A northern Michigan casino-resort is laying off dozens of employees.
PETOSKEY -- A northern Michigan casino-resort is laying off dozens of employees.
Leaders at the Petoskey Odawa Casino Resort announced Monday that 43 workers are being laid off with another 37 taking what management is calling voluntary layoffs.
Employees will be offered severance packages based on seniority, extended benefits and job placement services. The general manager says the continuation of a harsh recession, fewer customers and rising operating costs were to blame.
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PRESS RELEASE FROM ODAWA released Monday 1/19/09
ODAWA CASINO RESORT ANNOUNCES STAFF REDUCTION
Odawa Casino Resort, owned and operated by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, announced today a staff reduction that has resulted in a reduction of 43 employees. The Enterprise also accepted voluntary layoff requests from another 37.
The continuation of a harsh recession, fewer customers and rising operating costs was blamed for the decision.
"Sadly we're not alone. We're just one of the hundreds of companies who are making similar hard decisions. Reluctantly we have been forced to say goodbye to several Team Members who have supported the organization over the years. We can't thank them enough for their hard work and loyalty." Sean Barnard, General Manager of the Odawa Casino Resort said in a statement.
Barnard reported that packages for the affected employees would include severance based on the number of years of service, extended benefits and outplacement services.
Getting people back to work is Barnard's goal. He added "We have positioned ourselves at what we'd like to think of as our most efficient staffing levels. Our immediate goal is to concentrate on marketing efforts to service our local customers, focus on filling the Odawa hotel by providing competitive rates and reward the loyal customers who supported the opening of the property. We are continuing to work on creating value for our customers and convincing them to stay loyal locally. When business improves, we'll be calling for people to come back just as quickly as we can."
Owned and operated by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, the $140 million Odawa Casino Resort replaced the original Victories Casino. The Petoskey resort opened in June, 2007 making it the second highest employer in the area with 1,500 slot machines, 30 table games, several restaurants, a nightclub and a 137-room hotel.
