“The New Normal” – Oweesta and Opportunity Finance Network to host 6th Annual Native Convening at 2009 OFN Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina
WHAT: On Tuesday, October 27, 2009, First Nations Oweesta Corporation (Oweesta) and Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) will kick off the 6th Annual Native Convening at the 2009 OFN Conference. This week-long event, devoted to community development practitioners, will offer several sessions and discussion panels to address the unique challenges and opportunities Native community development financial institutions (CDFIs) face in today’s market. The theme of the 2009 OFN Conference is “The New Normal.” “This annual conference is one of the most important events and networking opportunities for emerging and established Native community development organizations,” said CEO and President of Oweesta, Tracey Fischer. “Native CDFIs across the country are facing greater challenges and higher demand than ever before. The Native Convening offers a platform for professionals to discuss, debate, and respond to this new set of challenges our industry faces.”
WHEN: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 – Friday, October 30, 2009
WHERE: Westin Hotel, Charlotte, North Carolina
CONVENING HIGHLIGHTS:
Policy Panel: The pre-conference Native Gathering on Tuesday, October 27th, will begin with a broad view of community development issues and efforts in Native and non-Native areas and feature a panel of experts working at the tribal, regional, state, and federal levels on policy agendas.
Native Awards Ceremony: The Circle of Honor Award and the Visionary Leader Award will be presented at 4:15 p.m. on October 27th. The Native Awards Ceremony will be open to the public.
Catawba Cultural Center Tour: The Catawba Indian Nation is a federally recognized tribe indigenous to the Carolinas. The Catawba, or “People of the River”, are known for their pottery tradition. The tour, held on Thursday, October 29th, will offer an educational experience on the Catawba language, pottery, dancing, and drumming.
Native CDFI Track of Sessions: Throughout the conference, nine sessions designed for Native CDFI professionals will be offered to address housing and business finance, financial management, funding and capitalization, and entrepreneurship development.
Contacts:Heidi Davis (Oweesta), 605-342-3770Heidi@oweesta.org
About Oweesta: Oweesta provides opportunities for Native people to develop assets and create wealth by assisting in the establishment of strong, permanent institutions and programs, leading to economic independence and strengthening sovereignty for all Native communities. Based on Oweesta’s Integrated Asset Building Model, its programs and services help build local capacity and provide powerful tools for Native community development. More information is available at: www.oweesta.org.
About Opportunity Finance Network: Opportunity Finance Network is the leading network of private financial intermediaries identifying and investing in opportunities to benefit low-income and low-wealth people in the U.S. Our financing delivers both sound financial returns and real changes for people and communities. Opportunity Finance Network originated more $19.8 billion in financing in non-conforming urban, rural, and Native communities through 2007. This has generated or maintained 191,381 jobs; 43,050 businesses; 577,736 housing units; and 9,552 community facility projects. With cumulative net charge-off rates of less than 1.1%, we have demonstrated our ability to lend prudently and productively in unconventional markets often overlooked by conventional financial institutions. More information is available at: www.opportunityfinance.net.
Native convening sponsors include: Bank of America as the Flowering Dogwood Sponsor, NeighborWorks as the Sassafras Sponsor, and Amerind Risk Management as the Butternut Sponsor.