Our Annual Indian Country Affordable Housing & Economic Development Conference provides in-depth information on developing affordable housing and creating jobs using the Low Income Housing Tax Credit and New Markets Tax Credit programs. While my colleagues are preparing presentations, skits, speakers and panels, I have a different responsibility — the extras!
“What extras?” you ask. We’ll start with this year’s keynote speaker: Tatanka Means!
Means is an accomplished actor, comedian, entrepreneur and equality advocate from Chinle, Ariz., who represents the Oglala Lakota, Omaha and Navajo nations. He is the son of Russell Means, the influential member of the American Indian Movement in the 1960s and 1970s, and he follows in his father’s footsteps as an advocate for equality and advancement for Native Americans. Read more about him here.
Let’s move on to food and activities! We begin each conference with a welcome reception. Our 13th Annual will be held in our hometown, Kansas City. Kansas City is known for its barbeque – its delicious barbeque – and we’re going to sample some of the best. We will be catering in barbeque from three top restaurants and will be asking attendees to vote on their favorite. It’s a barbeque showdown! And just so we’re clear, you can’t have barbeque without all of the fixin’s — baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, fries and more!
We have also planned some fun optional activities. You can join in on a round of golf, tour the American Indian art collection at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, sing and dance at a night of dueling pianos at the Kansas City Power & Light District and enjoy the lights and sounds at the local Ameristar Casino. Check out the full agenda here.
Next, let’s talk attendee gifts. Our theme is KC. That’s your only hint. Did you really think I would spill the details about all of the gifts?
I am ready for September – I hope you are too! Register and join us!
One last note: I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank Wells Fargo, our 2013 Presenting Sponsor, for the support and participation.