Battle Creek, Mich. (March 18, 2025) — The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP), owners of FireKeepers Casino Hotel in Battle Creek, proudly uphold their commitment to Michigan and the local community through substantial contributions and continued support.
Demonstrating the lasting impact of this dedication, NHBP’s total contributions for the year reached an impressive $24.5 million. The State of Michigan received $18.5 million, while the FireKeepers Local Revenue Sharing Board (FLRSB) was awarded $6 million—funding that directly supports vital programs and services. Since FireKeepers Casino Hotel opened in August 2009, NHBP has contributed more than $253.8 million to the State of Michigan and $84.6 million to the FLRSB, bringing the total lifetime contributions to an extraordinary $338.5 million. Over the past four years, FireKeepers has contributed over $105 million to the State and FLRSB!
Two checks were presented from NHBP and FireKeepers; the first for $18,518,203 was presented to Emerson Silvernail, Chief of Staff for State Representative Sarah Lightner, who represents Michigan’s 45 House of Representatives District, an area which includes FireKeepers. The second check for $6,077,823 was presented to Derek King, Vice-Chair of FLRSB. The funds distributed are part of a negotiated agreement between NHBP and the state for 2024 operations at NHBP’s FireKeepers Casino Hotel.
“Our outstanding performance is a tribute to the resort destination we have created and the award-winning guest service of our more than 2000 valued team members,” stated Dorie Rios, Tribal Council Chairperson for the NHBP. “The tribe is proud of contributing over a quarter of a billion dollars to the state of Michigan in our gaming history and nearly $85 million to our local community, plus purchasing from Michigan vendors is always a priority.”
FireKeepers Casino Hotel, a pillar of economic development in the region, continues to make a lasting impact through its financial contributions and community partnerships. With a dedicated workforce of approximately 2,044 Team Members, FireKeepers remains one of the area’s leading employers. “FireKeepers is more than just a casino—it’s a driving force for economic growth and community support,” said Frank Tecumseh, Chief Executive Officer at FireKeepers Casino Hotel. “From funding key programs like the Kendall Street Food Pantry to sponsoring premier events like the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway and the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Golf Championship, we are committed to making a lasting impact. Our success allows us to give back in meaningful ways, strengthening the region and enhancing opportunities for those who live and work here.”
Since opening, FireKeepers has invested more than $1.13 billion in wages, benefits, and incentives for its Team Members. This includes total wages, health insurance, 401(k) matches, and performance-based incentives, reinforcing FireKeepers’ reputation as an employer of choice.
The NHBP and FireKeepers Casino Hotel are committed to reinvesting in local communities and supporting charitable efforts across Michigan and neighboring states. Noteworthy initiatives include overseeing the Kendall Street Pantry in downtown Battle Creek, an agency of the South Michigan Food Bank, as well as donations of over 2000 turkeys at Thanksgiving and a huge holiday toy and food distribution in the Christmas season.
A 2016 Compact Amendment between the NHBP and the State of Michigan allows for annual state revenue sharing payments of up to $500,000 to the Michigan Native American Heritage Fund. Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Chairperson Dorie Rios and Vice Chairperson Robyn Elkins serve as appointed members of the Heritage Fund Board. In 2024, this fund provided financial assistance and reimbursements to public and private K-12 schools, colleges, universities, local governments, and other organizations to enhance curricula and educational resources related to Michigan Indian history. It also supported projects that promote positive relationships and accurate information regarding the history and role of Michigan’s Indian tribes and Native Americans. Grant recipients include Albion College, Camden Frontier School, East Jordan Public Schools, Gladstone Area Schools, Grand Ledge Public Schools, Grand Valley State University, Okemos Public Schools, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, Port Huron Area School District, and Suttons Bay Public Schools.
The NHBP is steadfast in ensuring that FireKeepers Casino Hotel supports local businesses and suppliers, as well as extending contributions to the local economy beyond the FLRSB and state distribution. As a result, spending in Michigan, particularly in our local communities, increased over 15% in 2024 vs 2023, with contracts awarded totaling over $53 million in 2024 and surpassing $808 million to date.
- Greater Calhoun County Region: $6.5 million (Calhoun, Jackson, Branch)
- West Michigan: $21.4 million (Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Grand Traverse, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa, Van Buren)
- Lansing Area: $9.8 million (Ingham, Eaton, Clinton)
- Metro Detroit: $3.2 million (Wayne)
- Other: $12.1 million (Chippewa, Genesee, Gratiot, Ionia, Livingston, Macomb, Manistee, Marquette, Mecosta, Midland, Monroe, Newaygo, Oakland, Saginaw, St. Clair, Shiawassee, Washtenaw, Wexford)
The check presented to the FLRSB is the fifteenth distribution since the first distribution in Feb. 2010, when the NHBP presented a check to the FLRSB for nearly $2 million. The $84.6 million distributed to date has benefited a diverse array of groups, including:
- Harper Creek Community Schools
- Calhoun County Road Commission
- Emmett Township
- Calhoun County
- Calhoun Intermediate School District
- Kellogg Community College
- Willard Library
- Athens Township
- Marshall Township
- City of Marshall
- City of Battle Creek
- Athens Area Schools
- Village of Athens
- Battle Creek Public Schools
- Marshall Public Schools
- Lakeview School District
- Pennfield Schools