By By Adam Prestridge
Officials with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians plan to look in Brewton and other surrounding areas for employees to staff a multi-million dollar casino and hotel near Atmore.
Construction of the project is quickly taking shape, changing the once rural setting Atmore was established upon to that of a tourist destination off Exit 57 on Interstate 65.
At 17 stories, Wind Creek Casino &Hotel, whose cost will top $230 million when construction is completed, is just over 90 days away from beginning operations of its 50,000-square-foot gaming floor.
Tim Martin, president and CEO of Creek Indian Enterprises, said he is not too concerned about hitting the January 2009 target date, in fact, construction has gone smoothly and construction costs are under the estimated $250 million originally set. He is, however, uneasy about hiring the required amount of employees to run the highly complex facility.
The casino and hotel calls for 172 positions, creating 800 new jobs once the facility is fully operational, according to Martin.
Atmore Mayor Howard Shell said the opportunities for employment offered by the casino and hotel to residents of Atmore and neighboring towns is “a very good thing at a time when the economy is having its struggles.”
Shell added that the new jobs should help boost Atmore's local economy.
The casino will offer jobs ranging from supervisors to game attendants and the hotel will offer various job opportunities including front office, housekeeping, valet, bellhops and room services.
Besides the casino and hotel, there will be numerous other job opportunities inside the facility, which will include a steakhouse, caf