By Cara Cowan Watts, Cherokee411.com
Photos attached by Cara Cowan Watts of Cherokee411.com.
TULSA, Okla. — The American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO) Tulsa Chapter gathered business owners, Tribal leaders, lenders, and economic development professionals Monday at River Spirit Casino Resort for its July Regional Economic Leadership Forum, focusing on State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) funding, grant resources, and capital pathways for businesses, Tribal entities, and nonprofit organizations across Oklahoma.
The luncheon drew a full room of attendees at River Spirit Casino Resort’s event center, representing a broad cross-section of Indian Country business and economic development interests from across Green Country. The program included a group recognition moment, with panelists and additional participants gathered on stage. Among those in attendance were Cherokee Nation citizen Cara Cowan Watts, representing both Tulsa Pier Drilling and Cherokee411.com, who holds individual AICCO Tulsa Chapter membership.
Panel and Discussion
The forum featured a panel moderated by Brad Willis, VP and Business Development Officer at First Fidelity Bank, who guided discussion on funding readiness, available resources, and economic opportunities throughout Oklahoma.
Marcenella “Marcy” LaFerr, Director of Kiowa Healing Ways for the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma, presented on grant opportunities, funding resources, and strategies to help organizations prepare for future funding cycles.
James Boggs, Regional President and Director of Tribal Banking Services at Blue Sky Bank, discussed the SSBCI, available lending resources, and how businesses can better position themselves to access capital.
Tyler Majors, Business Coach with The Strategy Group, shared strategic insight into SSBCI opportunities and practical approaches to help businesses prepare for funding and long-term growth.
Discussion topics included an SSBCI overview, grant resources for businesses and community organizations, documentation and funding readiness, business growth strategies, and updates on The Gathering Business Summit 2026 and AICCO committee initiatives.
Sponsors
The forum was sponsored by The Strategy Group and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. AICCO Tulsa Chapter recognized both sponsors for their continued investment in business growth, leadership development, and regional partnerships.
Lunch
River Spirit Casino Resort served spaghetti and meatballs, followed by chocolate chip bread pudding for dessert — a signature touch the venue is known for delivering at AICCO Tulsa Chapter events.
Leadership Transition
The luncheon also marked a leadership transition for the AICCO Tulsa Chapter. Scott Epperson, a Cherokee Nation citizen and Tulsa-area retiree and community volunteer, was appointed Chapter Treasurer, succeeding Les McGee, also a Cherokee Nation citizen, in the role. Epperson’s appointment was recognized at the event.
The AICCO Tulsa Chapter holds monthly Regional Economic Leadership Forums bringing together business owners, entrepreneurs, Tribal leaders, lenders, and community partners. For more information on upcoming events and membership, visit AICCO.org and look for the Tulsa Chapter events.
