By By Adrienne McKenzie
The sun came out in the nick of time Thursday as the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and the city of Atmore rejoiced reaching the highest point of construction on the Wind Creek Casino and Hotel.
A team of construction workers hoisted a beam to the top of the structure at a Topping Out Celebration.
In Thursday's ceremony held at the Creek Casino, Tribal chairman Buford L. Rolin spoke positively about the impact of Wind Creek. The impact will not only benefit the city of Atmore, but also the state of Alabama, Rolin said. He then ordered placement of the final beam.
Wind Creek will be responsible for providing more than 900 direct jobs for citizens of Alabama and surrounding areas.
Additional jobs will be created because of related services and industries including suppliers and vendors who will hire new individuals to help meet the needs of the new facility.
The Wind Creek Topping Out Celebration featured many knowledgeable facts about the new structure. Remarks were made by Creek Indian Enterprises Development Authority president and CEO James T. Martin as well as CIE board chairman Ronnie Smith, PCI Gaming Authority president and CEO Jay Dorris and PCI Gaming Board chairman Keith Martin.
According to plan for the new facility, the first portion of the $250 million project is the completion of the casino, which is scheduled for opening during December.
The hotel is expected to open in spring of 2009.
Guests at the Wind Creek Casino and Hotel will enjoy: