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Cherokee Data Solutions awarded "Certified Indian Woman-Owned Business of the Year – 2009" by the Cherokee Nation
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Cherokee Data Solutions awarded "Certified Indian Woman-Owned Business of the Year – 2009" by the Cherokee Nation
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Oklahoma Company among the Top Five Technology Companies NationwideDallas, Texas- Cherokee Data Solutions
The United States Department of Commerce`s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)-Dallas Region has named Claremore-based Cherokee Data Solutions (CDS) the "2009 Regional Technology Firm of the Year". The region is comprised of 11 states: Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.
Pamela Huddleston-Bickford (Cherokee), Cherokee Data Solutions CEO and founder, received the award which recognized the company's outstanding achievements during the MBDA-Dallas Region's Minority Enterprise Development Week (MED Week) conference held August 4 in Dallas, Texas. CDS is one of just five technology firms in the nation to be so honored. "We are committed to our customers, the environment, and to making a positive economic impact in Oklahoma and Indian Country." Huddleston-Bickford stated, "We are making a difference; it is our mission."
Cherokee Data Solutions was awarded "The Oklahoma 2009 Technology Firm of the Year" from the Oklahoma Native American Business Enterprise Center (ONABEC) and the United States Department of Commerce (USDoC) in Oklahoma City on July 16th, 2009. CDS was rated on growth, advances in technology, economic and community impact, job creation and excellence in their field. As a state winner, the company advanced to regional competition. As the regional winner they now move to national competition against the four remaining regional winners.
Established in 1969 by former President Richard Nixon, MBDA is the only federal agency tasked with advancing the competitiveness of minority businesses, and with the recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, the MBDA will be working to connect minority firms with newly available resources that will help put Americans back to work. Today, there are more than 4 million minority-owned firms generating approximately $660 billion in gross receipts. These firms have not just grown in number and in revenues, but they employ approximately 4.7 million workers.
CDS was recently named as the Outstanding Business of the Year from the American Indian Chamber of Commerce; National HUBZone Star Award; Top 30 Oklahoma Woman Owned Businesses and as a Top Emerging Company in the United States.
The company is one of only a dozen companies worldwide to have received the environmental certification as an EPEAT certified reseller. EPEAT measures and standardizes environmental attributes of electronic products that historically have been ignored creating hazardous waste in our landfills. Cherokee Data Solutions is dedicated to promoting those products which have attained EPEAT certification. Additionally, the company sits on two IEEE standards committees which are defining the parameters of future environmental certifications of new products.
Pamela Huddleston-Bickford, has led the company with meticulous planning and goal setting. Huddleston-Bickford stated, "We are honored to represent Oklahoma and the Dallas Region as Technology Firm of the Year. Growth and success are not accidental. We work hard, keep our word and have a written plan for success." Huddleston-Bickford added, "Building excellent partnerships with programs such as the MBDA and with local organizations such as Rural Enterprises Development, TERO, OMSDC, AICCO, the City of Tulsa BRIDGE and the SBA are significant factors in strategic planning for broadening our access to federal contracts. Bringing new contracts to Oklahoma is vital for economic impact and for creating new jobs in Oklahoma." More information can be found at www.ruralenterprises.com and www.okcds.com.
Paul Bickford receives the 2009 Technology Firm of the Year award from James Ray and the Oklahoma Native American Business Center. Pictured are Paul Bickford, President of Cherokee Data Solutions; Jay Hannah, Executive Vice President BancFirst of Oklahoma City; Anna Knight, Director Cherokee Nation Department of Commerce. All are members of the Cherokee Nation.
Left to right: James Ray, Executive Director Native American Business Development/REI; Paul Bickford, President - Cherokee Data Solutions; Pamela Huddleston, CEO - Cherokee Data Solutions, Jay Hannah, Executive Vice President - BancFirst, Bobby Jefferson, Deputy Regional Office, Dallas MBDA - U.S. Department of Commerce, Genia Marcangeli, Business Development Specialist - OKNABEC Oklahoma City, OK-Cherokee Data Solutions named top technology company for Oklahoma The Oklahoma Native American Business Enterprise Center (ONABEC) honored two Cherokee Nation TERO certified businesses at a July 16, 2009 banquet in Oklahoma City.
