By PRINCIPAL CHIEF RICHARD G. SNEED
Principal Chief Richard G. Sneed speaks at the end of the first of two Employee Appreciation Events held at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort on the morning of Friday, Nov. 30. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather photos)
Shiyo! It is always an honor to update everyone regarding the events I have been blessed to be involved with. And these past two weeks have truly brought some blessings.
It was a joy to celebrate Thanksgiving with so many different groups and individuals. I shared in the festivities at Community Clubs, ate with my staff, and joined Tsali Manor seniors at the Dillard House. I enjoyed the food, but more so the company. I especially enjoyed eating with our Cherokee elders, their humor and hospitality are always a delight. I shared Thanksgiving Day with my close family and will always treasure the memories we made this year.
Alas, we came back from Thanksgiving ready to work, and work we have done this past week. We began the week with a one and half day planning session to discuss the future direction of the EBCI. This planning session was the first in an in-depth planning effort by all programs and employees of the Eastern Band. It is important for us to all know where we are going, and we must only do that after a bit of reflection on where we have come from and some effort regarding the best path forward.
I spent some time this past week with Caesar’s Global President Mr. Tom Jenkin. Mr. Jenkin was in Cherokee to discuss the gaming operations in Cherokee. He assists our management team in planning efforts, ensures we are following best practices in gaming, and to learn more about the amenities we have and may offer in the future. It was a pleasure to speak with Mr. Jenkin and the entire casino management team. I am always pleased with the level of professionalism demonstrated by our casino management and I would like to thank them and all the casino employees for their hard work.
Hundreds of Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians tribal employees packed into a ballroom at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort on the morning of Friday, Nov. 30 for the first of two Employee Appreciation Events and the launch of the EBCI Excellence Program.
Finally, I ended the week with an employee appreciation event. This event was a kick-off of our tribal wide strategic planning efforts and an opportunity to let each employee know they are appreciated for their hard work. I hope everyone enjoyed the event. I am proud of each of you, and I look forward to hearing your feedback during the strategic planning process.
Sgi!
