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LAST UPDATED: Wednesday, January 28 2009
7:30 Registration/Breakfast/Exhibit Hall Opens [Preliminary Workshops 9:00-11:30] 8:45 CO-CHAIRS OPENING REMARKS Joseph Sinzer, Executive Vice President Corporate Development, MADISON GREY HOLDINGS, LLC
9:00 PRACTICAL ACCOUNTING AND PROCEDURES This panel will discuss key aspects to an organization’s accounting and financial reporting including the need for internal controls, corporate governance and communicating these concepts throughout the organization. You will hear about Tribes’ experiences in goal setting and building financial plans. Speakers will discuss successes and failures in Tribal Finance and Accounting. You will learn about solutions that Tribes can implement today to improve their internal controls and financial reporting processes. Moderator: Rachel Williams, CPA, CFE, KROLL, INC. Panelists: Dan Lynch, Chief Financial Officer, MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS Pete Magee, CPA, ACCUFUND, INC.
9:45 YOUR FINANCE TEAM: WHO ARE THE KEY PLAYERS? When the time comes for you to borrow, whether it be by issuing bonds or obtaining a loan from a commercial bank, you will need a good team of experts to help you negotiate the terms of the business deal, explain the legal issues, and draft and review transaction documents. Speakers will give you a step-by-step primer of who you need on your team and how to find them. This panel will also explore what your tribe should expect in the way of time, labor and expenses as the financing comes together. Moderator: Louis Frillman, President, GVA MARQUETTE ADVISORS Panelists: Dr. Gavin Clarkson, Assistant Professor, Native American Studies, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Brad Toner, Vice President, CONOVER INSURANCE Alan Gordon, SVP & Gaming Industry Manager, BANK OF AMERICA
10:30 Coffee Break in Exhibit Room 10:45 BORROWING BASICS This panel will provide an overview of financing options available to tribes. Legal and finance professionals will compare bank loans with other forms of financing such as issuing bonds. The goal of this panel is to provide a template for the more complex finance topics to come. Moderator: Melissa Robertson, Associate, ORRICK, HERRINGTON & SUTCLIFFE LLP Panelists: Jeanette Bettles, Vice President, MERRILL LYNCH & COMPANY Jim Williamson, Executive Vice President, AIG
11:30 Lunch in Exhibit Room 12:45 SIXTH SEMIANNUAL NATIVE AMERICAN FINANCE CONFERENCE BEGINS OPENING PRAYER Yavapai - Apache Nation WELCOMING REMARKS: CO-CHAIRS OPENING REMARKS Townsend Hyatt, Partner, ORRICK, HERRINGTON & SUTCLIFFE LLP Jamie Fullmer, Chairman, YAVAPAI - APACHE NATION
1:10 OPENING KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Deron Marquez, Former Tribal Chairman, SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
1:30 STATE OF THE NATIONS: TAKING THE NEXT STEP We will hear a roundtable discussion among tribal leaders about the ongoing threats to sovereignty. Are concessions being made in negotiating gaming compacts or intergovernmental agreements that jeopardize tribal sovereignty? What are ways tribes can act to preserve sovereignty? Moderator: Townsend Hyatt, Partner, ORRICK, HERRINGTON & SUTCLIFFE LLP Panelists: Jamie Fullmer, Chairman, YAVAPAI - APACHE NATION James Ransom, Chief, ST. REGIS MOHAWK TRIBE George Rivera, Governor, PUEBLO OF POJOAQUE
2:30 Refreshment Break in Exhibit Room 3:00 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: THE 2006 ELECTION IMPACT The Democratic Party has control of both Houses of Congress for the first time in 12 years. How will the change in leadership and philosophy affect Indian Country? This roundtable discussion will examine some key legislative issues with the potential to affect Native Americans, including off-reservation gaming and how federal labor laws apply to Indian tribes. Moderator: Philip Recht, Partner, MAYER, BROWN, ROWE & MAW LLP Panelists: John Dossett, General Counsel, NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AMERICAN INDIANS John Tahsuda, Former Minority Staff Director, UNITED STATES SENATE COMMITTEE ON INDIAN AFFAIRS John Harte, Former Consultant, NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING ASSOCIATION
