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TCSA NEWSLETTER

Fall 2021

RESCHEDULING THE SEPTEMBER MEETING

It's with more than a little disappointment that we're writing to let you know that the meeting on September 22 and 23 has been postponed.

WHY THE CHANGE?

COVID cases and hospitalizations are increasing across the state of Washington, showing that our hard-won recovery is being seriously challenged by the delta variant. In the last 30 days, only 8 counties in the state have seen case increases of less than 100%. In light of this trend, we feel it would be unwise to hold an in-person meeting in Washington next month.

WHAT'S NEXT?

We are very excited about the lineup of speakers and the topic of Attracting & Retaining Your Star Employees. Our speakers have graciously agreed to appear at our January meeting. Due to online meeting fatigue, we are committed to finding a way to meet in person again.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

If you have made hotel accommodations, these will be canceled automatically, and the guest will be refunded their deposit. Once the January event opens, you can make a new reservation at that time.

TABLE RESERVATIONS

If you have booked a table at the trade show, please let me know if you would like a credit for the January trade show, or if you would like a refund. If a refund, let me know with whom to make the check payable and where to mail it.

TCSA'S SEPTEMBER WEBINAR:

THRIVING THROUGH CHANGE

Join your fellow tribes for another TCSA webinar!

“There is one constant in life, and it is change.”

As changes occur with greater frequency in our lives, many people lose focus and therefore lose confidence and productivity. Those who learn to adapt to the changing culture and environment, have less stress and become more effective at accomplishing their tasks.

This training will cover:

• Learn ways that people respond to change and analyze their status.
• Recognize how changes impacts their performance.
• Discover the strengths needed to cope with change.
• Gain skill in communicating under the pressure of change.
• Recognize the difference between an unplanned change (crisis) and a scheduled change and learn the different steps to navigate each.
• Learn the secret of staying calm and managing your emotions and the emotions of others around you during periods of change.
• Learn how to stay focused on priorities and create strategies to get through the change.
• Develop a plan for navigating through the period of change.
• Create a communication plan for the various groups/audiences affected by the change.
• Acquire skills in planning the rollout of a program or process change.
• Understand the basic steps of crisis management.
• Learn to become a change agent to lead others through the change

When: Wednesday, September 29, 2021, from 

10:30am - 12:00pm.  Add to your Calendar!

Presented by: Robin Underwood, KSA Dynamics

As an international speaker, trainer, and executive coach for 20+ years, Robin Underwood has taught in the field of education, government, health care, sales, marketing, event planning, media, and hospitality to a variety of industries, including professional organizations, hospitals, construction companies, and numerous individual clients. 

Read More.

Cost: FREE to TCSA members and sponsors.

Non-Member - $100/per person.

Limit: Registration is open to the first 50 attendees. 

Register: Click here to register or the button below!

NACS 2021 TCSA MIXER:

OCTOBER 7 | 4- 6:00PM

After a long day at NACS 2021, you’re invited to the TCSA mixer – an informal opportunity to network with tribal c-store leaders and learn about the only c-store association serving the tribal segment.

Fatpour Tap Works - McCormick

2206 S Indiana Ave

Chicago IL 60616

NATIONAL AMERICAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION COALITION:

UST INSPECTION TRIBAL PROGRAM

EPA wrote this booklet for owners and operators of underground storage tanks (USTs).

This booklet describes the 2015 revised federal UST regulation. Many states and territories (referred to as states in this booklet) have state program approval from EPA. To find a list of states with state program approval, see www.epa.gov/ust/state-underground-storage-tank-ustprograms.

If your UST systems are located in a state with state program approval, your requirements may be different from those identified in this booklet. To find information about your state’s UST regulation, contact your implementing agency or visit its website. You can find links to state UST websites at www.epa.gov/ust/underground-storage-tank-ust-contacts#states.

If your UST systems are located in a state without state program approval, both the requirements in this booklet and the state requirements apply to you. If your UST systems are located in Indian country, the requirements in this booklet apply to you.

