Plain Green LLC, the online lending company of the Montana-based Chippewa Cree Tribe, recently reached a settlement with BEH Gaming Ltd relating to loans for expanding the tribe’s Northern Winz Hotel and Casino. Plain Green’s settlement and payment of the debt to Florida-based BEH releases the tribe and the Chippewa Cree Tribe Development Corporation from all liability. The settlement amount was ordered sealed by a court order. The case was filed in 2014 by BEH Gaming in the 12th Judicial District Court in Hill County, Montana.
Judge Daniel Boucher signed the December 7 order, stating after reviewing the unopposed motion by BEH to vacate judgment and dismiss the case, the judgment was vacated and the case dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be filed again.
Tribal Chairman Harlan Baker said, “We are pleased to have this matter finally resolved. It has been a dark cloud hanging over our community for some time and this settlement marks the end of a troubling era in our history. There was a very difficult period when we were unable to operate financially because our assets were frozen due to legal maneuvering associated with this lawsuit. The suit was a burden on all in the community who relied on government jobs and services to care for their families.”
Plain Green Chief Executive Officer Jay Abbasi stated, “Our agreement with BEH and repayment of the debt that was owed settles this financial obligation and allows us to look ahead with confidence. As a wholly owned business of the Chippewa Cree Tribe, Plain Green is proud to provide financial support to our community. We are working with tribal leaders to continue business development and programs that deliver the greatest economic and social impact to the Chippewa Cree Tribe.”
Chippewa Cree Tribe Business Committee member Beau Mitchell added, “As we continue to address and remedy liabilities, each step forward we take will have positive ripple effects on future generations.”
Baker concluded, “The future of the community and our financial stability depends on the creation of new businesses though our economic development arm. Plain Green provides a wonderful example of one of our business units supporting the tribe using their financial strength to help us pay our debt. We’re now able to bring closure to the matter and focus on future opportunities for our community.”