4:00 IRS UPDATE: THE IMPACT ON INDIAN COUNTRY This panel will provide an update on IRS activity in Indian Country, including litigation update, private letter rulings, and newly proposed regulations from the Treasury Department regarding tax-exempt financing for “essential governmental functions”. Speakers will discuss the implications of the proposed regulations for future efforts to issue tax-exempt debt in Indian Country. Moderator: Dr. Gavin Clarkson, Assistant Professor, Native American Studies, UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN Panelists: Raymond Etcitty, Chief Legislative Counsel, NAVAJO NATION OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL Cliff Gannett, Director, Tax Exempt Bonds, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (IRS) Don Sampson, Executive Director, CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE UMATILLA RESERVATION Mark Scott, Partner, VINSON & ELKINS, LLP
5:15 Cocktail Reception LAST UPDATED: Friday, February 16 2007
7:30 Registration/Breakfast/Exhibit Hall Opens -A- 8:30 DUE DILIGENCE WHEN FINANCING WITH BONDS Large-scale capital projects often call for a need to issue bonds. This panel will examine the nature of bonds, the questions you need to ask when approaching a bond issue, i.e. what to expect in dealing with the tribe's auditors, the organizational elements that need to be in place, and the due diligence a tribe should do to insure a properly executed deal to the Tribe's best advantage. Moderator: Frank Reddick, Partner, AKIN GUMP STRAUSS HAUER & FELD LLP Panelists: Leonardo Fernandez, Executive Director, CIBC WORLD MARKETS Aaron Harkins, Associate, FAEGRE & BENSON Robert Hunter, General Counsel, SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY Megan Neuburger, Director, FITCH RATINGS
-B- 8:30 THE IMPACT OF THE PENSION PROTECTION ACT ON TRIBAL RETIREMENT PLANS AND RETIREMENT READINESS This session will help you understand the many changes that will need to be implemented in 2007 with regard to your Tribal Retirement Plans. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 requires tribes to distinguish between the retirement plans they may offer an employee. The distinction is based on whether the tribes' enterprise is "governmental" or "commercial" in nature. You will learn your options in dealing with these changes and when they need to be implemented. In addition, Retirement Readiness is of the highest concern today by both retirement plan sponsors and plan participants. This panel will offer solutions in plan design, investment solutions and on-going monitoring to both reduce your fiduciary liability and increase employee retirement readiness. Moderator: Dr. Carlos E. Johnson, Senior Investment Banker, BOSC, INC. Panelists: Jennifer Carleton, Senior Staff Attorney, ONEIDA TRIBE OF INDIANS OF WISCONSIN Rodger Martinez, Plan Administrator, Navajo Nation Retirement Services, NAVAJO NATION Mary Schmidt, Vice President, WELLS FARGO & COMPANY
-C- 8:30 CREATING REVENUE THROUGH NON-GAMING ENTERPRISES While some tribes rely primarily on gaming as their main source of revenue, this is not an option for many tribes. Local communities and even tribal leaders may resist this method of generating revenue. So what are the alternatives? We will hear from tribal representatives who have found a variety of creative enterprises to generate revenue to support tribal government, as well as to provide employment opportunities for tribal members. They will discuss how they did it and why. Moderator: Mark Dvorchak, Principal, ECONOMICS RESEARCH ASSOCIATES Panelists: Jennifer Bryant, Chief Financial Officer, VIEJAS ENTERPRISES Diane Gange, CFO, JAMESTOWN S'KLALLAM TRIBE Arlan Melendez, Chairman, RENO-SPARKS INDIAN COMMUNITY Carroll Palmer, Administrative Director, CONFEDERATED TRIBES AND BANDS OF THE YAKAMA NATION
-A- 9:30 FINANCING INFRASTRUCTURE: HOW TO USE CREDIT ENHANCEMENT TO LEVERAGE FINANCING NEEDS This panel will provide an overview of options for entering the capital markets, giving specific examples of short-term, intermediate-term , and long-term options to fund capital projects with emphasis on how these work, how to procure them, what to watch out for, and getting the biggest ‘bang for the buck’. Moderator: Patrick Ray, Managing Partner, KUTAK ROCK LLP Panelists: Callie Catcher, Treasurer, CHEROKEE NATION Jennifer Lerch, Director, ACA CAPITAL J.D. Colbert, President & CEO, NATIVE AMERICAN BANK
-B- 9:30 IMPORTANCE OF ESTABLISHING A MINORS & SENIORS TRUST Protecting future generations of tribal members is a goal of all tribes. Finding the right vehicles to provide financial security for the young and senior adult members is a process that requires the utmost attention. Hear from the professionals who provide these products and services, and how tribes are benefiting from investing in the future. Moderator: Keith Forslund, Senior Vice President, Investment Management, KEY PRIVATE BANK Panelists: Rene Steede-Pfeif, Associate Vice President, WACHOVIA SECURITIES Lynn Dee Rapp, Consultant, SEACREST INVESTMENT MANAGERS John Parrish, Acting Treasurer, SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY Susan White, Director, Oneida Trust Department, ONEIDA NATION WISCONSIN
