TISHOMINGO, Okla. (OBV) – The governor of the Chickasaw Nation highlighted the tribe’s business growth in his State of the Nation Address, attributing growth to business diversification and economic development efforts.
Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby delivered his State of the Nation address on Saturday at Aiitafama’ Ishto (Large Gathering Place).
The Chickasaw Nation ratified its constitution 40 years ago, and Anoatubby took time to reflect upon the tribe’s progress in those four decades.
“The 40th anniversary of our constitution is a celebration of our foundation, the very foundation from which we have collectively built the modern Chickasaw Nation,” said Anoatubby, who said the tribe’s growth and success since 1983 largely comes “from the deeply rooted commitment, passion and resilience of our people.”
The Chickasaw Nation’s business portfolio from the past 40 years includes funding for over 200 programs and services, including education, health care, housing, aging, veterans and more.
Anoatubby said the tribe’s business diversification and economic development efforts have led to new jobs and financial benefits for tribal members and neighbors throughout the state.
“Our diversification strategy has clearly produced strong results, and we want that to continue,” Anoatubby said.
The Chickasaw Nation operates more than 100 successful businesses across many sectors, including gaming, hospitality, banking, manufacturing, chocolate and other industries, directly employing over 14,000 workers.
Chickasaw Nation net assets in fiscal year 2023 were 11 percent higher than FY 2022’s net assets, and business revenues rose to more than $1.5 billion.
“Our businesses achieved record-setting revenues again this year,” Anoatubby said.
The tribe used its capital gains to invest in new ventures in 2023, including an anchor investment in Good Springs Capital, LLP, which invests in profitable founder and entrepreneur-led companies with high sustained growth potential. Anoatubby said investing in Good Springs Capital represents the next step in facilitating future economic diversification.
A news release from the tribe also highlighted the Norman-based Chickasaw Nation Industries (CNI) – a federally chartered corporation owned by the Chickasaw Nation. CNI operations include both commercial and federal lines of business. It has experienced continued revenue growth and profitability. It recently purchased Washington Business Dynamics, a consulting firm, according to the news release.
Anoatubby spotlighted a host of new Chickasaw commercial developments, including the opening of West Bay Resort, Kingston, and significant additions at WinStar World Resort, Thackerville. Construction is ongoing at the OKANA resort hotel, located in the Horizons District near the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City.
“The incredible success of our businesses enables us to accelerate the execution of our long-term, economic diversification plans and will result in increased funding for tribal programs and services,” Anoatubby said.
The Chickasaw Nation contributes more than $5.5 billion to Oklahoma’s economy each year, supporting more than 34,400 jobs and $1.8 billion in wages and benefits, according to Chickasaw officials.
