The Bluewater Resort & Casino held a community gathering on the Bluewater Resort Island on March 27th to commemorate the 30 years of gaming and operations.
Blue Water Resort and Casino is celebrating its 30th anniversary offering world-class gaming and luxurious accommodations, and a state-of-the-art casino floor with the latest slots, table games as well as award-winning dining, live entertainment, concerts, and events.
To commemorate this special anniversary, Blue Water has planned for the anniversary year:
Exclusive giveaways and promotions for loyal guests.
Special concerts and performances by legendary artists.
Limited-edition dining experiences curated by master chefs.
Speakers included Chairwoman Amelia Flores, members of the Tribal Council, Blue Water General Manager Michelle Eddy, as well as Blue Water staff and officials from the Tribal Gaming Authority.
Amelia Flores Colorado River Indian Tribes Chairwoman:
“It’s an honor to stand here today, thirty years ago, the Bluewater Resort and Casino was founded with a vision and through hard work and determination has evolved and today’s anniversary is not only a testament to the strength of our business but to our Sovereignty which is foremost.
Through the leadership of the current GM Michelle Eddy and her staff, they are challenged to think outside the box to be innovative, to adapt and to evolve, striving to be the best in our region. Thank you to our loyal employees, and our partners.
As we look to the future, we are excited about the new opportunities ahead. We believe in the power of the people and community and are committed to give back and will continue to do so. Together we will continue to grow, inspire, and achieve for the betterment of our people. God Bless.”
Councilman Tommy Drennan:
“Our continued success is possible by committed leadership and staff; 30 years is a celebrated benchmark for our Tribe and a testament to those visionary leaders who dedicated their time to see this through for their people and community. It’s an honor to stand on the shoulders of such leaders, the mavericks, thank you. “
Council Woman Raeanne Patch:
“It was an emotional day to witness 30 years of gaming that was the result of the hard work of former Tribal Councils. Strengthening its sovereignty, CRIT successfully facilitated the design and development of a gaming facility, strategically fought against the overstepping of NIGC in CRIT vs NIGC (2005) which benefited all Indian tribes across the country. Standing next to the current GM Shelli Eddy, daughter of former Chairman Dan Eddy Jr., and as the daughter of former Treasurer and Councilman Rayford Patch, together we celebrated and reminisced on our fathers and others who made a significant impact on CRIT’s financial position that still stands as one of the most, if not the single most economic contributor in this region to date.
It was also significant to mention Councilman Tommy Drennan and Councilwoman Anisa Patch statements regarding the history and fight it took to bring gaming to CRIT that began in the 70s and thru the 80s and finally in 90s progress was made. Councilman Drennan also made mention of CRIT’s longtime employees who have been with the casino since its opening which were Christine Scott, Assistant Director of the Tribal Gaming Agency, Mara Patch, Supervisor of Inspectors of the Tribal Gaming Agency as well as Charles Miller, Supervisor of Inspectors of the Tribal Gaming Agency who have affirmed the tribe’s sovereignty through their required duties during the 30 years of gaming since the compact signing in 2003 for a Class III Gaming facility. Additionally, its inspiring to see our tribal members as current directors of the Bluewater Resort and Casino departments such as Compliance, Marketing, Security, and Slots Department to name a few.”
Tribal Council Treasurer Anisa Patch:
“Our Tribal leaders fought for gaming in the 70s and 80s for economic sovereignty. In the time of Chairman Daniel Eddy, he fought, and his council was able to sign the gaming compact. He was a chairman who trusted his Tribal Council members to go forth and bring projects to fruition. I’m proud my father the late Rayford Patch was part of bringing the Casino to a reality during his time in council. Not just a proud of my father but proud he brought something that the membership all benefitted from. Thank you to those visionary and fighters, but most of all the workers who worked at the casino. Our people worked hard and had pride in what they did over the years. This whole community was part of that as our casino was the biggest employer in western Arizona.”
Councilwoman Tracey Quillen:
“As we reflect on the past three decades, we can’t help but look back with deep gratitude to the visionaries who laid the foundation for this extraordinary place. It all started with a group of dedicated individuals – the past tribal councils – who had the foresight, the determination, and the courage to create something that would stand the test of time…For that, we owe you a debt of gratitude…Also, a big thank you to all the staff for your hard work and dedication. You are the ones who greet and service the customers and you are the components that keep this establishment evolving…”
Councilwoman Vanessa Welch:
“For three decades, the Bluewater Resort and Casino has been a cornerstone of service to our visitors and community. It has provided numerous benefits to our Tribe and our dedicated employees. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have played a role in the success of our casino, from past leadership to every staff member who contributed along the way. Let’s continue to build on these 30 years of success and strive for even greater growth in the years to come.”
Marketing Director, Tasha Tahbo.:
“As a proud Tribal member and Director of Marketing at Blue Water Resort and Casino, it’s incredibly rewarding to witness our continued success in the industry over the past 30 years. This milestone not only reflects our hard work and dedication but also paves the way for a strong, prosperous future for the generations to come.”
Shelli Eddy, General Manager-BWRC:
“In the bigger picture, of all of this: The teams, the work, the business relationships that have been formed amongst our community and extend to La Paz County, the Town of Parker, Quartzsite, Bouse, Salome, Wenden, and Blythe, California. I can know that the future is not only up to us as employees of the enterprise, but up to our relationship efforts with the community and to local businesses and our valued customers.”
“Yes, we can grow more, yes, we can be more, as most Arizona Tribes are doing, we are “older now and no longer “babes” in the woods – so to speak… we are bigger now in numbers, we are stronger now than when we started, that is what time has afforded many of us still here. I know and can say this to that promised growth-LET’S DO IT, WE CAN BE IT, IT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED! We are still here after 30 years, and we will keep going, KEEP BELIEVING-DON’T EVER STOP DREAMING.”
Joey B. Aspa | Executive Director C.R.I.T. Tribal Gaming Agency:
“In present day, we as a tribe, including Tribal Gaming have to ensure that the integrity of Indian gaming is protected. This duty is owed to our previous Tribal leaders who fought for our inherent right for Indian gaming in the beginning. As the Executive Director of the Tribal Gaming Agency, I want to give gratitude to the continued success of the Bluewater Resort & Casino and Tribal Council, and special thanks to the Tribal Gaming staff for all their hard work – Thank you”.
Valerie Welsh-Tahbo| Former Tribal Gaming Enterprise Board Member:
“It was an honor working with the Council of that time, the foresight and initiative they had. Chairman Daniel Eddy, Jr. set an unattainable bar as he delegated his most valuable resources by recognizing in his colleagues’ talents that each bestowed, all for a vision. We worked hard and together, countless meetings, permitting processes, construction oversight and punch lists, meeting gaming regulatory standards right up to the moment of cutting the ribbon. It was a phenomenal time in CRIT’s history.”
Past Tribal Gaming Enterprise Board, opening of the Bluewater Casino Circa 1998:
