Being chosen for a national award is a tremendous accomplishment, and Chris Province (Cherokee) is thrilled to be one of the inaugural recipients of a 40 Under 40 designation.
Province, 34, works at the Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs in Claremore, Okla. In honor of its 40th anniversary, the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development opted to recognize 40 American Indian professionals under the age of 40.
Winners were honored at a reception Sept. 18 in Tulsa, at the Indian Progress in Business Event (INPRO).
“The biggest honor for me is the people I work with are the ones that nominated me,” Province said. “That’s what means the most to me.”
Kellie Vann, the marketing manager for the Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs, and casino operations manager Mike Bynum nominated him for the award.
“To be in the first class of 40 under 40 for this organization is significant as well,” Province added. “Regardless of what happens after the fact, we’ll always be the first.”
Winners were selected based on leadership, initiative and dedication in propelling Native businesses and communities toward further progress.
Province’s official job title is casino shift manager. His responsibilities include overseeing the gaming and marketing departments.
He has been working for the Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs for less than two years, but he’s one of the main reasons the facility, which faced an uncertain future, is now considered a hotbed for entertainment in Claremore.
Province is considered a marketing whiz for how he has managed to drastically increase the fortunes of the property. He said he has a rather simple way of promoting the facility – just getting out there and getting involved in the community.
He has frequently promoted the casino and its ability to host various events by working closely with the Claremore Chamber of Commerce and other area chambers.
“The part I enjoy the most is providing the platform to help others. We can host all types of different events here. And we do give back to the community.”
Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs has 250 gaming machines, and holds live horse racing from February to May and simulcast racing year-round.
To ensure success, it was imperative the facility have other revenue generators, and under Province’s direction, the Dog Iron Saloon has become a popular nightspot.
Before taking on his current job, Province spent two years as the corporate promotions manager for Cherokee Nation Entertainment, which operates seven casinos in Oklahoma.
Since Province is receiving credit for quickly turning around the fortunes at the Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs, it’s not surprising that others seek his advice in marketing and promotional services.
He was recently asked to guide other property managers from CNE in their planning for the next fiscal year.
Province realizes his accolade also means he can’t afford to rest on his laurels.
“Of course that’s the trick with a recognition like this. You have to keep delivering.”
He believes he’ll still be in the casino business 10 years down the road.
“I hope I’m still with the company. Being a person who looks forward I see myself filling various roles based on what’s needed at the time. I don’t see myself in the same position, but I see myself with the company.”
Being in this line of business surprises Province; he was born in Claremore and graduated from high school in his hometown in 1993. Then he went on to Oklahoma State University, where he took political science and eastern European studies, graduating in 1998.
But his schooling wasn’t complete, he also took some pre-law courses at the University of Tulsa, but was only there for a semester
“At the time I went to law is when the telecommunications boom hit Tulsa.”
As a result, Province opted to leave school and accept a job with WilTel Communications, where he worked in product development. After eight years, Province joined CNE.