SPOKANE, WA -- Jul 06, 2011 -- The Kalispel Tribe of Indians announced today that it has named Phillip E. Haugen, a Kalispel Tribal member, General Manager for the Northern Quest Resort & Casino (NQRC). Haugen had been serving as Acting General Manager since December 2010 and has been employed at NQRC since 2000.

"Phil's leadership has been instrumental in the growth and evolution of NQRC from a local market casino property to an award-winning, regional destination resort," said Kent Caputo, COO, Kalispel Tribal Economic Authority. "He has been an integral part of the team since Northern Quest opened and his appointment to this key leadership position represents an important milestone for the Tribe."

During Haugen's recent tenure as acting general manager, he led NQRC's efforts to construct an outdoor summer concert venue which holds over 5,000 guests and kicks-off its eight-act Pepsi summer concert series on June 25. He also led the renovation and remodel of several areas around the property, including the casino gaming floor and the Turf Club Lounge.

"When the Kalispel Tribe opened Northern Quest in 2000, our vision was to develop a strong business enterprise that would create opportunities and jobs for tribal members, community members and for the region," said Glen Nenema, Chairman and CEO, Kalispel Tribe of Indians. "Phil was one of the Tribe's first college graduates and has worked for Northern Quest for more than ten years. His rise to this level of leadership is a true success story for our Tribe and the realization of what our vision was all about."

As GM, Haugen will be responsible for leading the operations of the 250-room hotel and spa, world-class casino gaming including over 2,000 slots, live poker room and table games, 14 restaurants and lounges, and more than 1700 employees.

"It's a great honor to lead the incredible team at Northern Quest," said Haugen. "We have worked very hard to develop a world-class resort destination. I look forward to leading the next exciting phases of growth as we look to develop new property offerings and business opportunities."

About the Kalispel Tribe of Indians
Once one of the poorest Native American tribes in the U.S., the Kalispel Tribe of Indians is now one of the top ten private employers in the Spokane region. The historically humble and hospitable tribe operates Northern Quest Resort & Casino, the region's premier destination resort and four (4) franchise operations. Tribal health and social service programs, supported by the resort, have increased the quality and life expectancy for tribal members and surrounding communities near the tribe's reservation along the Pend Oreille River. The tribe maintains a number of business enterprises and programs, provides a total of 2,000 jobs, and has donated over $5 million to regional non-profit organizations. Find out more about the Kalispel Tribe's rich cultural history and their progression at www.kalispeltribe.com.