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Show A10 Vernal Express Wednesday, August 11, 200 Opinion PUBLIC FORUM LETTERS TO THE EDITOR What is your opinion? The Express welcomes letters let-ters from its readers concerning any subject pertinent perti-nent to the Uintah Basin. There are no restrictions as to contents, if not libelous or vindictive and of reasonable length (two typewritten double spaced pages). Letters must be submitted exclusively to the Express and bear the writers full name, signature, signa-ture, phone number and address. Letters for the sole purpose of expressing thanks to individuals or groups will not be printed in the forum. Letters may be mailed, faxed at 789-8690 or through e-mail at editorvernal.com. The name or names of those submitting letters must appear on all published letters. let-ters. All letters are subject to condensation. Letters express the opinion of the writer and are not necessarily nec-essarily the opinion of the Express Editor. Make-A-Wish Dear Editor, Many thanks to Vernal residents who adopted duckies on July 31st! This fun (and funny!) Make-A-Wish fundraiser helps grant wishes to Utah children with life-threatening medical conditions. Wish family, Katie, Teralene, Brian, Kimberly, Marinda and Charlie Slaugh, with support from XRQ Radio DJ Kyle, generated awareness with their colorful ducky display outside Wal-Mart. Shoppers left with more than purchases when they adopted duckies, including a chance to win a 2004 Chevy Aveo and other great prizes and coupons. Thanks, too, to the Vernal Express for helping to raise awareness of the Slaugh family's efforts to support Make-A-Wish kids. Your article captured the essence of the Rubber Ducky Derby and, more importantly, the magic of Make-A-Wish. The 16th annual Make-A-Wish Rubber Ducky Derby will be held at Raging Waters on August 28, 2004. The Slaughs still have rubber duckies that need to be adopted!' For information, Uintah Basin residents are encouraged to call 789-1280. TIKA BEARD Manager of Special Events Make-A-Wish Foundation of Utah Vernal in Bloom Dear Editor, Please extend our admiration and thanks to the entire town of Vernal for their hard work in every aspect of the America in Bloom contest. Bruce Riggs and I were deeply touched by the enthusiasm of the many residents we had the pleasure to meet, including the Chamber of Commerce, Dina-Mites, your mayor and city council. As we observe in all the towns we judge, participating in America in Bloom brings people together in a positive, posi-tive, constructive way, yields new friendships and long lasting benefits. Your committee's imagination and vision has created a program which inspires everyone who drives through your town. The extensive beautification efforts and the extremely well organized committee headed by JoAnn Cowan and Ranee Searle should be thanked by everyone every-one in Vernal for making a huge difference. By participating partici-pating in America in Bloom, you have already won. Happy gardening, EVELYN ALEMANN1 America in Bloom judge, 5000 - 10000 population category Gins Gem Who works hardest By Virginia Harrington Vernal Express Writer A few days ago, a friend suggested that I start my own business. Without hesitation, I responded that I don't have the energy for such an undertaking. Now, after several days of reflection, that response has taken on new meaning for me. Like most employees, I have had the occasional complaint about my boss. (Not the current one, of course. He is the publisher and editor of this publication publica-tion and just might read this.) There have been times when I felt overextended, taken for granted, underpaid, overworked, unappreciated - well, you get the picture. Many readers have probably had the same feelings concerning their jobs, employers, managers and supervisors. super-visors. In moments of frank honesty with myself, I have to admit that those attitudes are generally unfounded. In most businesses, no one works harder than the big boss, the owner. A case in point is a multimillionaire I used to work for in Nevada. He owns several casinos and hotels as well as a major construction company. He flies around the state in his privately owned airplane, visiting his various holdings. He jets off to the far corners of the globe for short vacations whenever he feels like it. Those of us who work or worked for him consider him a slave driver. He calls the accounting department before 6 a.m. every day to get the financial numbers from the night before. He pops into the hotel at midnight mid-night to look things over. He sometimes supervises the cash count in the vault at 2 a.m. Why doesn't he leave us alone so we can get our work done? Doesn't the man ever sleep? Oh, revelation time. If he spends that much time D0N'T YOU JUST tOVD THOSE. EARLY SATURDAY MORN IN6 GRASS CUTTERS" supervising one establishment, and he owns several, that means he works basically all the time. That means he works longer, harder and more intensely than the rest of us. That means he doesn't push his employees nearly as hard as he pushes himself. Most employers in the Vernal area do not own their own jets and don't have multiple holdings worth millions mil-lions each. However, they probably work just as hard. When your boss takes off at 2 p.m. to go play nine holes of golf, remember that he probably came to work by 5 a.m. When he leaves work Thursday evening and doesn't return until Tuesday morning, remember that he often works late into the night on such things as inventory, inven-tory, ordering and straightening out the books. When he gets upset over finding a group gathered around the water cooler, remember that he is paying for the time being wasted. Speaking of being paid, the boss is usually the last to receive a paycheck. Operating costs, payroll, taxes and any number of other costs come first. The boss gets paid only if there is anything left. And don't forget, he's not only the one who came up with the idea to start the business in the first place, he's the one that takes all the