Brief Description: During this session, Dustin Goslin of Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures will share the MLVC story and present strategies for the successful integration of tribal and Native enterprises, economic development departments, corporations, small businesses and other entities in local and regional economic development. The story shares information about the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, life pre-gaming and post-gaming, and the diversification of the MLCV portfolio over 30+ years. In particular, the story will discuss the background of MLCV’s Three Pillars, with a deep dive on the Place Pillar and the initiatives MLCV has made substantial progress on including projects that improve, among other things, workforce participation.

Meet the speaker

Dustin (Pam-Mbwit-M’ko) grew up near the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa community and is a proud member of the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation of Mayetta, Kansas.

Dustin’s work in Indian Country and rural Minnesota have allowed him to build a diverse background in small and large for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, Federal/Tribal governments, Tribal gaming, and now Tribal economic development. Dustin currently serves as the vice president of business and economic development for Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures (MLCV). In this role, he works to build economic vibrancy in the Mille Lacs Tribal Economy by connecting people and capital to leverage sustainable investments in business, workforce housing, and planned infrastructure. Since beginning this role, Dustin has worked on over $245.7MM in capital and real estate investments and facilitated numerous community-building events and presentations. Dustin’s previous roles have included working as an executive for Grand Casino and Indian Health Service, and as a manager for upscale Hilton hotel brands.