Gov. Gregoire Announces Preferential Hiring for Grays Harbor and Lewis Residents at Great Wolf Lodge Project

For Immediate Release: January 23, 2008

OLYMPIA--Governor Chris Gregoire today announced that the Chehalis Tribe and Great Wolf Lodge management have agreed to a goal of filling 50 percent of an estimated 500 new jobs at the development with residents of the heavily flood-impacted counties of Lewis and Grays Harbor.

The arrangement includes a six month review of progress toward the goal and a commitment by all parties to pursue additional efforts if the goal is not being met. The water park resort is scheduled to open in mid-March.

The jobs range from part-time, minimum wage positions to supervisory jobs paying $10 to $16 per hour; mid-management positions paying $30,000 to $45,000 per year; and director-level positions that may pay more.

"I would like to thank the Chehalis Tribe and Great Wolf Lodge management for doing their part in the long term recovery of southwestern Washington," said Governor Gregoire. "This is an important project for the region and the state and it is a credit to everyone involved that they are reaching out to these communities."

David Burnett, Chairman of the Chehalis Tribe, shared the Governor's enthusiasm for the project and the hiring strategy.

"The impact of the storms this fall has been devastating to so many people in this area, particularly Lewis and Grays Harbor Counties. We're pleased to be able to play a special role in supporting community rebuilding while moving forward with a major tourist destination for the state and our Tribe."

"We know that many families in the area have been affected by these destructive floods, added Derrek Kinzel, general manager for Great Wolf Lodge. "As a resort built by families for families, Great Wolf is happy to be able to assist our friends and neighbors. We�re looking forward to adding �pack members� from the local community.�

The Great Wolf Lodge project is a $100 million-dollar-development near at 20500 Old Highway 99, near exit 88 on Interstate 5. It includes 442,000 square feet with six restaurants, a 30,000-square-foot conference center, a 60,000-square-foot water park and 398 family style suites. The project already has created 300 construction jobs. New hires in the coming year will include management positions, service occupations, and skilled trades workers.

The company will hold a job fair on January 24-26 as part of its recruitment efforts.

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