Larry Finch Building Corp. received the ONABEC award for "Minority Construction Firm of the Year". Larry Finch Building Corp. has been TERO certified since 2000. The business is located in Boswell, Oklahoma and is owned by Larry Finch.
Cherokee Data Solutions received the ONABEC award for "Minority Technology Firm of the Year". Cherokee Data Solutions has been TERO certified since 2002. The business is located in Claremore, Oklahoma and is owned by Pamela Huddleston Bickford.
Click the logo for our EPEAT catalog!Cherokee Data Solutions, EPEAT™ Join Forces to Support Customers' Green IT Initiatives
Cherokee Data Solutions announced today that it has joined the EPEAT Partner Reseller Program to provide Cherokee Data Solutions' customers with up-to-date, detailed information on environmentally preferable products, and compliance or justification support for Green IT purchasing decisions. EPEAT (www.epeat.net) is the preeminent environmental ratings system for desktops, laptops and monitors, with 30 manufacturers currently registering over 1,000 products in the system. The EPEAT system rates products as Bronze, Silver or Gold based on a multi-attribute standard (IEEE Standard 1680 for the Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products) encompassing 51 environmental performance criteria. Cherokee Data Solutions is a leading IT reseller with clients in the federal, tribal, state, local government, education and enterprise markets. "Our customers are looking for more environmentally friendly product choices ", said Pamela Huddleston, CEO of Cherokee Data Solutions. "The EPEAT system's breadth of products and manufacturers, stringent criteria and stakeholder involvement mean that we can confidently promote EPEAT-registered products to our customers, knowing they will find the product solutions they need while also reaping significant environmental benefits. Offering EPEAT registered products is consistent with our E-Waste services and our ‘Best-of-Green' recognition program for Office Technology and other products and service contractors." EPEAT Reseller Partners provide EPEAT product rating information in their electronic catalogs, train their sales staff to knowledgably support customers' EPEAT purchasing, and provide customers with EPEAT purchase reporting on request. All of these services meet the requirements of EPEAT's model purchasing criteria. Cherokee Data Solutions has continued their determined leadership in environmentally friendly products by becoming one of the first partners in the world to meet criteria as an EPEAT reseller partner and only partner in Oklahoma. Paul Bickford, President of the Cherokee Data Solutions and PC Johnston, Technical and Environmental Process Manager at the company have also been assigned to work with the EPA and IEEE standards committee to develop a comprehensive standard for environmentally responsible manufacturing, procurement, deployment and recycling of computer equipment. Bickford received his engineering degree from the University of Tulsa and is a member of IEEE-SA. "This is an incredible opportunity to participate in developing and promoting responsible standards which raise awareness of protecting our environment from electronic waste hazards," said Bickford. "We congratulate Cherokee Data Solutions on responding to their customers' desire to improve the environmental and energy performance of their computing operations by becoming an EPEAT Partner," said Jeff Omelchuck, Executive Director of EPEAT. "By providing EPEAT ratings data to their end-users, Cherokee Data Solutions will help them choose products with less toxic content, lower energy consumption and operating costs, and easier end-of-life management options. Additionally, as an EPEAT Partner, they communicate their commitment to supporting green initiatives to their customers, their suppliers and their employees." All EPEAT registered products must meet 23 mandatory environmental criteria. An additional 28 optional criteria are used to determine whether products earn EPEAT Bronze, Silver, or Gold recognition. Compared to traditional computer equipment, all EPEAT-registered computers have reduced levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury to better protect human health and the environment. They are more energy efficient, which reduces costs and emissions of climate changing greenhouse gases. In addition, manufacturers must offer environmentally responsible recycling options for all EPEAT-registered products. "We are very excited to have the support we need from EPEAT to deliver 'green' value to our customers as we work with them to meet their product needs and to make buying 'green' easier for our customers that are either regulated to buy green or choose to do the right thing," said Huddleston. "We also look forward to expanding the program as EPEAT adds new product standards in future."
