TERO

Provides preference requirements in employment and contracting on or near the boundaries of the Grand Ronde Reservation.

Location & Contact:

Phone: 503-879-2188
Email: Tero@grandronde.org

Sunday	Closed
Monday	8 AM–12 PM 1 PM–5 PM
Tuesday	8 AM–12 PM 1 PM–5 PM
Wednesday	8 AM–12 PM 1 PM–5 PM
Thursday	8 AM–12 PM 1 PM–5 PM
Friday	8 AM–12 PM 1 PM–5 PM
Saturday	Closed

Tribal Employment Rights Office (TERO)

Pursuant to the Tribes' inherent sovereign authority to self-governance, the Grand Ronde Tribal Council enacted The Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance (TERO), Resolution 192-13, on November 6, 2013. The TERO Ordinance was passed to provide preference requirements in employment and contracting on or near the boundaries of the Grand Ronde Reservation. Tribal and Indian preference provides increased opportunity for jobs and other economic benefits that will contribute to the social and cultural prosperity of the Grand Ronde Tribe.

TERO Ordinance

Quick Links

Services ODOT Certification Business Development TERO FAQs List of Indian-Owned Businesses

Economic Opportunity

The ordinance establishes a TERO Program and Commission to implement its provisions and ensure compliance.

The Program’s goals are to:

Provide preference in employment and contracting
Provide workforce protection
Provide training and education to improve career and economic opportunities

Services

Skills Bank Pool

TERO maintains a skills bank “hiring pool” to refer Tribal members and other American Indians for available work within its jurisdiction. Provides clients with skills assessments and conducts career counseling. In addition, the program coordinates with other Tribal departments, as well as organizations outside of the Tribe, to identify resources that can be applied to provide clients with a variety of career preparation and career advancement training opportunities.

Commission

The TERO Commission is comprised of five appointed commissioners that serve to carry out the provisions of the Ordinance. The Commission conducts public hearings on matters covered in the Ordinance.

Indian Owned Businesses

TERO certifies and maintains a list of Grand Ronde Tribal member owned or Indian owned business (IOB). Certified IOB’s are given a preference that will be applied to Tribal contracting opportunities. Indian preference requires all contracts within the jurisdiction of TERO to include certified businesses in the solicitation and bidding process, when they are available. Indian preference in contracting includes contracts for construction services and contracts to supply materials, goods, or services.

List of Indian owned businesses IOB Application (Construction) IOB Application (Non-Construction)

Training

TERO ensures that Tribal Members are afforded opportunities to obtain specialized training that provides them with the potential to advance in whatever career field they are in. TERO requires Tribal employers to provide preference to Tribal employees when training opportunities meant to provide career development and advancement benefit, are available. Please contact us with any questions or additional information at: 503-879-2188 or Tero@grandronde.org

Training Opportunities

Skills Bank

Application for TERO Skills Bank.

Skills Bank Application

Business Development

ONAC: The Oregon Native American Chamber (ONAC) is a community of professionals, advisors, organizations, entrepreneurs, and companies collectively working toward success in business and community. We provide information, networking opportunities and mentoring. Connect with our resources and other members as you drive your business toward success

NAYA: NAYA offers a wide array of comprehensive services and community-based solutions, including lifelong educational opportunities, cultural identity, leadership development and paths to financial security based on traditional tribal values. We are committed to eliminating poverty, hunger, family violence, and homelessness. NAYA actively seeks new ideas and embraces thoughtful risks. NAYA is led by a board of directors that reflects the Native community, and all strategic decisions made throughout the organization are youth centered, family driven and elder guided.

ONABEN: ONABEN is driven by its mission to advance the economic development of Native peoples and all communities of color by the establishment of culturally relevant products and services designed to encourage the growth of individual and community wealth building, through the creation of aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses; financial empowerment initiatives; organizational development and community asset building

Question 1: Things to consider before starting a business?

What am I wanting to do?

The first you need to think about is what you will offer. What are you going to sell in your business and why do you think this will be profitable?

Target Customer

Ensure that you have a service or product that is needed or wanted by your target customers. Study the market and see how other people have been profitable.

Location

Ensure you have a location that fits your needs as well as the needs of your customers.

