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Date: March 25, 2003

MATCH-E-BE-NASH-SHE-WISH BAND OF POTTAWATOMI INDIANS WELCOMES GUN LAKE CASINO SUPPORT FROM WEST MICHIGAN ECONOMIC ALLIANCE

Six Area Chambers of Commerce and Key Business and Economic Development Groups Form Coalition for Gun Lake Casino

Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band Of Pottawatomi Indians Looks Forward To Bringing 4,300 Jobs, Local Supplier Purchases, Local and State Revenue Sharing, Economic Development And A Proven Recreational Attraction To Area

DORR, Mich., March 25, 2003 -- Editors Note: The following statement may be attributed to Mr. D. K. Sprague, Tribal Chairman, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, also known as the Gun Lake Tribe:

"The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians welcomes the added support of the West Michigan Economic Alliance in our efforts to bring badly needed jobs, economic development and great recreation to Southwest Michigan.

"The Gun Lake Casino will bring 4,300 jobs, local supplier purchases, local and state revenue sharing, economic development and a proven recreational attraction to this part of the state.

"It is especially gratifying that this additional support group was announced at the proposed site for the Gun Lake Casino and includes a wide representation of support throughout the area. These chambers of commerce and key business and economic development groups recognize that the Gun Lake Casino will be a good addition and an area attraction that will benefit this whole region.

"This coalition includes six area chambers of commerce, ranging from the Wayland Area Chamber of Commerce to the Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce; and other area business organizations.

"It has become a basic fact of life that gaming is necessary to compete in tourism today. The Gun Lake Casino, only 25 minutes from Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, will directly benefit the tourism and convention efforts of the entire area, including Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids.

"The Gun Lake Casino has no hotel, and food service only in the casino. Customers will naturally seek accommodations throughout the area, as they have in other Michigan communities with American Indian casinos.

"The West Michigan Economic Alliance includes many area businesses, several unions, and the following organizations:

• Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce
• Barry County Area Chamber of Commerce
• Barry County Economic Alliance
• Barry County Sheriff's Office
• City of Wayland
• Deputy Sheriff's Association (for the entire State of Michigan)
• Dorr Business Association
• Gun Lake Chamber of Commerce
• Kalamazoo Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Kalamazoo Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Plainwell Chamber of Commerce
• Six of nine Allegan County Board of Commissioners
• Superintendents of Wayland, Hopkins, and Allegan Public Schools
• Wayland Area Chamber of Commerce
• Wayland Township