We asked tribal leaders to discuss their tribes’ top priorities and how gaming supports those objectives; the role innovation plays in shaping decisions across their gaming and hospitality portfolios; and their approaches to leadership development to foster long-term stability and growth. Here is what Sault Tribe Chairman Austin Lowes had to say…
Austin Lowes, Chairman
Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians
Kewadin Casinos – Sault Ste. Marie; St. Ignace; Manistique; Christmas; Hessel – MI
kewadin.com / saulttribe.com
PRIORITIES: One of our top priorities at the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians is overseeing a multimillion-dollar project that will see renovations at all five of our Kewadin Casino properties across the Central and Eastern Upper Peninsula. Our gaming enterprises play a huge role in supporting the Sault Tribe and our communities.
Kewadin is a trusted name across Michigan, and it’s one of our goals as a tribe to continue to help our gaming enterprises elevate guest experiences, modernize gaming environments, and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of the Kewadin brand. When Kewadin moves forward, we move forward as a tribe. Success for our gaming enterprises allows the tribe to bring more benefits to its members.
INNOVATION: For us, gaming and hospitality go hand in hand. We want guests visiting any of our five Kewadin Casino properties to know how appreciated they are for choosing to spend their time in our facilities. This includes making sure they have top-of-the-line accommodations, great dining and entertainment options, and plenty of gaming options, from live table games to slots to sportsbooks.
Whether a new or returning face at one of our properties, guests can expect to see renovated hotel rooms and casino spaces, upgraded gaming floors with the latest games and additional bonuses, increased entertainment opportunities, and new food offerings. We want our guests to not just feel valued while visiting a Kewadin Casino property; we want them to feel at home. Whether experiencing a Kewadin property for the first time or returning as a regular, our guests’ time is invaluable to us.
Kewadin has had a presence in our communities for decades, and we’re excited for guests to see some of our biggest upgrades yet, such as a family-friendly waterpark at our Sault Ste. Marie property. The only waterpark of its kind in the Eastern Upper Peninsula, it will feature both adult and children’s areas. In addition to the waterpark, there will also be an upgraded sports bar at the Sault property and newly developed and revamped RV parks at our other locations.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: At the Sault Tribe, we believe the key to long-term stability and growth is empowering our leadership and staff to perform at the best of their abilities. Our team at Kewadin is second to none. They combine experience and vision and manage to turn their dreams into reality. We work hard to ensure they have the resources they need to continue to enhance our Kewadin Casino properties.
Our Kewadin CEO Allen Kerridge and his staff have worked diligently to help our gaming enterprises survive the pandemic while keeping an eye on the future. They prioritize hospitality and innovation while ushering in the next era of gaming at Kewadin, leading renovations that have brought upgrades and enhancements to our five Kewadin properties in Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace, Manistique, Christmas, and Hessel. It’s our job as a tribal government to listen to our leadership and assist in any way we can for the betterment of our citizens and guests.