Rob Daughtery; American Indian Chamber President presents Cherokee Data Solutions with the Business of the Year Award. Receiving the award for CDS is Pamela Huddleston. Native American Times - AICCO awards recognize Native businesses
Pictured is Ross Swimmer; Special Trustee for American Indians at the U.S. Department of the Interior; Principle Chief of the Cherokee Nation 1975-1985 and Pamela Huddleston; Cherokee Data Solutions
Dottie Overall, Oklahoma District director U.S. Small Business Administration and Pamela Huddleston of Cherokee Data Solutions.
04 September 2008 ---------------Cherokee Data Solutions to receive Community Impact Award------------------------ Washington DC-
Cherokee Data Solutions has been chosen to receive the Community Impact Award from the National HUBZone Contractors Council. The award selection was based on Cherokee Data Solutions growth and economic impact as a company and on the involvement of the company and corporate culture that the company promotes within the community. In addition to the company environmental goals and economic achievement, Cherokee Data Solutions has supported and continues to support education goals through its support of the Johnson O'Mally program; American Indians in Science and Engineering; Newspapers in the Classroom; Early reading programs, etc; The company is also involved in supporting local cultural organizations and national education programs targeted at helping minority students as well as support and help to minority businesses within the Native American and Minority and Woman Owned business community. Cherokee Data Solutions was recognized for outstanding growth as a top 10 Woman Owned business earlier this year. The company will receive the award in Washington DC on September 11th.
Ross takes the biggest call of his life out of the bullpen and to the mound....to get married to Miss Jennie Marie Burgardt.
Ross hits a home run and says "I will and I do".
17 April 2008
Cherokee Chief Chad Smith selected Pamela Huddleston-Bickford for appointment to the Economic Development Trust Authority Board of Directors. Pamela's nomination resulted in a unanimous vote of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council confirming her as a director of the EDTA.
"I believe the concept of having an entrepreneur's voice on the board will bring a unique perspective and understanding to those wanting to either build a new company or expand an existing company that will impact the economy of those in the Cherokee Nation". Huddleston said, "Financing and growth is hard enough, the vision that our Chief and his business staff bring to the future of our tribe and the opportunity for individuals to pursue their dream will be a significant basis of fulfilling self determination in the field of business."
Southport, CT-08 January 2008:
2007 National Business Awards and Top Business List released
Cherokee Data Solutions Named as Top Business in two National and three State categories for 2007
Each year DiversityBusiness.com collects and compiles the ‘Top Business List' on a State and National basis. The data is used to determine the top small businesses and the most successful entrepreneur's across the United States. These businesses and individuals become part of our Div50 awards program. Categories are:
- Top 500 Small Businesses in the United States
- Top 500 Women Owned Businesses in the United States
- Top 500 Diversity Owned Businesses in the United States
- Top 50 Small Businesses in every state
- Top 50 Women Owned Businesses in every state
- Top 50 Diversity Owned Businesses in every state
- Top 500 Emerging Businesses (Under $1 Million in Annual Revenue) in the United States
Cherokee Data Solutions tagged to receive five awards at the 8th Annual Awards Conference, April 2008 in Orlando, Florida.
- Top Native American Owned Businesses in America (Div100NTA-2007) National
- Top Small Business in Oklahoma
- Top Diversity Owned Businesses in Oklahoma
- Top Woman Owned Business in Oklahoma
- Top 500 Emerging Businesses in America/National
Cherokee Data Solutions will receive awards at the 8th Annual Awards Conference in Orlando Florida in April.
• AICCO.org: Cherokee Data Solutions To Receive National and State Awards
• Oklahoma Department of Commerce: Small Business Case Study – Cherokee Data Solutions
Owner of CDS, Pamela Huddleston presents her companies capabilities to the top 50 corporations in Oklahoma.
CDS was selected as Spotlight Company for the Spring 2007 Oklahoma Minority Supplier Development Council showcase.
