Teaching Others How to “Go From Good to Great Strategically”

“Our session didn’t focus on any catastrophic issues; rather, we discussed what Indian Gaming Commissions could do better through their own strategic planning,” said NHBP Gaming Commission Chair and Tribal Member Chris Rogers. “Our goal was to help other IGA members take the next step from good to great strategically.”

With NHBP’s Gaming Commission Vice Chair Diane Potter and Gaming Commission Secretary Tashina Kiley, Rogers co-taught the one-hour breakout session focusing on “Strategic Planning for the Progressive Gaming Commission,” at the 2024 Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention in April 2024 in beautiful Anaheim, California. 

Submitting its request for proposal to the conference organizers and being selected to present was an honor in itself. But reflecting back to just several years ago, Rogers is inspired by how quickly NHBP has become recognized as a leading expert in the field of gaming.

“Just a mere 15 years ago, NHBP opened our doors to FireKeepers Casino Hotel. Today, we are an influential leader in guiding other Tribes’ journeys,” reflected Rogers. “If we can help improve their Tribes and their gaming commissions, that’s a win for us.”

NHBP provided a step-by-step guide on how to create a strategic plan, which is applicable to many gaming commissions, both large and small. NHBP presented its own vision and mission statements, as well as its goals for strategy.

According to its own vision statement, “The NHBP Gaming Commission is an agency that exceeds industry standards. Actions by the Commission are consistent with the Seven Grandfather Teachings. By achieving strategic goals, the Commission reinforces its value to the Tribe.”

In the spirit of the Seven Grandfather Teachings, Rogers “absolutely doesn’t see it as a competition with other Tribes,” as the Indian Gaming Association consists of voting and paying members and Tribes, who all could use the tools NHBP presented to enhance their gaming strategies, in turn improving the lives and well-being of many throughout Indian Country.  

With about 60 people in attendance for NHBP’s session, NHBP Gaming Commissioners used individualized bingo sheets for breakout session attendees to track the topics being presented, in an effort to further engage the crowd.

“Everyone wants their presentation to be ‘a conversation,’ but we knew that we had to bring some interactive element to hold people’s interest for an hour,” said Rogers.

Rogers and the NHBP Commissioners didn’t have to worry about the lack of conversation during their hour of presenting, as participants shared their own journeys and challenges as commissioners, and “were asking very intelligent questions,” said Rogers.

“The Gaming Commission comprises only a small part of the entire Association,” said Rogers. “We didn’t focus on how large the group of attendees was, but rather we focused on the right material to help make the largest impact that we could as a commission.”

NHBP Gaming Commission has proved that it can indeed be great, exemplified by its two recent prestigious awards this past year – Tribal Gaming Regulator of the Year and the Excellence in Gaming Award – always continuing to make outstanding contributions in the field of gaming regulations.