New building hosts open houses

Scott Csernyik

3/15/2002 12:00:00 AM

The economic growth of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan can be measured in many ways-from the number of its employees to the on-going efforts in meeting spatial needs for dozens of programs and several business endeavors.

The Public Interface Building open house took place Feb. 28 to March 1. The 63,200-square foot building, located at 7500 Soaring Eagle Blvd., houses several Tribal departments, including Gaming Commission, Human Resources, Information Technology, Table Games Training and Hotel Reservations.

"The Public Interface Building represents much of the growth that has happened within our Tribe over recent years," stated Chief Maynard Kahgegab Jr. before a ribbon cutting ceremony on Feb. 28. "The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe is the No. 1 employer in Isabella County."

Work on the $5.2 million project began Sept. 29, 2000. A groundbreaking ceremony took place about two weeks later. Various departments started moving into the facility during last fall.

"It is one of the goals of this council administration to bring our Tribe into the 21st century," added Kahgegab. "We can respect the past and use the technology of the future at the same time."

The Tribe, which owns and operates the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, currently employs about 4,000 people.