TULALIP – For 12 years, the Tulalip Casino has been the backbone of the Tulalip Tribes’ finances.
While it remains the jewel in their crown, the Tulalips are using the casino’s anniversary celebration as an opportunity to talk about other economic ventures the tribe is pursuing.
The anniversary means a lot to the tribe, said Dual Cooper, general manager of both the Tulalip casinos. “But you have to look at the whole village. You go back 10 years ago, and what was here?” he said.
Cooper was appointed general manager June 11 after working as a consultant for the Tulalips. He’s now in charge of the $78 million main casino, which opened in June 2003, and the original casino, which is being renovated.
The Tulalips plan to reopen the original casino in November. It will target people who prefer a smaller venue.
“There’s just so much going on, and it’s so alive,” Cooper said. “You can see it in people’s eyes. They’re really proud. “
He said the casinos are only part of what the tribe has been able to accomplish in the past 12 years, pointing to the success of Quil Ceda Village and plans for further development.
The Tulalips are confident there will be enough customers to support both casinos, said Stan Jones Sr., Tulalip Tribes chairman.
In the future, the Tulalips plan to build an outlet mall, a hotel, an amphitheater, a pavilion and an amusement and a water park.
“We don’t want to put all of our eggs in one basket,” Jones said. “We want to diversify and strengthen our economic future.”
While some of the casino’s anniversary celebrations will last throughout the month, others are concentrated this week. Those include a salute to Motown this weekend, with free performances by legendary Motown groups, a poker tournament and food, beverage and gift shop discounts, advertising manager Cara Althoff said.
Reporter Cathy Logg: 425-339-3437 or logg@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
