Jordan Gunn - Waséyabek

Potawatomi Ventures and Waséyabek Development Company Announce Strategic Investments in BAMF Health

by Jordan Gunn | August 19, 2024 | News

Potawatomi Ventures and Waséyabek Development Company, LLC are pleased to announce a strategic investment in BAMF Health, the world’s first vertically integrated platform for intelligence-based precision medicine. Potawatomi Ventures is the economic development and income diversification business of the Forest County Potawatomi Community, and Waséyabek Development Company is a holding company managing the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi’s non-gaming economic development activities. The two companies invested in BAMF Health independently, but they did share their respective views on BAMF’s goals and accomplishments, demonstrating how tribes can work together for the betterment of all. The two Potawatomi organizations are both committed to investing in the technology sector and supporting innovation.

Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, BAMF Health uses intelligence-based precision medicine to detect and treat cancer and other diseases and to conduct clinical trials for novel radiopharmaceuticals. The company’s overriding mission is to empower patients to become people again.

“Potawatomi Ventures is thrilled to partner with BAMF Health,” said Paul Hoesly, chief financial and strategy officer of Potawatomi Ventures. “Our investment reflects our confidence in their innovative solutions and their potential to transform healthcare. We are committed to supporting companies that make a positive impact on society, and BAMF Health aligns perfectly with our strategic vision.”

“When we invested in BAMF Health in 2021, we were impressed by their vision and cutting-edge technology,” said Deidra Mitchell, president and chief executive officer of Waséyabek. “Since then, BAMF has accelerated its growth while further enhancing its innovative technology. We remain impressed by the company’s leadership and performance, as it works to deliver better patient outcomes.”

Key Highlights of the Investment:

Strategic Synergy: This investment aligns with Potawatomi Ventures’ vision of fostering growth in sectors offering substantial potential for innovation and improvement in quality of life. For Waséyabek, BAMF represented its first investment into their medical vertical. BAMF Health’s cutting-edge technologies and solutions are expected to significantly impact patient care and healthcare outcomes.
Innovation and Growth: With this investment, BAMF Health aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of its groundbreaking Theranostics platform. This infusion of capital will support ongoing research, product development, and market expansion efforts, ensuring that innovative healthcare solutions reach patients and healthcare providers more effectively.
Commitment to Technology Advancement: Potawatomi Ventures and Waséyabek recognize the critical role of advanced medical technologies in shaping the future of healthcare. By investing in BAMF Health, both investment firms demonstrate their dedication to improving patient outcomes and supporting the healthcare industry’s evolution through technological advancements.

“When we invested in BAMF Health in 2021, we were impressed by their vision and cutting-edge technology. Since then, BAMF has accelerated its growth while further enhancing its innovative technology. We remain impressed by the company’s leadership and performance, as it works to deliver better patient outcomes.”

Deidra Mitchell

President & CEO, Waséyabek

“Every day, we’re changing the lives of patients facing some of the most devastating diseases by making molecular imaging and therapy accessible and affordable. With financial backing from Potawatomi Ventures and Waséyabek, we can make further progress in detecting and treating diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, heart conditions and more.”

Anthony Chang, Ph.D.

Founder & CEO, BAMF Health

“Every day, we’re changing the lives of patients facing some of the most devastating diseases by making molecular imaging and therapy accessible and affordable,” said Anthony Chang, PhD, BAMF Health founder and chief executive officer. “With financial backing from Potawatomi Ventures and Waséyabek, we can make further progress in detecting and treating diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease, heart conditions and more.”

Earlier this summer, Dr. Chang was named the recipient of the Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of the Year® 2024 Michigan and Northwest Ohio award. Entrepreneur Of the Year is the preeminent competitive awards program for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies. He was selected based on BAMF Health’s ability to create long-term value through entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to their purpose, and the demonstration of growth and substantial impact, among other key indicators.

BAMF Health has also been named a Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press and West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For by the National Association for Business Resources.

Potawatomi Ventures was established in 2002 as Potawatomi Business Development Corporation and is the economic development and income diversification business of the Forest County Potawatomi Community. Resources generated by Potawatomi Ventures and its holdings help diversify the tribal economy that supports Forest County Potawatomi’s tribal government and helps improve the lives of tribal members. Through trust, support, integrity, and mutual respect, Potawatomi Ventures is committed to building an economic engine that supports the Tribe for generations to come. Potawatomi Ventures is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is one of southeastern Wisconsin’s top minority-owned businesses.

