Nation Jan. • Feb. • Mar. Division of Economic Development 2019 100 Taylor Road, St. Michaels, Arizona Quarterly Newsletter http://navajobusiness.com/ Ph. (928) 871-6544 / Fax (928) 871-7381

Shopping Center opens to large support Beating the Red Tape with RBDO, Division- wide business site leasing work session after 30+ years in development By Byron C. Shorty led the day-long session that By Byron C. Shorty to providing fresh fruits and DED Administration initially focused on the RBDOs DED Administration vegetables, in addition to creating but grew to touch nearly 40 new jobs for the surrounding On April 9, Director Willie every other department in the On April 3, 2019, the long- Navajo communities. convened a work session in division. awaited shopping center along President Nez challenged Window Rock for all RBDOs Every RBDO has staff that Interstate 40 near Nahata’ Dziil the Navajo people to take care to begin examining the are extremely knowledgeable chapter had its grand opening of the new shopping center by current Business Site Lease about the current BSL and ribbon cutting ceremony. supporting their local businesses, (BSL) manual for areas of process, as well as the ideas The Division of Economic and to ‘Buy Navajo, Buy Local.’ improvement. The Division and projects their respective Development was on-site to Though prices may be a little of Economic Development, communities have developed assist. The event included higher, the benefit to the Navajo through its Small Business over the years. But the speeches from people is immense, especially Development department, effectiveness of an RBDO President Jonathan Nez, Vice when Navajo dollars circulate operates the five Regional lies is its ability to coordinate President , Navajo within the Navajo economy, Business Development the BSL process throughout Nation Council Speaker Seth President Nez explained. The Offices (RBDOs), which the entire sequence of Damon, and Hon. Delegate shopping center provides jobs, tax are charged with providing clearances, development of the Raymond Smith Jr. revenues, and more, that serve to technical assistance with documentation, attainment of DED first initiated the shopping shopping center. Mr. Herder was greater the diversity of the Navajo business site leasing (BSL) approvals, revisions, and more. center project with a chapter one of the original relocatees economy. applications, Navajo preference The management plan that resolution from Nahata’ Dziil. that came to Nahata’ Dziil The shopping center currently certifications, and more. the DED uses to process BSLs Jeanette Jones, the Project following the acquisition of has plans to expand with a gas Every RBDO was present, routes applications between Manager for the shopping center the ‘New Lands’ areas. At the station, convenience store, and an as well as managers and staff three main departments: at the DED, started working on original groundbreaking, some ice cream eatery. Those details are from the Small Business Small Business Development, the project over 30 years ago. 10 years ago, Ram conducted in review with the Navajo Area Development, Real Estate, Real Estate, and Business She says that it was a multi- the ceremony that marked the Office of Environmental Health. Project Development, Regulatory – RBDOs often agency effort at the tribal, county, location of the shopping center. At full occupancy, the shopping and Business Regulatory act as case managers for state, and federal levels. Also More than 500 people attended center is expected to provide over departments. It was an projects that start from local announced was Jeannette’s the grand opening. Lunch was 120 new jobs. opportunity to address entrepreneurs and businesses. retirement at the grand opening. provided by Bashas’, which also DED currently is developing an issues with “red tape” head But how effective are Chapter leadership also gave opened that day for business. ongoing campaign to challenge on – something that has RBDOs at supporting the 1 Ram Herder, 100, the honor of President Nez commended the the Navajo people to support never been done in previous being the first customer of the grocer for making a commitment local Navajo businesses. n administrations. Director Willie Continued on page 7 Meet our new Director Yá’áh’tééh! Introducing the new Executive Director of the Division of Economic Development, JT Willie

