HON. HEATH SHULER
OF NORTH CAROLINA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
MR. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Eastern Band of Cherokee in Cherokee, North Carolina on becoming a Certified Entrepreneurial Community by the AdvantageWest Economic Development Group. AdvantageWest, an economic development commission which serves 23 Western North Carolina counties, created the “Certified Entrepreneurial Community Program” to train local communities to encourage small business start-ups in the mountain region and to help such businesses thrive.
The Eastern Band of Cherokee, North Carolina has an over 11,000-year history rich with culture, arts, and a heritage of magnificent storytelling. Being designated as a Certified Entrepreneurial Community is just one example of the continuation of the remarkable history, and a tribute to the vision of the Eastern Band of Cherokee. The focus on youth and education as integral components of their Certified Entrepreneurial Community vision ensures that the future leaders of the community will have the tools to continue their strong legacy.
The Certification, developed by the AdvantageWest Economic Development Group, contains a strict set of guidelines that highlight a community’s enthusiasm and readiness to support entrepreneurship and small business. While several communities throughout Western North Carolina have become certified as entrepreneurial communities, the Eastern Band of Cherokee is the first nation to receive this designation. This designation showcases the Eastern Band of Cherokee’s foresight in creating and fostering an environment in which prosperity can be achieved. As a Certified Entrepreneurial Community, the Eastern Band will build upon the success of its marketing campaign to further promote the potential of its people to the United States and abroad.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues today to celebrate this remarkable honor bestowed on The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in Cherokee, North Carolina, and their commitment to the future of their people. I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating their outstanding achievement.
Download a copy of the record statement.
