LITTLE BOSTON — The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe’s sphere of economic influence just got bigger.
The Tribe, through its economic development arm, the Noo-Kayet Economic Development Corporation, now owns Kountry Korner, the business complex on the corner of Highway 104 and Miller Bay Road. The sale, which closed Aug. 1, includes the convenience store, gas station, and adjacent retail spaces occupied by three other businesses.
“Additional investment into the property will occur with the start of some significant renovations,” likely in 2019, Noo-Kayet reported. “No decisions have been made yet as to what these will fully entail, but they will likely take the form of exterior renovations and site improvements.”
Chris Placentia, CEO of Noo-Kayet Development Corporation, has met with the building’s current tenants and his team is working with them on any repairs that need to be done.
“In the near future, visitors and customers won’t see many changes save for repairs and cleaning,” Noo-Kayet reported. “The only major change that is definite at this point is that Kountry Korner’s gas station will soon begin selling clear gasoline, which, currently, is only available at local marinas. Clear gas doesn’t include ethanol so is better for small and boat engines.”
In addition to Kountry Korner, the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe’s enterprises include The Point Casino & Hotel, and Gliding Eagle Grocery, both of which fall under the oversight of the Noo-Kayet Economic Development Corporation; and Heronswood Garden, which falls under the oversight of the S’Klallam Foundation.
Noo-Kayet Economic Development Corporation’s mission is to “promote economic development for the S’Klallam Tribe, to separate its business operations from the Tribal government, and to advance the long-term economic interest of the Tribal community.”
The name Noo-Kayet is taken from the S’Klallam language term “nəxʷqíyt” (pronounced “noo-kay-et”), which means “land of the noon day sun.”
The Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe is a sovereign indigenous nation and, with the United States, is a signatory to the Treaty of Point No Point of 1855. The Tribe exercises full governmental control over its land and resources.
Tribal entities include the Port Gamble Housing Authority and the Tribal Gaming Agency. Tribal government oversees Planning and Land, Public Safety, Self-Governance & Special Projects, and Utilities. Public services include Career and Education, Children & Family Services, Court Services, Cultural Resources, Early Childhood Education, Health Services, and Natural Resources.
