The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina is a community of over 55,000 members of Native-American ancestry primarily residing in Robeson, Hoke, Cumberland and Scotland counties. In Robeson County, the Lumbee Tribal government offers services to the community centered around affordable housing, financial assistance, employment opportunities, and specialty services for veterans, seniors, and youth.
In an effort to generate revenue for the tribal community, officials are seeking to construct a tribal welcome center on a gateway site adjacent to the Tribe’s administration complex and a tribal housing development. The Welcome Center would be a multi-purpose commercial and community-gathering site including an outdoor market, restaurant, craft store, convenience store, gas pumps, and a small exhibit space.
NCGrowth worked with the tribal administration to conduct a market analysis for the site. As a result of the market study, Lumbee officials will have a greater understanding of Pembroke’s commercial market and best practices for ensuring success of the welcome center. The report will enable the Lumbee administration to make informed decisions surrounding the development of the welcome center.
Amanda Bravo is an NCGrowth Analyst and an MBA candidate at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School.
Lumbee Tribal Chair Harvey Godwin Jr spoke at NCGrowth’s April 12 Showcase in Rocky Mount, detailing the Tribe’s goals, the plans for a new Welcome Center and the assistance NCGrowth provided.[/caption]