Cherokee Nation Businesses facts for kids
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| Tribal-Owned Enterprise | |
| Industry | Conglomerate |
| Founded | Tahlequah, Oklahoma, US (2004) |
| Founder | Cherokee Nation |
| Headquarters |
Catoosa, Oklahoma
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Area served
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Worldwide (Primarily United States) |
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Key people
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Bill John Baker (Executive Chairman) Chuck Garrett (CEO) |
| Revenue |  US$ 1.02 billion (2017) |
| US$ 114.3 million (2017) |
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Number of employees
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7,500 |
Cherokee Nation Businesses, LLC (CNB) is a large group of companies based in Catoosa, Oklahoma. It is owned entirely by the Cherokee Nation, which is the biggest Native American tribe in the United States. CNB manages many different types of businesses. These include areas like aerospace (things that fly), hotels and fun places, building and environmental services, computer technology, healthcare, and safety.
Contents
History of Cherokee Nation Businesses
How CNB Started
Cherokee Nation Businesses was created on June 16, 2004. It was set up to guide all the businesses owned by the Cherokee Nation. Its goal was to make the tribe's businesses more diverse. CNB also acts as a holding company, meaning it owns parts of other businesses.
When CNB started, a rule said that 25% of its profits had to go back to the Tribal Government. This money was like a payment to help fund the tribe's services.
Growing the Business Group
In 2005, a new law helped CNB become the main company for all the tribe's businesses. This included Cherokee Nation Entertainment (CNE) and Cherokee Nation Industries (CNI). CNE joined CNB in 2006, and CNI joined in 2008. Before this, these companies were owned directly by the Cherokee Nation.
In 2010, all the separate boards of directors for these companies became one single CNB board. That same year, the amount of profit CNB paid to the Tribal Government increased from 25% to 30%.
Expanding into New Areas
CNB started its Environmental and Construction Division in March 2005. This group helps with things like cleaning up the environment and managing building projects. They work for government groups and other companies. In 2008, they added Cherokee Nation Construction Services to help with managing construction.
In August 2008, CNB also grew its defense contracting work. They bought a company called Aerospace S.E., Inc. This company helps supply parts for the United States Department of Defense.
In 2010, CNB brought many of its support offices together in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This helped them work more efficiently.
Adding Security and Healthcare
CNB started its Security and Defense Division in July 2010. This division provides security services, like guards and surveillance. They also make electronic parts for the United States Department of Defense and the aerospace industry.
In November 2011, CNB expanded its Healthcare Division. They bought Mobility Plus, a company that supplies healthcare equipment. They also grew their Technology Division by buying two companies in Colorado. These companies offer technology project management and computer services to the government and other businesses.
Supporting Tribal Healthcare
In November 2011, the Cherokee Nation asked CNB to increase its annual payment to the Tribal Government again. It went from 30% to 35% of total profits. This extra 5% was specifically set aside to help pay for healthcare services for Cherokee citizens.
In March 2012, CNB sold its corporate airplane. The money from the sale, about $1.5 million, was given to the Cherokee Nation. This money also helped to fund healthcare services for tribal members.
How CNB is Managed
The leader of the Cherokee Nation, called the Principal Chief, chooses the people who serve on CNB's Board of Directors. The Tribal Council must approve these choices. The current Chairman of the Board is Sam Hart.
The chief executive officer (CEO) of CNB is Chuck Garrett. He became CEO in August 2019. Mr. Garrett is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. He worked in real estate and finance before joining CNB in 2013.
In the year ending September 30, 2011, CNB made a profit of $91.5 million from $653.5 million in sales.
What CNB's Businesses Do
CNB has several different groups of businesses.
Hospitality and Entertainment
This group manages CNB's hotels, casinos, and entertainment places. It operates through a main company called Cherokee Nation Entertainment (CNE). CNE runs ten casinos, three hotels, a horse racing track with electronic games, shops, and golf courses. They also have cultural tourism programs.
Some of the places CNE operates casinos in Oklahoma include:
- Tulsa (Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa)
- Fort Gibson
- Roland (Hotel and Casino)
- Ramona
- South Coffeyville
- Sallisaw
- Tahlequah
- West Siloam Springs (Hotel and Casino)
- Claremore (Will Rogers Downs)
- Grove
CNE also operates Gold Strike Tunica in Mississippi.
Manufacturing and Distribution
This group makes and supplies products for airplanes, defense, and telecommunications companies. They also provide office solutions. This division is a defense contractor for the United States Department of Defense.
Some of the companies in this group include:
- Cherokee Nation Aerospace and Defense (CNAD): Makes parts for commercial and military aircraft.
- Cherokee Nation Office Solutions (CNOS): Provides office products and services.
- Cherokee Nation Telecommunications (CNT): Sells communication products to governments and businesses.
Federal Solutions
CNB's Federal Solutions companies provide many services to the U.S. government. These include information technology, management, healthcare, and construction services. They also help manage projects and provide skilled staff.
Some examples of what these companies do:
- Cherokee Medical Services (CMS): Finds and places healthcare staff for government agencies.
- Cherokee Nation Assurance (CNA): Offers management and consulting for government programs, including health technology.
- Cherokee Nation Construction Resources (CNCR): Manages construction projects from planning to completion.
- Cherokee Nation Environmental Solutions (CNES): Helps with environmental services like soil testing and waste management.
- Cherokee Nation Government Solutions (CNGS): Provides technical staff for government projects in areas like science and engineering.
- Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs (CNSP): Offers technical services like information technology and security assessments.
Real Estate
This group, mainly through Cherokee Nation Property Management (CNPM), manages and develops properties. They handle buying, selling, and leasing buildings. They manage over 3 million square feet of property.
Security and Defense
This group provides security services and products to businesses and governments. They also work as a defense contractor for the United States Department of Defense. They help with things like protecting important sites and making parts for aviation weapon systems.
Environmental and Construction
This group helps clients with environmental and construction projects. They manage projects, focusing on engineering, scheduling, and safety.
Some companies in this group are:
- Cherokee CRC: Provides consulting and engineering services, especially in aerospace, construction, and environmental areas.
- Cherokee Nation Construction Services (CNCS): Offers general contracting and construction management.
Technology
CNB's Technology Division provides many IT services and solutions. They focus on information technology, supporting missions, and research and development.
Some companies in this group include:
- Cherokee Services Group (CSG): Provides IT and business support services, like software development.
- Cherokee Nation Technologies (CNT): Offers professional services to businesses.
Cultural & Economic Development
This group focuses on promoting Cherokee culture and helping the economy grow.
- Visit Cherokee Nation: Operates 6 museums.
- Osiyo, Voices of the Cherokee People: A documentary television series.
- Cherokee Springs Plaza
- Cherokee Nation Film Office
Renewable Energy Projects
CNB has also worked on renewable energy projects. In December 2011, the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council approved CNB to seek funding to build a hydroelectric dam. This dam was expected to be completed by 2015 and generate millions of dollars each year.
In December 2012, CNB also planned to build a wind energy farm. This project received financial support from the United States Department of Energy. Once built, the wind farm was expected to generate millions of dollars in annual revenue for CNB.
See also
