September 9-11, 2003 in Crystal City, VA.

Gila River Telecommunications, Inc. (GRTI) was presented with the 2003 National Technologies Award, an award presented for Outstanding Leadership & Achievement for Native Businesses. The National Indian Business Association’s (NIBA) presented the award at the 11th Annual Conference & Trade Show.

NIBA is a non-profit organization Established in 1992 to assist in the advancement of Native Business development by providing information, programs, and services specifically designed to address the unique needs of American Indian and Alaskan Native business owners, entrepreneurs and governments.

GRTI was nominated for its advancement in providing informational technologies as well as its continued involvement in addressing the need of telecommunication service on tribal lands at local, tribal and national levels.

GRTI has been recognized for its continued involvement and support of the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) and its Indian Telecom Initiative (ITI) Forum. GRTI is also an advocate of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and is an active participant of NCAI’s Telecommunications Sub Committee.

Robin Fohrenkam, former chairman of GRTI, accepted the award on behalf of GRTI. Mr. Fohrenkam stated that the employees of the company and the GRTI customers are the main contributors to the company’s 15 years of continued success.

In a recent interview with Pete Homer, President/CEO of NIBA, he spoke very highly of GRTI’s former Board of Directors and their efforts to promote telecommunications in Indian Country. He mentioned how GRTI is in the forefront of informational technology and their willingness to share information whenever possible.

GRTI is believed to be a business role model for Native American tribes that have visions in providing telecommunications services to their members. It is an honor for GRTI to be recognized at a national level and throughout Indian Country by NIBA for the work it has done for its Community members.

GRTI is 100% tribally owned and operated by the Gila River Indian Community. Established in 1988, GRTI has assisted in bringing the Enhanced Lifeline Program to reservations to increase phone service on underserved tribal lands. GRTI is currently 1 of 8 tribally owned companies in the United States and provides services such as residential and business phone service, Internet, DSL, cellular, web services and business phone systems.

Gila River Artist Market
Saturday November 29, 2003 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the Grand Lawn at Wild Horse Pass Resort. Click here to view the PDF Flyer.