A new statewide study reveals that Michigan’s 12 federally recognized tribes, including the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi here in Southwest Michigan, are expanding their economic reach well beyond the casino floor. The 2024 Michigan Non-Gaming Tribal Economic Impact Study shows that 78 Tribal Business Entities (TBEs) collectively generated $1.24 billion in economic impact last year, spanning direct, indirect, and induced effects. Crain’s Grand Rapids Business.
Across the state, these enterprises employed nearly 2,820 workers, with an average annual wage of about $59,971 Crain’s Grand Rapids Business. Tribal business assets totaled approximately $1.5 billion, annual gross revenues reached $805 million, and federal and state taxes paid amounted to $136 million in 2024. Crain’s Grand Rapids Business.
“This report underscores how Tribal communities are leveraging economic diversity to build sustainability, sovereignty, and self-governance,” said Deidra Mitchell, President and CEO of Waséyabek. Crain’s Grand Rapids Business.
The Pokagon Band: Beyond the Casinos
While the Pokagon Band is widely recognized for its Four Winds Casinos, the tribe is also cultivating a robust portfolio of non-gaming investments, setting an example for economic diversification in the region.
Investment Arms and Portfolio Companies
- The tribe’s non-gaming investment organizations, Mno-Bmadsen and the Pokagon Development Authority, oversee a wide array of ventures—spanning professional services, construction, manufacturing, commercial real estate, and retail settings. GreatNews.Lifemno-bmadsen.com.
- Mno-Bmadsen actively invests in manufacturing (e.g., injection molding, tool & gauge production through its Mno-DREK group), construction (commercial HVAC and plumbing), architecture/engineering, real estate (via Cressy Commercial Real Estate), and consumer retail (notably the Bent Tree Market, offering discounted fuel, groceries, and tobacco). mno-bmadsen.com.
- Furthermore, the tribe manages a diversified real estate holdings arm, Red Tail Properties, which supports long-term fiscal stability through passive income assets mno-bmadsen.com.
Community Development and Vendor Engagement
- The Pokagon Band has collaborated with over 3,300 vendors across Michigan and Indiana and disbursed nearly $387 million, stimulating local economies through procurement and partnerships. pokagonband-nsn.gov.
- The tribe has also directed proceeds from gaming to housing and cultural facilities, such as a future LEED-Silver certified community center in Dowagiac, supported by a $2 million HUD grant. Wikipedia.
Insight from Economic Leaders
Tom Durkee, Director of Tribal Business Development at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, noted:
“Tribal business development remains a vital component of our Make It in Michigan economic strategy… Tribal Nations are well-positioned to diversify their economies, generate sustainable revenue beyond gaming, and create quality jobs.” Crain’s Grand Rapids Business
Jessi Goldner, Vice President of Strategic Engagement at Waséyabek and lead of the study, reflected:
“Guided by the principle of Seven Generation Thinking… expanding economic opportunity is a critical one. By investing beyond gaming, our communities are building greater economic independence and strengthening the foundation for long-term self-governance.” Crain’s Grand Rapids Businesspokagonband-nsn.gov
