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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2015
Contact: Ernie Stevens, III
Executive Director of NATOW
(920) 819-4552
NATOW CONFERENCE BRINGS TRIBES, BUSINESSES
AND STATE TOURISM OFFICIALS TOGETHER
Native American Tourism of Wisconsin (NATOW) kicked off the 12th Annual NATOW Conference on Monday, June 8, 2015, at the Mole Lake Casino Lodge in Mole Lake, Wisconsin.
The Sokaogon Chippewa Community was chosen to host this year's event. The conference brings together Tribes, business organizations and Wisconsin Department of Tourism officials to collaborate on local and statewide tourism efforts. Sokaogon Chippewa Tribal Chairman Chris McGeshick said that the conference includes workshop sessions that will give participants direct access to experts in the field. Tourism is a driving force behind not only Tribal economies, but the state economy as well. "We must take advantage of the opportunities to increase and reach our tourism potential," added Chairman McGeshick.
Left to Right: Ernie Stevens, Jr., Stephanie Klett and Ernie Stevens, III
Wisconsin Department of Tourism Secretary Stephanie Klett, along with National Indian Gaming Association Chairman (NIGA) Ernie Stevens, Jr., joined in welcoming participants to the conference. "Last year, because of the tourism businesses in the state of Wisconsin, $1.4 billion was generated in state and local revenue, and $1 billion in federal taxes," said Secretary Klett. "That money is used for transportation and roads, police protection and schools. I'm proud of our relationship with NATOW. We are doing things that have never been done before," she added.
The NIGA Chairman says it is important that the tourism industry continues developing new and exciting ways to showcase the Tribal Nations of Wisconsin. "I am pleased to see so many people here, including Secretary Klett, who are making a difference in the future of the state. As Indian people, we always think seven generations ahead. Tourism is a key component of the larger picture of economic development. Our Tribes have always been pioneers in the tourism industry with our culture at its core," said Chairman Stevens, Jr.
"This is a time for us to come together and celebrate what we've done. It's also a place to network and grow our opportunities. Building and maintaining relationships is critical to the success of our communities statewide," said NATOW Executive Director Ernie Stevens, III. "I'd like to offer a sincere thanks to all of our sponsors. In supporting the NATOW conference, they are supporting the continued efforts to improve the lives of not only Native people but people across the state," he continued.
The conference continued through Tuesday morning. NATOW is a non-profit organization comprised of the 11 federally recognized Tribes in Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.nativewisconsin.com.
The 2016 NATOW Conference will be hosted by the Forest County Potawatomi at the Potawatomi Carter Casino Hotel in Carter, Wisconsin, from June 6 through June 8, 2016.
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