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January 2025 Member Meeting & Mixer

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ENDED
Jan 15, 2025
Silver Reef Casino Resort

Join us on Jan 15-16 at the Silver Reef Casino Resort in Ferndale, WA, for an event hosted by our friends and fellow member tribe, Lummi Nation!

Unlock Your Leadership Potential at the TCSA January Member Meeting! 

This event is designed specifically for Tribal c-store managers, assistant managers, and staff with the potential to be promoted into management roles. Upper-level executives are also encouraged to attend, as the content offers valuable insights for leaders at all levels.

Format
In-person + Virtual
Who
Members + Sponsors

Add to calendar: Google · Outlook

Not yet a TCSA member? Your first meeting is FREE.* *Available to Tribes who are not (and have not been) TCSA members (or sponsors).
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Event Information

This unique event features a hands-on DISC assessment and workshop, offering attendees a deeper understanding of their communication and leadership styles.

LCC C-Store Site Tours

1/15 @ 3:30 PM – 4:45 PM

  • Meeting Place: Casino entrance
  • Transportation: Provided by Silver Reef Casino. Due to limited parking at the sites, we may need a few volunteers to drive other attendees.

Space is limited to 30 attendees, so RSVP now to reserve your spot!

Networking Mixer

Sponsored by Cougar Den

 1/15 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm 

All members and sponsors are welcome to an evening of fun, connecting, and networking that you won't want to miss! Meet us for hors d’oeuvres and drinks at the Silver Reef Casino Resort in Ferndale, WA! 

Member Meeting (1/16 @ 8:00 am - 4:30 pm)

Why You Should Attend

The DISC methodology helps participants:

  • Develop self-awareness and improve team communication.
  • Understand and adapt to the diverse personalities within their teams.
  • Enhance leadership skills to foster a more collaborative workplace.

Conflict Management & C-Store

In addition to the DISC training, we’ll dive into critical topics like conflict management and the unique challenges of Tribal c-store leadership. Learn practical strategies for managing difficult situations, improving operational efficiency, and leading your team to success.

Event Highlights

  • DISC Assessments: Every attendee will receive a personalized assessment.
  • Workshops: Engaging and interactive sessions tailored to the needs of c-store professionals.
  • Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, share experiences, and learn from one another.

This is more than just a meeting—it’s an investment in your professional growth and the future of your team. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, develop your leadership potential, and take your career to the next level.

January 2025 Event Sponsors

Keynote Speaker

Alan Shimamoto

Alan Shimamoto

Alan Shimamoto started out as a self-employed business owner at 24 years old and has been a business owner throughout his career. He has over 35 years of leadership and team-building experience. Alan has helped thousands of business owners, leaders, and companies grow their leadership and management over his career. Most recently, he has helped Medicine Creek Enterprise Corporation with communication and leadership development. 

In December, Alan celebrated his 30th Wedding Anniversary with his wife Louisa. They have worked in business together throughout their entire marriage. He resides in Lacey, WA, and spends 4-6 months of the year in the San Diego area. 

Know Yourself To Grow Yourself: Taking your leadership to the next level 

What if you could tap into your greatest motivations to dramatically improve your relationships and accelerate your results? Your individual personality affects every aspect of your life. That's why one of the best things you can do to grow yourself and others is to understand your personality and what naturally drives you. When you recognize your strengths and weaknesses, you are able to give your best as you work with people around you. 

Through this workshop, you will explore ways to: 

  • Apply the Law of Awareness to recognize your strengths and limitations.
  • Overcome your shortcomings and clear the path for personal and professional growth.
  • Understand how others are different and how to work with each personality.
  • Build a stronger team that communicates, appreciates the style of others and works well together.
  • Learn effective strategies for handling conflict and personality clashes.

Speakers

Bob Solomon

TCSA Vice Chairperson

Profile+

Robert Solomon (Bob), Nooksack Tribal member, currently serves as the Board’s Vice Chairperson. Prior to his current term, Bob served as a Board member in various roles since 2013. Bob brings a wealth of experience to the Board and was involved in the original collection of characters that helped organize the Tribal Convenience Store Association.

Outside of TCSA, Bob has 42 years of retail experience and has serves as the Retail General Manager for the Nooksack Market Center for the past 21 years. Bob also oversees the Gift Store at the Northwood Casino and Between the Ferns Cannabis. Prior to his time spent with the Nooksack Tribe, Bob oversaw the Lummi Mini Mart and the Fisherman’s Cove for eight years as the Retail Operations Manager.

Bob has also had the pleasure of serving as a Nooksack Tribal Councilmember for 12 years. Bob also sits on NBCII, NBCIII, and MCI Board of Directors.  Bob’s terms as Retail General Manager, Board member, and Councilmember have provided a unique and invaluable perspective concerning the operation of a C-Store in Indian Country. Bob also serves as the Nooksack’s Tribes delegate on the Tribal Tax Advisory Group (TTAG group). Bob looks forward to helping TCSA evolve and grow.

Ed Rosen

Isaiah Coley

TCSA Secretary

Sam Roark

General Manager

Profile+

Sam Roark, General Manager at Nisqually Markets, brings 25 years of experience in the C-Store/Travel Center industry to his role. As a three-time recipient of the Shell Global Gold Retailer award, ranking in the top 1% worldwide, Sam demonstrates a track record of excellence. Currently, he oversees a $200 million annual business line, driving growth and success for Nisqually Markets.

