By Wewinabi, Inc.
Welcome Back!
We are thrilled to announce the reopening of the Crossroads Convenience Store in District III and East Lake Convenience Store in District II. Both openings are set for Monday, August 10, 2020.
The stores closed shortly after the Mille Lacs Band and State of Minnesota released Executive Orders as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the closure, Associates continued to work to deep clean the stores, and management began to strategize what new offerings and store resets would complement what already exists. We are currently working closely with vendors to ensure that products will fill the shelves, maintenance will be complete, and other tasks will be fulfilled. As expected, some of our vendors and partners have also been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and this has unfortunately added weeks to our original reopen schedule.
Just as Grand Casinos set phases into motion, the Band’s non-gaming businesses also have identified protocols to keep our community, Associates, and customers safe. A document has been outlined for each business, which is based on a plan that was developed by industry leaders with the assistance of the best available sanitization practices, so our customers can rest assured that we are doing everything possible to protect everyone as we adjust to a new normal.
Wewinabi, Inc. will continue to update our guidelines as guidance continues from trusted sources, including the Mille Lacs Band, the CDC, the Minnesota Department of Health, and our state and federal leaders.
Wewinabi, Inc. headquarters
We have been pleased to serve Associates and Band members and to be part of the Onamia business community since fall 2017. Due to immediate changes, our office will relocate back to the MLCV Corporate Building as early as mid-August.
The Talent Team located on the first floor will be instrumental in providing resources to our applicants and Associates, as well as scheduling any follow up interviews or other processes.
Make sure to watch for updates via text and the Wewinabi Facebook page where we will officially announce the move date, where we will be located, and our new contact information. We are happy to embrace the opportunity to once again be located more centrally to serve all Associate and Band member needs.
Band member special bonus program
The Band Member Loyalty program began in 2017 to attract and retain Mille Lacs Band member Associates.
Eligible Band members were defined as those who make less than $15 an hour. Once 500 work hours are reached, Band members would be paid the difference of $15 an hour (varied for each individual and position).
The success of this program has moved us to a huge milestone: Beginning pay will now be $15 for federally recognized Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members who work for Wewinabi, Inc. non-gaming businesses. If you chose to leave Wewinabi, Inc., this amount is subject to change. This is a huge change, and it is our hope that this allows more time to focus on the training and development of Band members and continue to grow the percentage of working Band members in our communities. One final note is that most of the positions are part time (24-30 hours per week).
Come join our team and be part of the pride we instill at each of our stores. We look forward to continuing to provide the safest locations for our customers.
Facemasks
Health and Human Services Commissioner Nicole Anderson issued a Commissioner’s Order on May 27 requiring masks in all Band-owned buildings. Minnesota’s mask mandate went into effect on July 25. We will continue to mandate our Associates and guests adhere to these rules.