What a night at the the Winnebago Public Schools! Pinagigi to the players, fans, and families who came out for Fan Appreciation Night presented by Ho-Chunk, Inc.!

Jose Garcia is the Real Estate Investment Specialist at Ho-Chunk Capital, the real estate and investment division of Ho-Chunk, Inc. As a 2023 graduate of the University of South Dakota with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, he now manages commercial leasing in Sioux City and oversees investments for the Ho-Chunk Sovereign Wealth Fund as a licensed real estate agent.

Jose’s career path with Ho-Chunk Capital began through our College Summer Internship Program, which gave him hands-on experience in real-world business scenarios and allowed him to practice his passion for investments.

He also participated in the Ho-Chunk, Inc. Ambassador Program, further strengthening his leadership skills and connection to the Winnebago community.

“Give 100% effort to every task, no matter how small,” Jose advises. “Dedication and hard work never go unnoticed. Also, don’t be afraid to share your ideas – your input can make a real impact and showcase the value you bring to the team.”

Jose’s experience reflects how Ho-Chunk, Inc. development programs can help students build a strong foundation for their careers while demonstrating the importance of dedication, initiative, and community engagement.

WINNEBAGO, Neb., Dec. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ho-Chunk, Inc., the Winnebago Tribally-owned corporation, is celebrating 30 years of social and economic progress in the Tribe’s rural reservation, driven by an award-winning approach that invests proceeds from its national operations into sustainably improving lives.

The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska started Ho-Chunk, Inc. in 1994 to help its people by creating jobs and diversifying the Tribe’s economy. Today, Ho-Chunk, Inc. runs a diverse portfolio of businesses with 2,000 employees, and an annual economic impact of $286 million in recent years.

Much of the company’s work is in federal contracting through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) Business Development program. Ho-Chunk, Inc. has also emerged as a leading regional employer and economic driver in the tri-state area of Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota.

“The Winnebago Tribe has significantly improved its members’ lives in a generation, and is taking control of its future,” said Lance Morgan, CEO of Ho-Chunk, Inc., who is an enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe. “What is happening today begins to realize the visions of Tribal leaders going back generations. But there is still much work to do.”

The company is owned by the Winnebago Tribe, and puts its profits into programs, partnerships and donations. The company’s work in numerous industries – federal contracting, gaming, real estate, construction and more – has created both an economy and middle class on the Winnebago Reservation. Ho-Chunk, Inc. has reinvested more than $44 million in dividends into Tribal priorities over a three-decade period, where per-capita income of Tribal members has grown by 78 percent.

“I have great hope and aspiration for our people, and this generation,” said Aaron LaPointe, CEO of Ho-Chunk Capital, who is an enrolled Winnebago Tribal member, and lives in Winnebago with his young family. “By working together across the community, we are self-determining our future as a people, and redefining what is possible.”

A recent study found, as a result, quality of life in the Winnebago community has significantly increased in less than a generation. Ho-Chunk, Inc.’s award-winning approach has been recognized by the Harvard Kennedy School, and modeled by numerous other tribes on their paths to economic self-sufficiency and social advancement.

• The median income of Native Americans on the Winnebago Reservation grew 78% from 1990-2022, while Nebraska’s median for all people grew 16%.
• The number of middle-class households on the reservation more than doubled in that time, far outpacing the United States, the tri-state region and other Great Plains tribes.
• Native Americans living in poverty on the reservation dropped from about half to a third, but remained three times higher than the United States, Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota. Source: U.S. Census data

Now is the perfect time to refresh your resume! Apply to our College Summer Internship Program today. The 11-week paid program is from May 19 to August 1, 2025.

Application is due March 3, 2025.

Apply here!

Congratulations to the 15 students who successfully completed the Apprenticeship Program for the Fall 2024 semester! The program is a joint effort by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, Ho-Chunk, Inc, and the Winnebago Public Schools.

Ho-Chunk, Inc. is proud to mark 30 years of growth in the Siouxland business community with a Siouxland Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony!

The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska started Ho-Chunk, Inc. in 1994 to help its people. The corporation has since become a major employer and economic driver in the tri-state area of Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota, with 2,000 employees and $286 million annual economic impact in recent years.

Here’s to three decades of creating jobs, fostering economic development, and supporting the community!

Additional coverage:

• Winnebago Tribe’s Ho-Chunk, Inc. celebrates 30 years of economic progress | PRNewswire.com
• ‘We’ll never quit driving the growth here’- Ho Chunk Inc. celebrates 30th anniversary | KTIV.com
• Ho-Chunk, Inc. celebrates 30 years in the community | SiouxlandProud.com

“30 years ago today I started my journey as CEO of Hochunk, Inc. I still have a little left in the tank, but regardless the future is bright for the Winnebago People.” Lance Morgan

Congratulations, Lance Morgan! Our gratitude is bigger than words. Thank you so much.

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, Terri Lee Medina spoke to students and staff at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa.

Terri is Ho-Chunk, Inc.’s Community Impact & Engagement Programs Manager. Her message celebrated building community, honoring traditions, and sustaining our future.

Terri began her career with us in 2019 as a summer college intern. Today she leads the internship program, and helps promote other youth development efforts.

From The U.S. Small Business Administration Facebook Page:

Empowering tomorrow’s leaders!

Ho-Chunk, Inc.’s youth programs are developing future leaders in the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and beyond. The company’s proceeds from SBA 8(a) contracts have helped set new standards of living and life aspirations in the rural community.

Ho-Chunk, Inc. is proud to have had at least 17 employees participate in the Leadership Siouxland program so far, including our Community Impact & Engagement Manager, Willy Bass, who previously served as the board president.

We are excited to continue supporting leadership development and engagement in the Siouxland area.