Oklahoma’s Lt. Governor Askins Tours Cherokee Nation Industries
Oklahoma’s Lt. Gov. Jari Askins tours Cherokee Nation Industries facilities in Stilwell with Bryan Collins, chief executive officer, and Wayne Stockton, vice-president of aerospace and defense. Askins was there to learn more about Cherokee Nation Industries’ contributions to aerospace and other industries.
STILWELL, Okla. – Oklahoma’s Lt. Gov. Jari Askins discussed economic development in Stilwell Friday, while touring the Cherokee Nation’s first commercial enterprise, Cherokee Nation Industries. Founded in 1969 as a small, rural business to employ Cherokees and generate revenue for the Cherokee Nation, CNI has grown into a company with global connections.
“Part of my being here is knowing that there is something more than what is understood in Oklahoma City about what tribal governments do,” Askins said.
CNI was established nearly 40 years ago to serve as an economic engine for the Cherokee Nation. Growing from a small assembly business in 1969 into a very diverse business portfolio, CNI has created hundreds of employment opportunities. CNI’s portfolio contains specializations in aerospace and defense manufacturing, construction, telecommunications, distribution, and personnel services, and they provide their services to some of the world’s largest organizations in those respective industries.
“You are doing things here that no one else is doing, and we have to keep promoting that,” said Askins. “Making the State of Oklahoma, policy makers, and people who don’t live in the eastern side of the state aware of what kind of economic development opportunities you all are providing that are manufacturing jobs--high paying jobs that are well over the average income for this area--will be significant in creating partnerships.”
“Our business has grown and diversified into a much larger, successful operation,” said Bryan Collins, chief executive officer for CNI. “I think our success comes from being a small, Cherokee-owned company that is focused on creating jobs and supporting our local community.”
In May 2007, Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry named Lt. Gov. Askins as Oklahoma’s Small Business Advocate; in this role Askins will provide assistance of every manner to all small businesses in Oklahoma. This is just one role of Oklahoma’s 15th Lieutenant Governor. Askins is active in Oklahoma’s economic development projects and supports legislation that provides greater hope and opportunities for Oklahoma’s citizens.
“It was great to have Lt. Gov. Askins here in the heart of the Cherokee Nation,” Collins said. “As a tribal enterprise, it is nice to get to share the mission of our business enterprises and team with Oklahoma’s leadership to advance our common goals.”
For more information on Cherokee Nation Industries, visit the company’s Web site at www.cherokee-corp.com.