Formation

Once you’ve identified what to sell, who to sell it to and where to sell it, now think about how you’ll form the business. You will need to obtain a name for your business as well as choose what type of business you will want to be. You can choose on sole proprietorship, partnership or corporation.

Single proprietorship – you’re the sole owner of the business.

Partnership – you can divide the business with another person(s) which you will call partners. You need at least two people to form partnership.

Corporation – you can register as One-Person Corporation (OPC) or divide the business with two (2) or more individuals.

Resources

Where will I be getting the resources to start my business? This includes money to start a business as well as but not limited to supplies, tools and materials.

Suppliers

Identity potential suppliers needed to produce the service or goods you will sell. Consider their price, location, reliability and operating hours.

Operating Expenses

Identify all expenditures that you need to operate the business such as payroll, rent, office supplies, utilities, etc. Consider the monthly costs in your business plan. What will you need to bring in to stay profitable?

Staffing

Will you need a staff or a team of workers? You will need to determine this and factor these wages into your payroll. Where will you find your team?

Marketing

Marketing is one of the key factors that can determine why a business will succeed or why it may fail. If nobody knows about your business then how will you sell your product or service?

Accounting and Financial Analysis

Last but not the least, when you start a business, ensure you have a reliable accounting and financial reporting process in place. Accounting is the language of business. To know what’s really happening in your business, you must have a reliable accounting and financial reporting system.

Question 2: What are some things I should have to start a business?

A: Have an idea for a product or service that you are wanting to provide.

Create a business plan.

Study the market of the business field you are looking to enter in.

Choose your business location.

Determine how you will be funding your business.

Determine the legal structure of your business.

Determine if you will need additional employers for your business.

Question 3: What should be my business structure?

A: There are different types of business structures and all of them have their own advantages and disadvantages depending on the business you are wishing to start.

Sole Proprietorship: A sole proprietorship is a type of enterprise owned and run by one person and in which there is no legal distinction between the owner and the business entity.

Limited Liability Company: An LLC is a business structure that can combine the pass-through taxation of a partnership or sole proprietorship with the limited liability of a corporation. The biggest benefit of an LLC is that it protects its owners’ personal assets should the business face any legal issues.

C Corporation: A C Corp is a legal structure for a corporation in which the owners, or shareholders, are taxed separately from the entity. C corporations, the most prevalent of corporations, are also subject to corporate income taxation.

Partnership: A partnership is a formal arrangement by two or more parties to manage and operate a business and share its profits. There are several types of partnership arrangements. In particular, in a partnership business, all partners share liabilities and profits equally, while in others, partners may have limited liability.

S Corporation: An S Corporation is a business entity that has elected to pass its corporate income, losses, credits and deductions to its shareholders to include on their tax forms.

Question 4: How will I know if I need to hire additional employees?

Question 5: How do I hire employees?

A: You should reach out and market the position you are wishing to hire for. Determine a competitive pay that is adequate with what other jobs are paying for similar work.

You should consider doing pre-employment background checks to better understand who you are hiring to represent your business.

Ensure that you clearly state your company’s beliefs and standards when hiring so that you have a formidable team that all has similar goals in mind.

Question 6: How much will I need to operate my business each month?

Question 7: How much will it take to open a business?

Question 8: How do I determine my target market?

A: You should research the market you are wishing to enter before you ever start a business. You need to determine that there is a need for additional businesses in this market. These are some of the things you will look for when determining your target market:

Demand: Is there a desire for your product or service?

Market size: How many people would be interested in your offering?

Economic indicators: What is the income range and employment rate?

Location: Where do your customers live and where can your business reach?

Market saturation: How many similar options are already available to consumers?

Pricing: What do potential customers pay for these alternatives?

Question 9: Should I have a website for my business?

TERO Quick Reference Guide

In the exercise of their sovereign authority, Indian Tribes have the right to regulate and control the employment practices of all employers conducting business on their reservations. In addition, under federal law, Indian people have unique and special employment rights that allow Tribal Nations to establish employment preference requirements to employers both on, and under certain circumstance, near their reservations. To ensure that individual Tribal members and other Indians fully benefit from these authorities and laws, The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde has enacted a Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance that requires all employers including Tribal government, Tribal businesses, and contractors that perform work on the Reservation, to provide Indian preference in employment, and Indian preference in contracting and subcontracting.

