P1247676905wSUzq

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. A Tribute to Thomas Running Bear Smith
Western Cherokee Feb. 14, 1935 Dec. 30, 2006
Let us not see the color of a person's skin but
the purity of their heart. --Native American
Prayer
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. A Tribute to Thomas Running Bear Smith
Western Cherokee Feb. 14, 1935 Dec. 30, 2006
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. A Tribute to Thomas Running Bear Smith
Western Cherokee Feb. 14, 1935 Dec. 30, 2006
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. A Tribute to Thomas Running Bear Smith
Western Cherokee Feb. 14, 1935 Dec. 30, 2006
" Tom Running Bear Smith was a valued member of
the National Minority Supplier Development
Council family for over 30 years. During that
time Tom served on the Board of Directors and
several important committees, the most recent
being the Corporate Plus Management Committee.
For each assignment Tom always demonstrated
passion, strong commitment and total dedication
to opening up greater opportunities for minority
businesses.
The totem pole adorning the reception area in our
office, given through Tom's generous
contribution, bears witness to a life lived with
purpose." --Harriet R. Michel President, National
Minority Supplier Development Council
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. A Tribute to Thomas Running Bear Smith
Western Cherokee Feb. 14, 1935 Dec. 30, 2006
"My first encounter with Running Bear, I
contacted him to sell him supplies for his plant.
I traveled to Dayton and made my presentation
about the services my company could provide to
his. He listened and then began to gripe about
the Native Americans place in Corporate America.
An appointment that had originally been
scheduled for only a half hour became a two-hour
conversation.
We discussed all the wrongs that have been
committed against the Native Americans, swapped
life and war stories, and ended up with this
question Given that the Native Americans have
no voice in business, what are we going to do
about it? That was the beginning of NABA
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. A Tribute to Thomas Running Bear Smith
Western Cherokee Feb. 14, 1935 Dec. 30, 2006
As a fellow Native American, he lived up to the
billing and supported not only NABA but other
Native American people and organizations. He
will be missed by me as well as by many others."
I found Tom to be someone that you could
disagree with and although you might never come
to a meeting of the minds, he never jeopardized
our friendship but always treated it like a
discussion that could be resolved in time. His
word was his bond.
-Lee Pepion Owner, The Blackfoot Company
SSKA KIAAYO ITAKKIA
GREAT BEAR FRIEND
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. A Tribute to Thomas Running Bear Smith
Western Cherokee Feb. 14, 1935 Dec. 30, 2006

• Tom Smiths strong support of Native American
  individuals and business owners reflected his
  commitment to improving the lives of Native
  peoples everywhere by making sure our voices can
  be heard.

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. A Tribute to Thomas Running Bear Smith
Western Cherokee Feb. 14, 1935 Dec. 30, 2006

• Tom Smiths strong support of Native American
  individuals and business owners reflected his
  commitment to improving the lives of Native
  peoples everywhere by making sure our voices can
  be heard.
• From all of us here at NABA, thank you again
• for your vision, hard work, and for your support
• of NABA through the years.

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. A Tribute to Thomas Running Bear Smith
Western Cherokee Feb. 14, 1935 Dec. 30, 2006

• Tom Smiths strong support of Native American
  individuals and business owners reflected his
  commitment to improving the lives of Native
  peoples everywhere by making sure our voices can
  be heard.
• From all of us here at NABA, thank you again
• for your vision, hard work, and for your support
• of NABA through the years.
• Your care and guidance will be missed.

-Jackie Gant, NABA National Executive Director
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. A Tribute to Thomas Running Bear Smith
Western Cherokee Feb. 14, 1935 Dec. 30, 2006
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