Firekeepers Casino looks to fill jobs

[The Movie Guy]

People need jobs, then complain about them when they come. Unreal

[abranger]

My question is: How many people does it take to run a casino with 500 slots, a couple of restaurants and a couple of bars? Certainly not 1500 which leads me to believe that most of the jobs will be part time. I've been to every casino in this state and I think I have a pretty good idea what it takes in terms of manpower to operate. I sincerely hope it helps the local communities in that area but I'm afraid it won't do much except add more to the state's tax coffers from which they can squander more of our money.

[krtnews]

On the forum for the Wayland casino I had made a comment that I could care less if we have casinos or not. Bring jobs, any jobs, is better than what we have now. BUT, with this opening and then trying to pass the Wayland casino, isn't that too much satuation in an area? They are only about 45 minutes from each other. I think when the tribe proposed the idea 10 years ago, it would have worked and been benificial, but now with Firewater does it make sense? Too close and with other casino's in MI laying off, will they be able to make it financially. Not only are casino's suffering but so is the lotto. Times are tuff and when it comes to food or casino's/lotto, food usually wins out.

[TLC1000]

abranger wrote:

My question is: How many people does it take to run a casino with 500 slots, a couple of restaurants and a couple of bars? Certainly not 1500 which leads me to believe that most of the jobs will be part time. I've been to every casino in this state and I think I have a pretty good idea what it takes in terms of manpower to operate. I sincerely hope it helps the local communities in that area but I'm afraid it won't do much except add more to the state's tax coffers from which they can squander more of our money.

You are forgetting about all the jobs that will be opened or saved by supplying this casino with the items it needs to run; from supplies, food, paper products, cooks, cleaners, security, utilities, people who work in the back offices; WAY MORE than just the dealers you are thinking of. Not to mention all the extra work or workers that will be needed at other area companies nearby. Some are part-time, but most are full time jobs with good pay and benefits; jobs that will pay taxes to our economy, also. Right now any business opening in Michigan is a GOOD THING!!

[TLC1000]

krtnews wrote:

On the forum for the Wayland casino I had made a comment that I could care less if we have casinos or not. Bring jobs, any jobs, is better than what we have now. BUT, with this opening and then trying to pass the Wayland casino, isn't that too much satuation in an area? They are only about 45 minutes from each other. I think when the tribe proposed the idea 10 years ago, it would have worked and been benificial, but now with Firewater does it make sense? Too close and with other casino's in MI laying off, will they be able to make it financially. Not only are casino's suffering but so is the lotto. Times are tuff and when it comes to food or casino's/lotto, food usually wins out.

Too close together? If that was truly the case, then why do you think they want a casino downtown Grand Rapids? Maybe because they want to keep all the business in Grand Rapids and NOT in surrounding areas? They put all this money in Grand Rapids for a convention hall; they could have supported the Gun Lake Tribe's casino plan and set up a bus system to the casino for visitors who come into GR for the convention as another tourist attraction; just like other major cities do around the country. BUT, no, they want control of ALL the money that comes into West Michigan; it's called GREED!

Do you not see competition everywhere with grocery giants, pharmacys, bars; even across the street from each other?

Believe me, if the MICHGO members thought the Wayland Casino would fail, they wouldn't be spending MILLIONS TO STOP IT or delay it all these years!

People have a right to choose how they spend their money; whether it be on cigarettes ($50-per week), beer, dining out or taking a long vacation somewhere. Quite frankly, I would rather see people spend money locally, even at a local casino, than take a trip to Vegas or another state somewhere. Keep the money in MICHIGAN!!

[TLC1000]

Heh wrote:

Just what we need , another place for welfare frauds and social security checks to go to indians

I guess I better remind co-workers at Steelcase to stop spending their "entertainment" money at local casinos, and take their money to Vegas instead, because Michigan doesn't need their money put into the economy. I hope when and if you get your social security check some day; someone will be around to tell you how to spend your "YEARS OF WORKING" income!

[Economist]

I fail to understand how a casino stimulates the economy, particularly in the long run. It may create a ton of jobs, but the owners make off like bandits. These profits don't just appear out of nowhere, they come from slightly-less-than-favorable gaming odds and people who choose to play these odds. As much as I hate big government, I can say that I would rather see state run casinos. Hell, we have a lottery, Keno, etc... why not just open a few casinos too? This way, at least we could see more money make its way into our state's dilapidated education system and less in the hands of these casino owners.

[Kate]

Wrong, the casino is hiring FULL TIME permanant jobs WITH insurance. Do your research.

