Public Relations

Grand Ronde Tribes cuts positions amid slump in casino revenue

Monday, October 1, 2012

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde eliminated about 30 executive level position at its casino amid the slump in the economy, The Salem Statesman Journal reports.

The chief executive officer, operating officer and finance officer were among the positions eliminated. General manager Randy Dugger, a tribal member, is now in charge of the Spirit Mountain Casino.

“At this point in 2012, we have failed to meet any of our budgeted goals, and year-over-year performance, while down (only) slightly, shows no signs of turning the corner and improving," Dugger said in a casino employee newsletter, the Journal reported. " We have managed to contain expenses and retain our profit per dollar at a reasonable level, but with fewer dollars coming in the door, our total net dollars have declined.”

Beyond the economy, the tribe says it faces other threats to its bottom line. The tribe has spent $721,075 to fight a non-Indian casino that's on the November ballot.

The tribe is also a party to a lawsuit aimed at stopping the Cowlitz Tribe of Washington. Grand Ronde leaders have expressed concerns about a second casino being proposed by the Coquille Tribe of Oregon.

Get the Story:
Casino thins management as economy struggles (The Salem Statesman Journal 9/30)