Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures (MLCV) was established in the 1980s as a Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe (MLBO) Tribal business organization. Entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing the Band’s business operations, we are committed to cultivating a secure economic future for generations to come. Today, our diverse portfolio of businesses stands as a vibrant economic force in East Central Minnesota.
MLCV headquarters is in Onamia, MN — grounded in the non-removable Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Reservation. The land is special. It is revered with the beauty of each passing season upon its forested landscape backed by Lake Mille Lacs’ vast body of water. Even more beautifully, it echoes the voices of generations, connecting the present with the past. This land has a story, a story that MLCV seeks to secure.
To improve the quality of life of Mille Lacs Band members and the communities where we do business.
MLCV is a company of heartfelt depth. We think beyond the present. We forage the rich cultural traditions of our past and carry them with us as we plan and work toward a future of prosperity and wellness.
Vision
A force that transforms communities.
Our purpose finds its roots in our vibrant communities, fueling our drive to empower and safeguard the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe through our strategic business endeavors. Together, we witness the flourishing growth and success of our friends, families, neighbors, and Associates.
Respect
Earn it. Show it.
We act in the best interest of MLCV. We are aware of our surroundings, extending knowledge and help to others.
Bravery
Think big. Take a chance. Have fun.
We take time to find what is efficient and most beneficial to our team. We seek solutions to challenges with receptive and creative thinking.
Wisdom
Experience. Learn. Share. Repeat.
We think rationally and thoroughly in decision-making. We plan, then execute, expressing our intentions clearly.
Truth
Be real.
We are the whole image of ourselves. We are meaningful in action, challenging the status quo with inventiveness.
Humility
Don’t think less of yourself; think of yourself less.
We are still. We listen, not react. We take responsibility for our actions and appreciate each other’s experiences.
Honesty
Please be sure to sincere and act with integrity.
We are direct, polite, and concise in our actions and words. We acknowledge mistakes and grow from them.
Love
Be a kind human.
We care about our mission, values, and successes. We forgive and celebrate one another.
At Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures (MLCV), we are dedicated to fostering a racially equitable workplace, understanding that it is an ongoing and continuous journey. We acknowledge that the systemic racial inequities we aim to address were not created overnight. Therefore, we are committed to developing short- and long-term strategies as part of our approach.
Servant Leadership
We believe in empowering others, and our Associates do too. Through active Servant Leadership, we provide each other with the resources and environments needed — uniquely for you — to do your best work.
Family First
Our first core principle is family first. We know life happens outside of work. And family should always come first. We encourage and promote a healthy work-life balance, advocating for our Associates to slow down and make time for what matters most.
We’ve adopted the seven values of grandfather teachings deeply ingrained in the Ojibwe culture — respect, bravery, wisdom, truth, humility, honesty, and love. Just as the teachings in the Ojibwe culture have been traditionally passed down from generation to generation, the impact of our work at MLCV will also be passed on.
For years, generations have come together internally, working to keep the voice of generations thriving externally in our community. This is an essential characteristic of MLCV — supporting individuals, regardless of age, background, or current professional position. What may be a starting point for some may be a landing place for others, each to keep our neighborhoods blooming.
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