Mr. Willie is from Bahastl’ah (Twin Lakes), JT Willie, MPA NM and is fluent in Diné About the Division of Economic Development The Navajo Nation is committed to providing new business opportunities and partnerships with Bizaad. Tuba City’s Change Labs. In individuals, small business owners, and large commercial/industrial and tourism establishments. His clans are Tábááha New Mexico, I aim to work In order to become more efficient and accessible, we are working to upgrade and implement our – Waters Edge, Táchííníí – with the chapters that are programs to benefit these burgeoning business relationships. Red running into the water, willing to work together on Ashįįhí – Salt People, and starting incubators within Program Directory Kinyáá’ááii – Towering their districts,” said Mr. • Administration/Support Services / navajobusiness.com House. Willie. (928) 871-6544 / Fax (928) 871-7381 He holds a Master’s in Resources and training Public Administration and for Navajo entrepreneurs is • Project Development two Bachelor’s degrees of the utmost importance (928) 871-6504 / Fax (928) 871-7381 in Marketing and Human to Mr. Willie, and he seeks • Business Regulatory Resources from the to support business (928) 871-6714 / Fax (928) 871-6507 University of New Mexico. development through local • Navajo Tourism Department / www.discovernavajo.com Prior to becoming DED division offices. (928) 810-8501 / Fax (928) 810-8500 Director, Mr. Willie was Additionally, he Director of Marketing encourages open-door • Real Estate Department and Sales for 12 years policies within DED and (928) 871-6558 / Fax (928) 871-7174 at Navajo Arts & Crafts shares that taking action is • Small Business Development Enterprise and Director of a collaborative team effort. (928) 871-6704 / Fax (928) 871-7366 Marketing for two years at “Every single staff • Chinle / Ph. (928) 674-2240 / Fax (928) 674-2244 the Tsehootsooi Medical member at DED has a Center. specific talent, and it’s • Eastern / Ph. (505) 905-6400 / Fax (505) 905-6401 As Executive Director, about bringing that out” • Fort Defiance /Ph. (928) 871-6486 / Fax (928) 674-6476 Mr. Willie plans to support said Mr. Willie. • Northern / Ph. (505) 368-1316 / Fax (505) 368-1324 business incubators, Mr. Willie also looks • Shiprock / Ph. (505) 368-1315 / Fax (505) 368-1324 which can provide small, forward to sharing the low-cost units for Navajo progress the Navajo Nation • Western / Ph. (928) 283-3010 / Fax (928) 283-3015 businesses that need a is making towards defining physical location. Navajo and tribal Resources and Development Committee Mr. Willie recognizes sovereignty. Rickie Nez, Chairperson Herman M. Daniels Member that the startup costs for In his spare time, Mr. Thomas Walker, Vice-Chairman Mark Freeland, Member new businesses can be Willie is an award-winning Kee Allen Begay, Jr., Member Wilson Stewart, Jr., Member hampered by the high cost silversmith who regularly of rent. participates in the Santa Shammie Begay, Legislative Advisor (Ph. 928-871-7171) “I am going to work Fe and Heard Indian with various entities markets to share his NN / Office of the President and Vice-President n that promote Navajo unique creations. Jonathan Nez, President Myron Lizer, Vice-President entrepreneurship, such as

http://navajobusiness.com/ APRIL - JUNE 2019 Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development 2 Ph. (928) 871-6544 / Fax (928) 871-7381 http://navajobusiness.com/ Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development APRIL - JUNE 2019 Ph. (928) 871-6544 / Fax (928) 871-7381 3 Dennehotso Market Grand Opening By JayDiamond Taliman Navajo Tourism Dept.

