Reibach appointed to Strategic Economic Development Corporation board

Tribal Economic & Lands Director Jan Looking Wolf Reibach has been appointed to the board of directors for the Strategic Economic Development Corporation. 

He announced the appointment during a Tuesday, Aug. 18, Legislative Action Committee meeting.

“As the team continues to make progress with strategic development and opportunity assessments, we have also substantially increased connections with federal, state, local and private economic development organizations to ensure that CTGR’s voice is heard and as the first people of Western Oregon and the treaty Tribe, we have a place at the table regarding economic development within our homelands,” he said.

SEDCOR Operations Director Jenni Kistler said the organization looks forward to working with the Tribe in a new capacity.

“Since 1982, SEDCOR has been the leading economic development agency for the mid-Willamette Valley,” she said. “The organization partners with local communities, businesses and Tribal governments to foster regional growth and diversification. This year, SEDCOR is excited to welcome Jan Looking Wolf Reibach to the board of directors. We look forward to working together in this new capacity and further growing our relationship with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.”

Reibach said that his department has spent several months expanding the Tribe's connections with economic development organizations and decision-makers throughout Oregon.

“This includes establishing contact with the governor's Prosperity Council and participating in the Business Oregon Statewide Economic Development Strategy Advisory Council,” he said. “We have also secured a position on the Gladstone Economic Development Advisory Board, providing an additional opportunity to represent the Tribe's interests and perspectives in regional economic development discussions.”

Reibach added that these efforts are intended to assist in the department’s core work of developing Tribal economic strategies and initiatives.

“More broadly, the objective is to establish CTGR as an active participant in economic development conversations throughout Oregon and to develop relationships with the public, private and governmental entities that influence investment, infrastructure, housing, workforce, business development and other economic conditions affecting the Tribe and its homelands,” he said.