(BATTLE CREEK ENQUIRER) - An estimated 1,500 jobseekers were at a FireKeepers Casino job fair Monday, hoping to fill one of the 320 openings available at the hotel now under construction.

Future hotel maids, marketing directors, card dealers, front desk attendants and more were instructed on how to apply online, met human resource executives from the company and learned about the available jobs.

"We're looking for thrill-makers," Human Resouces Director Renee Martin said about the type of people she wants to hire. "We want people to get their Vegas on."

Owned and operated by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, FireKeepers Casino opened in 2009. The 242-room luxury hotel addition is scheduled to open in the fall. Martin said there was a job fair Saturday for tribal members only.

"I've been a part of opening properties like this before and the impact it has on a community and its economy is just amazing," Martin said.

Hopefuls began lining up as early as 7:30 a.m. waiting for the event to begin at 10 a.m.

A suit-clad man from the Jackson area was looking for a managerial position. He was an advertising sales account executive for The Jackson Citizen Patriot before he was laid off in January.

"I've applied to hundreds of jobs ever since I was laid off in January," 27-year-old Briston Bamm said. "I have a 2-month-old baby and it's just been hell."

Two other women from the Jackson area were looking for any job they could find, they said.

"I have two kids and a husband that was laid off, so it's pretty rough right now," said Shawna Griffin of Michigan Center. "It would be such a blessing and do so much for me if I got this job."

Griffin has been out of work for six months since her former employer, Care Home of Vandercook, closed. Her friend, Cindy Stalnaker, attended the fair with her. She works at Dollar General, but said she's only scheduled 10 to 20 hours a week.
"It's not enough and there's no work in Jackson," Stalnaker said.
Stalnaker said she and Griffin came to the fair because she has a friend who works there and if she lists his name on her application and she's hired, he gets $100.

Martin said employee incentive programs like that are one of the reasons she believes the casino has a 50 percent retention rate with its employees. She also said the company offers health benefits for part-time as well full-time employees and a 401k plan.

To apply online, visit www.firekeeperscasino.com  and click on the "Careers" tab.

Battle Creek Enquirer