News - Waséyabek

Erika Weiss Honored With 40 Under 40 Distinction by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business

by Mason Nichols | October 8, 2024 | News

Bethany Harris - 40 Under 40 - Crain's Grand Rapids Business

Crain’s Grand Rapids Business announced Erika Weiss as an honoree for the 2024 class of 40 Under 40 recipients. Weiss serves as Waséyabek’s assistant general counsel and is a descendant of the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians. She also co-hosts the Tribal Economic Development podcast alongside Waséyabek President and CEO Deidra Mitchell.

In the Crain’s Grand Rapids Business article spotlighting the distinction, Weiss references Waséyabek’s mergers and acquisitions work as an incredibly rewarding experience due to the financial benefits generated for the Tribe.

“The funds we’re generating across the Waséyabek portfolio go to help the Tribe meet its budget goals and provide opportunities to Tribal Members,” she said. “It’s been really awesome to see.”

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Baker Engineering and Michigan Economic Development Corporation Collaborate to Spur Economic Growth in West Michigan

by Mason Nichols | October 1, 2024 | News

MEDC grant program powers new business development at innovative tech firm

Baker Engineering, a leader in power, propulsion and advanced technology solutions for aerospace, defense industry companies and government-contracting agencies, announced today it has added staffing and innovative manufacturing and research equipment as a result of a state grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

The company, which is owned by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) Tribe, obtained two grants totaling $158,800 from the MEDC’s Tribal Business Development Program. The grants were used to purchase workstations, manufacturing tools, technology updates, laboratory equipment, software and hardware used for naval command operations, and a state-of-the-art dynamometer for high-performance engine testing. With the increased production capabilities, Baker Engineering secured contracts with new customers, including the U.S. Coast Guard, requiring the addition of two new staff members.

“As a small business competing in the global power and propulsion industry, we need the latest equipment to meet the needs of our customers. However, that equipment can be costly, so we’re grateful to receive these two grants from the MEDC’s Tribal Business Development Program. They were essential in helping us to add equipment and staff, and subsequently drive new business growth for our firm.”

Luke Wackerle

President, Baker Engineering

Baker Engineering is based in Nunica, Michigan, and was founded in 1965. It specializes in custom propulsion solutions for military and commercial manned and unmanned systems. The company performs research, design, testing and manufacturing of combustion engines. Baker was purchased by Waséyabek Development Company in 2018. Waséyabek is the non-gaming economic development company of the NHBP.

“We’re thrilled to see how these targeted grants were used to spur economic growth in the West Michigan region,” said Tom Durkee, Project Manager of the MEDC Tribal Business Development Program. “Our goal is to be a resource for Michigan’s federally recognized Tribes, supporting them as they pursue economic sustainability through business growth and diversification. Our Tribal partners and our state’s overall economic ecosystem benefit when we work together to promote entrepreneurship in Indian Country.”

“Economic development is powered by investment, and that’s exactly what the MEDC Tribal Business Development Program grants provided to this Tribally-owned company. Indian Country is fortunate to have the MEDC as a partner as Michigan Tribes work to build greater economic sustainability and prosperity in our state.”

Deidra Mitchell

President & CEO, 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.

Waséyabek’s Portfolio Companies Target Bigger Share of Defense Industry Market at Annual Michigan Defense Expo

by Mason Nichols | April 22, 2024 | News

Providing Innovative Life–Cycle Solutions to Our Warfighters

Waséyabek Development Company, a leading economic development firm in Michigan’s Indian Country, will be out in force this week at the Michigan Defense Expo (MDEX) at Macomb Community College. During the event, the company will unveil Waséyabek Defense, a collection of Tribally owned small businesses providing deep expertise in new and innovative solutions for the military and other defense industry businesses. Four Waséyabek portfolio businesses, Baker Engineering, RSI Manufacturing, Safari Circuits, and recently acquired VES, make up Waséyabek Defense.

The annual expo known as MDEX is hosted by the Michigan Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) and is promoted as a premier Department of Defense (DoD) buy/supplier event. Waséyabek Defense’s engagement in this year’s event reflects its strategic commitment to increase new revenues for its Tribal owners.

“Our overarching mission is to identify and optimize new non-gaming revenue streams for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi,” said Deidra Mitchell, President & CEO of Waséyabek. “Securing federal contracts with the Department of Defense and other suppliers in the defense industry is a key part of our business strategy.”

With strong operational bases in both Maryland and Michigan, VES is already a trusted provider of integrated software solutions for the DoD, and is aiming to broaden its market share.

“Now that Waséyabek is our majority owner, we’re looking to optimize new business opportunities in Michigan with other portfolio companies. MDEX provides us a great venue to do that.”

Matthew Vidovich

CEO, VES

Baker Engineering, based in Nunica, Michigan, also has experience serving customers in the defense industry, primarily providing power and propulsion engineering and prototyping solutions. The company has been focused on designing propulsion elements that are lighter in weight and deliver greater range for military operations.

RSI Manufacturing of Muskegon, Michigan, and Safari Circuits, based in Otsego, Michigan, will be showcasing their engineering and manufacturing services at MDEX for the first time.

