BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The chief executive officer of the Poarch Creek Indians, owners of Wind Creek Casino Resort, told a Lehigh Valley audience Wednesday she sees a connection between the history of Bethlehem Steel and her need to provide for the families of her tribe.
"It takes all of us collectively to build stronger, safer communities with good health care, education and other benefits. And so I'm truly honored that we're part of this Lehigh Valley community."Poarch Creek Indians tribal Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Bryan
"It takes all of us collectively to build stronger, safer communities with good health care, education and other benefits," Poarch Creek Indians tribal CEO Stephanie Bryan, in an emotional speech, told business leaders and Lehigh Valley Chamber officials gathered for a luncheon.
"And so I'm truly honored that we're part of this Lehigh Valley community."
Wind Creek Hospitality is the gaming company owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which bought the casino in 2019.
The company currently owns 10 casino properties in the United States and the Caribbean, including Wind Creek Bethlehem and multiple sites on tribal land in Alabama, along with a slate of hotels.
During Wednesday's hourlong event, Bryan walked through her experience serving as vice chairwoman and later chairwoman of the tribal council, overseeing growing and diversified revenue, and turning that back into support for the Poarch Creek nation in Alabama.
'Almost a bigger home for us'
As the first female chair of the tribe who grew up on an impoverished reservation, she spoke emotionally about being able to see the positive changes made over time for the native community in which she grew up, and the need to give back and work for others.
"This is almost a bigger home for us, and so that's really what attracted us."Poarch Creek Indians tribal Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Bryan
As part of that, she spoke to the positive impact of keeping employees on with benefits during coronavirus pandemic-related closures, being able to help what she mused to be over 20,000 employees and their families.
At times, Bryan got emotional reflecting on her journey and the need to stay humble and give back to her people and others as she discussed Wind Creek casino, its impact on the area and how she sees its mission.
Bryan shared that she found many connections when coming to the Lehigh Valley with her home in Southern Alabama, given many tribal residents' history of working in steel mills.
She said that attracted them to the location and the investment beyond just the analysis showing a strong opportunity for a return on investment.
"This is almost a bigger home for us, and so that's really what attracted us," Bryan said.
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce President Tony Iannelli connected the diversification of the tribal government with that of the chamber itself, and also reflected on the difficulties and necessities of supporting people during the pandemic.
"When I got to the chamber, 90% of our money was dues, and 10% not dues and I realized that the world was changing," Iannelli said.
"And now thanks to [Chief Operating Officer] Frank Facchiano, 90% [of revenue] is not dues," Iannelli said. "You've got to earn it today."
No news on delayed projects
Wind Creek officials offered no news or timeline to the other proposed expansions to the casino and events complex, such as plans for a water park and hotel combo on the former No. 2 Machine Shop lot that have been on hold since the pandemic.
"If there's something that they feel that will help drive tourism for Lehigh Valley, and Wind Creek Bethlehem, that's when we move forward."Poarch Creek Indians tribal Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Bryan
"If there's something that they feel that will help drive tourism for Lehigh Valley, and Wind Creek Bethlehem, that's when we move forward," Bryan said.
Bryan did, however, praise the recently completed $160 million expansion to Wind Creek Bethlehem, which roughly doubles the number of onsite hotel rooms and quadruples the amount of space available for meetings, weddings, conferences and other events.
Wind Creek Executive Director Patrick Ryan, who was appointed to the position in October, said following the expansion, the commitments for group event sales had about doubled year over year.
