Island Enterprises Invests in New Hotel, Local Economy

The Chamber is a catalyst for business growth, connecting members with timely conversations that impact our economy and community. Our September Luncheon was designed to give attendees an inside look at how local tribal enterprises are driving change and opportunity in Mason County.

We were thrilled to host Island Enterprises, Inc. (IEI), where CEO David Burnett and newly appointed COO Jennifer Hines shared insights into the Squaxin Island Tribe’s diverse economic ventures and the significant role they play in fostering growth across the region.

Island Enterprises employs more than 1,100 people, providing over $62 million in wages and benefits annually. The organization also circulates more than $91 million each year back into Mason County and surrounding areas through local vendors, goods, and services. IEI’s subsidiaries include the Trading Post convenience stores (with multiple locations), Salish Seafoods, Native Sun Grown cannabis farm, and Elevation retail stores.

In addition to IEI’s operations, other Squaxin Island Tribal enterprises were highlighted during the presentation. These include Little Creek Casino Resort and Salish Cliffs Golf Club, as well as Skookum Creek Tobacco—each governed by their own boards of directors. Together with IEI, these enterprises collectively demonstrate the Tribe’s commitment to diversification, job creation, and long-term community investment.

Hines emphasized the Tribe’s focus on building sustainable industries that provide opportunities not only for tribal members but also for the wider community.

Burnett shared details on two major development projects:
Shelton Development at Highway 101: Near the intersection of Highway 101 and Public Works Drive, plans include a Holiday Inn Express & Suites with approximately 100 rooms, meeting space, fueling stations, a full-service convenience store, restaurant pads, and a drive-thru coffee shop. A new roundabout is also planned to improve traffic flow. If the franchise agreement is finalized, construction could begin as early as 2026 with an anticipated opening in 2027.

Downtown Olympia Redevelopment: On the site of the former Olympia City Hall, IEI is preparing a large-scale hotel and conference center project. The vision includes 250–300 hotel rooms, a marquee rooftop restaurant, and 30,000 square feet of flexible meeting space—enough to host conferences of up to 500 attendees. This project is expected to move forward within the next three to five years.

In addition, attendees heard from LuWana Hawley, General Manager of Lucky Dog Casino, which is owned and operated by the Skokomish Indian Tribal Enterprises. She shared how the casino has become a “locals’ favorite” destination with 170 slot machines and a well-loved restaurant, The Drift. Recent updates include facility upgrades, new gaming experiences, and a forthcoming expansion of the bar with a state-of-the-art cocktail service system. Hawley emphasized how tribal enterprises not only create jobs but also open doors to new career paths for residents.

The luncheon highlighted the important role tribal enterprises play in fueling economic growth throughout Mason County. By investing in large-scale projects, providing employment opportunities, and supporting local businesses, these enterprises strengthen the foundation of our region’s economy.

Read more in this feature article from Shelton-Mason County Journal: https://www.masoncounty.com/story/2025/09/25/news/squaxin-island-tribe-announces-major-project/5909.html

About our Speakers:

CEO David Burnett
David Burnett serves as Chief Executive Officer of Island Enterprises, Inc. With more than three decades of experience in tribal government, he has also held leadership roles with the Chehalis Tribe and previously worked nearly a decade in public accounting as an auditor. David’s extensive background in finance and governance has shaped his career in supporting sustainable economic growth and organizational development. He resides in Elma with his wife of 41 years, and together they enjoy time with their three children and seven grandchildren.

COO Jennifer Hines
Jennifer Hines is the Chief Operating Officer for Island Enterprises Inc., where she leads the operational management of the Squaxin Island Tribe’s enterprise system. She is recognized as a transformative leader in economic development, known for drafting and championing equity policies that have set national precedents. A graduate of Wright State University and the University of Dayton School of Law, Jennifer is a member of the Washington State Bar with expertise spanning corporate law, strategic policy, and conflict resolution. Her career reflects a commitment to advancing inclusive economic practices, building collaborative partnerships, and delivering meaningful results. Guided by her mantra, “Action Over Symbolism; Progress Over Perfection,” Jennifer continues to shape policies and practices that foster lasting community and economic growth.