Waséyabek Development Company, LLC, is a leading economic development firm in Michigan’s Indian Country. Its portfolio of diverse non-gaming investments totals more than 30 entities across the country, encompassing more than 500 employees. Its investment verticals include defense industry products and software integration, manufacturing, environmental services, medical technologies, and commercial real estate.

About Potawatomi Ventures: Potawatomi Ventures is owned and operated by the Forest County Potawatomi Community of Wisconsin. The Company seeks to generate wealth and improve the quality of life for the Tribe by making strategic investments, acquisitions and prudent asset management decisions. Resources generated by Potawatomi Ventures and its holdings help diversify the tribal economy supporting Forest County Potawatomi’s tribal government and helps improve the lives of tribal members. Potawatomi Ventures subsidiary companies include Greenfire Management Services, Data Holdings, Sagewind Development, Wgema Leasing, fireside Market, and several Federal contracting operations. For more information, visit potawatomiventures.com.

About BAMF Health: BAMF Health is the world’s first vertically integrated platform for intelligence-based precision medicine. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, BAMF Health employs the most advanced technology to detect and treat cancer and other diseases and conduct advanced clinical trials. Our overriding mission is to empower patients to become people again. With a team of data scientists, researchers, software engineers, and clinicians – all working in lockstep – we’re making good on it all. To learn more about BAMF Health, visit bamfhealth.com.

Safari Circuits Welcomes Craig Nelson to Leadership Team

by Jordan Gunn | July 17, 2023 | News

Safari Circuits, an innovative leader in electronics manufacturing, engineering services, and supply chain management, announced today the hiring of Craig Nelson as company president.

Nelson will join long-time Safari executive Mike Kintz in leading the firm. Kintz has served the dual role of president and CEO of Safari for more than 18 months, following the purchase of the firm by Waséyabek Development Company (WDC), the non-gaming economic development entity of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribe. Under the new leadership structure, Kintz will remain as CEO and will oversee all strategic and operational decisions for the company. Nelson will take over the day-to-day operations, focusing on product development, logistics, customer relations, business development, personnel, and all other management duties.

Prior to joining Safari Circuits, Nelson had a successful 22-year career with Stryker Corporation where he held a variety of leadership roles in operations and supply chain, including Vice President of Operations Innovation and Vice President of Global Sourcing for the last nine years.

“We are very fortunate to have Craig join the Safari leadership team,” said Mike Kintz. “He has been a key business partner for us in his role at Stryker, and he possesses a tremendous understanding of our business and how we operate. We’re excited to bring him on as president as we look to grow our business in several key markets.”

Nelson received his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from Western Michigan University and has completed the Harvard Business School Executive Education program. He is a board member of the Performance Review Institute, a global authority focused on industry-managed programs for a variety of industries including defense, aviation, space, transportation, energy, manufacturing, construction, and medical devices.

“Safari Circuits is one of those rare companies where the innovative talents of the staff mesh perfectly with the leadership vision to deliver a high level of product quality and customer satisfaction,” said Nelson. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to join this firm at this point in my life, and I look forward to working with the staff and our customers to build on Safari’s legacy of excellence.”

Safari Circuits was founded in 1985 and serves clients in the medical, instrumentation, industrial, automotive, and military sectors. It employs more than 150 people. Waséyabek Development Company purchased the company in January 2021. WDC was formed by the NHBP Tribe with the purpose of diversifying its economic portfolio and supporting the long-term sustainability of the Tribe.

Bethany Harris Serves on Small Business Panel at the 2023 Women in Defense Small Business Summit

by Jordan Gunn | March 21, 2023 | News

Bethany Harris, Waséyabek’s Executive Vice President of 8(a) Business, was invited to serve as a panelist at the 2023 Women in Defense – Michigan Chapter – Small business Summit. This is the Michigan’s Chapter second annual Summit, which will be held on March 21, 2023, at the GEM Theater in Detroit. Attendees will connect with Department of Defense leaders, cultivate relationships with primes, learn about opportunities for small business engagement, and discover how to stand out from competitors.