Consultation Opportunity: Proposed Tribal UST Compliance Pilot

Webinar September 1, 2021 4pm EST

EPA is reinitiating consultation and coordination with federally recognized Indian tribes on a proposed pilot (Pilot) to improve compliance at underground storage tanks (UST) in Indian country. EPA initially launched consultation on this Pilot with federally recognized Indian tribes in August 2020. The Agency paused the consultation in September 2020, in response to concerns raised during consultation and other coordination calls about how the impacts of COVID-19 were affecting the ability of many tribes to effectively participate in this consultation opportunity. The attached letter is reinitiating this consultation and coordination opportunity. The proposed Pilot is designed to facilitate the EPA’s communications with tribes about UST inspections, compliance assistance, noncompliance, and civil enforcement. In addition, it will enable the Agency to more timely address noncompliance by simplifying the use of expedited enforcement tools that are used widely in the UST compliance program.

EPA will host its second tribal webinar on September 1, 4:00-5:30 pm ET.

Part I: Learn about the proposal and ask questions.

Part II: Provide comments and consultation opportunities.

Dial: 202-991-0477, Conference ID: 372 892 563#

Participate by Video: Join Microsoft Team Meeting

The consultation materials and details about how to join the webinars are available on EPA’s Tribal Consultation Opportunities Tracking System website. Tribes will have until September 30, 2021, to provide comments on this proposed action.

For any questions, please contact Carol Holmes or Jonathan Binder with the Office of Civil Enforcement by phone at 202-564-8709 (Carol) or 202-564-2516 (Jonathan), or by email at holmes.carol@epa.gov or binder.jonathan@epa.gov.

JANUARY MEETING:

ATTRACT & RETAIN YOUR STAR EMPLOYEES

Do you have hidden talent on your team, but you're not sure how to find it? Maybe you know who you're all-star employees are, but you're not sure how to support them. Join us for a powerful day of information and tools.

Event Description

The industry talks about employee engagement, but what does that mean and how do we use that information to retain our star employees? 123 million workers (1 out of 3) in the United States are not engaged at work, killing service to your customers, reducing productivity, and affecting profitability. We will provide you with the tools to take you from where you are today, to where you need to be. Drive apathy from your organization and create a workforce that is motivated to want to come to work each day. Here are some of the topics covered:

• Identifying pain points
• Aligning your workforce
• Top engagement opportunities
• Building independence, not dependence
• Leadership behaviors that build and erode trust

Member Mixer (1/19 @ 5:00 pm)

Talking Cedar (Grand Mound, WA)

Member Meeting (1/20 @ 9:00 am)

Great Wolf Lodge (Grand Mound, WA)

$250 Raffle

The details are coming, but you won't want to miss your opportunity to win $250. Stay tuned!

Hotel Suites

Call Reservations 866-941-9653 and reference our Group Code: 2201TCSA.

Cutoff date: December 20, so book early! Family Suite - $119 plus tax per night

JANUARY TRADESHOW:

NEW! The board has decided to open the tradeshow to all businesses to showcase their products in our 6th annual Vendor Tradeshow!

Once again, all Native-owned and operated businesses are welcome to participate at the same fee of $250. All other businesses are welcome for a fee of $1,000.



Space is limited and will be filled on a first-come-first-served basis. The 8' table includes two representatives.

This is a great opportunity to share your products and services with tribal retailers who are proud to serve our communities.

Hotel Suites

Call Reservations 866-941-9653 and reference our Group Code: 2201TCSA.

Cutoff date: December 20, so book early! Family Suite - $119 plus tax per night

JANUARY TRAFFICKING TRAINING:

Learn how the Convenience Stores Against Trafficking (CSAT) program provided by the national nonprofit, IN OUR BACKYARD, offers no-cost training for store employees and provides important educational tools that empower your team to recognize the signs and safely report possible human trafficking situations. The CSAT program benefits convenience stores and their communities by promoting goodwill, improving store and customer safety, and increases customer loyalty.  

Many survivors of human trafficking say they were brought to convenience stores every day while being exploited. Late hours of operation, public restrooms, and selling merchandise for basic needs, uniquely positions convenience store employees to watch for and report signs and patterns of human trafficking. By joining CSAT you can help save lives and make your community a safer place.

