At the recent chamber of commerce meeting in Sallisaw, Oklahoma,
Cherokee Nation Businesses Executive Vice President Chuck Garrett said the tribe earned $930 million in gross revenue last year–two-thirds of which came from the gaming industry. The other third came from construction, aerospace and government defense contracts, according to an economic impact report issued by CNB. Garrett predicted CNB expects more than $950 million in gross revenue next year, “and that represents a lot of hard work. It’s a pretty robust business overall.”
Garrett added jobs directly tied to the Cherokee tribe generated $1.55 billion in Oklahoma last year; the 2011 total was $1 billion and 2013 was $1.3 billion. He said the tribe indirectly supports 15,610 jobs in Oklahoma–at least 9,000 jobs within the Cherokee Nation, with 6,000 of those within CNB—representing $644.5 million in labor income payments.
Garrett stated the new $80 million Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland added 300-600 jobs for the Cherokee Nation in Sequoyah County. The economic impact report stated, “The combined influence of Cherokee operations in Sequoyah County generates more than $117 million in local production while supporting 1,039 jobs and $37.4 million in local labor income payments.”
The report also indicated the Cherokee Nation’s 14 counties received at least $7.5 million in scholarships and $100 million for health care facilities. Road and bridge projects and fire departments also benefited. “It’s a sovereign nation and we understand that with a lot of privilege comes a lot of responsibility and we try to discharge that well,” Garrett said. He added the tribal government’s main objective is “to ensure health, welfare and well being of its citizens,” but also to serve as an “economic engine” of the Cherokee Nation.
