FireKeepers Makes Record Contributions To State, Local Fund In 2021

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FireKeepers Casino Hotel takes great pride in its contributions to the development and progress of the state of Michigan.

In 2021, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP), who are the proud owners of FireKeepers, made an exciting announcement regarding their remarkable contributions to the state of Michigan, setting new records.

The total contributions amounting to $27.4 million resulted in two check presentations: one exceeding $21 million for the state of Michigan, and another totaling $6.3 million for the FireKeepers Local Revenue Sharing Board (FLRSB).

As of 2021, the total amount of revenue sharing payments distributed throughout its lifetime has surpassed $260 million.

Bounce back from pandemic

Due to the pandemic, FireKeepers’ payments to state and local recipients did not surpass the previous year, making 2020 the first year this occurred.

2021 has brought things back on track.

The payment made to the state this year was more than twice the amount contributed in 2020, representing an 11.4% rise from the allocation made in 2019.

The recent payment made to the FLRSB was 30% higher compared to the previous year and showed a 9.2% improvement from 2019.

The total contributions made by the NHBP to date amount to $194.5 million for the state and $66.1 million for the FLRSB.

NHBP and FireKeepers presented two checks. The first check, from the state, was given to Michigan District 63 State Representative Matt Hall. The second check, from FLRSB, was presented to Chairperson Joe Caron.

Jamie Stuck, Tribal Council Chairperson for the NHBP, highlighted that the significant revenue sharing distributions reflect the tribe’s ongoing investments in the acclaimed property and the unwavering commitment of our Team Members to provide exceptional guest service. Despite the challenges posed by labor shortages and successive COVID variants, our management and staff successfully developed and unveiled a magnificent hotel tower along with expansions to our casino and restaurant offerings.

Building the FireKeepers Casino brand

The FireKeepers brand has experienced ongoing growth thanks to the collaborative efforts of FireKeepers and the NHBP in the community.

One could argue that the most noteworthy investment made by the organization is The Fire Hub restaurant located in downtown Battle Creek. Launched in 2017, The Fire Hub seamlessly blends a restaurant and bakery into one concept, while also housing the esteemed Kendall Street Food Pantry. This pantry operates as an agency of the South Michigan Food Bank, providing a dignified experience for those in need.

The success of The Fire Hub can be observed through the funds raised in the Community Fund, which resulted in a generous donation of $8,000 to the South Michigan Food Bank, contributing to their efforts in combating hunger.

FireKeepers is the proud sponsor of significant events, notably the FireKeepers Casino 400, which is the exclusive NASCAR Cup Series race held in Michigan. The highly anticipated race is set to take place on August 7th at the Michigan International Speedway.

The FireKeepers Casino Hotel Golf Championship is another exciting event on the Epson Tour Road to the LPGA tournament schedule. It will take place from July 29th to July 31st at the Battle Creek Country Club.

Who has been benefitting

FireKeepers and the NHBP prioritize reinvesting in Michigan’s local communities and charities.

The NHBP has put a strong emphasis on directing FireKeepers Casino Hotel’s support towards local businesses and suppliers. Their goal is to expand the contributions made to the local economy, going beyond just the FLRSB and distribution to the state.

Consequently, there was a considerable increase in spending across various local areas in Michigan during 2021. As a result, contracts worth over $71.2 million were awarded this year, surpassing a lifetime total of $656 million.

The distribution includes:

• The Greater Calhoun County Region, consisting of Calhoun, Jackson, and Branch counties, received a funding of $6.1 million.
• The total amount of $10.7 million has been allocated to West Michigan, including the counties of Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Grand Traverse, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, and Van Buren.
• The Lansing Area, consisting of Ingham, Eaton, and Clinton counties, has a total worth of $36.5 million.
• The amount of $2.5 million is designated for Wayne County in Metro Detroit.
• An additional $15.4 million was allocated to the following counties in Michigan: Chippewa, Genesee, Gratiot, Ionia, Livingston, Macomb, Manistee, Marquette, Mecosta, Midland, Monroe, Newaygo, Oakland, Saginaw, St. Clair, Shiawassee, Washtenaw, and Wexford.

The FLRSB has received the 13th distribution since the initial distribution in Feb. 2010, when the NHBP handed over a check worth nearly $2 million. The total amount of $66.1 million distributed thus far has provided benefits to a wide range of groups, encompassing a diverse array of beneficiaries.

• Community Schools of Harper Creek
• The road commission of Calhoun County.
• Emmett Township – a municipality named Emmett
• Calhoun County can be rewritten as the county of Calhoun.
• The Calhoun Intermediate School District
• Kellogg Community College is a post-secondary educational institution.
• The library’s name is Willard Library.
• The township of Athens
• Marshall Township can be rewritten as “The Township of Marshall” or “Marshall’s Township”.
• Marshall City
• The municipality known as Battle Creek
• Schools in the Athens area.
• The Athens Village.
• The public schools in Battle Creek
• Marshall’s Public Schools
• The Lakeview School District
• Pennfield Schools are a group of educational institutions located in Pennfield, Michigan.

The 2016 Compact Amendment signed by NHBP and the State of Michigan establishes that a maximum of $500,000 per year from state revenue sharing payments will be allocated to the Michigan Native American Heritage Fund.

In the year 2021, financial aid and/or reimbursement were granted by this fund to 11 schools and educational service institutions. The purpose was to offset the expenses incurred for projects that aim to foster positive relationships and disseminate accurate information about the history and contributions of Michigan’s Indian tribes and Native Americans within the state.

FireKeepers Casino sees increase in employment

In 2021, FireKeepers has expanded its workforce to include a total of 2,082 employees.

The emphasis on job growth is exemplified by the cumulative expenditure on labor, which reached $92.7 million in 2021, marking a 20.8% surge compared to the previous year. Since our establishment, the total amount spent on labor has surpassed $815.7 million, encompassing wages, health insurance, 401k match, and various incentives.

According to Kathy George, Chief Executive Officer at FireKeepers Casino Hotel, “The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi is the most exceptional owner in the hospitality industry. They have made significant investments in expanding our resort, including a stunning second hotel tower, which will enhance our ability to attract and accommodate more guests in the local community. Additionally, they have provided our team members with exceptional incentives, competitive wages, health benefits, and biannual bonuses. I am incredibly proud of our dedicated team for successfully navigating numerous challenges throughout the year, all while warmly welcoming and appreciating the thousands of guests who visit us daily.”

In order to expand its workforce, FireKeepers will be organizing a Job Fair on Tuesday, April 19th.

The fair operates during two time slots: 9 a.m. to noon and 3-7 p.m. Job seekers are advised to bring their resumes along. Additionally, passing a drug screen and background check is mandatory to be eligible for consideration.

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