Three Rivers Oregon Casino Puts Employees And Community First

Written By Veronica Sparks on August 18, 2022 - Last Updated on August 23, 2022
Three Rivers Casino in Oregon gives back to community

Three Rivers Casino in Oregon is creating a positive image for itself. The two Oregon casinos consistently strive to improve the quality of life for their employees as well as the community. Here’s how.

Three different Indian tribes own the two casino locations in Oregon:

  • Confederated Tribes of the Coos
  • Lower Umpqua
  • Siuslaw Indians

Three Rivers Casino in Florence raises wages before Oregon

Oregon’s minimum wage got a statewide bump on Jul. 1 of this year. Depending on the county, the new minimum wage ranges from $12.50 per hour to $14.75 per hour.

Three Rivers Casino Resort in Florence sits in Lane County, which now has a minimum wage of $13.50 per hour.

In May, however, two months before the minimum wage hike, the Florence casino increased its starting wage to $14 per hour. That’s $0.50 above the new minimum for the county.

In addition to the pay hike for cost-of-living, the Oregon casino also created opportunities for wage increases based on merit. These opportunities are even available to employees who get paid tips.

Casino managers are aware of cost of living increases on Oregon coast

Staff at the casino was concerned about the increasing costs associated with food, gas, and housing in Oregon’s coastal towns.

Human Resources Manager at Three Rivers Casino, Shelby Erickson, said there was one big reason for the increase in employees’ pay. Managers at the casino want staff to be able to live nearby the casino in the coastal area.

Erickson explained:

“We are one of the bigger employers here in Florence. That being said, we want to stand out as well by giving back to our community, making sure people are paid accordingly, an affordable wage, able to afford to live their lives here on the coast.”

Three Rivers Casino Foundation is known for charitable giving

The two Three Rivers Casinos in Oregon strive to contribute to their communities beyond paying fair wages. One notable way is the tribe’s local charitable giving.

Back in March, the Three Rivers Casino Foundation, which is the charitable entity of Three Rivers Casino Resort, awarded $1.4 million in grants to Oregon non-profits.

This distribution of charitable donations is the highest amount that the foundation has given out since 2012 when it first began issuing grants. With this year’s contribution, the foundation has given $2.7 million in grants overall.

Grants were given to 100 non-profit organizations, all within five counties in the state of Oregon. Half of those organizations were in Lane County. The five counties are:

  • Lane County: 50 organizations
  • Coos County: 28 organizations
  • Douglas County: 10 organizations
  • Curry County: 7 organizations
  • Lincoln County: 5 organizations

Dale Edwards, CEO of Food Backpacks for Kids is one of the non-profit grant recipients. He said: “It is the remarkable generosity of people and businesses like Three Rivers that allow us to make this program sustainable.”

Some of the most notable non-profit recipients of this year’s grants in Lane County include:

  • $10,000 to Food Backpacks for Kids in Florence
  • $22,000 to Creswell Clubhouse
  • $25,000 to CASA
  • $25,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Emerald Valley in Eugene
  • $30,000 to Veterans Legacy
  • $75,000 to Eugene’s Pearl Buck Center

Doug Barrett, Three Rivers Foundation’s Board Chair, says the foundation is simply happy to help the community. He said: “It gives us satisfaction knowing that we’re giving to all these entities that are helping people.”

Coos Bay Three Rivers

The Three Rivers Casino in Coos Bay has made a big splash on the gambling scene since opening in 2015.

15,000 square feet of casino gaming includes more than 250 games as well as the most modern gaming machines. A full-service bar and restaurant, Café 1297, is available for guests to refuel after hours of play.

Daily promos give guests endless chances to win, and big winners are celebrated with flare and excitement.

Casino Resort in Florence offers a unique getaway

As a resort casino, the Three Rivers location in Florence offers more than just the standard gaming experience. The property sits on beautiful land with gorgeous scenery that allows for a relaxing getaway.

The resort’s golf course, Ocean Dunes Golf Links, has 18 holes and a unique layout that creates a challenging game.

There are three dining options on-site for guests to enjoy. Along with periodic events like golf tournaments, comedy shows, country music jams, and even holiday brunches.

Photo by Shutterstock
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