Gaming board gives $100,000 for winter disaster relief

CHURCH ROCK, N.M. - The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise Board of Directors on Jan. 26 contributed $100,000 to the Navajo Nation to help with relief efforts for families stranded by recent heavy snowstorms.

The check was presented during last week's winter session of the Navajo Nation Council.

The tribe's Commission on Emergency Management declared a state of emergency on Jan. 21 and President Joe Shirley Jr. has issued a call to all tribal enterprises and others to help with relief efforts.

BHP Billiton workers, company raise $1 million for United Way campaign

FARMINGTON - The employees of BHP Billiton's New Mexico coal operations raised a record amount of money for nonprofits in San Juan County as part of the annual San Juan United Way campaign, according to a company news release.

BHP Billiton's employees pledged over $469,800 in personal contributions to the San Juan United Way and Navajo Way. Over 75 percent of BHP Billiton's 1,043 New Mexico employees contributed and a record 272 employees gave $1,000 or more.

The employees' donations were matched dollar for dollar by BHP Billiton for a total over $939,600.

In addition to the employee contributions and matched funds, BHP Billiton donated $100,000 to San Juan United Way's Corporate Cornerstone program to cover administrative and overhead costs, ensuring that 100 percent of the money raised by its employees goes directly to local nonprofits.

This additional contribution lifted the total BHP Billiton United Way campaign to $1,039,600, the largest-ever company contribution.

BHP Billiton's annual United Way fundraising campaign is jointly supported by the company and the International Union of Operating Engineers. The campaign is run entirely by volunteers from the BHP Billiton workforce.

Window Rock Quality Inn receives Gold Award

WINDOW ROCK - The Quality Inn Navajo Nation Capital in Window Rock has been selected for the 2010 Gold Hospitality Award, given by Choice Hotels International Inc., franchisor of the Quality brand.

"The Quality Inn Navajo Nation Capital award-winning hotel represents not only the best of the best, but also the tremendous value that a Choice brand hotel can offer to today's travelers," said Steve Joyce, president and chief executive officer of Choice Hotels. "We're very proud to have the Quality Inn Navajo Nation Capital hotel as part of our Choice family and I congratulate the property on receiving this distinguished award."

As a top performing property among the company's more than 4,800 U.S. franchised hotels, the Quality Inn Navajo Nation Capital is among the top 10 percent of properties within the Quality brand, and one of only nine hotels in the state of Arizona and one of 60 hotels within the 1336-member Quality chain to earn a Gold Award.

New Hopi hotel a step closer to opening

KYKOTSMOVI, Ariz. - The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority has been given permission to survey trust lands within the Upper Village of Moenkopi for a lateral natural gas line to serve the new Moenkopi Legacy Inn & Suites, according to a press release from the Hopi Tribe.

The Hopi Tribal Council approved the survey application earlier this month, which was required before construction could start on the gas line from the main utility line in Tuba City to the hotel. The line must be completed before the hotel can open.

The $13 million hotel and conference center is the first to be built on Hopi tribal land in 50 years, and is scheduled to open in February or March. It is being billed as the gateway to the Hopi Reservation, with the goal of providing information and insight into the Hopi culture to tourists and conference attendees, as well as jobs for tribal members.

A Denny's restaurant will be located next to the hotel, and is planned for a summer opening. The only other hotel on the 1.6 million acre reservation is at the Hopi Cultural Center on Second Mesa.

The new 100-room hotel was the inspiration of the elders of Upper Moenkopi as "a place of welcome and gathering for visitors to the land of the Hopi."

"It's one project that should be developed," said council member Wayne Kuwanhyoima, who represents the village. "All the villages can look at this and see that we can do it..."

Added fellow council member and village representative Leroy Sumatzkuku, "This could be a blueprint for others. This is a step toward progress. The time is right to work with the Navajo" to get the natural gas line.

Acoma breaks ground on outdoor arena

ACOMA, N.M. - Acoma Business Enterprises broke ground Jan. 15 on a solar-powered outdoor entertainment venue to be built adjacent to Sky City Hotel Casino (exit 102 off Interstate 40).

With the first phase slated to open in May, the proposed 4,500-seat Sun and Sky Natural Amphitheatre will offer performers a green venue with the goal of attracting top-tier acts to the state.

Dave Cook, of Albuquerque-based SMPC Architects, designed the amphitheatre to need no artificial heating, ventilation or air-conditioning. A solar photovoltaic system will supply electricity and will power most of the facility's lighting needs.

The Sun and Sky Natural Amphitheatre is designed to blend into the high desert terrain with Mount Taylor in the background.

It will include an interpretive pedestrian trail highlighting the Acoma Pueblo's emergence story and history.

Phase one includes a 60- by 40-foot stage, 1,500 portable seats, a picnic area and parking.

Business classes

TUBA CITY - Bik'eh Hozho Community Development Corp., a community financial institution that offers aspiring and current business owners loans and technical assistance, will conduct financial literacy training Mondays and Wednesdays, Feb. 8-24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Bik'eh Hozho CDC conference room at the Dook'o'ooslííd Office/Retail Center, Suite 108 (between Lil' Caesar's and Golden Rice Bowl). Starting Feb. 23, entrepreneurship classes will be offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free and open to the public. Information: 928-283-6351.