financial risks involved in the business. Even if the business was inherited, there are decisions to be made and risks to take to keep the business going. The wise employee will think of these things the next time a complaint threatens to pass through the lips. The wise employer will remember that a paycheck isn't enough to keep a loyal, hardworking crew. It requires respect for the workers and concern for their families. Ute Tribe signs venture with Barrett and Berry on exploration & development By John Martin Ute Bulletin Writer The Northern Ute Tribe signed a joint Exploration and Development agreement with Barrett and Berry energy companies at the Grand America in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, July 13. The development will eventually eventu-ally include a total 171,000 acreage block of tribal and fee lands in the Uintah Basin. The signing ceremony of the agreement was called an historic occasion by participants from the Business Committee, Tribal Venture Board and the Jurrius Group. The signing was waited upon beyond schedule very anxiously, because the negotiators had to go over every word up to the last minute. min-ute. In fact, John Jurrius, Financial Advisor, had stayed up till 3 a.m., he said, negotiating through the night the energy agreement for the Ute Tribe. Then the lawyers took over to fine-tune the contract. That is, in accordance with the ; new way the tribe's doing business, busi-ness, working on the change from the impassive way of the past on to pro-active financial business for the future. The intent of the tribe was to get the joint venture right. The daylong meeting began with an informal introduction period with words from participants, then lunch, then waiting- then the signing ceremony cer-emony late in the afternoon when ; kidding began that there were just too many attorneys involved. Chairwoman Maxine Natchees ; spoke for the good of all tribal members, she said, as she drew from tribal history when the Utes ; were put among "lizards" in the : eastern part of Utah. ' So now, it's taken full commit-. commit-. ment and tough decisions, she said, ' and concern for environmental pro- tection to reach what she called a tribal milestone. Natchees added that it's taken the ; diligence of John Jurrius, Financial ; Advisor, to get the tribe here with ; hopes for a long business relation-; relation-; ship. ; "I want a business deal good for ; all of us," she told the energy people already willing to become partners : but for the signatures. "We'll be fair '. to you, and expect you to be fair to ! us." " The chairwoman said the Uintah Basin is finally realizing that the ' Ute Tribe is a strong force in its ' economical contribution to the area. "It's been a long battle," said Natchees, concluding with a reminder that the Ute Tribe is no longer passive in development of its resources. Representative Fabian Jenks said, "I thank God for sending John Jurrius our way." He also noted how the Ute Tribe has come a long way after going down the road of mistrust in the past. So now, the tribe gets to sit down at the table to eat, he said, rather than getting crumbs from past business busi-ness deals on tribal resources. He wants the partnership with Barrett and Berry to go forward in a positive way. Representative Richard Jenks said Jurrius was God-sent, and that the day was for new direction. He said the $850 bonus to tribal members for the 4th of July Powwow Pow-wow went out into the Uintah Basin economy. He added that the tribe's contribution contribu-tion needs to be realized. Jenks acknowledged the Jurrius Group for its negotiating ability. He said Chet Mills was the first BIA Superintendent to work with the Ute Tribe. Representative Roland McCook gave background on termination of the Mix-bloods in 1954, as they no longer wanted recognition as Indians, he said. He said the group is under a state corporation but no land-base, and receives 27 percent of the Ute Tribe's royalties. Even at that, he stated, 18 percent per-cent of the majority UDC members are strung out from Hawaii to New York. That's because after being terminated, termi-nated, the Mix-blood began selling their stock to a variety of people. McCook said the Mix-blood is under the Ute Distribution Corporation. McCook said that after the frustration frustra-tion of the past, tribal success finally seemed like it was meant to happen for the benefit of 3,200 tribal members. mem-bers. He said much of it was Junius' coming to this place with his positive posi-tive attitude. The representative acknowledged the Venture Board, who represents the membership of the tribe. This means three tribal members from each of the three Bands are seated on the Board, chosen by two respective respec-tive Band representatives on the Council. Elliott Eaglechief said this was the first time the Business Committee worked together. He added that with the problems of the past, they couldn't see a possibility like this. He said BIA Superintendent Chet Mills was the first Superintendent to make progress with the Ute Tribe, what with his characteristic of "honesty." Eaglechief, who had given the prayer as "Good way for the tribal people," praised the Venture Board and the Jurrius Group. "I ask the Creator to bless each one of you," he said. Representative Smiley Arrowchis said it was good to see more people active for the tribe. "These things need to happen now." He added "We can all be business people and speak the same language to benefit the people." Throughout the day that language was expressed by different people in words like, "partnership, fairness, working together, hope, friends, optimistic, for the people, historic, milestone and trust." Bill Barrett, Chairman and CEO of Barrett Corporation said he appreciated appreci-ated the opportunity to work with the Ute Tribe and create a brighter future. Specifically, he said, "to be your joint venture partner at these exciting excit-ing times in industrial exploration." He said there was a lot of risk but a lot of rewards to develop the tract of lease