By By Adrienne McKenzie
Creek Indian Enterprises is in the process of undergoing many changes, according to President and CEO Tim Martin.
"In May the Tribe voted to take gaming out from under Creek Indian Enterprises," Martin said. "We will be a stand alone entity. We have also made changes for diversification."
The Smoke Shop located on Poarch Road, along with one in Wetumpka, are coming out as stand alone businesses effective Oct. 1, according to Martin.
Kitty Stuart, former general manager of Poarch Creek Indians Gaming has changed job titles. Stuart is now the general manager of the CIE smoke shops in Atmore and Wetumpka and the River Oaks Apartments. Martin said CIE will also be expanding a smoke shop into Tallapoosa.
"The Tribe is rearranging some of its business structure," Martin said.
Stuart said she is thrilled about the changes she has made.
"I think the move is very exciting," Stuart said. "I've been in gaming 22 years. This is a new venture. I think it'll be challenging, but just about any job I've had as far as opening new businesses has been challenging and I like that. I'm just really excited about it."
Another personnel change being made for CIE is a move for Bridget Wasdin. Wasdin is making the move from special assistant of Martin to chief operations officer.
"In my new capacity I will be able to provide more effective communication, leadership and guidance to management as necessary to ensure that CIE has the proper operational control and administrative and reporting procedures necessary to effectively grow the organization," Wasdin said.
Wasdin will work as a link between the general managers for nine separate units including the CIE smoke shops effective Oct. 1, River Oaks Apartments effective Oct. 1, Magnolia Branch Wildlife Reserve, Perdido River Farms, Poarch Road Service Center, Best Western, Muskogee Metalworks, Premier Family Eyecare and Tallapoosa Entertainment Center.
With the smoke shops added to the list of separate entities, CIE personnel are responsible for many employees.
"With the smoke shops added we have the direct supervision of 150 people," Martin said.
Martin is proud that Wasdin is making her way up in the company, he said.
"Bridget is a tribal member who will graduate with her MBA from South Alabama (in December)," he said. "There are opportunities for tribal members to move up in the organization. We are beginning to reap the benefits or the investments into our people."