ELECTION BALLOT:

2021-2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES

CHAIRPERSON POSITION

Bob Iyall

Employed, for the past seven years, by Medicine Creek Enterprise Corporation (MCEC) as Chief Executive Officer. MCEC is the Corporation that owns and manages Nisqually Markets for the Nisqually Indian Tribe.

Nisqually Markets joined TCSA to take advantage of networking opportunities with vendors and service providers in the convenience store industry. The training opportunities for our store managers and employees have proven quite valuable. Benchmarking studies, provided by TCSA, are valuable tools for evaluating our own organization, allowing us to determine areas we excel in and those that need improving.

I was a Secretary of the Board for several years but did not run for reelection in 2018 due to the demanding schedule associated with being a CEO of a large organization. With the passing of TCSA Chairman, Chris Richardson, the Board asked if I would sit in for the remainder of his term. My admiration for Chris and allegiance to the TCSA organization made it an easy decision to accept.

My wife Rhonda and I have three beautiful daughters and five wonderful grandchildren. I enjoy outdoor activities like golf, running, and watching our grandson’s football games.

My 2021 goal, for my 65th birthday, is to run a full marathon. Rhonda and I enjoy traveling to visit our grandchildren, who live on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

www.mc-ec.org

www.nisquallymarkets.com

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/

TREASURER POSITION

Charie Coulliette

I am the Retail General Manager for the Nisqually Markets. Nisqually has 6 locations, with 4 of them being fuel stations. I have been with the Markets since July of 2014. I am a part of the day-to-day operations and growing our current locations—exciting things to be done in the c-store industry and the economic growth for the Nisqually Tribe. 

I joined TCSA because I wanted to be a part of such a dynamic team. This platform has done amazing things for so many people, such as networking capabilities, providing an opportunity for vendor relationships, and sharing ideas from other members. The relationships I have formed have been a true blessing. 

I wanted to join the Board because I had seen a need for diversity, and after talking this over with Chris Richardson, he encouraged me to run. I want to learn from fellow members about what works and what does not work. How do we continue to provide educational material and stay relevant as c-store operators? Looking at new ways to improve are ever evolving. The passion that I had witnessed from other members was invigorating. 

I have two children that are my reason for challenging myself every day. I have a beautiful dog, Max! I love to attend Native tournaments and enjoy watching our Youth. I love to watch football and spend time with family and friends.  

Website: Nisquallymarkets.com LinkedIn- Charie Coulliette



Joel John

Experienced General Manager for Tribal Enterprise with more than a decade of work with the Yakama Nation, casino, gaming, and retail sales. Strong in budgeting, project management, protection of assets, and beginning the process for expansion activities.



Joel has amazing support of family and immensely proud of his pre-teen daughter. Family and Education has been a journey that never ends, especially from a 1st generation graduate and also a father to an only child. Throughout this walk of life Joel has learned that it is much easier to teach by demonstration and fully expect full participation in every facet of life and from the people that are surrounding.

AT-LARGE POSITIONS - 2 Open Positions

Mike Araiza

Mike, a Squaxin Island Tribal Member, has been the Skookum Creek Tobacco Company, Inc. (SCTC) General Manager for almost four years. As the G.M., Mike is tasked with overseeing cigarette manufacturing in all aspects, from raw materials contracts to production; quality control oversight and compliance coordination, to Sales fulfillment. Mike has helped lead, with his management team, unprecedented growth during the last four years. Increased efficiency, morale and sales have led to the most profitable time in the company’s history.

As the SCTC General Manager, Mike is part of the Executive Team for the Squaxin Island Tribal Businesses. Outside of tobacco, Mike gives back to his tribe by serving on the Board of Directors for the Squaxin Island Museum and Learning Resource Center (MLRC). Mike is serving as the Island Enterprises Inc. Incident Commander on the Squaxin Island Tribe’s Emergency Management Homeland Security Committee. Mike is also the coordinator for the Native American Economic Development Authority (NAEDA). Prior to Tobacco Manufacturing, Mike completed a 21-year career in Criminal Justice spanning two states, beginning with Juvenile Corrections, Adult Corrections, and ending in Law Enforcement. 

