In the state of Michigan, Grand Traverse employees will receive paychecks for the month of April while the three casinos under the brand remain closed temporarily as the coronavirus outbreak spreads throughout the Great Lakes state. The three casino facilities owned and operated by the federally-recognized Band of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians remain closed in order to combat the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
Individuals employed at Grand Traverse facilities have already received their full benefits and wages for the month of March since these venues have temporarily closed their doors to the public back on the 16th of March. According to officials at Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the lockdown extension was approved by the state’s government while unemployment policies concerning the ongoing coronavirus crisis remain unresolved for many residents of Michigan.
Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
As previously mentioned, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians federally recognized tribe is located on the Leelanau Peninsula in northwest Michigan. The tribe currently owns and manages several casino facilities including its Grand Traverse Resort and Spa venue, its Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel and its Leelanau Sands Casino.
When it comes to its Grand Traverse Resort and Casinos properties, Chief Executive Officer Michael Schrader said in one of his recent press releases that they understand that this is a rather difficult time for every resident of Michigan. He also added that the safety, health, and well-being of their team members has always been the company’s top priority. Michael Schrader added that Grand Traverse Resort and Casinos want all of their employees to know that the company values their loyalty and dedication, so it will contribute to pay wages and benefits to all of its employees to help with easing burden during these difficult times of uncertainty.
The state of Michigan is home to twenty-six tribal casinos and three of these venues are owned and operates by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. The tribe’s flagship gambling-friendly property located in Acme is Grand Traverse Resort and Spa alongside Traverse City-located Leelanau Sands and Williamsburg-located Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel. The two tribal casinos remain temporarily closed due to the coronavirus outbreak while Grand Traverse Resort and Spa operates offering only hotel rooms and suites while other amenities including restaurants and bars are closed.
Initial Lockdown Order Extended on the 24th of March
Upon closing amenities at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, the company’s Chief Executive Officer Michael Schrader said that there have not been any reported cases of infections with COVID-19 at any of the company’s properties. However, the company decided to close its casinos and hotels and the properties will remain closed until further notice. He also added that this is the best protective measure. During this temporary closure, all company’s casino employees are on leave status while they are fully compensated.
The government’s initial lockdown order was extended on the 24th of March as supported by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The extended order ordered all non-essential industries to shut down their operations. The initial order was due to expire on the 14th of April, but it will be extended due to the increasing numbers of COVID-19 infections in the state.
