Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN) Construction Management was established two years ago with three employees.  Today, it has seventeen staff, including a Project Coordinator,

L-R: Darrell Waldron (Presenter), Margaret Zientek (“477” Director), Burt Patadal (Intensive Services Employment Counselor), accepting on behalf of the CPN Construction Management, Amanda Ramirez, and Carol C. Levi

Construction Superintendent, Foreman for Heavy Equipment, and a Supervisor for Construction & Carpentry.  Five employees were job placed through the Nation’s Employment & Training Program, which is funded in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Labor (Indian and Native American Programs), Health and Human Services, and Bureau of Indian Affairs.

CPN Construction Management provides work opportunities for individuals with multiple barriers to employment such as the lack of a driver’s license or transportation.  It hires at all levels within two specialty areas of carpentry and heavy equipment.  The Employment & Training program provides referrals, job readiness skills training, counseling, work experience, and supportive services.

On-the-job training for entry level workers include the operation of fork lifts, various dozers, front end loaders, scissor lifts, skidsteer, backhoes, and track loaders.  Teams of laborers clear land, prepare sites for foundational structures, and also do finished structure carpentry such as remodeling and custom cabinet making.  Examples of upward mobility provided by CPN Construction Management include workers who started as general laborers, advanced to become journeymen, and some who now specialize in drywall, carpentry, and as heavy equipment operators.

CPN Construction Management is proud to have been predominantly involved in the construction of the Fire Lake Travel Plaza, Baby Grand Casino, and Fire Lake Grand Casino. The company has employed up to thirty entry level employees.  Over time, approximately seventy percent of their workforce came through the Nation’s Employment & Training Programs.