Tony Liberal

TCSA Chairperson

Profile+

Tony currently serves as the Director of Operations for the Medicine Creek Enterprise Corporation (MCEC), a Nisqually Indian Tribe business, overseeing its retail division, Nisqually Markets.

With a tenure at Nisqually dating back to 2014, Tony's journey with TCSA began when he was introduced to Ron Myers, a revered figure in the industry. Attending his first TCSA meeting as a guest, Tony found the educational sessions invaluable and the networking opportunities extensive. Witnessing the meticulous planning and execution of board meetings firsthand left a lasting impression on Tony, motivating him to contribute his experience to the board.

Tony's dedication extends beyond his professional endeavors; he has a fervent passion for coaching football. He devotes numerous hours to volunteering and coaching youth tackle football programs and specialty clinics, embodying his commitment to mentoring young student-athletes.

Jennifer S. Hines, Esq.

Deputy CEO

Profile+

Jennifer Hines is the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Medicine Creek Enterprise Corporation (“MCEC”) where she facilitates management of the growing enterprise system of the Nisqually Indian Tribe. She is a transformative leader in the field of economic development with an unwavering commitment to advancing economic growth and equity for the Nisqually community. She is renowned for her strategic acumen and advocacy for pioneering policies that drive meaningful change. 

Throughout her professional tenure, Jennifer has demonstrated exceptional leadership in educating, managing, and advising stakeholders across various sectors. Her expertise encompasses navigating complex legal landscapes and fostering collaborative partnerships to achieve strategic objectives. In her current role Jennifer continues to spearhead initiatives that foster equitable economic growth. With support from the remarkable teams at MCEC and dedication to action-oriented policies, Jennifer remains at the forefront of advancing economic development and social justice.

Member Spotlight

Gabriel Kamkoff

Executive Director, Lummi Commercial Company

Dale Miller

Tribal Chairman, Elk Valley Rancheria

Jennifer Meyer

Gas Station Manager, Elk Valley Rancheria

Hotel Information

Please make your reservations before the deadline date of: Tuesday, December 31, 2025.

Silver Reef Casino

Silver Reef Casino Resort

4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale, WA 98248

Book Online 

To book online, click here and enter the Offer Code: 6309. Next, click “Search”, then “Select” for your Offer Code under Available Offers and enter your stay dates. Offer Code: 6309 Valid Dates: January 14-17, 2025

Book by Phone 

Call the Silver Reef Casino Resort and ask for the Tribal Convenience Store Association group rate or follow the link below: Phone: (866) 383-0777 Booking ID: 6309

Meeting Agenda

WEDNESDAY, JAN 15

12 - 2 PM | Chairman's Room
Board of Directors Meeting: Open to TCSA Members only; RSVP required 

3:30 - 4:45 PM | Main Entrance
Site Tour of LCC C-Stores: RSVP required | Carmen Misanes (Director of Retail Operations, Lummi Commercial Company)

5 - 7 PM | Event Center North (ECN)
Networking Mixer: Hors d’oeuvres & drinks (no-host bar) – SPONSORED BY Cougar Den

THURSDAY, JAN 16

8:00 AM | Event Center North (ECN)
Registration & Breakfast – SPONSORED BY THE Nooksack Tribe

9:00 AM | Theatre

  • Tribal Welcome: Anthony Hillaire (Tribal Chairman, Lummi Nation), Hy’oltse Shirley Bob (Lummi Elder)
  • Introductions & Roll Call: Tony Liberal (TCSA Chairperson)

9:20 AM | Theatre
Member Spotlight #1| Lummi Tribe: Gabriel Kamkoff (Executive Director, Lummi Commercial Company)

9:30 AM | Theatre
Conflict Personality | Tools for Navigating Conflict: Jennifer Hines (Deputy CEO, Medicine Creek Enterprise Corporation)

10:00 AM | Theatre
Keynote DISC Workshop | Know Yourself to Grow Yourself (PART 1): Alan Shimamoto (Business Coach, Accelerate Growth Coaching)

11:00 AM | Foyer
Morning Break

11:15 AM | Theatre
Ron Myers Employee of the Year Award: Bob Solomon (TCSA Vice Chairperson) & Isaiah Coley (TCSA Secretary)

11:30 AM | Theatre
Keynote DISC Workshop | Know Yourself to Grow Yourself (PART 2): Alan Shimamoto (Business Coach, Accelerate Growth Coaching)

12:30 PM | Event Center North (ECN)
Lunch 

1:15 PM | Theatre
Member Spotlight #2 | Elk Valley Rancheria: Jennifer Meyer (Gas Station Manager), Dale Miller (Tribal Chairman)

1:30 PM | Theatre
Keynote DISC Workshop | Know Yourself to Grow Yourself (PART 3): Alan Shimamoto (Business Coach, Accelerate Growth Coaching)

2:30 PM | Theatre
Panel | Next Steps for DISC Implementation: Ed Rosen, Jennifer Hines, Sam Roark, and Tony Liberal

3:00 PM | Theatre
Announcements & Adjourn for Non-Member Tribes

3:15 PM | Event Center North (ECN)
Afternoon Break

3:30 PM | Theatre
MEMBER TRIBES ONLY: Round Table – Open Forum

4:30 PM | Theatre
Adjourn Meeting