On February 15, 2019 the Dennehotso Market Grand Opening was commenced by Navajo Nation government officials and the local community. The market is a 6,700-square- foot facility that includes a convenience store, gas station, deli and laundromat. Distinguished guests included Council Delegates Nathaniel Brown, Amber Kanazbah Crotty, Raymond Smith Jr., Speaker Seth Damon, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, Vice-President Myron Lizer, Dennehotso Chapter officials, and Division of Economic Development (DED) staff. The brand new storefront of the Dennehotso Market convienance store, gas station, laundromat and a Charley Biggs’ Chicken N’ Sauce fast food Hundreds of locals attended eatery.. (Photo by: Navajo Nation / Project Development) the event, witnessed the cutting of the ribbon, and bought goods at the newly opened market. The thankful community cheered and applauded the efforts of all stakeholders involved. Stakeholders who contributed to this development include DED, Dennehotso Chapter House, local land users, Navajo Nation Budget & Finance Committee, Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, Navajo Nation Division of Transportation, Arizona Department of Navajo Nation President Jonathan Transportation, and the Indian Nez and Vice-President Myron Lizer Health Service. attend the Dennehotso Market Norman Ben, a local barrel Grand Opening. (Photo by: Navajo rider from Rock Point, said “I Tourism Dept.) really appreciate being here at this opening, we finally have a center, or healthcare facility. laundromat and atm. I am a Red “Working together with the House clan and really appreciate Dennehotso Chapter, the Navajo Staff from the Division of Economic Development and dignitaries from NN Council, including the Speaker Seth that they placed a store right Nation Council, and the state of Damon. (Photo by: Navajo Tourism Dept.) here” said Ben. Arizona, we now have this new Carl Begay, who attended establishment that will benefit Red Mesa High School, also many of our people” said Navajo After the event, meals were and the tends to take the longest” said explained how the laundromat Nation President Nez. provided by the Dennehotso Office of the President and Vice Watchman. will make a positive change in President Nez was excited Chapter House. President in 2016. This includes obtaining his lifestyle. to know that the market offers The Dennehotso Market now This expenditure plan allowed feasibility studies, getting Emmanuel Guna, a non-native fresh fruits, vegetables, and other provides goods and services to the provision of $2.8 million for legislation passed through who has lived in Dennehotso for natural products. entire Navajo communities, and construction costs. Council, and creating barters 20 years, cheerfully said “I live He encouraged the crowd to thousands of non-Navajo tourists Additionally, $1.5 million with locals who were offered about 15 minutes west of the buy fresh produce at the location who travel through the Navajo from the Sales Tax Fund and the provision of utility services shopping center. I’m going to before it rots, as this will ensure Nation to site-see. Project Development General in exchange for their signature shop here a lot.” the store can continue shipping in Fund was provisioned by DED of approval to operate on their Zahni Jones, a Diné Másání, fresh produce. Development for the remaining expenses of the grazing land. said her and family shop in President Nez also suggested This project cost a total of $4.3 market. The idea of a market in Cortez but will now shop locally that the market partner with million and provided up to 50 According to Beatrice Dennehotso was brought at the Dennehotso Market. local farmers to sell their goods temporary construction jobs and Watchman, Economic forth over a decade ago by the Kayenta, Mexican Water, on-site. another 20 permanent positions Development Specialist from community and it has come to Farmington, and Gallup were all Navajo Nation Vice-President, when the store opened up for DED, the project was completed fruition. common destinations for these Myron Lizer, also mentioned that business. in phases because of issues with The Dennehotso Market may locals to grocery shop or run by working with newly appointed Dennehotso Market was securing funding. serve as an economic foothold errands. DED Division Director, JT partially funded through the Water, electric, and road to a small Navajo community, Each interviewee believed the Willie, he is certain they will Permanent Trust Fund Income infrastructure were in the first opening the door for more local economy could support the witness more of these types of Five-Year Expenditure Plan, phase. possibilities in the commercial development of a bank, wellness projects become a reality. which was approved by the 23rd “Planning of the project industry. n http://navajobusiness.com/ APRIL - JUNE 2019 Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development 4 Ph. (928) 871-6544 / Fax (928) 871-7381 How RBDO Helps Entrepreneurs Start Business By JayDiamond Taliman Appropriate DED Navajo Tourism Dept. Lease