-C- 9:30 THE ADVANTAGES OF CREATING A PRIVATE EQUITY PORTFOLIO This panel intends to address questions involving the advantages of creating a private equity portfolio – risk, returns, diversification and investment strategy. The panelists will discuss their experience in creating and managing a private equity portfolio. Which fund investments make the most sense for your tribe – fund of funds, buyout funds, distressed asset situational funds or venture capital funds? Which sectors do you want to have exposure to – energy, alternative energy, real estate, financial services, technology, life sciences, industrial companies, etc? What is your regional strategy - investing in United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Asia, South America, etc? Moderator: Joseph Sinzer, Executive Vice President Corporate Development, MADISON GREY HOLDINGS, LLC Panelists: Chris Gagnon, Managing Director, GLOBAL LEISURE CAPITAL PARTNERS LLC Lou Gerken, Founder, GERKEN CAPITAL John O'Connor, Managing Director, FORT WASHINGTON FUND OF FUNDS David Strickler, President, GF PRIVATE EQUITY GROUP, SOUTHERN UTE INDIAN TRIBE
10:30 Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall -A- 10:45 THE BUYERS PERSPECTIVE What parameters do investors study when determining an investment's value? Buyers of tribal debt will discuss how ratings, bond insurance, deal structure, term and yield affect investor appetite. The degree to which a tribe is willing to disclose financial information also influences the selling potential. We will also apply these same questions to the buyers who are active in the high-yield debt market. Do they require the same? Moderator: John Maxwell, Managing Director, MERRILL LYNCH Panelists: Mike Scerbo, Director, Corporate and Government Ratings, STANDARD & POOR'S Andrew Berg, Senior Investment Analyst, POST ADVISORY GROUP Tom Petrash, National Director, ORACLE
-B- 10:45 CURRENT INVESTMENT TRENDS: WHAT'S HOT IN THE MARKETPLACE? What are the innovations making some noise? We will hear from financial consultants on the latest market trends and in which sectors they think tribes should look into investing their capital. Moderator: Paul Bernstein, Corporate Counsel, HUGHES HUBBARD & REED, LLP Panelists: Jim Lanshe, CEO, MADISON GREY HOLDINGS, LLC Rob Barnard, Principal, STARK INVESTMENTS Tom Kushner, CFA, AIG
-C- 10:45 LEVERAGING FEDERAL AND STATE MONIES TO MEET THE HUMAN SERVICE NEEDS OF TRIBES Federal and State governments have plenty of grant and aid money to hand out. The key is knowing where to look for the money. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) are commonly known sources of federal aid, but what other options are available to tribes? This panel will describe some of the recent trends tribes can use to fund education, medical services, and housing needs through the use of leveraging entitlement funds. This topic will cover financing methods and approaches tribes are taking with respect to meeting the challenges of a growing populations’ social service need, as well as provide a brief overview of where to find grant, aid and loan monies. We will also discuss how the application process works and what you need to know after you receive the money Moderator: Jennifer Lerch, Director, ACA CAPITAL Panelists: Kent Richey, Partner, FAEGRE & BENSON Melissa Gower, Group Leader, Cherokee Nation Health Services, CHEROKEE NATION David Johnson, Acting Chief, Division of Capital Investment, US DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
-A- 11:45 FUNDING CASINO EXPANSION PROJECTS This session will discuss how your tribe can find monies to fund expansions, renovations and employee programs. This panel will focus on case studies showing what worked best for particular tribes and will identify funding sources and requirements to obtain such funding. Moderator: Dennis Bloch, Executive Vice President, WELLS FARGO & COMPANY Panelists: Bob Garcia, Economic Development Director, CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF COOS, LOWER UMPQUA AND SIUSLAW INDIANS Doug Goe, Partner, ORRICK, HERRINGTON & SUTCLIFFE LLP Allen Mosley, CEO, PUEBLO OF POJOAQUE
-B- 11:45 INVESTING IN HEDGE FUNDS While many tribes are trying to solidify their financial future with business diversification, some are beginning to recognize the value of alternative investing. We will hear how some tribes are investing in hedge funds and other investment strategies to deliver higher yields. Moderator: Jim Lanshe, CEO, MADISON GREY HOLDINGS, LLC Panelists: Rob Barnard, Principal, STARK INVESTMENTS Jason Siegel, Managing Director, RBC CAPITAL MARKETS Douglas O'Donnell, Vice President, WACHOVIA WEALTH MANAGEMENT