What is TERO?

TERO stands for Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance or Office. The TERO Ordinance require that all employers, which includes Grand Ronde Tribal Government, along with those who are engaged in operating a business on the Reservation, give preference to qualified Tribal members and other Indians in all aspects of employment, contracting and other business activities. The TERO Office (or Program) was established and empowered to implement and
enforce the provisions of the Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance and monitor its effectiveness. The TERO Program obtains guidance from a TERO Commission which reports to the Grand Ronde Tribal Council.

Why Was The TERO Ordinance Enacted?

What Is The Purpose Of The TERO Program?

The primary purpose of the TERO program is to establish administrative resources, processes, and procedures to implement the TERO Ordinance. To fulfill this purpose the TERO Program focuses on assisting and providing guidance to Tribal employers so that they can meet the expectations set forth in the Ordinance. The TERO Program and Commission provide Tribal leadership with recommendations to policy that will serve to enhance the effectiveness of the Ordinance. The Program monitors employer performance in how they employ, train, develop, and promote Tribal members and other Indians and in how they contract and subcontract work on the reservation. When necessary, the Program will exercise its authority to enforce Tribal and Indian preference compliance by conducting investigations and serving notice of violations of the Ordinance. Contractors in violation of TERO may also become subject to sanctions and fines.

What Is Tribal And Indian Preference?

Tribal and Indian preference refers to the practice of providing qualified employment applicants first opportunity to available positions and once in the workforce, as employees of covered employers, to first opportunity to career advancement opportunities.

Tribal preference policy is used in all Tribal hiring and is provided to enrolled members of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Tribal members receive preference in employment, training, career advancement, and contracting, as these opportunities become available in Tribal Government and Tribal businesses on the reservation.

Indian preference is provided to individuals that are enrolled members of a federally recognized Indian tribe. Indian preference is applied only after other Tribal preference hiring criteria is first exercised. Indian preference also is applied to federally funded construction contracts which do not allow application of Tribal preference.

What Is The TERO Skills Bank?

TERO manages a list of eligible, qualified, Tribal members and other Indians that have submitted applications. Applicants become eligible, based on a skills assessment, primarily for assignments on construction or maintenance projects. The “skills bank” data base is used to match applicant skills to the job requests made to TERO. These assignments may either short-term or long-term employment opportunities.

Also, TERO applicants that possess skills that match other available non-construction employment opportunities will be provided notice from TERO of the opening and have an opportunity to apply for the position through the employer’s normal hiring process.

What Training Opportunities Are Available?

For careers in the construction trades TERO coordinates with contractors, State of Oregon BOLI, and other construction trades training providers. TERO ensures that Tribal members are afforded opportunities to obtain specialized training that provides them with the potential to advance from apprentice to journey level work.

Non-construction training for Tribal members that are in the Tribal workforce is made available through current employer training resources, and for technical certifications and to obtain a degree, through the Grand Ronde Education Department. TERO requires Tribal employers to provide preference to Tribal employees when training opportunities, meant to provide career development and advancement benefit, are available. Training of employees is contingent on available budget and other programmatic considerations and operational priorities.

What is A Certified Indian Owned Business?

TERO is also responsible for certifying Grand Ronde Tribal member owned or Indian-owned business (IOB). Certified IOB’s will have a preference that will be applied to Tribal contracting opportunities. To become certified, an IOB would be required to provide financial documents and legal proof of at least 51% Tribal member or Indian ownership in the business.

Indian preference is applied to covered employers and requires them to include certified businesses, engaged in the sought after relevant business line, in the solicitation and bid process. Indian preference in contracting shall include contracts for construction services and contracts to supply materials, goods, or services.

Are Indian Preference And TERO New Concepts?

Indian preference first appeared in Federal regulations in 1834. The first major Indian preference legislation passed by congress was the Buy Indian Act of 1910 which has figured prominently in most related legislation. Tribal Employment Rights Ordinances were initially founded in late 1976 and early 1977. Today there are almost 300 Tribes and Alaska Native Villages covered by TERO Ordinances.

