TOKELAND The Shoalwater Bay Tribe found jobs and a tax base in its casino, gas station, hotel and soon a new restaurant along the shores of Willapa Bay.

The Shoalwater Tribe is the only federally recognized Indian tribe in Pacific and Clatsop counties, occupying a small but scenically well-endowed reservation near Willapa Bays north entrance.

Jon Panamaroff is chief executive officer of the tribes Willapa Bay Enterprises, which operates the tribes tourism-based businesses including the Shoalwater Bay Casino, the Georgetown Station and the Tradewinds On The Bay inn.

Panamaroff said the tourism-based businesses have their busy seasons, but theyre open year round.

Were going to see some seasonality, of course, but theyre staples within the community, he said. We dont hit high peaks and low valleys with employment. Were able to keep most everyone on year round.

Those staples help keep about 200 people working.

In addition to providing jobs for tribal members, WBE and the tribe employ a significant number on non-tribal members as well, Panamaroff said.

The revenue from the parade of RVs, cars, motorcycles and other vehicles that stop in Tokeland help support the tribal government, its Wellness Center and other activities, he said.

Fresh From the Bay

WBE hopes to lure travelers off Washington State Route 105 with a new restaurant scheduled to open in September.

The 120- to 140-seat restaurant on the second floor of the new building will offer fresh local fare and take advantage of the unobstructed view of the bay and the mountains.

Panamaroff said the tribe is undecided on a name for the new eatery. WBE may hold a contest among tribal members to name the restaurant.

Looking Ahead

WBE and the tribe have no firm plans for any future expansion, but Panamaroff says the tribe is interested in eco-tourism. That could include walking trails, zip lines and wildlife viewing, he said.

Were very pro eco-tourism, he said. How ever we can expand on that, we will.

While growth is important to the tribe, it has to be done carefully, Panamaroff said.

Were always evaluating: How do you keep the mystique of the local quietness that everyone enjoys but also keeping the community sustainable and job creation. Were always evaluating those variables, because theyre not always as mutually exclusive as youd like them to be.