-C- 11:45 HOUSING: THE CONTINUING CRISIS Many tribes are still facing a severe housing shortage despite multiple government-led efforts to aid tribes such as Section 184 and the Title VI Tribal Housing Loan Guarantee Program. What has been done to alleviate the lack of housing and improve access to financing? What specific obstacles have tribes faced in securing housing financing and what are all the available financing options? Moderator: Bill Randolph, National Executive for Housing & Real Estate Development - Native American Financial Services, KEYBANK Panelists: Valerie White, Director, Corporate & Government Rating, STANDARD AND POOR'S Dan Duame, Executive Director, ALEUTIAN HOUSING AUTHORITY Andrea Dunyon, Loan Guarantee Specialist, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Ronald Boni, Executive Director, SAN CARLOS APACHE TRIBE HOUSING AUTHORITY
12:45 Lunch in the Exhibit Hall -A- 1:45 FINANCING IN A HIGH YIELD MARKET We will begin with a more thorough look at what constitutes High Yield financing. Then we will move to topics such as: What is the appetite for high leverage grade paper for institutional investors? What are the pros and cons for the Tribe? We will hear from investors and get their perspective on the benefits of high yield financing for Indian Country. Moderator: Dean Decker, Managing Director, Global Co-Head of Gaming Group, CREDIT SUISSE Panelists: Andrew Van Orden, Vice President, HY Desk, MERRILL LYNCH Ted Latty, Partner, HUGHES HUBBARD & REED, LLP Christine Swanick, Attorney, DORSEY & WHITNEY, LLP
-B- 1:45 WEALTH PRESERVATION AND INVESTING FOR THE LONG AND SHORT TERM The casino and Indian entrepreneurial boom have put many tribes in a position to amass significant wealth, and have created a need to focus on preservation of that wealth. We will hear from tribes who have been very successful in the use of investment techniques for the long term, government securities and other safe investments, and the short term, maximizing profits through riskier ventures, for more gain on their capital. Speakers will also discuss what percentage of your wealth you should invest in long and short-term strategies. Moderator: Arthur Q. Johnson, Portfolio Manager, SYCUAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC. Panelists: Joseph Hoon, Senior Vice President, BANK OF AMERICA Brian Zink, CFO, SOUTHERN UTE INDIAN TRIBE
-A- 2:30 PARTNERING WITH HOTEL CORPORATIONS High-end hotels are looking to expand onto reservations and casino resorts. What are the pros and cons for the both the hospitality industry and Indian Country? What are the legal issues involved in executing management contracts between tribes and private hospitality corporations? Speakers will discuss these issues and give examples of successful partnerships currently in existence. Moderator: Steve Sherf, Senior Vice President, GVA MARQUETTE ADVISORS Panelists: Rory Dilweg, Partner, HOLLAND & KNIGHT LLP Kimberly Lewis, General Manager, WILD HORSE PASS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Jana Werner, General Counsel, PUEBLO OF POJOAQUE
-B- 2:30 THE NUANCES OF INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE Many Tribes have successfully invested in real estate. However, it is a complex business requiring expert assistance. We will hear about the differences between real estate development and real estate management, securing investors, leasing, and developing projects on the reservation vs. off-reservation. Moderator: Richard Friedman, Partner, HUGHES HUBBARD & REED, LLP Panelists: Chris Kelley, Finance Director, VIEJAS ENTERPRISES Clay Sublett, Director, Real Estate Capital, KEYBANK Louis Frillman, President, GVA MARQUETTE ADVISORS
-C- 2:30 PUTTING FINANCIAL LITERACY IN YOUR TRIBE'S FUTURE: AN UPDATE A few Tribes have already implemented programs to support the financial literacy for their youth. How well have these programs worked? Is there room for improvement? What new program ideas are out there? We will hear from tribal leaders and from the financial institutions that have established these courses and learn more about these programs. Moderator: Rene Steede-Pfeif, Associate Vice President, WACHOVIA SECURITIES Panelists: Kent Hickman, Professor of Finance, GONZAGA UNIVERSITY Brian Yazzie, Director of Native American Services, BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER SCOTTSDALE
