Rooted in Purpose, Built for Growth: Lasting Lessons from the Poarch Creek Indians
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Alabama is home to the Poarch Creek Indians, a Tribe rooted in generations of history and focused on building a stronger future for the community and the state. The Tribe continues their focus to honor what they stand for: preserving their past and securing their future while building businesses that create jobs and drive growth across Alabama.
These are the lessons Leadership Alabama members and their emerging leaders group, the Alabama Leadership Initiative (ALI), wanted to experience firsthand, in the field, from the people doing the work.
Ashley Kaplan, executive director of Leadership Alabama, knew business site visits were a fit for her members.
Two Visits. One Lasting Impression
First came a trip to the reservation. It was here that the Leadership Alabama group began to understand the Tribe’s story and how their drive led to creating successful businesses across the state and the country. They walked the grounds, talked with Tribal leaders, and saw what’s possible when purpose drives business.
“As Alabama’s only federally recognized Indian Tribe, we have a unique government-to-government relationship with the State and we have an important place in Alabama‘s history. Our history has given us a deep understanding of the importance of creating economic opportunities, and our businesses are an extension of who we are as a people. As we diversify and expand our business offerings, we have continued to maintain a focus on what we can do to improve the quality of life for folks in communities across Alabama,” said Stephanie Bryan, Poarch Creek Indians Tribal Chair & CEO.
The ALI class also toured OWA Parks & Resort, which is owned and operated by the Poarch Creek Indians. They were struck by the scale, the attention to detail, and the efforts of the countless people who make it all happen every day.
Kaplan put it simply: “Being able to see something in our state that is preserving its culture, as well as how it impacts growth throughout the state, that is what we want our members to take away.”
Lessons Ahead
Bryan serves on Leadership Alabama’s board and sees the collaboration between PCI and Leadership Alabama as a bridge to the future. “We believe that the strong professional relationships and true friendships we have developed with the great people at Leadership Alabama will have a lasting positive impact on our State,” said Bryan. “This special partnership offers opportunities to use our collective knowhow to find new avenues for growing our economy, creating jobs, and encouraging good companies to make significant investments in Alabama. We are excited about our work ahead.”
For both Leadership Alabama and ALI members, the visits were an eye‑opening view of signature successes right in their own backyard.