Firekeepers Casino Hotel Recognized as Employer of the Year by Michigan Works! Association

KALAMAZOO, MI (Sep 10, 2019) – The Michigan Works! Association honored FireKeepers Casino Hotel on Tuesday for its commitment to training and developing a pipeline of skilled and competent talent in Michigan. Named the Michigan Works! Association Employer of the Year, FireKeepers received its award at the association’s annual conference in Kalamazoo.

“FireKeepers has been a vital partner of Michigan Works! Southwest in building a workforce of proficient and satisfied individuals in Calhoun County and beyond,” said Luann Dunsford, CEO of the Michigan Works! Association.

Ben Damerow, Director, Michigan Works! Southwest, echoed Dunsford’s sentiments.

“FireKeepers’ contributions to building a strong workforce development system throughout the Southwest Michigan area have been both innovative and effective,” said Damerow. “Whether it’s through their ample and diverse employment opportunities, participation in community engagement efforts or support of Michigan Works! Southwest, FireKeepers’ commitment to increasing local prosperity has been a valuable asset to our community.”

An employer who believes in supporting equitable prosperity for all, FireKeepers recently gave $5.75 million to local governments, school districts and other public bodies in Calhoun County as part of their local revenue sharing, and an additional $18,494,687 to the state of Michigan. This is the tenth time FireKeepers has distributed revenue-sharing checks since its opening in 2009.

“FireKeepers also owns The Fire Hub, a restaurant located in a historic fire station that gives back to the community through multiple programs,” Dunsford said. “One program, the Kendall Street Pantry, works in conjunction with the Food Bank of South Central Michigan to distribute food to the less fortunate. The second program is a large greenhouse that is utilized to grow food with the goal of providing a free salad bar for schools in downtown Battle Creek. The last program is a fund that receives 80 percent of all restaurant profits to support local charities.”

Additionally, FireKeepers is actively supportive of Aequitas Mobility Services, a new transportation start-up focused on alleviating transportation barriers that prevent individuals from obtaining and retaining employment.

Frank Tecumseh, Vice President of Human Resource for FireKeepers, said the company is honored to receive this award.

“On behalf of our 1,800 team members, we are so excited to have been selected as Employer of the Year,” said Tecumseh.  “Our continued vision is to be an employer of choice in the Midwest and to receive this award is true validation of our goal.  Being recognized by Michigan Works! is also special as we have immense respect for what they do to support the Michigan workforce and the services they provide to the community.”
FireKeepers has created a unique gaming destination in the Midwest, which currently provides over 1,800 jobs for the local community.