Support from the Village of Orland Park

Dear Illinois Gaming Board:

As you consider applicants for the south suburban casino license, I am reaching out to express my support for the Wind Creek Hospitality application located in East Hazel Crest and Homewood.

Wind Creek Hospitality has submitted an application for a high-quality, four-diamond destination to be located directly off of I-80, near Halsted Street and 175th Street. This location is easy to access with more traffic passing by each day than any of the other proposed locations. I am convinced that this site will not only maximize revenue for the State and surrounding communities, but also draw significant out-of-state visitors on a continuing basis from Northwest Indiana.

This project is much more than just a casino; it is about how the surrounding communities will benefit from Wind Creek’s proposal:

• Their contribution to bring down unemployment with the creation of over a thousand quality employment opportunities,
• Historically hiring minority, women-owned subcontractors and local labor,
• Their commitment to charitable giving with scholarships for disadvantaged students and providing healthcare service, and
• Stimulating economic growth with the shared tax revenue to further assist local communities with funding essential community services and needed infrastructure projects across the entire south suburban region.

I am impressed with the Wind Creek team’s reputation and proven track record of success in gaming operations. Your consideration of Wind Creek Hospitality’s application is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Keith Pekau, Mayor
Village of Orland Park