Approval & Department Review Process • Receive ‘Letter of • Appropriate DED Execution • DED Approving Leonard Francisco Jr., Intent’ Dept. Manager Committee Sr. Economic Development • Provide Technical Approved • Division Director BSL Completed • Real Estate Specialist for Fort Defiance APPLICANT Services Lease • Division of Application Application Department Regional Business Development • Negotiate Terms Finance (Subject to Package • Office of the • Any other services as Section 4.0) Office (RDBO), said “what Fort President and Vice- deemed appropriate • Department of Defiance agency RBDO does is President for final and required under Justice work with entrepreneurs who signature this Plan. want to start a business. We first consult with the client and talk about our program, letting them know the expectations that are Distribution - Six (6) Originals required of them.” 1. Lessee Division of Economic 2. Albuquerque BIA Land Title & Records Office The first step to starting a Approved Development 3. DED Real Estate Department business on the Navajo Nation Business Site 4. Appropriate DED Department is submitting a letter of intent Lease Real Estate 5. Navajo Nation Land Department stating the type of business being Department 6. Navajo Nation Office of the Controller done, a business plan, and an 7. Local Government Unit (Copy upon request) organizational chart to RBDO 8. Respective BIA Agendy Real Estate Services Office (Copy) staff. survey plat, an environmental Libby Valteau, Program 50% during the first five years communication and support. The brand new storefront of the Dennehotso Market convienance store, gas station, laundromat and a Charley Biggs’ Chicken N’ Sauce fast food “We have some sites that have assessment, and an Manager of Fort Defiance and 66% during the first ten For example, the RBDO works eatery.. (Photo by: Navajo Nation / Project Development) already been surveyed, so those are easier to get into but if you archaeological clearance RBDO, suggests that years. with the Community Land Use want your own site, we have to performed at the location. entrepreneurs utilize private However, the goal of RBDO is Plan Committee at Cornfields work directly with the Navajo Also, a Chapter resolution loans at banks who have small to offer technical support to keep Chapter House to help develop Land Department because they must be obtained at the local business loans like Wells Fargo small businesses on the Navajo administrative and management have to designate the land” said Chapter House through or Bank of America. Nation open. plans, which will allow the Francisco. a majority vote from the According to the U.S. Small Fort Defiance RBDO also does Chapter to operate its own To get land cleared and community and acreage being Business Administration, 30% a monthly outreach to the 26 business-site lease of 100 acres approved for lease, an used must be for a commercial of new businesses fail during the Chapter Houses within the Fort entrepreneur will need a business. first two years of being open, Defiance Agency to facilitate Continued on page 7 Internal Revenue Service Opportunity Zones By JayDiamond Taliman a corporation or partnership for Navajo Tourism Dept. investments in eligible property whose location falls within a On December 22, 2017 QOF. opportunity zones were added to One does not need to live in the United States tax code upon an opportunity zone to utilize approval of the Tax Cuts and the tax benefits, all one must Jobs Act. do is make an investment in a According to the Internal recognized gain in a QOF and Staff from the Division of Economic Development and dignitaries from NN Council, including the Speaker Seth Revenue Service (IRS), an choose to defer any tax on the Damon. (Photo by: Navajo Tourism Dept.) opportunity zone is a community profits. that is distressed economically Additionally, a list of and can apply for eligibility to designated Qualified Opportunity get preferential tax treatment. Zones may be accessed in the Under this new legislation, Federal Register at IRB Notice an investor has the option to 2018-48. The numbers “2018- defer taxes on nearly all gains in 48” represent the population capital that they invest after Dec. census tracts given to Qualified 31, 2017, through Dec. 31, 2026. Opportunity Zones. See map - For an area to qualify as an Figure 1: Map opportunity zone, they must be In order to be recognized as a nominated by their state and QOF, an eligible partnership or the nomination must be verified corporation certifies themselves Figure 1: Map by the Secretary of the U.S. by filing out Form 8996, with its Treasury through his or her return of federal income taxes. people, the Navajo Nation Opportunity Zones on the Navajo Nation delegation of authority to the Notably, Form 8996 should Washington D.C office Below is a list of Chapter House regions that qualify for Opportunity Zone tax privileges: NAVAJO INSCRIPTION IRS. be filed timely, whilst taking an coordinated a meeting, on April OLJATO KAIBETO LECHEE The primary benefit of extension into consideration. 3rd, between DED Division MOUNTAIN HOUSE COALMINE utilizing an opportunity zone A limited liability company Director, JT Willie, and U.S TUBA CITY BODAWAY GAP CAMERON TOLANI LAKE is that investors may defer tax also has the capability to receive treasury and IRS officials for MESA on their previous gains that the treatment of a corporation a tribal consultation on the LEUPP BIRDSPRINGS NAHAT’ADZIL ROCK SPRINGS TSAYATOH were invested into a Qualified or partnership for federal opportunity zones. SMITH LAKE TOHAJILEE TORREON COUNSELOR NAGEEZI

