open House 2008 P R E S S R E L E A S E PLEASE FORWARD References: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE06EBFA@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> Message-ID: <82182B01DBD600448F4C7D2631BA1BFE0267D7@SERVER1.fnoc.internal> Aneth nonprofit hopes to create businesses by Marley Shebala Navajo Times Business Section Thursday, January 31, 2008 MONTEZUMA CREEK, Utah - Having a business should not be about creating jobs. It should be about making money. That advice was repeated several times when the Aneth Community Development Corporation held and open house Jan. 23 to introduce its new office, located in a renovated house in this close-knit Navajo community. The corporation, a nonprofit lending institution, has been helping local residents build businesses for two years but waited until 2008 to hold an open house for symbolic reasons, said director Cliff Tohsonii. He explained that the number 8 symbolizes new beginnings according to Western and Navajo traditions, and for the corporation it means "a new dawn of financing." Keynote speaker Peter MacDonald, Sr. emphasized that theme in his keynote address, telling an audience of about 25 people that the cold weather was needed to "toughen up" the financial habits of Navajo who want to benefit from the corporation. Navajos, he noted, love to spend money. "We're not satisfied until all the money is gone," MacDonald said. "Even Window Rock is like that. They can't wait until the next quarter to spend all of the reserves fund." If, instead, Navajo people treat their money like they traditionally treated their livestock, they begin to make money and be successful entrepreneurs, he said. Navajo elders knew that it takes hard work, coupled with self-control, to build up a herd, MacDonald said. They didn't butcher an animal to simply satisfy their yearning for mutton because they knew they'd eventually eat all their livestock and have nothing. They also took good care of their livestock, putting in long hours and building corrals and sheds, and keeping a watchful eye out for ma'ii (coyote), he said. Nowadays, the ma'iis that stalk and circle the b?eso (money) of the Navajo people are the predator leaders or payday loan businesses. MacDonald said, and energy companies are the ma'iis of Navajo government funds and mineral riches. The Navajo people need to remember when they had everything the outside world needed - fresh meat, cowhides and weavings - and think about what they have that's in demand now, he said, listing coal, gas, oil, and water along with traditional arts and crafts. Tohsonii emphasized that the Navajo people must remember how life flourished in Dinetah because they were not afraid of hard work. The ancestors also understood the business concepts of today, which is that a healthy economy exists when communities promote their small businesses, he said. Tohsonii, who formerly was with the tribe's Regional Business Development Office, said he has learned that nurturing a small business requires patience and Aneth CDC spends a lot of time talking with customers about the qualities and resources they'll need to succeed. The nonprofit gets to know individuals well before loaning them money, and stays in close contact to help them follow good business practices, he explained. After all, the success of their business means they'll repay their loan and the money can be used again to expand their business or finance another small business, he said. Tohsonii said it takes a lot of hard work from both the lender and customer, but that's the only way for the Navajo Reservation to develop a healthy economy in which money circulates freely within communities and is continually invested to grow new businesses. Right now, Navajos get most of their goods and services in border towns, which is why they are flourishing while reservation communities languish, he said. However, it's unrealistic to think Navajos will stop going to border towns or shopping at Wal-Mart, so entrepreneurs must call on their creativity to offer goods and services that can't be found there, he added. But in order for that creativity to translate into business prosperity, he said, the Navajo people must learn the value of money. They must begin saving it so they can become independent instead of continually asking for loans. It doesn't take a masters degree in business management to become a successful small business person, Tohsonii said, but it does take good money sense. MacDonald added, "Let's support the Aneth Community Development Corporation and return to being lords of the Southwest once again." Information: angela at anethcdc.org or malclmbenally at anethcdc.org, or call 435-651-3355/3358. ___________________________________________________________________ WE ARE NOW AN OPEN HOUSE YEAR AROUND. COME AND SEE US TODAY. LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS! -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080131/01c6e8aa/attachment-0001.html -------------- next part -------------- A non-text attachment was scrubbed... Name: not available Type: image/jpeg Size: 16656 bytes Desc: image002.jpg Url : /pipermail/circleup_lists.ournativecircle.org/attachments/20080131/01c6e8aa/attachment-0001.jpe