Does Indian Preference Violate Federal Employment Law?

There are no federal laws which prohibit Indian Preference. Tribes are exempt from Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and several other federal employment laws. Numerous court cases have upheld this exemption (see Morton v. Mancari). Additionally, court rulings have indicated that Indian preference is a political preference and not a racial preference and as such do not violate the dictates of federal employment law.

Is Tribal Preference Legal?

Can TERO Assess Fees?

Most tribes impose a TERO fee on construction contractors doing business on reservations. The fees collected by the TERO are used to finance operational costs and program services. Services include: recruiting, referrals, screening, job counseling, orientations, employee supportive services and training, compliance, investigations, and employer and community awareness education sessions.

Will TERO Fees Increase Cost Of Projects?

TERO fees range from ½% of 1% to 4% with a national average of about 2.5%. Grand Ronde TERO has a fee set at 2.5%. The much lower TERO fee preempts other taxes on tribal reservation projects and often result in a substantial savings to contractors that perform contracts on the reservation since these projects are void of state and local taxes; most states taxes for example are in the 5-10% range.

How Does TERO Enforce The Ordinance?

TERO Director or his designee is charged with conducting investigation to ensure compliance with the TERO Ordinance and to determine whether a covered employer has violated the Ordinance. Investigations may be initiated in response to a complaint or under the TERO Director’s own initiative.

When findings from the investigation indicate that a violation of the TERO Ordinance has occurred, the TERO Director may take any steps necessary to resolve the violation that the Director deems appropriate and are authorized by the Ordinance. A good faith effort will be made to reach an informal settlement of the violation with the covered employer.

Can TERO Impose Corrective Actions, Penalties, or Sanctions?

If a violation of the TERO Ordinance has occurred a covered employer, other than a Tribal employer, may be subject to any of the following:

1) A civil fine in an amount not to exceed $1,000 per violation per day;

2) An order that the employer make payment of back pay or other damages to any aggrieved party;

3) Deny the covered employer the right to commence business on the Tribe’s Reservation;

4) Order the covered employer to hire, promote, or train a TERO preference individual or IOB;

5) Order the covered employer to dismiss any employees hired in violation of this Ordinance;

6) Order a percentage of lost profits (contract price less estimated expenses, materials and labor costs); or

7) Suspend the covered employer’s business activity on the Tribe’s Reservation.

TERO Indian Owned Business List

Advanced Native Construction

Affordable Drains LLC

Agency Creek Contract Cutting LLC

Akana

All-Ways Excavating USA, LLC

Benti Lines LLC

Bishop & Sons Excavating, LLC

Cates & Erb Inc.

Cearley Construction LLC

CG Contractors LLC

Emhoolah Trucking

Goldsmith Trucking LLC

Hofenbredl Timber, LLC

Hofenbredl Trucking LLC

Integrity Restoration LLC

Service Area: 100 Miles within Grand Ronde, OR

General Contracting Company – both residential/commercial construction and restoration services.

Construction: new construction, remodels, deck, framework and other aspects of carpentry work.

Restoration: specializes in providing support to victims of accidents, emergencies and disasters by helping them to restore their homes and businesses caused by water, fire, mold, Clandestine Drug Labs, or homes affected by the manufacturing or distributing of illicit drugs as well as other cleanup and restoration services

Owner: Justin Murphy

Contact: (971) 354-6950 | justin@integrityrestoreservices.com

Interstate Electric

K&B Excavating LLC

Kent Thomas Construction

Kevin Hofenbredl Trucking

Knight’s Gutter and Roofing Cleaning LLC

K N L Industries

L Wilson Construction, LLC

LeClair Painting & Designs LLC

Marc Anderson, P.E.

Minahan Cutting, Inc.

MPP Piping Inc. - Industrial Construction

Momentum Procurement Group

Nativewest Corp.

Service Area: All of Oregon

Specialty Contractor Level 1 CCB #231088 - NAICS CODE – 332312

Specialization: Supply of fabricated steel components for commercial construction projects.

Products: Collector Plates, Ledgers, Hanger Brackets, Column Bases, Splice Connections, Beam Support Brackets, and other secondary steel accessories.