Mike has a passion for learning, sharing new ideas and looking at things in different ways. That has helped Mike be successful in the areas he has focused on. Mike encourages conversation with the end goal of sharing ideas, reaching common understanding and promoting success.

In his free time, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife, Lily and their three children, Miguel, Pika and Matt. Mike enjoys Camping and if he can get away, he is probably on a golf course nearby.



LinkedIn Profile



Matthew Robinson

Co-founder and Principal of KlasRobinson Q.E.D., Matt Robinson has been a consultant in Indian Country for almost 30 years, specializing in market research, feasibility analyses, and economic impact studies. With a background in planning and economic development, Mr. Robinson has specific expertise working on behalf of tribes on gaming, hospitality, commercial, residential and retail projects, including numerous gas station/convenience stores.  

KlasRobinson Q.E.D has worked with more than 250 different tribes throughout North America over the past two decades. Feasibility studies and other expert counseling provided by the principals of KlasRobinson Q.E.D. have been used to successfully attract over $20.0 billion in financing and investment from bank financing, capital leases, private placements, registered securities, and IPO's. 

Mr. Robinson served two terms on the Executive Board of the National Indian Gaming Association. Mr. Robinson is the recipient of NIGA’s 2010 “Outstanding Service Award”. He has also served on NIGA’s Spirit of Sovereignty Advisory Council.  

Mr. Robinson is a frequent speaker at national and regional conferences on issues related to feasibility, economic impact, and planning. He is a guest lecturer at colleges and universities including his alma mater Macalester College. Mr. Robinson is also a featured contributor to a variety of national trade publications including Indian Gaming Magazine and is often quoted in regional and national periodicals. 

Mr. Robinson has a Master’s degree in Planning with a secondary concentration in economic and community development from the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota. While at the Humphrey Institute, Mr. Robinson conducted research at the Tourism Center of the University of Minnesota, specializing in rural tourism development. He is a graduate of Macalester College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in three majors: Economics, Spanish and International Studies. During the 1988-89 academic year, he attended the Universidad De Complutense and the Institute of European Studies in Madrid, Spain. 

Mr. Robinson also has more than five years of operational and management experience working in various facets of the hospitality industry both at home and abroad. He is fluent in oral and written Spanish and is a member of La Sociedad Hispanica Sigma Delta of the National Spanish Honor Society. Mr. Robinson is also a member of Omicron Delta Epsilon of the National Economics Honor Society.



Alice Kassanavoid

Alice is a proud citizen of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma; she is also of Kiowa and Apache tribe descent. Ms. Kassanavoid is a 2016 graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Law with a Master’s Degree of Legal Studies in Indigenous Peoples Law and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma.  

Executive Summary

On December 8, 2020, she was elected as the Comanche Nation Business Committeeman #3. Ms. Kassanavoid previously served as the Chairman of the Comanche Nation Gaming Commission, from 2017 to 2020, she resigned from this position to accept the Business Committeeman #3 nomination.

Ms. Kassanavoid was appointed to the Comanche Nation Entertainment Gaming Board of Directors from May 2017 – October 2017 where she served as Chairman of the Board.

Ms. Kassanavoid has worked for Follett Higher Education Group for the last 14 years providing customer service, inventory management, and e-commerce sales. 

Community Service

Ms. Kassanavoid continues to volunteer her time for the past 10 years and has served on the Executive Board with the University of Oklahoma American Indian Alumni Society which supports the Browning Pipestem Scholarship Committee and annual Golf Fundraiser. 

Ms. Kassanavoid is an alumni member of the Alpha Chapter of the American Indian sorority, Gamma Delta Pi. She has served for the last two years on the Governance Board for Gamma Delta Pi. Ms. Kassanavoid worked with young ladies from Cameron University in expanding the sorority to their campus in 2020.   

As a member of the National Indian Education Association, she serves as a Parent Representative for the Native Educational Systems Committee for the past two years.  

