Copyright © 2006 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2006 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – Steel beams are now up and construction is well under way at the site of a new Cherokee Casino southwest of Tahlequah.
Construction begins on new 20,000 sq-ft Cherokee Casino south of Tahlequah. The casino will employ approx. 100 people. 
The 20,000-square-foot facility will replace the existing casino currently housed in 6,080 sq. ft. temporary building located four miles southwest of Tahlequah on Highway 62. The new facility, being constructed immediately behind the existing casino, will boast 375 electronic gaming machines, 12 table games that include blackjack, eight poker tables as well as a Sidewalk Café restaurant.
“We feel that creating jobs for Cherokees is one of the best services we can provide our people,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “When we create career path jobs in communities like Tahlequah, it helps us keep our culture strong and keep our families close to home.”
David Stewart, CEO of Cherokee Nation Enterprises, the tribally owned corporation that operates Cherokee Casinos, said that this is another example of how the Cherokee Nation has become a proven leader in economic development in northeastern Oklahoma.
“We are committed to creating jobs and stimulating the economy as a way to assist with the overall vitality of the Tahlequah area,” said Stewart.
To date, the building pad is completed and the steel frame is being installed. The shell of the building should be completed by February.
“If the weather cooperates, we should grand open the new Tahlequah casino in late August or early September,” said Stewart.
Cherokee Nation Enterprises is the retail, gaming, entertainment and hospitality business of the Cherokee Nation. CNE operates casinos in Catoosa, Roland, West Siloam Springs, Fort Gibson and Tahlequah as well as two Cherokee Outpost convenience stores; seven Cherokee retail tobacco shops, two gift shops and golf courses in Catoosa and Tahlequah. The company also owns Will Rogers Downs, a 236-acre horse racetrack just east of Claremore. The company employs more than 2,700 people throughout northeastern Oklahoma.
| Related Cherokee Nation contact information: |
|
Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |