Tribal Industrial Arm Delivers $500 K Distribution to Leaders

(ANADARKO, OK-) A check for one half of a million dollars was presented to the Wichita and Affiliated Tribe's leaders Friday, August 28^th, 2020, as a disbursement to the tribe from the Wichita Tribe Industrial Development Commission (WTIDC), the industrial division of the 3,300-member tribe said.

The $500,000 check is part of the WTIDC board's economic contribution to the Tribe for various operations. Members of the WTIDC board and staff were on hand to present the check to tribal leaders at the Wichita tribal administration office.

Cynthia Billy, WTIDC executive director, said they are honored and excited to be able to help the Tribe through the works of its economic development.

"If feels really good to be able to do this for the Wichita people," she said. "We hope to continue to make this kind of contribution."

The monies are one part of the WTIDC's economic pitch-in to help Wichita and area tribes during the Covid-19 outbreak. Through federal bailouts, WTIDC used PPP funds to implement a grant-writing team and employ a local work crew which completed beautifying projects and maintenance projects for the Tribe from June through July.

Additionally, WTIDC purchased a food distribution center, the Oakridge Ministries on 301 W. Broadway St., for $175,000 in April. The Wichita and Affiliated Tribes will renovate the property space to use for a future emergency command center and food distribution center, officials said.

WTIDC said the Tribe's economic power is augmented by this type of disbursement and can serve Tribal people and help support them during the pandemic. The Wichita Tribe Industrial Development Commission is the business arm of the Wichita And Affiliated Tribes' tribal structure. WTIDC is comprised of its enterprises, property management and federal government companies and is governed by a 5-member board.