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In this episode of The Government Connection, Mary Scott Nabers speaks with Chris James, President and CEO of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. They discuss how the organization supports Indigenous entrepreneurs through business development and technical assistance. The conversation covers the importance of federal contracting, building relationships with tribal communities, and creating opportunities for Native-owned businesses. Chris shares insights on navigating government partnerships and offers practical advice for public officials and business leaders aiming to expand economic development in tribal nations.

Meet the expert host:

Mary Scott Nabers is President/CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI). A recognized expert regarding P3s, she is the author of Collaboration Nation – How Public-Private Ventures Are Revolutionizing the Business of Government & Inside the Infrastructure Revolution – A Roadmap for Rebuilding America.

Her articles have been published by media outlets, including Forbes, CNBC, The Hill & POLITICO. Mary was the President and General Manager of two media firms. In government, she served as the Commissioner representing Business at the Texas Employment Commission where she was a high-profile, proactive business advocate who founded The Texas Business Council. Then, Commissioner Nabers moved to the Texas Railroad Commission, the state’s regulatory agency for the oil and gas industry, which at the time regulated approximately $65 billion of the state’s economy annually.

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In this episode of The Government Connection, Mary Scott Nabers interviews Pat Wood, CEO of Hunt Energy Network and former chair of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, about America's critical energy challenges. They explore the evolution of energy regulation, the growing demand from data centers and innovations in battery storage technology. The conversation highlights cybersecurity threats to power infrastructure, the importance of backup generation during outages and the resurgence of nuclear as a clean energy solution. Pat offers valuable insights for public officials on building resilient energy systems capable of withstanding extreme weather through smart grid technology and public-private collaboration.

Meet your host:

Mary Scott Nabers is President/CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI). A recognized expert regarding P3s, she is the author of Collaboration Nation – How Public-Private Ventures Are Revolutionizing the Business of Government & Inside the Infrastructure Revolution – A Roadmap for Rebuilding America. Her articles have been published by media outlets, including Forbes, CNBC, The Hill & POLITICO. Mary was the president and general manager of two media firms. In government, she served as the commissioner representing business at the Texas Employment Commission where she was a high-profile, proactive business advocate who founded The Texas Business Council. Then, Commissioner Nabers moved to the Texas Railroad Commission, the state’s regulatory agency for the oil and gas industry, which at the time regulated approximately $65 billion of the state’s economy annually.

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In this episode of The Government Connection, Mary Scott Nabers interviews Michael Irlbeck, Director of Business Development at EPCOR, about America's critical water challenges. They explore the paradox of water abundance versus infrastructure shortages, the growing demands from data centers and innovative public-private partnerships like San Antonio's Vista Ridge Pipeline. The conversation highlights the urgent need for investment in water systems, addressing emerging contaminant concerns and building political will to secure our water future.

Meet your host:

Mary Scott Nabers is President/CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc. (SPI). A recognized expert regarding P3s, she is the author of Collaboration Nation – How Public-Private Ventures Are Revolutionizing the Business of Government & Inside the Infrastructure Revolution – A Roadmap for Rebuilding America. Her articles have been published by media outlets, including Forbes, CNBC, The Hill & POLITICO. Mary was the president and general manager of two media firms. In government, she served as the commissioner representing business at the Texas Employment Commission where she was a high-profile, proactive business advocate who founded The Texas Business Council. Then, Commissioner Nabers moved to the Texas Railroad Commission, the state’s regulatory agency for the oil and gas industry, which at the time regulated approximately $65 billion of the state’s economy annually.