Friends of the Cowlitz Tribe
supporter group to launch effort

A grassroots citizens group strongly supportive of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s effort to bring a world class casino resort to Clark County publicly launched their organization at a kick-off breakfast on Thursday, June 8th, at the Red Lion Inn at the Quay.

Friends of the Cowlitz (www.friendsofcowlitztribe.com) members embrace the potential of what the Cowlitz Casino Resort means for the future of the region.

“A chance to create a powerful and competitive economy and bring thousands of good paying jobs with full health benefits to Clark County is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Friends of the Cowlitz member Cager Clabaugh. “We want to help in any way we can to make this vision a reality.”

More than 3,000 citizens have pledged support to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, evidence of growing and widespread support for the casino resort. Many of those supporters were in attendance at the Cowlitz Tribe's kick-off breakfast, as the new group mobilizes to spread the word about the benefits from the casino resort.

Members of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe are energized by the efforts of the grassroots organization. “Friends of the Cowlitz members clearly understand our vision and welcome our pledge to honor this region so sacred to our ancestry,” commented Tribal spokesperson Philip Harju. “They know we will pay our fair share to Clark County by financing road improvements and mitigating traffic safety issues, offsetting tax revenues on the land, and paying for government services like police, fire and schools- all while helping our tribe become self sufficient” added Mr. Harju.

Friends of the Cowlitz will also launch a website at the kick-off event: www.friendsofcowlitz.com, where citizens can sign up to support the Cowlitz Casino Resort as well as learn other ways they can help. “Citizens have a powerful voice. Together we can transform our region into a world class economic and regional player,” said Friends of the Cowlitz member Betty Whitmer. “I urge citizens to visit our website, and join their friends and neighbors in this effort.”