“We’re thrilled to have Waséyabek Defense at MDEX 2024,” said Misty Martin, NDIA Board Member and Chair of MDEX. “This event is critical because it facilitates direct conversations between DoD and defense industry leaders and the designers and engineers behind the industry’s latest cutting-edge technologies.”

“We’ve spent the past couple of years building out our portfolio to target the defense industry and federal contracting space. We’re now ready to provide a full set of life-cycle solutions to warfighters, regardless of the scale of the project.”

Bethany Harris

President, Waséyabek Federal Group

MDEX takes place April 23-25 at the Macomb Community College Expo Center at 14500 E. Twelve Mile Road in Warren. Waséyabek Defense companies will be stationed in booths H3-H8.

Harvard University Extends Honor to Leader of Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi

by Mason Nichols | April 12, 2024 | News

Harvard’s Kennedy School also extends speaking invitation to Waséyabek Development Company leader

Jamie Stuck, Chairperson of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) Tribe, joined a list of historical leaders as he was welcomed as a visiting dignitary by Harvard University and invited to sign the University’s Guest Book. The book contains hand-written signatures and messages from numerous distinguished leaders of many different nationalities, backgrounds, and beliefs including South African President Nelson Mandela, German President Angela Merkel, and Congressman John Lewis.

“To walk in the footsteps of world leaders and add the name of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi to this book was a tremendous honor for me as I represented our Tribal ancestors, current elders, and our brothers, sisters, children, and grandchildren. We’re the sixth Indigenous Tribe to sign this book in the past year, reflecting a tidal shift in recognizing Native American sovereignty and equality at Harvard University and throughout the United States.”

Jamie Stuck

Tribal Council Chair, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi

Harvard University regularly invites distinguished leaders to visit the campus and speak to classes, advancing educational enrichment for its students and furthering the impact of its curriculum.

“This invitation represents yet another important recognition for Indigenous people in this country,” said NHBP Tribal Council Vice Chairperson, Dorie Rios. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to be included in this historical ledger and share our proud and prosperous story with faculty, students, and visitors at this long-standing academic institution.”

In addition to Chairperson Stuck’s and Vice-Chairperson Rios’ visit, the leader of the NHBP economic development company spoke to faculty and students at the Harvard Kennedy School. Waséyabek Development Company President and CEO, Deidra Mitchell, provided insights to the Nation Building II: Native Americans in the Twenty-First Century class, headed up by Eric Henson, Director of the Ittapila Program for Nation Building and Outreach at Harvard. It’s the second consecutive year that Mitchell has addressed students at the university.

“It was a terrific experience. The students and faculty were welcoming and engaged which made for a compelling discussion about the realities facing Indigenous populations as they work to preserve their sovereignty and way of life. Harvard is fortunate to have someone with Professor Henson’s insights leading this important topic.”

Deidra Mitchell

President & CEO, Waséyabek Development Company

Professor Henson is a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation and since 1998 has been working with the Harvard Project on Indigenous Governance and Development (formerly known as the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development).

“The Waséyabek team has set the standard when it comes to incorporating the principals of the Harvard Project,” said Eric Henson. “The practices they employ in their strategic planning, work culture, and business development have taken root and resulted in tremendous growth and organizational success.”

Waséyabek is among the largest Native American non-gaming economic development companies in Michigan. Its portfolio now includes more than 30 business entities, including manufacturing, defense industry software integration, environmental solutions, real estate management, and transportation. Altogether, the portfolio companies employ more than 500 people, and are located throughout the contiguous United States.

Waséyabek Launches Tribal Economic Development Podcast

by Mason Nichols | February 27, 2024 | News

Over the course of its short history, Waséyabek has worked diligently to create a sustainable path forward for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi through economic diversification, revenue generation, and job creation. This pathway to success contains many valuable lessons learned. Tribal Economic Development, a new podcast launched in early 2024, aims to share those lessons in an engaging and meaningful way.

The podcast, which is co-hosted by Waséyabek team members Deidra Mitchell, president and CEO, and Erika Weiss, assistant general counsel, will cover a wide range of topics, including strategic planning, what it takes to kick off an economic development journey, working with your state’s economic development corporation, and more. Many of the episodes, which publish bi-monthly, will also feature special guests who will contribute to the discussion on these topics.

A major goal for the podcast is to provide valuable insight to other Tribes and companies seeking similar success in Indian Country, all while continuing to establish Waséyabek and the NHBP Tribe as leaders in this space.

“I’m hoping that by sharing our story, we can impart some wisdom, give some fresh ideas, help people avoid roadblocks, and really give a flavor of what it means to do economic diversification. That is part of our mission, to help other Tribes develop and help them along their journey in economic diversification, if we can.”

Deidra Mitchell

President and CEO, Waséyabek

Tribal Economic Development is currently available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Each new episode can also be accessed at waseyabek.com/podcast. We encourage you to leave a review of Tribal Economic Development on the platform of your choice, and to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode throughout 2024.