North Fork Rancheria launches new business to support jobs, local economy
For Immediate Release: North Fork, California, January 28, 2021– During a time when the region has been impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic and devastating Creek Fire, a new business blossoms in the foothills of Madera County. In a continued effort to promote economic development for its tribal citizens and community, the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California (NFR or ‘Tribe’) is announcing plans to open an automotive shop in February of 2021.
The federally recognized Indian Tribe’s latest commercial venture will be located at the North Fork/’Old’ Mill Site at the corner of Road 225 and Douglas Ranger Station Rd. North Fork Rancheria Automotive Repair (NFRAR) will officially open its doors with a soft-opening ceremony scheduled for February 1, 2021. Due to the COVID19 Pandemic, a Grand Opening Celebration will be scheduled as soon as health experts determine it is safe to gather. New clients will be offered many service specials during February.
Tribal Economic Development
NFR Automotive Repair is a wholly owned subsidiary of the North Fork Rancheria Economic Development Authority (NFREDA), an unincorporated governmental instrumentality of the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians. NFREDA was established to improve the lives of Rancheria citizens by growing employment and business opportunities as well as funding sources for diverse tribal programs.
The new venture will generate new jobs and roughly $170,000 in new annual revenue for the North Fork area, providing local area residents a way to shop and invest locally. Proceeds from the operation will fund tribal social, training, and assistance programs for enrolled citizens, further benefiting the surrounding community. “The Tribe is proud to be a long-standing partner in developing Eastern Madera,” said Elaine Bethel-Fink, NFR Tribal Chair, “especially in a key service industry like this that is underserved locally.”
NFR Auto Repair is not the NFREDA’s first business venture. In 2019, NFR opened the Nim Nobe General Store, located at 32555 Way Up Way in North Fork. Lacking any casino funding, the Tribe has nonetheless managed to take the lead to build, expand, or refurbish numerous businesses and community assets, including a Tribal Headquarters Office, Community Center, Family Wellness Youth center, Volunteer Fire Station, TANF Social Services Building, Transportation & Training Center, Low-income housing, a water storage tank, Sierra Mono Museum Expansion and Renovation, and future Cultural and Environmental Protection Center. “This is what great tribal-local partnership looks like,” said Bobby Kahn, Executive Director of the Madera County Economic Development Commission (EDC), “and we look forward to more things to come.”
In keeping with the health concerns of the times, NFR Auto Repair personnel will take necessary precautions to maintain a clean environment. Employees will wear gloves. Steering wheel covers, floor mats, and seat-covers will be used while operating customer vehicles. Customers with access to computers have the option of touchless repair orders and invoicing. For more information find us on Facebook, and our google business site https://nfrautorepair.business.site