Customization: Ability to provide custom steel components based on project needs.

Quality Control: Stringent quality control measures to ensure durability and safety.

Expertise: Skilled team with 30+ years of experience in handling and supplying steel materials.

DBE, MBE, ESB

Owner: Bradley Senner

Contact: 503-706-9593 | Bsenner@nativewest.biz

Oregon Signs & Lighting

Osage Electrical Contractors, Inc.

Pittman Plumbing & Heating LLC

Redwing Electric LLC

Risseeuw's Excavation and Septic LLC

Service Area: 100 Miles, From Willamina, OR

General Construction, General Excavation, Septic Installation and Repair, Site Development, All Underground Utility Installation and Repair, Brush Clearing, Road Repair, Road Building, Road Clearing & Land Clearing. Dump Trucking, Gravel Delivery, Driveway Building, Dirt Hauling.

Owners: Kelsey Risseeuw, Darren Risseeuw

Contact: 971-237-7790 | darren@risseeuwexc.com

R&D Construction Company & Daughter, LLC

R&J Painting

RJR Construction, Inc.

RJS Construction, Inc.

Silver Bear Construction LLC

Soaring Bird Solutions, LLC

Square W, LLC

Stan's Clearing Services, LLC

Stotts Construction Company

Strong Horse Construction

Thrasher Plumbing LLC

Underdog Timber Felling LLC

Service Area: All of Oregon

Underdog Timber Felling, LLC is a licensed and experienced tree service provider. Because we’ve been in business for over 2 years, you can trust that we’ve seen and done it all and that nothing surprises us where trees are concerned. We’re proud to offer our clients the best quality and value service and strive to deliver nothing less than stellar work every time.

Owner: Isaac Farias-Banda

Contact: 541-841-1033 | Underdogtimberfelling@gmail.com

Wakeview Construction LLC

Wenaha Group, Inc.

White Shield, Inc.

Wolf Pack Plumbing LLC

Ampkwa Images

Best Pals Cleaning Service

Beartracks NDN

Cinnamon Fox Creations

DSC Native Creations

Drew’s Pro Wash Plus LLC

Ghost Trance Designs LLC

Service Area:

Heat press services, Sublimation printing, labeling (Business cards, Metal signs/cards, Construction signs), 4K Image transferring for interior or exterior, Art and photo panels, Personal protective equipment and High Visibility clothing and printing, Tribal art projects, Media services, funeral blankets, shirts, hoodies, flags etc.

Owner: Jose Cazarez

Contact: 971-813-3067 | ghosttrancedesigns@gmail.com

Helen’s Photography and Art Directing

Indigenous Arts Tattoo LLC

Indigenous Unity Our Tool LLC

The Ink Lab Custom Apparel LLC

Specializes in providing premium high-quality custom apparel tailored to the needs of construction companies (PPE hi-vis), schools, organizations, and tribal entities. Our expert team uses cutting-edge printing, embroidery, and heat press technologies to customize each piece of apparel ensuring the highest quality and maintains all OSHA compliant regulations.

Owner: Rick Nevarez

Contact: (360) 660-8066 | theinklab.nw@gmail.com

Web: www.theinklabcustomapparel.com

Kara Bombs LLC

Kalapuya Weaving and Consulting LLC

Service Area: Everywhere

Traditional basket weaver, anthropologist, archaeologist, museum curator, researcher, and artist; specializing in identifying and making/recreating Native American belongings like organic materials including but not limited to basketry, carvings, clothing, beadwork, etc.; specializing in Native American archives (paper, photo, audio, video, etc.) management, processing, preservation; specializing in cultural resource management like surveys, belongings preservation, conservation, restoration of items, records management, policy and ordinance development and implementation. Museum exhibit design and development, cultural education classes from regalia making, basketry, ceremonies, lifeways.

Owner: Stephanie Craig

Contact: kalapuyaweaving.com

Knucklehead

Northern Signals Inc.

Rez Kid Vending

Rock House Art

Sweet Rain Creations, LLC

Tidal Creative Marketing

TLT Art, LLC

Wild Blackberry Moccs LLC

4 Pillars Consulting