Notables attend Walker's Bluff Casino Resort's groundbreaking

WILLIAMSON COUNTY - More than 100 guests gathered in a vacant field on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate the groundbreaking for the Walker's Bluff Casino Resort, a project anticipated to be a big economic driver for the entire southern Illinois region.

The event marked the successful end of a journey undertaken by Walker's Bluff Winery owners Cynde and Dave Bunch that began nearly a decade ago.

"It's been an effort this community has embraced," said Cynde, who took a moment to thank Gov. J.B. Pritzker for "being the one who finally signed" the legislation that allowed the project to move forward. "We are so excited to get started. We plan to employ 1,000 people to build this beautiful resort complex that will be loaded with amenities."

Pritzker headlined a host of speakers that included state Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg), who sponsored and pushed the bipartisan legislation through the Illinois legislature.

"I was proud to work with the General Assembly to expand gaming and bring jobs and economic opportunity to southern Illinois," Pritzker said.

"Walker's Bluff was already a popular attraction, bringing in tourists and business meetings from across the region. Now with the addition of hundreds of slot machines and game tables, and an on-site hotel, this expansion will bring in even more visitors to take advantage of the beauty and hospitality of southern Illinois.

"That also means more opportunity for working families across the region - creating 1,100 construction jobs and 330 permanent roles at the resort."

Fowler, meanwhile, has worked on the legislative part of the project since taking office five years ago.

"I could not be more excited," he said. "This is a major boost for the southern Illinois economy."

He also touted help from legislative leaders of both parties who helped guiding the gaming bill to success.

"This is what happens when members of both parties work together," said Fowler. "This is bipartisanship at its best."

Fowler cited the expected job creation in both construction labor, and permanent jobs involved in running the resort and casino. He says he sees Walker's Bluff as a part of continued growth in the region, and one that can help move along the Cairo Port expansion project.

"This is another staple in the southern Illinois economy," Fowler said, noting that a "world class casino resort will be a positive opportunity" as national and international investors in the Cairo project visit the region.

Fowler is also expecting both projects to enhance educational and vocational training opportunities for the region.

"These projects will allow our community colleges and SIU to offer vocation training and enhance opportunities for new programs that will bring more students to southern Illinois," he said, adding those opportunities could entice future generations stay in southern Illinois to work and build careers.

Eddie Smith, president and CEO of Ullico, was one of several labor leaders on hand for the groundbreaking.

"This is so exciting for southern Illinois," he said. "It means jobs, jobs, jobs, where every stocking will be filled next holiday season because we'll have so many workers getting union jobs, union wages, union benefits.

"We're going to have new apprentices coming through. Cynde mentioned women and having a diverse workforce. This is going to happen, it's exciting. It's a great day for southern Illinois."

Nathan Guinzy is one of those workers.

"This is awesome," said the native of Ashley, who is working on building the new road into the resort area.

Construction on the road, one of the last kinks in finalizing the project, is now underway, since the Williamson County Board adopted a $13.4 million resolution for its construction last month.

Cynde Bunch said that more than 80% of the construction jobs will be filled by southern Illinois residents and the casino will look for local vendors and suppliers whenever possible.

"It's just good business sense to buy local," she said.

"Gov. Pritzker's Rebuild Illinois will create millions of union construction hours that will pay prevailing wages with health and retirement benefits allowing workers to make it into the middle class for the first time in their lives," said Jerry Womick, the business manager of Laborers' Local 773. "Earlier this year, organized labor worked with the General Assembly in Springfield, to pass legislation that mandates Project Labor Agreements for all new casinos in the state ensuring that the workers on casino projects like Walkers Bluff are paid living wages, full family health care and retirement benefits."

"The resort will also bring hundreds of full-time jobs," said Brent Gentry, Williamson County Commissioner. "Cynde Bunch has pushed her vision for years and it's now a reality. Congratulations to all."

Another county commissioner, Jim Marlo, said the Walker's Bluff project is a tremendous opportunity, "not just for Williamson County, but for the entire region of southern Illinois as well."

The Walker's Bluff Casino Resort will have 650 slot machines and 14 table games and an energetic show lounge featuring local and regional acts. Amenities include a 116-room hotel with full-service salon and spa. There will be multiple food outlets including the Draft Day with ELITE Sportsbook and Ruthie's Steak & Seafood restaurant.

Additionally, an event center is expected to bring headline acts, corporate meetings and social events to the property. Once open, the resort will employ nearly 400 people.

Elite Casino Resorts holds majority ownership in the casino resort and will operate and manage the casino resort. Cynde and Dave Bunch will hold a minority ownership in the casino resort.

Elite CEO Dan Kehl also addressed the crowd.

"We specialize in bringing world-class properties to markets similar to this one," Kehl said. He said the family-run business is rooted in the values of its founders, Robert and Ruth Kehl of Dubuque, Iowa.

Construction is expected to take 14 months with a grand opening planned for early 2023.