But for these tribal members, recently minted as grownups, the opportunity given by Rising Sun Development and TRC Conference Center remodel allows them to fully comprehend what it means to get dirty, work hard, and earn their keep. Especially so for the millennial generation who are most often associated with the term ‘entitlement’. Learning the importance of an honest day’s work is huge for any young person transitioning into adulthood.

They are coming to work every day putting in eight to ten hours, learning from guys who have made a successful career out of construction.” They are learning and doing drywall, tile and carpet installation, and steel-stud framing. “We’ve had about twelve to fifteen younger tribal members on the last couple jobs, seven of them are recent high school graduates. “I started my company so we could start hiring tribal members and give the younger generation an opportunity to work alongside professional tradesmen and to learn those on-the-job construction skills,” said Harold. On this specific job there are plenty of familiar faces who have only called Tulalip Reservation home. Harold takes great pride in hiring his fellow tribal members, especially recent high school graduates who are looking for career pathways.

Rising Sun Development, a general construction business owned by tribal member Harold Joseph III, was awarded the remodel contract. “The need gave us the opportunity to really make the space much more representative of the Tulalip Tribes in look and feel, while also addressing the needs of the guest. When completed next month, guests will have the same type of Tulalip experience both in rooms and in the Conference Center.”

“With almost ten years of extremely high utilization the Conference Center space needed a refresh. Everything from technology to tile were starting to show their age, and as well maintained as they were, there is only so much life you can get of a facility before it needs to be updated,” explained TRC General Manager, Sam Askew. Currently, that same attention to detail and refreshing look that went into the hotel renovation is being given to the TRC’s Conference Center, which is the southern part of the property where the Orca Ballroom and Chinook rooms are located. Keeping in line with its AAA Four Diamond status means staying ahead of the curve and constantly looking for new ways to keep guests coming back. Early last year, the Tulalip Resort Casino (TRC) underwent an extensive renovation to its hotel tower, guest rooms and suites.

Tulalip casino resort image