Frank Black

Hello, my name is Frank Black and I am running for an “At-Large” Board position. I am currently the Retail Director for the Suquamish Tribe and supervise their three c-stores. I have been in this position for 11 years. I have been in the C-store arena for 40 years serving as site manager and district manager for several large companies. I also served as Retail Director for the Spokane Tribe before coming to Suquamish. I have previously served 3 terms as an “At-Large” board member and have remained active with the Board for the last couple of years. It would be a pleasure to again serve on the Board and help this organization continue to flourish and grow. I would greatly appreciate your vote.



Lesa Cashman

I work for Marine View Ventures (MVV), an economic development arm of the Puyallup Tribe, as Supply Chain Team Director. My journey, with MVV, began in May 2013. I was hired on as a Supply Chain Manager. In March of 2017, I was promoted to my current position of Supply Chain Director. I oversee the replenishment, promotions, inventory control, graphics, marketing, and distribution center daily operations.

I started attending TCSA events during 2013. During that time this group was called Tribal Summit Group (TSG) and was just starting to get their feet under them. Looking back, TCSA has grown leaps and bounds over the past eight years. Having the opportunity to attend these events has and continues to do so, helped me to grow professionally on many different levels. All my interactions, with TCSA members and events, have been motivating, empowering, challenging, and inspirational. I always find I am learning something new from TCSA members and educational seminars.

David Long, prior Board Member and still very active with the current Board, has encourage me to join the TCSA board. Giving David’s idea great though I decided I would like to join and be a part of a great team of diverse leaders. I am also genuinely interested in helping to select educational information for tribal c-store operators. I love to learn, and I love to help inspire creative and positive ideas that empower others. I believe that by joining the TCSA board I can do just that.



I am a mom of two amazing kids and very excited to say that I am soon to be a grandma. I have three fur babies with very unique and fun personalities. I’ve been married for six years and I couldn’t ask for a better life partner. He is amazing and very supportive in my never-ending quest to learn, experience and embrace life. When I do have free time, I love to find a quite area and get lost in a great book.



Tom Haas

Vice President of Operations for Wewinabi, Inc (Mille Laces Corporate Ventures Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) for the past year and a half for non-gaming small businesses. This portfolio includes Cinema, Grocery Store, Taco Johns, Subway, and C-stores. Prior to working here at Wewinabi, Inc. I worked for Travel Centers of America/Petro Stopping centers for 12 years with a vast portfolio from full-service restaurants, c-stores, QSR concepts to diesel repair shops. I recognize how powerful servant leadership is not only for our Band at large but for our communities as well. I really focus on Band member development and succession within our portfolio with an emphasis on personal and professional growth. I was a recent recipient of our Servant Leadership Award during our MLCV Leadership Conference in May 2021, your direct reports nominate a candidate, I was completely taken away by this honor.  The Servant leadership role has really become my personal mission to grow not only for myself but everyone I interact with within our businesses. With over 25 years of experience, one of my talents is indeed a creative problem solver and can move on the fly with deep insight for solutions for various types of issues that can arise. Outside of my focus on small business growth and Band member empowerment I love spending time with my wife Tracy and our wing it style of going on adventures whether just up the street or across the country. 



Scott Allen

Scott is a veteran business executive and serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in sales and business development. Direct experience in taking over 50 new consumer products to market, building partnerships, and developing corporate strategies. Significant experience in identifying and securing new business opportunities through analysis of market characteristics and trends. An outstanding blend of sales, marketing, and leadership experience.



Goals for TSCA:

Every day I talk with tribes from all over the country and I would like to help grow the TCSA membership base to include tribes from across the country. To date, most of the new tribes that have joined in the past year are ones I have encouraged. I also believe there is strength in numbers and I genuinely believe in TCSA’s motto “Tribes helping Tribes.” As an example, most tribes use First Data for credit card processing and have a negotiated rate based on just their tribe’s sales. My idea is for TCSA as an organization to negotiate a special “TCSA Rate” where every TCSA member tribal business would get a 10% discount off of their existing rate from First Data. I know that grocery wholesalers have negotiated these special deals for their members. With the blessing of the TCSA Board, I would like to work on this project. I really have enjoyed my experience in attending TCSA events and hope to serve TCSA in any way I can to help strengthen the Tribal C-Store industry. 