3:15 Refreshment Break in Exhibit Room 3:30 CO-CHAIR CONFERENCE RECAP Frank King, Managing Director of Native American Banking and Financial Services, MERRILL LYNCH & CO. 3:45 WALL STREET SUMMIT: THE FUTURE OF NATIVE AMERICAN FINANCE This roundtable discussion will feature senior management from the leading investment banking institutions in the country, including those bankers who saw the major financing opportunities of sovereign Indian nations and have helped bring the tribes' potential to fruition. They are also the leaders of an industry that can help carve a path for Native America and Wall Street well into the future. Moderator: Steven McSloy, Co-Chair, Native American Practice, HUGHES HUBBARD & REED, LLP Panelists: Frank King, Managing Director of Native American Bank, MERRILL LYNCH Kristi Jackson, Managing Director, BANK OF AMERICA Jacques Cornet, Managing Director, CIBC WORLD MARKETS David Berman, Managing Director, Global Co-Head of Gaming Group, CREDIT SUISSE Drew Goldman, Managing Director, DEUTSCHE BANK
5:00 PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE: INTERTRIBAL SYNERGY Today's tribal organizations function like a family of offices. Some of their roles and responsibilities include running the day-to-day business of the tribe, financial management and reporting, bringing new ideas to the tribe and executing a business plan. Like a family of offices they must think about asset protection, trusts, setting aside investment for infrastructure and create corporate structures onshore and offshore that facilitate investment and execution of active business. These structures should allow joint venture participation by other tribes or other investors. This panel will look at case studies and hear from tribal representatives on how their partnerships have created better opportunities for all involved. Moderator: Joseph Sinzer, Executive Vice President, Corporate Development, MADISON GREY HOLDINGS, LLP Panelists: John O'Neill, Director of External Development, Yavapai-Apache Gaming, YAVAPAI-APACHE NATION Allen Urban, Chief Finance Officer, SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS John McLeod, Senior Manager, International Services, RBC GLOBAL BANKING Matt Eden, Vice President, JP MORGAN
6:00 COCKTAIL RECEPTION LAST UPDATED: Friday, February 16 2007
8:00 Breakfast/Registration/Exhibit Hall Opens 8:30 CO-CHAIR CONFERENCE RECAP Bill Randolph, National Executive for Housing & Real Estate Development - Native American Financial Services, KEYBANK
8:45 PHILANTROPHY: GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY Tribes have used gaming revenue to build sufficient wealth to provide for the needs of their members. Now they are in the position give money to charitable organizations that help those in their communities and beyond. Speakers will discuss the various options available to tribes such as establishing tribal foundations, charitable remainder trusts and tribes pooling their money to fight common threats to tribal communities such as diabetes. Moderator: John McLeod, Senior Manager, International Services, RBC GLOBAL BANKING Panelists: Don Ragona, Director of Development, NATIVE AMERICAN RIGHTS FUND Michael Roberts, President, FIRST NATIONS DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE Elizabeth Slocum, Consultant, ONEIDA INDIAN NATION OF NEW YORK
9:45 TRIBAL SUCCESS STORIES PAST AND FUTURE: ENERGY This is the first panel in a series where we will hear from tribes who have found success through non-gaming enterprises. A number of tribes are developing energy resources as a means of revenue. We will hear from some of the more successful ones and their advisors and investors as they talk about their stories, how they started, where they are now and what they have planned for the future. Moderator: Bob Percopo, Senior Vice President, AIG Panelists: Thomas Apperson, Senior Advisor/Investment Banking, SPENCER CLARKE LLC Tracey Fischer, Attorney/Director, CHEYENNE RIVER SIOUX TRIBE Tracey LeBeau, Partner, RED MOUNTAIN TRIBAL ENERGY Jim Manion, General Manager, WARM SPRINGS POWER & WATER ENTEPRISES
10:45 TRIBAL SUCCESS STORIES: NATURAL RESOURCES This is the second in a series on tribes who have found success through non-gaming enterprises. Many tribes have taken advantage of the natural resources on their lands, such as timber, as a means of generating revenue. We will hear from some of the more successful ones and their investors as they talk about their stories, how they started, where they are now and what they have planned for the future. Moderator: Robert Likos, Senior Vice President, BANK OF AMERICA Panelists: Steve Andringa, Program Manager, YAKAMA NATION TRIBAL FORESTRY Levi Pesata, President, JICARILLA APACHE NATION
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