The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians (Gun Lake Tribe) and Gun Lake Investments (GLI) had a ceremonial grand opening Monday to celebrate its first-ever non-gaming economic development project.

Noonday Market is a $4.4 million fuel and convenience store located south of Gun Lake Casino’s main entrance. It was open for business to the public at noon today.

“This is a special milestone because we are celebrating the opening of our first non-gaming business,” said Chairman Scott Sprague. “My hope is many years from now our people will see this as the beginning of a new journey towards economic diversification that played a key role in securing the health and well-being of our tribe.”

The tribe formed GLI as an independent economic development company tasked with pursuing business opportunities outside of casino gaming. GLI is operated by a chief executive officer and staff who report to a six-member board of directors. GLI formed a subsidiary, GLIMI, of which the Michigan Economic Development Corporation has a non-voting seat on the board of directors, to jointly fund economic development projects with the State, including Noonday Market.

“I am very thankful that we have forward looking tribal leadership that devoted resources necessary for us to pursue real economic development projects,” said Kurt Trevan, GLI Chief Executive Officer. “Noonday Market’s development, construction and operation will be the first of many successful ventures for GLI and the tribe.”

Noonday Market is a 6,800-square-foot facility open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with 12 regular fueling stations and two high-flow diesel pumps. It will house a Subway Restaurant featuring indoor and outdoor seating. The operation will employ 22 positions and generate more than $1 million annually in local and state taxes.

Rockford Construction was the construction manager of Noonday Market. R.W. Mercer and Seven Generations A&E were among other partners involved in the construction process.  Ninety-eight construction jobs were created in concrete, electrical, mechanical, stone masonry, iron workers, plumbers, pipe fitters, roofing and carpenters. J&H Family Stores was hired to help manage the day-to-day operations. Nearly all of the $4.4 million cost in materials and services were purchased from Michigan companies.