Meet the Candidates | TCSA Board of Directors

We are excited to introduce the candidates running for positions on the Tribal Convenience Store Association (TCSA) Board of Directors!

Voting Information

Each Member Tribe is entitled to a single vote for their preferred candidate. The primary voting representative of each tribe will receive a ballot by email on Monday, August 19. Please ensure that your ballot is submitted by August 31 to ensure your vote is counted!

Below, you’ll find brief candidate statements from those running for the three open positions: Vice Chairperson, Secretary, and At-Large Member. The elected directors will serve a two-year term, from September 2024 – August 2026.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding the election process or need further assistance, feel free to reach out via phone or email:

(253) 525-5139
executivedirector@tribalcstores.org

Thank you for your participation in shaping the future of the TCSA!

Current TCSA Board Members

Candidates

Bob Solomon

Vice Chairperson

Statement+

Dear Tribal Convenience Store Association Members,

I am Bob Solomon and I’m running for the position of Vice Chairman of the TCSA Board. A member of the Nooksack Indian Tribe with over 40 years of experience in the retail industry. I bring a unique blend of expertise and dedication to this role.

Currently serving as the Retail General Manager for the Nooksack Market Center. My service extends beyond the retail sector, with three terms as a Tribal Council Member from 2009 to 2022 and five terms on the TCSA Board from 2012 to 2019, and from 2020 to the present.

The TCSA is not just an organization, it’s a platform that empowers our members to thrive in their roles while fostering solidarity among our tribes. Having been part of this association since its inception in 2009, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact it has had on our communities.

If chosen as Vice Chairman, I assure you I will always advocate to protect our members from being exposed to groups that fight against tribal sovereignty. I will use my 29 years of tribal retail background and insights gained as a former tribal official to advance the association's objectives. By working together and with your support, we can further elevate and strengthen our tribal enterprises, and pave the way for a prosperous future.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I respectfully ask for your vote in the upcoming election for Vice Chairman of the TCSA Board. Let's collaborate toward a brighter tomorrow for our tribal businesses.

Warm regards,

Bob Solomon (Cha' ja wub)

Isaiah Coley

Secretary

Statement+

With 24 years of experience in tribal enterprises, I began my career with the Squaxin Island Tribe and currently contribute to the success of Chehalis Tribal Enterprises. Throughout my career, I have honed effective management and consultation skills, supported by an in-depth understanding of tribal businesses and their interactions with state regulations.

My mentorship under Ron Myers, a distinguished Senior Consultant for Tribal Businesses in Washington State and a founding member of TCSA, was instrumental in shaping my professional journey. Working alongside Ron provided invaluable insights into consulting and enabled me to utilize my expertise to empower tribes by helping them recognize and leverage their inherent strengths.

As I contemplate a role on the board of TCSA, my vision is to guide the organization into its next chapter while staying true to the core principle of “Tribes helping Tribes.” Serving on the board would allow me to transform this vision into actionable strategies that promote economic success for all tribes. My goal is to contribute to the collective prosperity of tribal communities through thoughtful leadership and strategic planning.

Terry Glance

At-Large Member

Statement+

I am proud to have spent my entire career developing and maximizing businesses in the quick service and hospitality space. During my 30-year tenure at Domino's Pizza I oversaw a team of 1,200+ team members, and the daily operations of 36 stores, with annual revenues exceeding $40,000,000.

In my 5 years with the Swinomish Tribal Enterprises, I am most proud of building our teams into one cohesive group, where we developed and implemented a training program for all levels of team members. We also developed and rolled out a team member recognition program, as well as developing and executing a strategic marketing plan for all of the retail enterprises. The result we experienced, and continue to experience, were massive increases in all revenue streams, while noticing an overall decrease of costs.

Throughout the course of my 30-year career I have learned the importance of having a bold vision, supporting your team, and working together to achieve even the loftiest of goals. My goals for TCSA include increasing collaboration between Tribes and their enterprises, serving as a resource for Tribes that are looking to build their own brands, instead of simply owning a fuel franchise, and helping other enterprise leader’s accel in building out, and marketing a complete Tribal business portfolio.

When I moved to the Pacific Northwest TCSA welcomed me with open arms, and I am excited about the opportunity to pay it forward if given the opportunity to continue to serve on the Board of Directors.

Justin Tarbell

At-Large Member

Statement+

My name is Justin Tarbell and I am enrolled member of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe in New York. For three generations, my family has been in the convenience store industry; starting with my grandmother back in 1953. I have been working for my family business for 27 years where I have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience.

I have served as the President of the Akwesasne Convenience Store Association for many years. This position allowed me to understand a wider range of C-store operations, have a meaningful relationship with our Tribal Council, and defend our sovereignty regarding State taxation issues.

In 2014, I was awarded a “40 Under 40” award from NCAIED for my contributions in Indian Country.

Today, I serve our family company as the EVP of Strategy and Business Development.

My vision for TCSA is to assist in developing the most powerful and respected convenience store group in the country by combining the experience, knowledge and buying power of all the Tribal convenience stores in the country. In addition to TCSA’s current goals, my goals would be to expand membership, develop a buying group/plan to leverage our collective buying power, and build the foundation of a lobbying effort to support our initiatives at the State and Federal levels.

I am passionate about serving TCSA because I want to help the organization grow and build C-store success.

I would be honored to serve TCSA as a Board member.

Niawen,

Justin Tarbell