August 2025 Newsletter

The Gathering Edition

As summer comes to a close and new seasons begin, we are reminded of the strength and unity of our AICCO family. Just as classrooms welcome students back with fresh opportunities, our businesses and communities continue to grow, innovate, and inspire.

This spirit was on full display at The Gathering Business Summit 2025, where members and allies from across Oklahoma and beyond came together to connect and celebrate Indian Country Commerce. More than an event, The Gathering was a testament to the relationships we’re nurturing and the shared future we are building together.

By The Numbers!

This year’s Gathering Business Summit 2025 brought together leaders, entrepreneurs, and partners, creating a space to honor our traditions while forging pathways for the future.

We shared River Spirit Casino Resort with 400+ attendees (!!!). Maxed out our vendor area with 70 incredible businesses and organizations and added on to our Art Market with 10+ artisans. 30+ speakers and panelists graced The Gathering stage and meeting rooms.

Browse the full program here.

From thought-provoking panels and breakout sessions to a vibrant vendor and art showcase, The Gathering was more than a conference, it was a living testament to Native innovation and economic strength. Every handshake, every conversation, and every shared story reminded us of the truth: when we come together, we are stronger together.

View The Gathering Business Summit 2025 Photo Album here, courtesy of Verified News Network.

Honoring Excellence at The Gathering

Each year at The Gathering, we celebrate the outstanding achievements of AICCO members who embody the spirit of Native entrepreneurship, leadership, and service. Congratulations to this year’s award recipients:

Oklahoma City Member of the Year: Oklahoma City Indian Clinic

Eastern Member of the Year: Direct 2 Completion

Tulsa Member of the Year: Minko Design

AICCO Small Business of the Year Nominees: Native Health

AICCO Large Business of the Year Nominees: Maska Builders

President’s Award - Legacy of Servant Leadership: Carmelita Wamego Skeeter

Photos of our award winners coming soon!

Thank You To Our Sponsors

The Gathering would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors. Your support strengthens Native commerce and helps create opportunities that reach far beyond this event. Every investment you made is an investment in our communities, our cultures, and our shared future.

From receptions and entertainment to awards and programming, your partnership ensured that The Gathering 2025 was a top-tier celebration of excellence and connection. We are deeply grateful for your commitment and belief in the power of Native business!

Turtle Sponsor

Enbridge

Beaver Sponsor

WSB

Elk Sponsor

Bitdefender

American Medical Gas Resources, LLC

Oklahoma City Indian Clinic

Otter Sponsor

Sovereign Bank

Blue Sky Bank

Wallace Design Collective

Native Strategies

IBC Bank

Rabbit Sponsor

Anishinabe Design, Inc.

Indian Health Care Resource Center

Entertainment Sponsor

PDS Gaming

Direct 2 Completion

Blue Sky Bank

The Gathering Dream Team

Behind the scenes of every successful Gathering is a dedicated team of volunteers and staff who give their talented time and energy to make this summit a reality. From planning the agenda to welcoming guests, coordinating vendors, and managing countless details, this dream team worked tirelessly to ensure every moment was meaningful.

AICCO Gathering 2025 Committee Volunteers

Kendra Bennett (Chair)

Amber Sharp

Hoyit Bacon

Nathan Hart

Cindy Chambers

David Bible

William Lowe

Debbie Lindsey

Jennifer Sanford

Julie Aldridge

Les McGee

AICCO Gathering 2025 Volunteers

Katera Snelling

Lucinda Myers

Stefani Hodge

The Gathering Production Staff

The Verified News Network (VNN) Media Services Team

Between The Gathering and LNO this year, the VNN Team provided over 330 hours of discounted services, an in-kind sponsorship of more than $16K.

And of course, thank you to our incredible venue River Spirit Casino Resort and their immaculate team!

The passion of these individuals for supporting Native and ally enterprise shown through in every part of The Gathering. To our AICCO board, chapter leaders, staff, and volunteers, thank you for making this year’s summit one to remember.

Celebrating The LNO Class Of 2025!

We are proud to recognize the graduates of the Leadership Native Oklahoma Class of 2025, honored during a special graduation dinner at The Gathering. These leaders represent the future of Native business and community across Oklahoma, and their dedication, vision, and commitment to service inspire us all.

Thank you to our amazing tribal partners, our support staff at VNN and to our LNO Lead Ayla Medrano and Cultural Leader Sandra Medrano.

One more CONGRATULATIONS to the Class of 2025!

View The LNO Class of 2025 Photo Album here, courtesy of Verified News Network.

Applications for the Leadership Native Oklahoma (LNO) Class of 2026 will officially open this November.

We encourage members who are ready to grow their leadership skills, expand their networks, and make a lasting impact to apply and join this transformative journey!

Looking to join the chamber for the first time? Or maybe you need to renew?

Take care of all of your membership needs here.

Looking Ahead

Chapter events resume in September, beginning with our OKC Chapter Luncheon on Wednesday, September 10!

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For questions or more information, email chamber@aiccok.org or call 918-624-9382

The American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma is dedicated to helping businesses and individuals alike grow their relationships and expand their network. We are proud to partner with members of our community and look forward to you joining us as we educate, empower, and engage!