AICCO members win BIG at annual REI Oklahoma event

Native Commerce News is sponsored by the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO), dedicated to expanding Indian Country commerce across the globe. 

Written By Rachael Schuit

(SHAWNEE, Okla.) It was an enchanting night of celebration, honoring a years’ worth of accomplishments, collaboration, and investment during REI Oklahoma’s Dream BIG Oklahoma Awards on October 10. 

REI Oklahoma helps people from all income and education levels start businesses, buy homes, and contribute to their communities and the economic development in the state of Oklahoma through free training and other resources. 

Businesses, individuals, and organizations that made a significant impact on economic development in Oklahoma were recognized at the annual Dream BIG event, held this year at the Grand Casino Resort, including three members of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO). 

AICCO State Board President Bailey Walker was awarded the Minority Business Center Partner of the Year. Walker has served as AICCO’s President since 2018. 

“Receiving the Minority Business Center Partner of the Year is not just an accolade; it's a powerful acknowledgment of the resilience, innovation, and potential that Native people bring to the economic landscape,” Bailey said. “It's a recognition of our determination to not only survive but to thrive, showcasing the immense strength of our heritage and the bright promise of our future."

AICCO is a nonprofit organization that serves as a business advocacy and support network for American Indian-owned businesses and tribal enterprises in the state of Oklahoma. Its mission is to foster economic development, entrepreneurship, and growth within the Native business community.

Chloeta, one of more than 200 registered AICCO Native Businesses, was awarded the REI Minority Business Center Client of the Year award at this year’s Dream BIG Oklahoma event. Based in Oklahoma City,  Chloeta assists government and federal clients with services relating to aviation, healthcare, and emergency management. 

Susan Dean, Minority Business Center Program Manager at REI Oklahoma, personally works with Walker and Chloeta, and also serves on the AICCO State Board.  

“I was overjoyed to participate in Dream BIG, where REI invests in our partnerships like AICCO that have positive impacts on our clients,” Dean said. “And to know that we have been doing this in Indian Country for 42 years.” 

Mvskoke Fund, an AICCO Tribal Member, was awarded the REI Women’s Business Center Partner of the year, following numerous collaborative events within their combined networks. 

With focuses on economic and community development through training and lending, Mvskoke Fund plays a crucial role in addressing the business needs of not only Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizens but any tribal members living on the reservation. 

Organizers said the money raised at Dream Big Oklahoma will go toward REI programs that help Oklahomans start businesses or purchase homes. 

“REI Oklahoma is not only building our state’s economy, but we are also helping our fellow Oklahomans build a better tomorrow,” REI Oklahoma president and CEO Scott Dewald said. “We are here and ready to serve those in rural and urban communities who have a vision of creating economic security for themselves and their families. On behalf of our board, staffand sponsors, we congratulate all of our award winners.”

REI Oklahoma announced they will be sharing the videos presented at Dream BIG Oklahoma celebrating this year’s winners on social media over the next several weeks.