August 1, 1996
SMOKE SIGNALS
(Smtim
9
Casino Employee Profile: Angie Ellis
Tribal member
Angie Ellis has
been working at
Spirit Mountain
Casino since it
opened last Octo
ber. Her job as a
Video Lottery Ter
minal (VLT) Su
pervisor keeps her
very busy, in addi
tion to her home
and family, which
includes her hus
band and three
daughters.
Angie previously
worked her way
through school, and graduated from
Chemeketa Community College with an
Associate's degree in Early Childhood Edu
cation. It wasn't long after this achieve
ment that she was hired as the teacher for
the Head Start classroom in Grand Ronde.
With her background in education, Angie
said she never planned on working for the
Casino.
"I saw the job description, and decided
to apply for VLT Supervisor," she said.
Angie said she's glad she did, because
she is still working with tribal members, and
there's wonderful opportunities for ad
vancement at the Casino.
Although her position as supervisor re
quires a lot of organization and adminis-
f
L V
trative skills, Angie
said there's also a
customer service
aspect of her job
which she enjoys.
"I really like
meeting with the
Casino's guests,"
she said.
Because she is a
tribal member and
an employee of the
Casino, her job
holds special mean
ing for her. "I want
the Casino to suc
ceed for the whole
Tribe," she said.
Angie grew up in Grand Ronde and re
members some of the difficult times the
Tribe has had in the past, and is glad for the
new respect the Tribe has received in re
cent years.
Angie's future at the Casino is wide open.
There are many goals and dreams she has
for herself and for her family. Because of
her interest in education, Angie has decided
to apply for the Yamhill County Head Start
Board of Directors.
"I believe early childhood education is
very important to our community," she said.
"I would also like to meet with a career de
velopment specialist and continue my col
lege course work to earn my Bachelor's
degree in Business Management."
Spirit Mountain Outfitters
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Marissa Leno, Dusty Herber, Tammy Cook, and Vikki Bishop display some
of the hot new summer items. Stop in and take a look, the stock changes
with the change of every season. Don't forget your concert tickets. They
can be purchased here or call Spirit Mountain Ticket Sales at 879-2350,
ext. 3410 or 1-800-760-7977. No service charge or shipping and handling
costs. Upcoming concerts: WAYLON JENNINGS -2nd show -August 21
at 8 p.m.; CRYSTAL GAYLE -- September 1 2 at 8 p.m.; MARK CHESTNUTT
October 9 at 8 p.m.; and DOUG STONE -- December 5 at 8 p.m.
Local area experiences economic gains
Officials credit Casino with opening of eight new
businesses in Willamina
In addition to bringing nearly 1,000 new jobs to the Grand Ronde area, Spirit Mountain
Casino is being credited by local government with the ccomonic boom the West Valley
area has experienced since the Casino opened in October, 1995.
According to a recent article in the Sheridan Sun, eight new businesses have opened in
Willamina since the Casino's opening. Filling previously empty storefronts arc an art
studio, an antique store, a mini-mart, a hair salon, two real estate offices, a balloon shop, an
insurance office and a pizza restaurant.
Local civic and business leaders attribute the economic surge to the Casino. "I guess it is
a time of growth in Willamina," noted the town's mayor Twila Hill. "I'm sure most of it
has to do with the Casino. There is going to be an influx of people and money when you
put 900 people to work at once."
Gary Brooks, president of the Willamina Business Group, agreed. "It's economics," he
said. "The bang you get from 1,000 new jobs is going to have an impact. All of that new
money in the area creates new business opportunities." All but one of the new businesses,
he noted, were started by local residents.
Nearby Sheridan is in the midst of a housing boom, with about 300 lots ready to build on
within the city limits. A shopping center, anchored by a major grocery store chain, is also
scheduled for development on Sheridan's south side.
"We've always considered ourselves to be a beneficial member of the local commu
nity," noted Bruce Thomas, President of Spirit Mountain Gaming. "It's gratifying for us to
see the economic boost we're giving this area, not just through providing nearly 1,000
jobs, but through the positive economic growth of the communities themselves."
Spirit Mountain Casino presents:
Western Days
August 19 to 25
Special drawings nightly at the Casino
WAYLON JENNINGS
Wednesday and Thursday at 8 p.m. at Casino
Tickets still available, call 1-800-760-7977
BJB.Q
Friday Evening at the Casino
COWBOY BREAKFAST
Saturday and Sunday at 7 a.m. at Pow-wow Grounds
RODEO
Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. at Pow-wow Grounds
Traditional Rodeo Action
DANCE
Saturday at 7 p.m. at Casino
Free admission, featuring the popular local band, "RougliStock"
Call for more information 1-800-760-7977.