[Kate]

Heh wrote:

Just what we need , another place for welfare frauds and social security checks to go to indians

You are a racist. I wish you nothing but the worst.

[TLC1000]

Economist wrote:

I fail to understand how a casino stimulates the economy, particularly in the long run. It may create a ton of jobs, but the owners make off like bandits. These profits don't just appear out of nowhere, they come from slightly-less-than-favorable gaming odds and people who choose to play these odds. As much as I hate big government, I can say that I would rather see state run casinos. Hell, we have a lottery, Keno, etc... why not just open a few casinos too? This way, at least we could see more money make its way into our state's dilapidated education system and less in the hands of these casino owners.

Oh, I guess a "ton of jobs" doesn't mean much to you then, nor any money being spent from tourists who come into the area.

As for owners who make off like bandits....gee, does that count for my employer and CEO who have made BILLIONS, while cutting jobs?

I think your odds are a LOT better at a Tribal casino than playing the lotto; and we CERTAINLY know that profits from the lotto DOESN'T really reach the "education" fund for our schools, especially in Western Michigan; no matter how much they want you to believe that! Oh yes, we want Government to run Casino's because they do such a GREAT job with running our other programs like FOC, CPS, and they are SO GREAT at cutting Government waste, except for their own wages....lol.

Another thing, not all Tribal Casino's run their programs the same way by giving huge profits to their members; many take those profits and invest in the future for their Tribal members with programs and real estate. Too often, many of you compare all Tribal casino's in the state to just one, and that comparison is HUGELY FALSE!

[Ben Dover]

john454 wrote:

Thats just great....
We need another casino,like we need more golf courses.

Hey Mr Brain Surgeon, Not all people are broke and/or out of work. Michigan unemployment rate is just a little over 10%... let's just call it 11%! That means 89% of Michigan workforce is employed!

Casino's create jobs.. Just like Golf Courses. Keep the Casino's coming along with the Golf Courses... I'll keep having fun gambiling and golfing! FOUR!

[abranger]

Economies are not built on entertainment. They are built on goods and necessary services. Particularly in Michigan where the casinos are spread so far apart. The only people that patronize them are our own residents. They're not bringing in tourist dollars and anyone who thinks they're a boon to the economy is simply delusional. We've got 21 of them and look what wonders they've created for our state. I hope all those who think these jobs are just going to be wonderful are right, but I fear they are in for a rude awakening.

[Hurley35]

Did I hear correctly? 5500 people applied for these positions IN ONE DAY???

[Mad Taxpayer]

Hurley35 wrote:

Did I hear correctly? 5500 people applied for these positions IN ONE DAY???

It was 8,000 people that applied. Can you believe it ?

[Hurley35]

Mad Taxpayer wrote:

<quoted text>
It was 8,000 people that applied. Can you believe it ?

I can see a new graduation requirement for Michigan Public Schools coming up here... Gaming and Dealing 101...

[MelisIn GR]

Put one in downtown GR, I'll go apply for a job. A casino stimulates the economy, not only in creating jobs, but all the businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, real estate, stores, taxi companies all benefit from the increased tourism. The profits made by the tribe are often spent IN THE STATE where they are earned, since most of them live in MI, instead of sent overseas.

Jesus, go complain about Devos tearing down his house or something...

[Blessedbme]

New Jersey has a boardwalk full of casinos and they stay busy so why all the uproar of a casino being build 50 miles away

[Casino Employee]

abranger wrote:

My question is: How many people does it take to run a casino with 500 slots, a couple of restaurants and a couple of bars? Certainly not 1500 which leads me to believe that most of the jobs will be part time. I've been to every casino in this state and I think I have a pretty good idea what it takes in terms of manpower to operate. I sincerely hope it helps the local communities in that area but I'm afraid it won't do much except add more to the state's tax coffers from which they can squander more of our money.

For one, unless you have worked in the gaming industry, you have no idea what you are talking about. Second, Firekeepers has 2,680 slots and 78 tables. I say this being an employee of the Casino. It is a great environment to work in, and all of us are full time with all the over time we could want, free benefits, and a great retirement plan.

[Casino Employee]

abranger wrote:

I really don't think we need more casinos sucking the meager savings out of people but the greater argument is, if my math is correct, that 1500 jobs means all or nearly all will be part time, low paying, with no future or benefits. If you run six four hour shifts that's 250 people per shift. IMO These types of jobs do not help the community or really relieve the burden on our social welfare system.

WE at Firekeepers have 1500 full time employees, with excellent benefits that the tribe pay for. Thanks.