August 3, 2016, Winnebago, Nebraska — Ho-Chunk, Inc. CEO and President Lance Morgan hosted a visit from Sally Jewell, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 in Winnebago, Nebraska. Ho-Chunk, Inc. is the economic development corporation of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.

Secretary Jewell's tour focused on economic development and educational opportunities. During her visit, she toured Ho-Chunk, Inc. corporate headquarters and its various businesses on the Winnebago Reservation. Morgan and staff also showed Secretary Jewell the progress being made in Ho-Chunk Village, the master-planned community in Winnebago, including new single-family homes and apartment complexes, as well as the plans for 100 more housing units to be built over the next five years.

Morgan said, “We are committed to building a better community for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and are proud of what we have accomplished here on the reservation. We value opportunities like Secretary Jewell’s visit to showcase our economic and quality of life developments, including jobs, housing and education.”

Morgan added Secretary Jewell has worked tirelessly to understand the needs of Indian Country during her term in office. He said it is important that government officials see the positive difference sound economic development and the ability to participate in SBA 8(a) federal contracting can make for tribes.

Secretary Jewell later went to the Educare center in Winnebago.

"Tribal communities are where our work intersects with people," said Jewell. "And where you can really see that the work you do, makes a difference. So to be out here to see a place like this Educare facility that we are in, to meet the tribal leaders and see their commitment, to meet their businesses and how they're trying to provide great economic opportunity for tribes, that fills the soul in a way that doesn't always happen in other parts of my job."

Today's visit marks more than 40 tribes Secretary Jewell has visited in her time as Secretary.

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The mission of Ho-Chunk, Inc. is to provide long-term economic self-sufficiency and job opportunities for the Winnebago Tribe. Ho-Chunk, Inc. operates over 30 subsidiaries and employs more than 1,000 people from diverse ethnic backgrounds and skills sets. Ho-Chunk, Inc. and subsidiary operations span more than 22 states and 11 foreign countries. The corporation’s subsidiary operations include information technology, government contracting, real estate development, construction, logistics, green energy, retail, manufacturing, wholesale distribution, and marketing. For more information about Ho-Chunk, Inc., please visit www.hochunkinc.com.