The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP), owners of FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek, Michigan, Thursday announced $27.4 million in contributions to state and local revenue boards. Just over $21 million was given to the state of Michigan and the Firekeepers Local Revenue Sharing Board (LSRB) received $6.3 million.
This year’s payment to the State of Michigan totals is more than double the 2021 contribution and an increase of 11.4% over the 2019 allocation.
The $6.3 million payment to the LRSB is 30% higher than in 2021 and a 9.2% increase over 2019.
According to the Nottawaseppi website, the LRSB serves to reimburse local government units, including local municipal governments and school districts, for lost tax revenue. Because Firekeepers and the NHBP Pine Creek Indian Reservation are located on sovereign Tribal land, FireKeepers casino and the tribe are tax-exempt.
According to Firekeepers Public Relations & Social Media Manager Amber Ballard, the contributions are based on a fixed percentage not disclosed by the tribe.
“Record revenue sharing distributions represent both the tribe’s continued substantial investments in this award-winning property and the dedication of our team members to deliver outstanding guest service,” said NHBP Tribal Council Chairperson Jamie Stuck in a statement.
“Management and staff faced extreme labor shortfalls and waves of COVID variants, as we built and opened a beautiful hotel tower and additions to our casino and restaurant offerings.”
The contributions increase the NHBP’s lifetime combined revenue sharing payments to more than $260 million since Firekeepers opened in 2009. Payment totals have increased every year except for 2020, when the casino was closed for almost three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi are the best owners in the hospitality industry,” said FireKeepers Casino Hotel CEO Kathy George in a statement. “They invested in a beautiful second hotel tower and expansion of our resort, which will allow us to host and attract more guests to the local community. They provided strong incentives, leading wages, health benefits and twice-yearly bonuses for our Team Members.
“I am so proud of our team members for dealing with multiple challenges throughout the year, while continuing to welcome and appreciate the thousands of guests who visit us daily.”
