NC Commission of Indian Affairs hosts Inaugural Business Symposium at RCC

Last week, business leaders from around the nation gathered at Robeson Community College for the NC Commission of Indian Affairs Inaugural Business Symposium. The event sought to empower American Indian businesses, building bridges with services and programs in North Carolina.  

Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery welcomed the business leaders to the Lumbee Tribal Territory, saying it is great to come together as one, united and resolved to discuss the historic connections of business and trade to Native people. 

Greg Richardson, the Executive Director of the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs, also gave welcoming remarks.  

“We’re here to talk today about business, opportunities, and workforce development… President Singler, we’ve got to say thank you for this opportunity,” stated Richardson. “Today is an opportunity for us today to basically connect some dots…Workforce development programs have set the stage for many of us in this room and our relatives in terms of starting our journey.” 

One of those in the room who agreed with that sentiment was the Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery. 

“Something that our ancestors learned a long time ago, and that’s if I want something, I’ve got to build it myself, and not only can I build it, but I can give it to my neighbor,” Lowery stated.  

Lowery announced during the meeting that the tribe is considering new business ventures in the future.  

“We’re looking at becoming a business lender through the USDA program,” said Lowery. “This would create sustainability for our communities and help those within our agriculture-based economy.” 

The event featured breakout sessions with speakers from across the state and beyond, who highlighted the significance of obtaining local business certifications and state certifications such as HUB, DBE, and SBE.

Additionally, Robeson Community College was able to offer sessions which focused on topics such as marketing for small businesses, identifying grants and funding opportunities, how to create a business scope of work, and strategies for scaling businesses to secure government contracts through its Small Business Center, which is located on the main campus in Lumberton. 

“Business leaders and interested community members were invited for the day,” stated Tasha Oxendine, the marketing director for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. “This event brought together leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals to foster economic growth and collaboration within our communities.” 

A central theme of the symposium was the importance of networking and fostering business-to-business relationships, a message that resonated throughout the presentations, especially for historically underutilized businesses.  

“NC DOT is pushing very hard to get small, minority, women owned businesses to come together,” stated Pam Brewington Cashwell from the NC Department of Administration. “Our NCDOA Center operates to help businesses learn how to grow and develop so that you are prepared to do larger projects to become more sustainable. Our HUB office operates to certify small, women, and minority owned businesses.”  

Another focus of the symposium was the importance of education.  

“With Robeson Community College being a major anchor in the county, we want our community to know what is available in terms of achieving an education,” RCC President Melissa Singler said. “In addition to small business workshops and counseling, RCC also offers a plethora of short-term training programs, associate degrees, diplomas and certificates, as well as adult high school education programs.” 

As President Singler and Executive Vice President Eric Freeman made the case for Robeson Community College, she revealed a major accomplishment for the institution. 

“We are platinum for student completion,” Singler announced. “That means we have exceeded the state standards…  Robeson Community College is one of the highest colleges in the State as far as student completion rates.”  

“Students come and they get what they pay for,” Singler told the attendees. “So that’s really great news for our students and our community.”  

As leaders continued to discuss new ideas and initiatives one thing became clear. 

“This was a major success today with 115 participants in attendance,” said Deputy Candace Lowery, with the NC Commission of Indian Affairs. “Attendees represented a wide range of organizations, including NCDOT, NCDOA, Duke Energy, Tennie Group, A1 Glass, Lumbee Guaranty Bank, the Lumbee Tribe, and Lumbee River EMC, to name a few.” 

“With continued support we hope to have additional events around the state,” Deputy Lowery added. 

The symposium was developed by the NCCIA Economic Development and Employment and Training Committee, based on feedback gathered from surveys distributed to all American Indian communities in North Carolina, addressing their specific needs. 

Below are highlights from speakers during the event.

Photo / video by Tasha Oxendine, Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.