Skasgé Power Company (A subsidiary of Waséyabek Development Company) Completes Solar Installation at Firekeepers Casino Hotel

by nruffer | September 1, 2016 | News

McKay Tower NY Times Article - McKay[34]

Skasgé Power Company (A subsidiary of Waséyabek Development Company) Completes Solar Installation at Firekeepers Casino Hotel

Changes are happening quickly at Skasgé Power, LLC. Those changes are a recent award from Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the resignation from the General Manager of Skasgé.

To this date, Skasgé has now received $360,000 from MEDC. This most recent award gave them an additional $200,000 for re-engineering, equipment and training for FireKeepers Casino Hotel Solar array site. Skasgé has built and nurtured relationships with engineering firms, vendors, contractors, sub-contractors, local governments and other organizations to bring the Skasge demonstration project and FireKeepers Casino Hotel prototype project from the concept stage, through the installation stages, and to the commissioning stages of development.

Skasgé recruited and organized a dedicated and diverse team of both Tribal Members and non, to form the Skasgé labor force. Skasgé formed alliances within NHBP to aid Skasgé with administrative and human relations services. They identified, secured and managed state grants to aid Skasgé with startup, operating and training costs as well as identified and implemented necessary employee training programs in the areas of safety, equipment care and use, and general solar systems installation. Skasgé also identified and joined several professional organizations to form a wide reaching networking system that includes both local and national affiliates including Michigan Small Business Technology Development Center (MSBTDC), MEDC, American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE), etc.

Skasgé Demonstration Project: Pine Creek Reservation

Coordinated and supervised the installation of a hybrid solar power application combining the technology of the Power Panel, PV/Tsolar module and the Skasgé Power, LLC solar tracker.

Skasgé Prototype Project: FireKeepers Casino Hotel

Coordinated and supervised the prototype development stages of the Skasgé solar tracker application with the installation of 10 units at FireKeepers Casino This Project is also reaching the final stages. The recent award of $200,000 will help this project reach the final stage.

Research and Development
- Thermal Collection and Delivery System:
  - Redesigned and implemented improved insulated supply and return piping system to stabilize the effects of changing temperature This also allowed for easier assembly and installation that enabled in-house building of these systems.
  - A moving platform required a much more robust water swivel joint to effectively deliver the thermal fluid to and from the solar panels We researched and replaced original plastic swivel joints with a much more durable commercial grade joint.

Currently, we are testing a new pump module design at the Pine Creek array that will better perform under the rigorous climate conditions that challenge us in Michigan and other northern latitudes.

Controls: As these tracking systems have developed we discovered a larger and larger need for improved process control and monitoring capabilities. To that end we have made vast changes to improve the control capabilities of our trackers. We researched, designed and installed a new computer controlled system that is much more easy to use. It allows for future expansion capabilities and allows for Web based monitoring and alarm notifications. We have also installed new sensors that are more accurate, rigorous and versatile for better control and monitoring.

Skasgé is in the process of converting all pump motors from DC power to AC power for greater efficiency, better reliability and lower We changed the Pine Creek tracking drive control system from a compass based positioning design to an encoder based design for much greater accuracy and repeatability. We have also standardized our control component scheme to be able to utilize readily available, UL listed parts that allows for a more user-friendly platform for our customers and allows for modular type expansion.

Skasgé enlisted the services of Syntech Development, Inc. (a software development company) to assist us with designing a Web based monitoring system that can be accessed from anywhere and provides real time monitoring of the entire system and provides alarm notifications if there is a problem.

Energy Storage: Our experience has shown an increased need to be able to store energy for use when needed as opposed to when it is produced. We are currently working with Matrix Consulting Engineers, out of Lansing, Ml, to assist us with energy storage solutions and heat transfer designs in order to better utilize the energy we are collecting at the Fire Keepers Casino Hotel project.

The improvement process is constantly ongoing and this list only contains a few of the larger points of our research. Daily we find things that can be done more efficiently or more reliably in an effort to reduce costs and provide a better product.

“Skasgé’s journey from the beginning has been and will continue to be a learning process. Upon perfection, Skasgé will introduce itself to the marketing world,” says Paula Stuck, Skasgé Executive Assistant. “We are honored and blessed to be able to give back to the Tribe and the community.”

