For Immediate Release

Miko Denson Honored by Mississippi Economic Council

CHOCTAW, MS. – (August 30, 2007) – Miko Beasley Denson, the third Chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians since the adoption of their modern Constitution in 1945, was one of six new leaders honored by the Mississippi Economic Council at their August meeting. The luncheon was attended by more than 100 business and community leaders.

Denson spoke about the Tribe's business ventures, the importance of diversification and expressed a desire to maintain a strong relationship with the Council. "In 1969 we opened our first company, Chahta Development, which built houses for Tribal members. It was a turning point for us. Before 1969, the Tribe's business culture was stifled and over-reliant on the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Grounded by our belief in self-determination and the right to govern and service our lands without every move directed by the BIA, we replaced federal bureaucrats with Choctaw-owned businesses. Slowly but surely, we transformed a culture of dependence into a culture of success. Today the MBCI provides more than 8,000 permanent, full-time jobs for tribal members and others," Denson said.

Also honored by the Council were:

Mayo Flynt, President, AT & T Mississippi

David Gates, President, Atmos Energy, Mississippi Division

Ed Boyington, President, L-3 Vertex Aerospace LLC

Larry Whitaker, President and Publisher,The Clarion-Ledger.

Ronnie Colvin, Vice President/General Manager, Comcast Cable.

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, with an enrolled membership of 9,660, is the only federally recognized tribe in the State of Mississippi. Headquartered in the Pearl River community, near Philadelphia, Mississippi, the tribe has emerged as a leader in economic development.

Please direct all questions to the Office of Public Information at 601.650.1537.