Kalispel Tribe continues to build economy around gaming facility

Thursday, September 8, 2016

The Northern Quest Resort and Casino in Airway Heights, Washington. Photo from Hnedak Bobo Group / Archinect

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The Kalispel Tribe of Washington was one of the first to open an "off-reservation" casino but isn't resting on its once-unique position.

As part of its continued investment in the region, the tribe built a "multimillion-dollar" laundry-processing facility near the Northern Quest Resort and Casino, The Spokane Journal of Business reports. Kalispel Linen Services opened in June and it replaces the "K-Wash" operation that was providing services to the casino for several years.

Since Kalispel Linen is larger and more advanced, the tribe can offer services to other businesses. In addition to 10 "smaller" clients, a big one -- Providence Health Care -- has signed a contract, The Journal reports.

“As we stabilize over the coming months, our goal is to go out and show others why we are a great option for washing their linens," Brandon Haugen, the general manager of Kalispel Development Co., told The Journal.

Beyond Kalispel Linen, the tribe operates the Chevron at Legacy Landing gas station and convenience store next to the casino and two Fatburger franchises, one at the casino and another in neighboring Spokane. The tribe is also pursuing development on "more than 200 acres" south of the casino, according to Kalispel Tribal Economic Authority.

Additionally, the recently the Kalispel Golf and Country Club in Spokane and opened it to the public for the first time in April.

Northern Quest is located in the city of Airway Heights, just west of Spokane. It happens to be the same city where the Spokane Tribe plans to open its own off-reservation casino and associated development.

Read More on the Story:
Kalispels take over laundry at Providence (The Spokane Journal of Business 9/8)