Many of us work in areas where governmental entities, be they cities, counties and even states and countries work together with through voluntary non profit associations of government.

Where I live and work, in greater Houston, we have the Houston Galveston Area Council. It is the regional organization through which local governments consider issues and cooperate in solving area-wide problems.

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to sit down virtually with Rebecca Naragon, the economic development director for the United South and Eastern Tribes.

United South and Eastern Tribes, is exactly this, but for 33 Native American tribes.

I think that there are four takeaways from our conversation:

1. As Rebecca describes it, shopping local doesn't always mean purchasing products and services where you live, but can mean supporting your community, wherever they are.
2. Sometimes, the very act of just making a list of small business can be empowering for a community. Knowing that they're not alone, can be inspiring and uplifting for small entrepreneurs, and knowing that opportunities and resources are available in their community, can make others feel more connected.
3. Together with each other, we're more resilient, even in light of huge and radical changes, like we've experienced in the last year with COVID-19.
4. Finally - there's always light at the end of the tunnel in economic development.

Special Guest: Rebecca Naragon.

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Links:

• United South & Eastern Tribes Inc.
• Rebecca Naragon, MPA, CEcD — Rebecca's LinkedIn profile
• USET Tribal Enterprise Directory