Kathy Frazier

1998 – 2003 worked as an Executive Account Manager for a Benefit Broker.

2003 to Current - I Started my own Agency, Frazier Benefits Group, LLC – Broker/Consultant specializing in Employee Benefits for companies.

2008- 2016 - served on the Board of Directors for Willapa Bay Enterprises as Secretary/Treasurer for Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe (tribal member).

2004 – 2018 – Member of our Industry Association for Brokers & Consultants, Tri-County Association of Health Underwriters.

2015-2018 – President of our local Chapter for 3 years, Tri-County Association of Health Underwriters.

2017 – Volunteered at the SW Washington Humane Society

2021 – Volunteering at the SW Washington Humane Society

During my time on the Board of Directors for WBE, I was very involved with getting our C-Store up and going and appreciated that we had a resource like TCSA to help us out. I was an active member of the TCSA since 2009 and enjoyed the collaboration with other tribes that had experience and knowledge to share in this new space for our tribal c-store. I made some great friends along the way and l enjoy serving on boards that come together to share ideas and support one another. 



“The quality, not longevity, of one’s life is what is important” Martin Luther King, Jr.



Tina Kennedy

Education: Erie Community College – Major: Business

1996-1998 – Course Work

Employment:

2007 – 2021 Owner of Seneka Smoke Shop and TDK Enterprises

CEO of Grand Center Station (convenience store)

Started own business for the above. TDK Enterprises is comprised of a Rental Management Company holding 18 homes that were purchased and renovated.

Seneka Smoke Shop is a company selling cigarettes, tobacco, cigars, CBD Products, and a large gift shop. Responsible for the daily operation of my company plus management of the convenience store to operate profitably and organizationally stable. Employment and oversight of administrative staff of three and store staff of eleven. Teamwork is very important as it prohibits constant turnover.

2004 – 2007 Western Door Enterprises, Executive Assistant to the President

Duties included Retail Store Office Management, Rental Management. Handled Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable. Insured daily inventory was accurate as well as daily receipts. Oversight of Administrative Staff.

1998 – 2000 – Phoenix AZ -Worked as a property manager assistant at an apartment building

1992 – 1998 – Bureau of Indian Affairs – Washington DC

Administrative Assistant in the area of Labor Relations and transferred to the Forestry Department.

1988-1992 – Seneca Nation Economic Development Company – Loan Officer



Volunteer:  Active in non-profit volunteer group dedicated to holistic healing. Native American healing is essential in today’s society among Native people who endure mental health issues as an alternative to pharmaceutical medicine for healing.  



Curtis G. Elkshoulder, Jr

Northern Cheyenne

Northern Cheyenne Reservation, Montana

Born in Montana and raised on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation my name is, Curtis Elkshoulder, Jr I am a 32-year-old member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe living and working on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in southeastern Montana. I am a devoted father of four, 3 girls and 1 boy, and husband to my wife for 11 years. 

I have a Bachelor of Sciences in Criminal Justice and Human Service. I’ve been working for the Northern Cheyenne Development Corporation since 2019; starting as an Administrative Assistant to the CEO moving my way up the ladder to management in early 2020, which was a very challenging year on account of the global pandemic, COVID-19; through proper planning of fiscal and general operations, our store persevered, and we were able to create more jobs for our community and tribal members, rather than have to reduce workforce by laying staff off and taking incomes from families. I also serve as the District 2 Representative for the Tongue River Electrical Cooperative, Inc. Board of Directors. 

As a Business Entrepreneur and Retail Manager, I’ve learned a variety of things to help me become a better customer service professional and strengthen my abilities as a manager and leader for my staff and community.

To be able to serve as the Member-At-Large on the TCSA Board would enable me to broaden not only my network but gain additional skills and abilities to better serve my community and staff.  



Maria Aldana

Agua Caliente Fuel Station



Tribal Convenience Store Association | www.tribalcstores.org