2023 Contributions Are Second-Highest Ever

As owners of the FireKeepers Casino Hotel, NHBP announced on March 14 that its 2024 payment to the State of Michigan is more than $20.5 million, marking a notable increase of 1.16% over the previous year. Additionally, the payment to the FireKeepers Local Revenue Sharing Board (FLRSB) exceeds $6.2 million, marking a 0.95% increase from the previous year.

These continued contributions bring NHBP’s total monies contributed to the State of Michigan to more than $235.3 million, and $78.5 million to the FLRSB, since the opening of FireKeepers Casino Hotel in August 2009. Cumulatively, the contributions exceed $300 million, standing at $313.9 million.

Two checks were presented from NHBP and FireKeepers; the first for $20,519,503 was presented to Brad Heffner, Associate General Counsel for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The second check for $6,254,876 was presented to FLRSB Chairperson and Supervisor of Emmett Charter Township Deb Belles. The funds distributed are part of a negotiated agreement between NHBP and the state for 2023 operations at NHBP’s FireKeepers Casino Hotel.

“Today’s contributions reaffirm NHBP’s dedication to fostering economic growth and prosperity within the State of Michigan and our Local Revenue Sharing Board,” said NHBP Tribal Council Chairperson Jamie Stuck. “As stewards of our Community, we take great pride in our ongoing partnership with the State and our local communities, a tangible example of our commitment to supporting vital initiatives that benefit our region.”

Chief Executive Officer at FireKeepers Casino Hotel Frank Tecumseh expressed enthusiasm for the casino’s contributions. He stated, “At FireKeepers, we understand the importance of giving back to the communities that have supported us. We are proud to play a significant role in the continued growth and success of our region.”

Belles thanked everyone in attendance on behalf of the local community, citing the newly redone 75 miles of roads in Emmett Township as an example of safety and communal pride.

The check presented to the FLRSB is the fourteenth distribution since the first in 2011, when the NHBP presented a check to the FLRSB for nearly $2 million.

Over the past decade and a half, the $78.5 million that has been distributed has benefited many organizations and municipalities, including:

• Harper Creek Community Schools
• Calhoun County Road Commission
• Emmett Township
• Calhoun County
• Calhoun Intermediate School District
• Kellogg Community College
• Willard Library
• Athens Township
• Marshall Township
• City of Marshall
• City of Battle Creek
• Athens Area Schools
• Village of Athens
• Battle Creek Public Schools
• Marshall Public Schools
• Lakeview School District
• Pennfield Schools

For more photos of the event, please click here.