GROWING TOWARD THE FUTURE
Commitment , Community and Connection : Wind Creek Hospitality ’ s Story of Success
By Amelia Tognoli
Wind Creek Hospitality ( WCH ) operates ten gaming properties in the United States and the Caribbean and is the principal gaming and hospitality entity of the Porch Band of Creek Indians ( PCI ). An enterprise focused on the present , driven by the future , and guided by its incontestable connection to the community , the success WCH has achieved is a testament to its importance in the tourism industry .
The organization places a priority on serving communities that helped propel its success , demonstrating the reciprocal relationship it shares with its stakeholders . Each year , WCH contributes over $ 3.5 million in community initiatives , sponsorships , and donations .
In its most recent community-relations initiative , WCH proposed that guests donate unused gaming vouchers into collection boxes . Proceeds from the vouchers , collected twice a week , are donated to local recipients , including AHERO . “ AHERO ’ s commitment to supporting Veterans through activities and networking aligns with Wind Creek Hospitality ’ s dedication to its communities ,” said President and CEO of WHC Jay Dorris . “ When selecting recipients for this initiative , AHERO was a clear choice .” In all , through this initiative , close to $ 2 million has been collected and donated across all WCH properties .
WCH ’ S GROWTH ALIGNS WITH ITS DEDICATION TO FOSTERING ENJOYMENT
In 1985 , Wind Creek Bingo Palace in Atmore , Alabama , opened as the first WCH gaming property . The principles of the organization had wanted to build a facility that not only provided employment opportunities
32 AHERO MAGAZINE SUMMER 2021
Fabulous Wind Creek Wetumpka !
and economic stimulus , but also offered a retreat for guests in the Gulf Shores area .
At first glance , the significance of paper bingo to the world of gaming might be overlooked ; however , the hand-stamped boards proved to delight guests with chances to win prizes and enjoy great camaraderie . By 2003 , the organization had expanded to three electronic bingo gaming facilities in Alabama . “ Our first buildings were not like the decorated casinos that we ’ re familiar with today ,” said President and CEO of WCH , Jay Dorris . “ Despite that , our facilities were crowded , filled with good conversation , creating a strong sense of community among our team members and guests .”
This swift initial success set the pace for future acquisitions . To date , WCH has generated “ escapes ” in multiple markets and tourism niches , the most notable being casino gaming – with locations spanning across the United States and transcending international borders . Its initial Alabama properties , Wind Creek Atmore , Wind Creek Montgomery and Wind Creek Wetumpka , have become fullservice resorts boasting games , amenities and facilities such as hotels , restaurants , and spas .
WCH opened the Wa She Shu Casino in Gardnerville , Nevada , in 2016 . Wishing to bring its signature hospitality to the West Coast , it partnered with the Washoe Tribe of California and Nevada in this facility , which nestles against the Sierra mountains and offers more than 120 games . Since then , WCH has continued to expand , acquiring three more properties : one in Pennsylvania and two in the Caribbean .
Pennsylvania : Wind Creek Bethlehem is WCH ’ s Northeast flagship property , a premier , full-service resort in Bethlehem , Pennsylvania . Boasting more than 3,000 slot machines , 150 table games , a 282-room hotel , and other amenities , it is on pace to enlarge its footprint with a second hotel tower and 35,000-plus square feet of meeting / event space . It is expected to debut in 2022 .
Outside the U . S .: WCH operates two island resorts , Wind Creek Curaçao and Wind Creek Aruba , both joined by Renaissance Hotelsoperated luxury hotels .