The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

Island Mountain Development Group, the autonomous economic development arm of the Fort Belknap Indian Community, hosted a grand opening celebration of its Ecommerce Call Center last week in Hays.

The call center is a 5,200+ square foot state-of-the art facility equipped with a secure network infrastructure capable of high speed data transmission. The setting for the celebration was festive with tents, music, balloons, bouncy toys for the kids, a meal served early afternoon, tours of the new call center, traditional ceremonies of blessing and celebration and congratulatory speeches from tribal leaders and officials from around the state and nation.

Terry Brockie, who emceed the event from under a large event tent in front of the new call center building, welcomed guests and thanked tribal elder Ray Gone who performed a pipe ceremony at the beginning of the celebration. The new Ecommerce Call Center has been open for a time. Operations from the old call center in Hays, was moved and about 40 new employees are expected to be added during the next few months. Call center employees assist in loan verification and loan processing, all online.

Mark Azure, President of the Tribal Council at Fort Belknap, officially cut the ribbon stretched across the entrance to the new facility. An honor song was then sung to recognize the completion of the new building and the important role the business now plays in the Hay area as a major employer.

President Azure described the events leading to the completion of the building and the success of the call center as much like a 'made for the movies' series of events. He said, "In about 2008 we gave Michelle Fox, the CEO of Island Mountain Development, a set of keys to an empty building. She, with a great board, support from the community and enthusiastic employees, made it all happen."

Azure added, "We also did it right as a tribal council by letting Michelle and her group do it their way. I believe we can continue to grow. This is an example of how we can use our major resource, our people, to make things happen." He also thanked the employees for their efforts which he noted "has put Hays on the map."

Michelle Fox, the Chief Executive Officer of Island Development, said, "This call center business is an example of what can happen when people work together. We're using our inherent sovereign rights to create economic growth. It shows our tribe can successfully launch and operate a technical service business."

She shared a personal story, of her grandfather who started a loan business years ago, and noted, "Now we are seeing his vision come to pass." Pointing south and east, she said, "There will be an additional call center built over there. I'm very proud, today, to be a Gros Ventre woman."

Other remarks during the ceremony included greetings and congratulations from Island Mountain Board Chairman Jim Kennedy. He said, "We have created 'firsts' for many of our people. Achieving those first, are why we, as a board, work so hard to keep opportunities coming for our people." Greetings and congratulations were also read from U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Montana Governor Steve Bullock. Terry Brockie introduced tribal council members who were present, members of the Island Mountain Board, representatives from Montana state government and the businesses who use the call center.

Steve Edwards

Island Mountain Development Group, the autonomous economic development arm of the Fort Belknap Indian Community, hosted a celebration to officially open its new 5200+ square foot computerized call center. The new space will allow the hiring of 40 new employees over the next two fiscal quarters. A large crowd attended the afternoon celebration in old Hays.

Anne Boothe, Economic Development Specialist with Triangle Communications, presented a $5,000 check toward creation of a virtual training facility for employees of the Ecommerce Call Center. The grant came through Triangle from the Rural Broadband Association (NTCA). The purpose of the grant was to "make rural areas vibrant places in which to live and do business." Boothe said, "This grant recognizes the accomplishment of Island Mountain in using technology for rural economic development." Island Mountain will match the grant to build the virtual training facility.

Terry Brockie then announced, "As is part of our culture, to welcome and serve our guests, we will now serve lunch." The spread of food was out in front of the building, with the warm sunshine and a gentle breeze. Guests were also encouraged to enjoy tours of the new facility and see the inner workings of the business. It was a great day and a great event.

Congratulations to organizers of the celebration and to developers and employees of this new economic driver in the south part of the reservation. Well done.