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Published:3/8/2010 7:06:56 AM
8th Cherokee Casino to provide nearly 100 jobs
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| A contracted worker surveys the land
where Cherokee Nation Entertainment will build a casino in Ramona, Okla., while
another worker moves downed trees and brush with heavy machinery. (Photo by
Roger Graham)
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By Will Chavez
Staff Writer
RAMONA, Okla. – Cherokee Nation Entertainment officials are creating approximately 100 jobs and pursuing an untapped gaming market north of Tulsa by building a casino in this small Washington County town.
The $6.5 million casino will cater to the open market along Highway 75 between Tulsa and Bartlesville, a 42-mile stretch, said CNE CEO David Stewart. He added that an estimated 100 jobs would be created by the tribe’s eighth gaming facility.
The minimum casino wage starts at $9.25 an hour with fringe benefits and health insurance.
Stewart said there are currently 94 jobs open for Ramona Cherokee Casino, and contrary to rumors, some Hard Rock Casino employees in Catoosa would not be forced to transfer to Ramona.
According to CNE policy, internal applicants have the first opportunity for those jobs, he said, and CNE has already received numerous internal applicants for Ramona positions.
“It may be possible that all of the jobs could be filled internally, but it is too early to tell since the process is just now starting. We anticipate that existing employees who live in that area may apply, as it will cut down on their commute,” Stewart said.
He said while the Ramona property represents a new market, it also offers growth opportunity for CNE employees because internal applicants may apply for career advancements and promotions that exist with any new property opening or expansion.
“We’re excited about the Ramona property, the West Siloam (Springs) hotel expansion and the event center in Catoosa all coming online in the next few months and the revenue and career opportunities those projects represent,” Stewart said.
Ramona is located about 15 miles south of Bartlesville and within the tribe’s jurisdiction.
When the casino opens this summer, it should attract customers from Skiatook, Collinsville, Nowata, Bartlesville and other towns in the area, CNE officials said.
The Osage Nation operates the closest competing casino on the west side of Bartlesville.
“This location will provide the things our guests love about Cherokee Casinos, including a convenient location, great gaming and friendly attentive staff. We anticipate having buildings in place and opening to the public in early summer,” Stewart said.
Selser Shaefer Architects is providing the modular building design, and several Native American contractors are working on the project, CNE officials said.
Ground was broken for the 10,000-square-foot gaming center in January. The casino will initially feature more than 200 electronic games and cafe-style food, including free soft drinks and coffee and full bar service.
The Ramona Cherokee Casino, as with all Cherokee Casinos, will be themed after a significant period in Cherokee history. According to a CNE statement, it will feature artwork and decorative elements portraying major events that occurred between 1881 and 1906, “a period of patriotism and pride for the tribe” as Cherokees maintained “national existence by resisting the divide and conquer efforts of the United States government.”
CNE employs more than 3,500 people across northeastern Oklahoma and northwestern Arkansas. Its 2008 revenues topped $440 million, and a large percentage of its profit benefits the Cherokee Nation by allowing the tribe to provide services to its citizens.
Reach Staff Writer Will Chavez at (918) 207-3961 or will-chavez@cherokee.org
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Comment Section
1 Total Comments (0 Pending Approval)
| 3/14/2010 |
I think they are going to transfer people from other casino's, the have to have trained people, they don't have time to train other people |
| betty7ann |
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