Opportunity Fund (QOF). tax reasons and can organize Willie advocated for the UPPER A QOF serves as a vehicle for themselves as a QOF. addition of opportunity zones LAKE VALLEY WHITEROCK HUERFANO BURNHAM FRUITLAND & investments and is structured as To advocate for the Navajo throughout the Navajo Nation.n NENAHNEZAD http://navajobusiness.com/ Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development APRIL - JUNE 2019 Ph. (928) 871-6544 / Fax (928) 871-7381 5 From page 5

http://navajobusiness.com/ APRIL - JUNE 2019 Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development 6 Ph. (928) 871-6544 / Fax (928) 871-7381 Preliminary considerations at the DED of transitioning jobs and revenue streams toward a more diversified and renewable economy By Byron C. Shorty of Navajo communities. DED Administration In the mid- to long-term, we must consider the larger Director Willie testified movement of the energy before the U.S. Congressional industry, and how DED fits into Coal Caucus alongside Hon. those sectors. DED must then Delegate Paul Begay to convey consider alternatives within the the challenges the Navajo Nation energy industry to coal power faces as coal production, and generation. The energy markets its associated revenues, adjusts that surround the Navajo Nation to market demands for more are increasingly investing in renewable-sourced energy. renewable energy projects at The decommissioning of industrial scales. the Navajo Generating Station How does the DED begin and impending closure of the to understand the implications Kayenta Mine will result in of transitioning to a green several long-term impacts on the economy? Due to the nature of Navajo economy. The quality green energy projects, we can and quantity of jobs associated say that employment follows with NGS-Kayenta Mine are a surge pattern that tapers into so far unmatched in the region. the operation and maintenance DED Director JT Willie testifying at the U.S. Congressional Coal Caucus alongside Hon. Delegate Paul Begay NGS-Kayenta Mine employees phase. For instance, the (Coppermine, K’aii’to, LeChee, Tonalea/Red Lake, Bodaway/Gap). (Photo by: Byron C. Shorty) enjoyed not just higher-than- Kayenta-1 solar project carried average salaries and wages, but out by the Navajo Tribal Utility energy projects at a time, but The creation of solar project Royalties from natural resource also relatively stable positions Authority created 284 full- multiple projects with a long- jobs is a viable avenue for extraction and production, with opportunities for mobility time jobs at over 85% Navajo term development plan. To regain displaced energy sector workers, within the context of the tribal between different companies. employment. The 27.3-megawatt the 900 jobs lost by both the coal but what about revenues from government, have been the The number one question facility is expanding under mine and the generating station, coal production? The tribe primary income stream since DED gets: How are we going to the Kayenta-2 solar project, approximately five projects at received an estimated $40 the creation of the business encourage the creation of more which is ongoing and at peak the scale of Kayenta 1 need to Million from coal royalties council in 1922. As we take a jobs for ? President construction will reach 150 be in construction phases at any in 2018. The tribe will begin preliminary look to the Navajo Nez has directed the DED to hires. Post construction, up given time. With an average of to feel the effects of slimmer Nation’s skilled labor force, we focus on tourism, retraining of to five technicians will be 25 megawatts at each project, coal revenues before any other are positioned to benefit most energy-sector employees, and employed as part of the operation the Navajo Nation would need industry grows large enough from new energy sector projects. Opportunity Zone incentives, and maintenance of the solar about 90 solar projects to match to replace the coal production The DED will continue to in the short-term for the NGS- generation plant. We can say that the nameplate capacity of Navajo revenue streams. No matter focus on a streamlined approach Kayenta Mine region. DED solar jobs exist in its construction Generating Station. These figures which side of the coal debate one to diversifying the Navajo acknowledges that the stability phase. are theoretical and are included sits, this scenario tells us that economy as it becomes less of the nuclear family has a lot to If we look at job creation, then here to demonstrate the ways the greater Navajo economy is reliant on royalties from coal do with