Another Great Year of Financial Distributions!

NHBP’s annual Local Revenue Sharing Board event took place on March 18 at FireKeepers Casino Hotel and announced that this year’s contributions totaled $24.5 million, $18.5 million of which was received by The State of Michigan, while the FireKeepers Local Revenue Sharing Board (FLRSB) received $6 million.

A check for The State of Michigan totaling $18,518,203 was presented to Emerson Silvernail, Chief of Staff for State Representative Sarah Lightner. Lightner serves in Michigan’s House of Representatives for the 45^th House District, an area which includes FireKeepers and portions of Calhoun, Jackson, and Kalamazoo counties. The FLRSB check made out to the amount of $6,077,823 was accepted by Derek King, the FLRSB’s Vice-Chair. These ongoing contributions reflect FireKeepers’ and NHBP’s commitment to giving back to the community and sustaining resources that benefit the state, counties, local municipalities, and their citizens.

“FireKeepers is more than just a casino—it’s a driving force for economic growth and community support,” said Frank Tecumseh, Chief Executive Officer at FireKeepers Casino Hotel. “Our success allows us to give back in meaningful ways, strengthening the region and enhancing opportunities for those who live and work here.”

In addition to FLRSB’s annual contributions FireKeepers also leads as a local employer, having invested more than $1.13 billion in Team Members’ wages, benefits and incentives, including total wages, health insurance, 401(k) matches, and performance-based incentives, since opening in 2009.

Charitable efforts are also a key component. FireKeepers oversees the Kendall Street Pantry in downtown Battle Creek, an agency of the South Michigan Food Bank. In the past they have brought in donations of over 2000 turkeys at Thanksgiving, as well as hosted a Holiday Food & Toy Distribution event during the Christmas season.

The Michigan Native American Heritage Fund also receives revenue sharing payments of up to $500,000 from FireKeepers. This fund provides financial assistance and reimbursements to schools ranging from elementary to university levels, local governments, and other organizations to enhance educational resources related to Michigan Indian history. It also supports projects that promote positive relationships and accurate information regarding the history and role of Michigan’s Indian tribes and Native Americans. Recipients of this grant include:

• Albion College
• Camden Frontier School
• East Jordan Public Schools
• Gladstone Area Schools
• Grand Ledge Public Schools
• Grand Valley State University
• Okemos Public Schools
• Plymouth-Canton Community Schools
• Port Huron Area School District
• Suttons Bay Public Schools

“The Tribe is proud of contributing over a quarter of a billion dollars to the state of Michigan in our gaming history and nearly $85 million to our local community,” said Dorie Rios, Tribal Council Chairperson for NHBP.

Since FireKeepers Casino Hotel opened in August 2009, NHBP has contributed more than $253.8 million to the State of Michigan and $84.6 million to the FLRSB, bringing the total lifetime contributions to an extraordinary $338.5 million. This year’s contribution is the fifteenth distribution since the first in Feb. 2010. In just the past four years, FireKeepers has contributed over $105 million to the State and FLRSB. 

The beneficiaries of these contributions are numerous and diverse, including the following organizations:

• 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.

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