Tony Day, General Manager of Skasgé has announced that he will be resigning from Skasgé. Day has poured the foundation for Skasgé; consequently because of his dedicated service and position as a Tribal Council Member, it does not allow him to dedicate himself full time to the position. A new General Manager will be appointed shortly after the resignation of Day goes into effect.

“Even though Tony [Day] is resigning, he will always be part of Skasgé and a “Kche Migwéch” (Big or Grand Thanks) to the Tribal Council for their vision of Skasgé for this generation and the next seven generations,” said Paula Stuck, Skasgé Executive Assistant.

“I would like to say Migwéch to our Tribal Council and the newly formed Waséyabek Development Company Board for having the courage and vision to move forward with our Tribe’s non-gaming economic diversification. I would like to thank them for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the foundation for the Tribe’s first attempt at non-gaming economic diversification. I would like to wish them future success to Skasgé staff, Tribal Council and Waséyabek Development Company Board. I believe it is our goal to secure our Tribe’s economic success for the next seven generations,” Day said.

Waséyabek Development Company Names CEO

by nruffer | August 31, 2016 | News

Waséyabek Development Company Names CEO

Deidra Mitchell joins our organization as the CEO of Waséyabek Development Company, LLC. She was born and raised in Ohio and is the middle child of Jack and Lynda Mitchell; a retired machinist and a retired bookkeeper.

Deidra attended Kent State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree. It was early in her career as an environmental project manager that she began to study the relationship between people, processes and profits, which is the foundation for her business model today. She started her first company in 1990 and grew it to 15 employees performing projects in Ohio, Missouri, California, Canada, Midway Island, Guam and other Pacific Islands. Since then, she has started 8 additional companies.

“I find that if I retain quality employees, support them well, provide them with effective and flexible policies, communicate a clear goal, and steer the organization by responsibly allocating resources, a successful business will follow, no matter what the industry,” Deidra explained.

She has started and developed companies for herself, private Corporations and Native Corporations. Examples include a national demolition and environmental division for a large corporation in Seattle; a private California Corporation that was offering a new technology in the environmental clean-up industry; a company that imported handicrafts from Bali; an Alaska Native IT & Communications company that performed government projects requiring a Top Secret clearance; and a construction division for a large engineering firm in Alaska.

Most recently, she has started up an e-commerce company offering technical documents, and a construction manufacturing company holding 3 newly patented products.

“I enjoy what I do for a living and also think having a balanced life is extremely important. I enjoy fishing, nature, mosaic art, traveling, my pets, writing and reading. Most of all, I enjoy the time I get to spend with family and friends.”

Deidra has been in her position for two weeks and says, “I am impressed with the solid business foundation that the WDC Board and Staff have built over the last year. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity at Waséyabek, and for the Board’s and Tribal Council’s vote of confidence in my abilities to build an economic development arm for NHBP. I’ll do my very best.”

Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Names Board Members for Waséyabek Development Company, LLC

by nruffer | August 31, 2016 | News

Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Names Board Members for Waséyabek Development Company, LLC

The purposes of the Waséyabek Development Company (WDC) are clearly established within its Operating Agreement and Articles of Organization, and have been acknowledged by the Tribal Council. They are as follows: to create and stimulate the economy; create employment opportunities and promote growth; provide services; engage and increase the economic development policies and plans as adopted by the Tribal Council.

WDC is committed to diversifying the economy of the Band for its Members, by promoting and advocating economic development for Tribal businesses, fostering strategic business partnerships, and establishing the Band as a leader of economic development and diversification to achieve economic self-sufficiency, while preserving the Band’s sovereignty, resources and culture.

Mission Statement:

The WDC is committed to fostering the development of a stable, diversified economy for members of the Band which will contribute to the long-term wealth and economic self-sufficiency of the Band, while managing risk and creating quality employment opportunities for members of the Band, thus reducing dependency on public funds and social services.

Waséyabek Board Members

Gil Holliday – two year term

James A. TenBrink – two year term

Chris Day – four year term

Rod Lanning – four year term

Terri Fitzpatrick – four year term

Terri Fitzpatrick

I am a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. I have 29 years of Tribal, public and private sector real estate and economic development experience. I serve as the Chief Operating Officer for a local real estate development and property management firm.

