National Center Signs MOU with Department of Energy to Increase Native American Engagement in the Energy Sector

WASHINGTON, Nov. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (the National Center) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Energy (DOE) to be a partner in its Minorities in Energy (MIE) Initiative. The National Center will now be included in MIE's Industry Partner Engagement Network, where it will work to strengthen and expand innovation in energy-specific economic development and workforce development/STEM education. The MOU requires both entities to participate in each other's conferences, workshops, and other events.

"The National Center is very excited to officially partner with the Department of Energy in its groundbreaking Minorities in Energy Initiative," said Gary Davis, President and CEO of the National Center. "Our economic future will be powered by the investments made in the energy sector, and I am very pleased that the Department of Energy recognizes the importance of minorities, and in particular, the Native American community, in creating innovative public and private partnerships. I look forward to a long and mutually-beneficial relationship between the National Center and the DOE."

The MOU was announced this week while DOE hosted an event entitled "Minorities in Energy - Year One." The event gathered MIE ambassadors and high ranking representatives from the Administration and the private sector to examine the progress of the first year of the MIE Initiative. In addition to Mr. Davis, National Center Board Chairman Derrick Watchman and National Center Board Member Michelle Holiday, who is a MIE ambassador, are also participating in the event.

The past months have been busy for the National Center. After hosting its fifth regional Reservation Economic Summit (RES) in Wisconsin, National Center Board Chairman Derrick Watchman was a panelist at the Ute Tribe Energy Conference and Expo. In addition, Mr. Davis was a featured speaker at the World Indigenous Business Forum in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Now in its fifth year, the World Indigenous Business Forum is a platform that engages indigenous people in global economic discussions.

Later this week, Mr. Davis will speak to Comcast employees as a part of its Employee Enrichment Series during Native American Heritage Month. The session will be streamed live to all Comcast and NBCUniversal employees. And early next year, the National Center Edge will officially launch, which is an online employment and development ecosystem built to give Indian Country an "edge" in all aspects of aspects of business. The Edge is scheduled to launch in advance of National RES in Las Vegas, which is taking place from March 9th-12th.

"Big things are happening at the National Center, and it all means business for Indian Country," Davis continued.

About the National Center: The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. With over 40 years of assisting American Indian Tribes and their enterprises with business and economic development – we have evolved into the largest national Indian specific business organization in the nation. Our motto is: "We Mean Business For Indian Country" as we are actively engaged in helping Tribal Nations and Native business people realize their business goals and are dedicated to putting the whole of Indian Country to work to  better the lives of American Indian people- both now… and for generations to come.

CONTACT: Lewis Lowe, 202-333-2234; [email protected]

SOURCE The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development