Atlanta— Over 175 guests and supporters gathered at the Cobb Galleria Centre to take part in an afternoon of tribute to honor the diversity, economic success & achievement of American Indians at UIDA Business Services 3rd Annual Native American Business Leaders Awards Luncheon (NABL 2006) on April 19, 2006.  Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company served as presenting sponsor and Coca-Cola Enterprises served as co-presenting sponsor of this event that benefited The American Indian Fellowship in Business Scholarship Program and UIDA Business Services. Other major event supporters included: Flintco, KeyBank, IBM, AFLAC, The Home Depot, Georgia Power, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., Fastenal, The Seminole Tribe of Florida, Sachi Koto Communications, Famous Ribs of Georgia, and The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development.

The event was kicked off by the National Centers & UIDA Business Services’, President and CEO, Ken Robbins (member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe) who welcomed the guests.   The “Corporation of the Year” award was presented to IBM by Mr. Ken Hilderbrand, of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company.  Accepting on behalf of IBM was Mr. Bob Moffat, Senior Vice President, Integrated Operations and Ms. Mei-Chan Duan, Director Global Procurement Operations and University Relations.  Mr. Moffat emphasized IBM’s continued commitment to UIDA Business Services and to American Indian economic development both now and in the future.  The “Volunteer of the Year” award was presented to Ms. Patricia Parker, President and CEO of Native American Management Services, Inc (NAMS) and member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.  Patricia spoke of her life as a Native American woman, her life struggles, life successes, and her continued commitment to providing management and support services to federal clients across the United States, Europe, and Asia.  The “American Indian Business of the Year” award was presented to Mr. Andy Wells, President of Wells Technology, Inc., founder of Wells Academy, and a member of the Red Lake Ojibwa Tribe.  Fastenal, a corporate mentor for Wells Technology, Inc. presented Andy with a check for $12,000 for Wells Academy and Andy’s continued work with disadvantaged young Native Americans.  The “Advocate of the Year” award was presented to Mr. Anthony Bell, Small Business Program Manger for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).  Anthony conveyed his work experiences with TSA clients and his devotion to providing the maximum practicable opportunities to small businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, women-owned, veteran owned, and service-disabled veteran owned business.  The final award presented was the “Lifetime Achievement” award.  Co-presenting sponsor, Kay Tyson of Coca-Cola Enterprises, had the honor of presenting the “Lifetime Achievement” award to Mr. Keller George, President of United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc., (USET, Inc) and member of the Oneida Indian Nation of New York.  Mr. George expressed his gratitude to UIDA Business Services and their continued dedication to providing business assistance to tribes and individuals.  Keller stressed the need for all American Indians to unite as one people and address the issues that affect American Indians and American Indian youths in today’s society.

Sachi Koto of Sachi Koto Communications, Inc. and former CNN news anchor served as the Master of Ceremonies.  Keynote speaker Dave Anderson of Famous Dave’s Of America, the legendary BBQ Franchise, delivered a riveting speech to the NABL luncheon attendees concerning drive, passion and a commitment to life success and business success despite the many adversities you will face.  Dave spoke of the challenges in today’s business world for Native Americans and how governments, corporations, tribes, and other Indian businesses can assist and ensure the continued success of Native American and Native American youths interested in pursuing business opportunities.  He conveyed the importance of family and family structure and the belief that anyone can be successful if you continue to work hard and never give up on your dream.

UIDA Business Services is a supporting non-profit to The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development and share a common mission with NCAIED.  NCAIED is the first national organization solely dedicated to the advancement of American Indians.  For more information on UIDA Business Services, Native American Business Leaders Luncheon (NABL 2007), or Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact Chandera Newby at 770-494-0117 or visit the website at www.uida.org. 

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