Pamela Huddleston, owner of CDS receives Top U.S. Native American Business Award from Miss America 2004 Ericka Dunlap in Las Vegas. CDS also received the Top Diversity Company Award for Oklahoma.
April 2007: Las Vegas, Cherokee Data Solutions received Top Native American Business and Top Diversity Business awards.
Paul Bickford was elected as President of the Eastern Chapter of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce. AICCO is the largest Native American Chamber in the country.
Pamela with Ronald N. Langston, National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) at Dartmouth College Hanover New Hampshire, alumni reception.
Cherokee business owner adds to resume, graduates from top business school
President George W. Bush appointed Ronald N. Langston as the head of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) on March 19, 2001. He is the first individual to officially hold the title of "National Director." Currently, Mr. Langston is the longest serving Director in the history of the Agency. Under his tenure, Langston has led the MBDA through a reorganization and transformation from a administrative agency to an entrepreneurial organization focused on achieving results through alignment, synchronization and execution. MBDA and its network of minority business centers have consistently facilitated more than $1.0 billion worth of contract awards and financial packages for MBE clients on an annual basis. Additionally, the Agency has steadily leveraged its relationships with other federal agencies, the private sector, universities and minority chambers to offer educational opportunities. A redesign of the Agency's website resulted in a more effective portal with on-line business tools including a business resource locator, business plan writer, matchmaking capabilities and access to relevant literature on minority business development.
Pamela Huddleston receives National Indian and Native American Employment and Training award for CDS from Larry D. Ketcher, Chairman NINAETC, 2006.
The National Indian and Native American Employment and Training Conference (NINAETC), established in 1979 is the largest and most representative national Indian and Native American employment and training association. NINAETC serves the needs of a broad membership of Indian and Native American tribal governments, consortia, and organizations.
CDS was selected as a presenter and panel participant at the 2006 American Indian Chamber of Commerce Economic Summit.
Andy Liveasay, State Board Member AICCO introduces CDS owner Pamela Bickford. Pamela outlined the opportunity and the economics of doing business in Indian Country. She emphasized the importance of Native American hiring practices, job promotion, and how companies and tribes can impact the lives of Native American's by keeping Native business within the Native community.
Pictured left to right; Meredith Frailey, Tribal Council District 6; Deputy Principal Chief Joe Grayson, Jr.; Principal Chief Chad 'Corntassel' Smith; Paul Bickford, CDS; Audra Smoke-Conner, Tribal Council.
Cherokee Nation Opens One Stop Business Shop.
Cherokee Data Solutions was honored to be awarded the first "Outstanding Business of the Year for the Cherokee Nation". An engraved plaque for the award is displayed in the entry of the new center. Paul Bickford represented CDS at the ribbon cutting and was keynote speaker on the topic of TERO company responsibilities when doing business with the Cherokee Nation.The One-Stop Business Center offers technical assistance, business support, a resource center, and workshops to Indian certified businesses and those that wish to become certified.
Pamela Huddleston receives award
from Cherokee Chief Chad Smith.
As part of Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week 2005, the Oklahoma Native American Business Development Center (ONABDC) in conjunction with the United States Department of Commerce hosted the MED Week Awards Dinner on August 18 at Gilcrease Museum. During the awards presentation, Cherokee Data Solutions was bestowed the Business of the Year award.
The event honors Native Americans and minorities who have beaten significant odds to become successful entrepreneurs. Prior to the awards presentation, the program included a Native American blessing, Native American color guard, Proclamation, and Native American dancer, Mike Pahsetopah.
For over 20 years, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has recognized the outstanding achievements of minority business enterprises by providing MED Week award celebrations at local, regional, and national levels. Each year the President of the United States proclaims a National MED Week. Visit www.medweek.gov for more information.
CDS was selected as a presenter for technology sector at the 2002 Summit on Emerging Tribal Economies.
CDS President Pamela Huddleston-Bickford is pictured with Neal McCaleb (Chickasaw); Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs (BIA).