block in the Uintah Basin. Barrett said natural gas and oil was important to this country's economy and security. "We'll work hard," said Barrett, "to justify the trust," by using the latest technology and being sensitive sensi-tive to the land. He said Barrett wants to be good members and contributors to the community. Bob Heinemann, President and CEO of Berry Petroleum, said he was pleased to be partnering with the Ute Tribe and Barrett in a deal that will take hundreds of millions of dollars. He wants to see trust grow to the extent of all three parties winning in the agreement. And they will live by health, safety safe-ty and environmental standards, he said. BIA Superintendent Chet Mills said it was a historical day for the Ute Tribe with the open communication communi-cation and partnership and trust. He said such efforts are needed for a win-win situation, especially with the tribe in a "tremendous opportunity." opportu-nity." Thanking the tribal leaders and the Jurrius Group for their effort, Mills said the tribe has come a long way in its second working interest agreement. agree-ment. His role is trust and fiduciary responsibility, he said, to build a good working relationship among the entities. Mills is giving the joint venture agreement 30 days for review and comments, according to the Parte government requirement. "The contract," which will be approved in 3045 days, "will be n : Maxine Natchees, Tribal Chairwoman, signs the first document of the joint venture with two energy companies at the Grand America hotel in Salt Lake City. She passed the many pages on to Bill Barrett, chairman and CEO of Barrett Corportation, center. He signed. Then Robert Heinemann, president and CEO of Berry Petroleum added his signature. In back is Ryan Arney, attorney for the tribe from Davis, Graham and Stubbs, who witnessed the procedure along with attorneys Laura McAvoy and Dave Brody. Photo by Robert J. Colorow very good for the tribe," said Mills, "and will set the standard in Indian country." He knows it will be a "huge success." suc-cess." John Jurrius, Financial Advisor, wanted the energy people to know the tribe's goals for the whole reservation. res-ervation. He said they want good partners; they cannot take limited proposals, to build trust, actively look at the criteria of the partner, utilize each other's resources and to have four to five unique partners to achieve the tribe's global goal- eventually- and having each partner for a given purpose pur-pose in expanding into other areas of tribal resource development. His statement is simple: "Passive to active," as Jurrius has also said before tribal members in big meetings. meet-ings. For John Junius to fulfill the tribe's Financial Plan, that's all he knows: pro-active. He said the tribe also wants downstream down-stream opportunity in agreements, for it wants to grow and become-not become-not remain stuck in the old way. Jurrius said he's found the Barrett Company stellar in exploration. Jim Felton, Investor Relations Manager for Barrett, said that ideas come easy, the opportunity is out there, but, "We need to bring them together." He thanked Jurrius for making things possible. Lynn Becker, Jurrius Group and Land Manager of the Tribal Energy Department, pinpointed and explained to participants tribal lands by power point. "We're bringing this all together as a proactive goal," he said. That is, the technology of mapping and database of the reservation. Then he said that in his department depart-ment he's training and creating new jobs for tribal members. Susan Hammer, Junius Group, said getting to this point of success with the Financial Plan has been a long, exciting road. She's also had quite a learning experience along the way. The Venture Board was well represented rep-resented in eight members being there. Connie Manning said simply, "We're honest and dependable people." peo-ple." Jackie Martinez said she was proud to be there, while Maria Tallbird felt it was an honor and a privilege. Dorthea Garcia called the partnership part-nership of the tribe and two energy companies historical and a vision of self-determination. Robert Colorow said to reach this day was a long, uphill battle for tribal leaders, Junius Group and Venture Board, as they've poured over resource issues and made recommendations rec-ommendations to the Business Committee for their decision. He said the new direction the tribe is taking, and the technology, has prepared them to understand and face conditions in going forth. ' Susan Chapoose, Personnel Director, shared a joke about the "Sour Indian Lemonite," and Linda Garcia added that the hard work of tribal leaders, Jurrius Group and the Venture Board has paid off Kirby Arrive said the Business Committee was cohesive (together). the BIA Superintendent supportive and the Financial Manager has a proven track record. "So, there are no limits to what we can do." He said the big step of partnership has been a long time coming. He recognized that Jurrius and Susan "had a pretty tough time and could've walked out the door." He also gave credit to Superintendent Mills for his support of the tribe. Cleve Pike, Junius Group and Realty, gave credit to his father Stewart and his teachings about tribal issues. And said, "It's a very great day for us all," as the tribe needs honorable partners to work with. Several other participants shared their thoughts and feelings in the group getting acquainted, a first step towards partnership. It was informal, these preliminaries, preliminar-ies, informative and congratulatory to each other in sharing credit for the Ute Tribe reaching this point of accomplishment. And finally, the occasion led into the signing ceremony, where Maxine Natchees, Tribal Chairwoman, Bill Barrett, Barrett Chairman and CEO and Robert Heinemann, President and CEO of Berry Petroleum all signed the many documents that binds the three entities to the joint venture agreement. Each document was witnessed by attorneys. For the Ute Tribe was Ryan Arney, the Firm of Davis, Graham and Stubbs. |
