TREDC Invests in the Communities We Serve

At the Tule River Economic Development Corporation (TREDC), giving back starts with supporting the Tule River Tribe, Tribal members, and initiatives that create opportunities for Native people and our local communities.

That commitment is at the heart of TREDC’s Donation Policy, adopted in July to provide a thoughtful and consistent framework for charitable giving and corporate sponsorships. The policy helps guide TREDC’s investments toward organizations and initiatives that align with its mission, create meaningful impact and strengthen the communities TREDC and its enterprises serve.

“For TREDC, giving back is about making sure our success means something to the people we serve,” said TREDC Chief Executive Officer, Thomas E. Wilbur. “When we can support our youth, help open doors to education and careers, and invest in opportunities for Tribal members, that is something we can all feel good about.”

One of TREDC’s recent contributions was a $2,500 sponsorship of the Central Valley Native Futures College & Career Pathway Expo, held August 7 at Eagle Mountain Casino. The event brought Native students and young adults together with colleges, employers, and career-development resources, helping participants explore educational pathways, future careers and opportunities to prepare for the workforce.

Supporting programs like Native Futures reflects TREDC’s belief that investing in Native youth and education can have a lasting impact by helping young people build skills, pursue their goals and prepare for opportunities that can strengthen Tribal communities for generations to come.

TREDC is also supporting Eagle Mountain Casino’s 25th Annual Golf Tournament with a $7,000 sponsorship. The tournament is scheduled for November 5. This longstanding event brings together participants, businesses, and community partners while strengthening relationships and supporting initiatives that benefit the Tribe and its enterprises.

Together, these two sponsorships represent a positive investment in Tribal-focused initiatives that support education, opportunity, relationships and the broader Tule River community.
TREDC’s commitment to giving also extends to organizations and programs in the surrounding communities where our businesses operate. Recent contributions include support for the Porterville Chamber of Commerce’s ReDOiTT downtown revitalization initiative, the Porterville High School Girls Water Polo Team, the Sierra View Foundation’s fall fundraiser and the El Grito Fun Run, which benefits scholarship and educational programs. Through Eagle Feather Trading Post, TREDC also supported Pioneer Days and the preservation of Porterville’s historic Zalud House Museum.

“Responsible community investment is an important part of how we measure success,” Wilbur said. “It is not only about the businesses we build, but about how those businesses can help strengthen the Tribe, create opportunities and support the people and communities connected to our work.”
TREDC’s Donation Policy provides a framework for evaluating charitable requests based on factors such as mission alignment, community impact, financial transparency and compliance with established guidelines.