the distance parents and we must investigate the potential DED looks at the preliminary not diversified enough to abate production. n relatives travel to get to work, and feasibility for not just one or transition to renewable energy the effects of the shuttering of a which impacts the quality of life two industrial-scale renewable sources. single enterprise. Cont’d: Entrepreneurs Start Business From page 5 to open a business on the Navajo locations in the following Navajo Projections” training, one will training contact Mike K. Etsitty, Nation. Nation agencies: Chinle, Eastern, learn about the content needed to Sr. Economic Development four miles south of Burnside, AZ. There are two different training Ft. Defiance, Shiprock, and fulfill the sections in a business Specialist, at (928) 871-6840. levels including: Western. plan including executive To register for “How To RBDO Training 1. Introduction (marketing In Fort Defiance there are summaries, market analyses, data Start A Business” training Business training for plan, business plan, etc) and three trainers, two in Shiprock, usage, finances, management, contact Leonard Francisco Jr., entrepreneurs is conducted by 2. Advanced (financing) and one in Eastern. All trainings and other related information. Sr. Economic Development RBDO staff at the St. Michaels Classes are led by RBDO staff come free of cost and are Attend a training and start your Specialist, at (928) 871-7209. n Karigan Professional Building who have been trained to be a typically three hours long. business on the Navajo Nation! on the second floor conference trainer. For example, in the “Create To register for “Create Your room to teach entrepreneurs how There are a total of five RBDO Your Business Plan & Business Plan & Projections” Cont’d: Beating the Red Tape with RBDO From page 1 direction towards unification of materials, information, and technical assistance was established. Director Willie committed to working through the policy and legislative beginning Navajo entrepreneur that may have grown up within the community, does not issues that complicate the process within DED. To evaluate immediate issues and have access to large sources of capital, and typically presents a large investment risk to recommendations, the division will meet again after 30 days, and will continue until potential financiers? The barrier to entry for these small businesses can be daunting, and significant recommendations are implemented. RBDOs are currently the best and most qualified to help those that wish to establish a Director Willie stated that the work session was very productive and described it physical presence (aside from their homesite) within the Navajo Nation. as a difficult and progressive first step towards internal changes that have been long Following this work session DED has made the delivery of services and support overdue. “The work of changing the Division of Economic Development for the better for Navajo entrepreneurs a focal point of its restructuring efforts.An initial inventory has just begun,” Director Willie said, “There’s a lot more to be done so that we can was taken of all the resources that RBDOs use in helping clients, and a clear grow, as a nation.” n http://navajobusiness.com/ Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development APRIL - JUNE 2019 Ph. (928) 871-6544 / Fax (928) 871-7381 7 Rhino Health on track to complete glove Calendar of Events manufacturing plant at Church Rock Industrial Site Friday, April 5, 2019 By Byron C. Shorty • JUSTICE DAY (KAYENTA, AZ) DED Administration Open house @ 10am. Court, Probation, and Peacemaking Presentations Service Provider Booths. Free Lunch provided. For info., Rhino Health is nearing please call (928) 697-5541. completion of the first phase of Kayenta Judicial Dist. Complex, Kayenta, Arizona its nitrile glove manufacturing plant in Church Rock, NM. • INDIGENOUS COOKING & BAKING DEMO CEO Mark Lee is anticipating Navajo Technical University will be welcoming the innovative Chef production lines in the factory Andrea Murdoch! Chef Andrea will be giving two demonstrations on to begin manufacturing gloves, April 8, 2019 at 10 AM and 1 PM. This event is FREE and open to the which will initially be blue, in public. August. The company is also Navajo Technical University, Hospitality Ctr., Crownpoint, New Mexico. expecting to open applications for new hires by mid-May. Friday, April 12, 2019 Production lines currently CROWNPOINT NAVAJO RUG AUCTION @ 4PM occupy two warehouse facilities Rug Weavers will register and check in their rugs at 4:00 PM. Auction at the Church Rock Industrial will begin at 7:00 PM. Park. Rhino Health plans to Crownpoint Elementary School, Crownpoint, New Mexico continue development beyond the first phase to increase the Rhino Health CEO Mark Lee giving DED Director JT Willie a tour of the Monday, April 15, 2019 production capacity of the manufacturing facility in Church Rock, NM. (Photo by: Byron C. Shorty) ANETH JUSTICE DAY @ 10AM-2PM facility. One possible area for Resource booths will be at the Chapter House. Open House and Mock expansion is the