Smoke signals., November 01, 1996, Casino, Page 3, Image 3

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Banquet held for Casino's summer youth employees
On Sunday, October 20 an awards banquet luncheon
was held for the tribal youth who were employed at
the Casino last summer. The Youth Employment Pro
gram began last summer as part of a trial program de
signed by Human Resources to help young people
looking to earn extra money during the summer months
and gain experience in whatever business aspect they
were interested in.
Although they couldn't work directly in the casino,
tribal youth were employed in Human Resources,
groundskecping, guest services, and food preparation.
There were nine youth in all.
The employees and their families were invited to
the banquet facilities in the Casino to receive an award
of appreciation. They were given a meal prepared by
the restaurant staff at Legends.
Hosted by the Casino's Human Resources staff, spe
cial presentations were made by Sarah Harvey, Mary
Brooks, and Camille Mcrcier.
Those tribal members who received awards were:
Courtney Gallighcr, Marissa Lcno, Misty Carl, J.R.
Jones, Brian Krchbiel, Nick Bailey, Manny Mcr
cier, Bobby Mcrcier, and Ben Bishop.
The success of the Summer Youth Employment Pro
gram prompted planning for a youth program during
the school year as well. Look for more information
on this new program in future Smoke Signals.
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Employee Spotlight
Rich Haller supervises table game staff
By Tracy Dugan
Born in Lewiston, Idaho and raised in Or
egon, tribal member Rich Haller is the new
est pit supervisor at the Casino.
A graduate of Santiam High School in Mill
City, Rich joined the Army after high school,
where is was stationed at Ft. Schoffield in
Hawaii.
When he got out of the military, Rich went
to Chemcketa Community College in Salem,
taking classes for building inspection.
He worked at KG Mens' Store in Salem for
several years, where he worked his way up to
nwist.int manager, and eventually manager.
"Living in Salem, I knew the Casino was under construction, and that I wanted to work
there," said Rich. "So I quit my job before the Casino's grand opening."
Rich attended the first job fair last year and went through security guard training, think
ing that was the employment field he wanted to pursue. Then he heard about a position
opening where he would be shift supervisor of the blackjack dealers. He worked for six
months as a Pit Boss, and decided he wanted to get some experience in dealing cards him
self. Rich enrolled in the blackjack training.
"I wanted to get some dealing experience to better understand what employees do," he
said. "Then I requested change in positions and became a dealer."
Rich was a dealer for six months before his most recent job opportunity emerged Pit
Supervisor. He now supervises more than 100 people, from dealers to shift supervisors and
is really enjoying himself.
He is responsible for setting up all the schedules, documenting floor activities, monitor
ing floor supervisors and determining how many tables need to be in operation according
to how busy the Casino is. Since blackjack has been very popular among patrons of the
Casino, Rich and his team of supervisors and dealers have been very busy.
During the past year, many of Rich's family members have moved back to Grand Ronde.
Although he's only in his 20's, Rich says he thinks he'll be very happy working for Spirit
Mountain Casino for many years to come. He's found a niche something he does well
and enjoys which is one way the Casino has benefitted many tribal members.
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