William Brooks named 2023 Notable West Michigan Lawyer by Crain’s/Grand Rapids Business Journal

by Jordan Gunn | March 20, 2023 | News

Grand Rapids Business Journal’s Notable West Michigan Lawyers recognizes members of the legal profession who are making their mark in the community in a variety of ways. All are attorneys, but each is contributing to West Michigan’s growth by using their legal expertise in areas beyond the office and courtroom. This year’s Notables “class” includes pro-bono champions, Tribal law experts, in-house legal counsel, trailblazers, and those who are comfortable on the national and international stages.

William “Bill” Brooks is a trusted advisor for Waséyabek Development Company (WDC) and FireKeepers Casino Hotel (FKCH), wholly-owned entities of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Indians (NHBP), and remains Special Counsel to NHBP after serving as its Chief Legal Officer. Mr. Brooks is recognized as a leader in Indian Country. During his 30+ year legal career, he has advised multiple Native American Tribes, and has played a key role in developing the legal framework for Tribal gaming, government structures, and economic diversification initiatives undertaken by his Tribal clients. What sets Mr. Brooks apart from other legal professionals is his knowledge of a wide range of subject matters under state/federal law as well as the nuances associated with federal Indian law, Native American legal systems, and Tribal governments.

In 2017, Mr. Brooks was awarded the Tecumseh Peacekeeping Award by State Bar of Michigan in recognition of his contributions to the advancement of the interests of Tribes and law in the State. In addition to his work with WDC & FKCH, he’s served as adjunct faculty at MSU School of Law, as Chair of the State Bar’s Standing Committee on Indian Law, and on the State Bar’s Indian Law Section.

NHBP Tribal Council Chair, Jamie Stuck, says “Bill Brooks is a trusted advisor, friend, and mentor; conducting himself with the highest level of professionalism and according to the Seven Grandfather Teachings.” Jamie added, “Bill has played a key role in rebuilding the NHBP Nation. He truly cares for our people and the future of our Tribe.”

West Michigan Tribal Economic Leader to Speak at Harvard University on Native American Business Operations

by Jordan Gunn | March 16, 2023 | News

Waséyabek Development Company (WDC) announced today that president and CEO Deidra Mitchell will appear as a guest lecturer at the prestigious Harvard-Kennedy School on March 24th.

Ms. Mitchell has served as WDC’s top executive since 2016. Under her leadership, WDC has implemented business practices consistent with the Harvard Project of American Indian Economic Development (“Harvard Project”). The model is considered one of the most successful approaches to economic development for Tribes, with the tenets of Sovereignty Matters, Culture Matters, Leadership Matters, and Institutions Matter, with an emphasis on separating Tribal politics from business decisions and day-to-day management.

“I’m honored to accept the invitation to speak to students at Harvard University about current trends and Waséyabek’s success in the Native American economic sector,” said Deidra Mitchell. “For us, the practices recommended by the Harvard Project are very consistent with the Tribal teachings of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians. Consequently, WDC is benefiting from the principles encouraged by both organizations.”

Ms. Mitchell will deliver her comments to students enrolled in Harvard’s Native Americans in the 21st Century – Nation Building II course. The class is led by Eric Henson, who is a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation and has been a research fellow/affiliate with the Harvard Project since 1998. Ms. Mitchell will focus her comments on the best practices employed by WDC, which have set the foundation for the company to grow from $0 revenue in 2017 to $75 million at the close of 2022.

“Waséyabek Development Company has embraced the practices outlined by the Harvard Project, implemented them within their organization and created a culture of positivity and growth,” said Mr. Henson. “Harvard students are fortunate to be able to hear about the real-world practical application of the Project’s principles from Ms. Mitchell.”

More than 30 undergraduate and graduate level students are expected to be present for the lecture.

“This invitation is a tremendous honor for Deidra and reflects the positive and productive impact she and the WDC team have had regarding our Tribe’s economic interests,” said Jamie Stuck, NHBP Tribal Council Chair. “When you consider that there are 574 federally-recognized Tribes in the United States and Harvard has chosen a representative from our Tribe’s economic team to present information to their students, well it really speaks to the value that Deidra and her team are bringing to the NHBP Tribal Members and to Indian Country, at large.”

WDC is one of the largest Native American economic development companies in Michigan. Its economic portfolio now includes 29 business entities, employing more than 400 people throughout its portfolio, and has investment interests in companies from coast-to-coast.