former cabinet the Navajo Nation that are in that he looks forward to more Trial will begin at 10:30am. Come in and see your court house! factory adjacent to the current various stages of development. developments in the Church For more information, call (435) 651-3545 Church Rock facility. These sites are potential areas of Rock area, including projects Aneth Courthouse and Chapter House, Aneth, Utah The Church Rock Industrial interest for new manufacturing planned further into Eastern Site is managed through businesses, especially those Agency in Crownpoint. Tuesday, April 16, 2019 the Project Development within Opportunity Zones. Additionally, ‘Navajo TAX DAY Nationwide department at DED. Mr. Lee Director Willie toured the Appreciation Day’ will be noted that the facility provided factory and received updates tentatively held May 18, 2019 at Sunday, April 21, 2019 the infrastructure required to from Mr. Lee about future phases the Church Rock Industrial Park initiate the factory and was the and investments. Rhino Health for members of the public to tour EASTER SUNDAY Nationwide only facility in the area that is ready and willing to embrace the Rhino Health production was ready to go. The DED has Navajo Nation preference laws, lines. n Monday, April 22 several industrial sites around Director Willie shared. He added NAVAJO NATION SOVEREIGNTY DAY Navajo Nation Wide Monday, April 22 - Wednes., April 24, 2019 Division of Economic Development gains unique 4TH ANNUAL NAVAJO NATION ECONOMIC SUMMIT For more information, please call 928-871-6547 / 6544. Visit our insights at the Reservation Economic Summit website: http://nneconomicsummit.com/ Twin Arrows Navajo Casino & Resort, Flagstaff, AZ By Byron C. Shorty the Navajo Nation is uniquely and bonding process required DED Administration positioned to take advantage by the current Business Site Wednesday, April 24, 2019 of these zones to target new Lease regulations on the Navajo The Division of Economic development in the tourism and Nation. Federal trust lands ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY Nationwide Development made significant hospitality sectors. cannot be owned privately, which headway in establishing Regarding hotel development, is a significant barrier when land Thursday, April 25, 2019 partnerships with outside Director Willie met with titles and facilities cannot be DINÉ MAKER FAIRE sources of investment at this developers of tribal hospitality used as collateral on loans. “It Navajo Techincal University, Crownpoint, New Mexico year’s Reservation Economic enterprises to discuss takes a bank that understands Summit. The summit is an annual opportunities within the Navajo the unique circumstances of Sunday, May 5 - Saturday, May 11, 2019 gathering of tribal economic Nation. Currently, the Navajo doing business on trust lands for NAT’L TRAVEL & TOURISM AND DINÉ BIKÉYAH TOURISM WEEK development officials and Nation is assessing hotel projects those barriers to be overcome,” Nationwide and Navajo Nation Wide representatives from government, in Crownpoint and Shiprock. Director Willie added. industry, and other development- With these potential partnerships, Opportunities to partner and Sunday, May 12, 2019 focused groups. the DED can leverage tribally- develop with outside entities MOTHER’S DAY Nationwide Director Willie attended based design companies to have always existed, but there are the ‘Taking Advantage of the shorten the development times to more today that are intertribal in Monday, May 27, 2019 Opportunity Zone Tax Incentives’ shovel ready projects. nature. The economies of tribal MEMORIAL DAY Nationwide session, which provided an Director Willie also met nations are developing now to the overview and discussion about with several banks interested extent that they can go to each the new program. The Navajo in working with Navajo other for goods and services, Friday, May 31, 2019 Nation has over 10 Qualified companies that are ready to which helps create modern, NAVAJO NATION MEMORIAL DAY Navajo Nation Wide Opportunity Zones that are get off the ground. “So many mutually beneficial systems of eligible for significant tax Navajo entrepreneurs spend commerce. Of course, systems Friday, June 14, 2019 benefits for qualifying businesses what they have - time and like bartering and the traditional FLAG DAY Nationwide and investments. The program is money - and they need that last ways of trading among tribes implemented by the U.S. Internal bit of investment to get going,” are still practiced. These new Sunday, June 16, 2019 Revenue Service under the Tax Director Willie said. Banks enterprise connections are unique FATHER’S DAY Nationwide Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. traditionally decline financing for opportunities for the Navajo While every tribe has different Navajo-based businesses because Nation to support other tribal business development strategies, of the complex land-leasing communities. n http://navajobusiness.com/ APRIL - JUNE 2019 Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development 8 Ph. (928) 871-6544 / Fax (928) 871-7381