2011 Arizona Indian Town Hall & Business Summit

Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs in partnership with Arizona Association for Economic Development to host Summit March 22 and 23 in Chandler 

The Arizona Commission of Indian Affairs will host the 2011 Arizona Indian Town Hall & Business Summit, "Essential Tools for Economic Development," in partnership with the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) March 22 and 23 at the New Gila River Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino in Chandler, Ariz.

The Commission hosts an Arizona Indian Town Hall to enable the state and tribes the opportunity to address issues on a regular and proactive basis to promote public consideration of issues, build consensus and support the implementation of resulting recommendations. In combination with a business summit, the focus is to provide an interactive and idea-sharing conference for economic development practitioners, government agency representatives, tribal leaders and project stakeholders interested in working together to develop statewide growth opportunities and initiatives.

"With the 22 federally recognized Tribes making up over 25 percent of the state land base, it is a benefit to the state to actively engage tribes on all issues impacting economic development," said Commission Director Kristine FireThunder.

Over 30 top speakers from around the country are scheduled to attend and discuss various approaches to leverage financing and entrepreneurship to cultivate a healthy economy. Among them include: Mr. Ivan Makil, Founding Partner of Generation Seven Strategic Partnerships and former President of the Salt River Indian Community; Dr. Joseph P. Kalt, Ford Foundation Professor of International Political Economy, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University and Ms. Diane J. Humetewa, Attorney, Squire, Sanders and Dempsey and immediate past Arizona United States Attorney.

The early registration deadline is Friday, March 18. Registration costs are as follows: $179 for General Admission; $79 for Economic Development Practitioners; and $50 for Reception Only (included with registration). On-site Registration is $225. Register online at www.aaed.com.

Room reservations can be made by calling Wild Horse Pass at (520) 796-4900 or 800-946-4452 or online at www.wingilariver.com/wild-horse-pass. For more information, please call the AZ Commission of Indian Affairs at (602) 542-4421 or visit www.azcia.gov.

The Commission of Indian Affairs was established in 1953 by the 21st Legislature to consider and study conditions among the Indians residing within the State of Arizona. The strategic vision of the Commission of Indian Affairs is to work for a greater understanding and improved relationships. For more information, please call the AZ Commission of Indian Affairs at (602) 542-4421 or visit www.azcia.gov.