For four years, I have served as Vice President for the Tribal Business Development and Federal Procurement for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. I designed the Tribal business development program and was responsible for Tribal relations. Prior to that, for six years, I served as Real Estate Director for the State of Michigan, Department of Technology, Management and Budget, where I also served as Tribal liaison. I also was the Real Estate Director and Vice President of Development for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and Kewadin/Greektown Casinos for 10 years. I served as a Utility Authority and Housing Authority Commissioner for the Sault Tribe, as a city planning commissioner, and on various nonprofit boards.

I am honored to be selected to serve on the Waséyabek Board, and look forward to carving a path forward for implementation of the economic diversification purposes for which the company was created, and the opportunities for the Tribe and Tribal Membership in business development, job creation and talent enhancement.

Rod Lanning

I am a lifelong Michigan resident and have been married for 32 years. My wife Christine and I have two adult children, both of whom are active with the Tribe and with FireKeepers Casino Hotel. Sara is currently working at FireKeepers Casino Hotel as an executive intern, and our son Scott is pursuing a degree in hospitality, gaming and entertainment at Central Michigan University. As a family, we have been very active with the various gatherings and events of both the Tribe and FireKeepers Casino Hotel. We feel very blessed, and we appreciate all the opportunities that have been made available to us.

Professionally, I have a business management and economics degree from Central Michigan University. After graduating from CMU, I worked in the financial and banking industry for approximately eight years. I was directly involved in mortgage, commercial and consumer lending and also was a bank branch manager. For the last 25 years, I have worked in the Michigan market as a sales and marketing entity in the food industry. My strengths include developing market strategies and budgets along with growing market share and product branding development.

I possess a strong interest in helping the Tribe continue to succeed and to diversify its assets. On a daily basis my family is totally committed and firmly embedded with the goal of continuing the growth and success of the Tribe.

Gilbert L. Holliday III

I was born and raised in Royal Oak, Michigan. I am the son of deceased Tribal Member, Anna M. Pamptopee. I graduated from Royal Kimball High School in 1960. I joined the U.S. Army in June 1960 and served until 1963, serving in Korea for 15 months. I was discharged as a Sergeant E 5. I am married with two sons both graduated from Michigan State University. I worked in the tool and dye industry and as a computer programmer. I started in real estate and became a successful manager with an office of 85 agents for Century 21 until I retired in 2007.

I served on the Tribal Council from 2000 – 2006 as Tribal Chairman, Vice Chairman and as Sergeant – At – Arms. I also served on the Elders Committee, Veterans Committee, Elections Committee, and have been active with the Tribe.

Chris Day

I am the son of Cecil Day and I was born in Tennessee. I have been married for 22 years to Pamela. We have four children; Corey (21), who attends University of Chattanooga and Chattanooga State, Taylor (16), a junior at Sale Creek High, and twin girls, Lauren and Emily (11), 6th graders at Loftis Middle School. I have had my own company since 2001. The company provides engineering and real estate services for the wireless telecommunications industry. We work for Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint and currently have two office locations with a third location to open early next year.

I am excited about the opportunity to serve on the WaséybekDevelopment Board and I am looking forward to working with other board members.

James A TenBrink

I graduated from Michigan State University in 1999 and opened my first distribution business in 2005 at the age of 29, providing products and services to much of Michigan. From 2005 through 2013, I have served on multiple state, regional and national board of directors. Currently, I own two businesses. One manufacturers a proprietary liquid deicer used by many municipalities and large commercial business. The other, a consulting business, provides small businesses with business planning and cost control analysis.

The Board of Directors position with Waséybek is a true honor and passion for me. I am very excited to help guide the decisions for all our Tribal Members and the future generations who will benefit from this opportunity. It is my hope that the Waséybek Development Company can begin laying the foundation for our Tribe to stimulate business creation and job development. This will provide our Tribal Members and the generations to come with employment opportunities, health care resources and educational support for many years to come. By investing our resources appropriately, the Tribe can continue to build financial and community strength.

The WDC Board is working diligently through the process of transitioning the company to operate as a separate entity from NHBP Government, including beginning the recruitment process for a CEO, and reviewing policies and solidifying procedures. The Board looks forward to bringing the Membership new and exciting updates throughout the journey.

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