An impressive outpouring of support was shown for the Puyallup Tribe, as members of the business community gathered to celebrate the ribbon cutting of a new Emerald Queen Casino (EQC) Ballroom in Fife on Feb. 25.
Tribal representatives noted that the new space would be able to comfortably accommodate about 300 people and took nearly a year to complete. Representatives estimate the opening event attracted nearly 300 participants from at least five chambers of commerce – some as far north as Seattle and as far south as Olympia.
“It took us a couple months to plan this event,” said Eric Smileuske, marketing coordinator for the casino. “It’s a really great turnout. It’s great to see what can happen when everyone comes together.”
The event kicked off with a ceremonial ribbon cutting, followed by music from a live band and plenty of food and drinks enjoyed by everyone. Government officials from the city of Fife were among those in attendance to show their support for the tribe’s new space. Fife City Manager Steve Worthington was thoroughly impressed with the ballroom and felt confident about its potential to draw events and conventions into the city.
“The facility looks great,” Worthington said. “It’s situated perfectly along the city’s hotel and motel district, which should draw business and commerce to the area. I hope the tribe will be able to do a lot more, now that they have this new space.”
Fife’s mayor, Barry Johnson, also expressed his excitement for the marketing potential of the tribe’s new space.
“It’s fantastic,” Johnson said. “I love that it’s non-smoking. It’s nice to have a venue like that. I think with this kind of space, that could have a big draw.”
Former EQC employee and Puyallup Chamber of Commerce member William Suepke attended the ribbon cutting with his wife, Michele. He was impressed with the transformation of the new ballroom, because he remembers the room as a site for additional slot machines.
“It’s a big change from what it used to be when I worked here as a maintenance carpenter,” William Suepke said.
Michele Suepke also expressed her excitement for the new space.
“It’s very pretty,” she said. “This has been a really nice occasion to meet other people.”
Tribal Council Chairman Herman Dillon, Sr. said he was informed that the space has been “booked for quite a while” already.
“It’s good because we want to draw people to Fife,” Dillon, Sr. said.
His wife Darlene Dillon, agreed.
“We want to draw more people, who will stay in the hotel and play in the casino,” Darlene Dillon said. “The more business, the better.”
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