Talking Stick Resort

SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY, Ariz. (October 17, 2012) –Talking Stick Resort’s award-winning florist, Christine Price, was once again honored as People’s Choice Designer of the Year at the 2012 Arizona State Florists Association Expo & Luncheon. The annual event features workshops, seminars and an award ceremony that recognizes significant contributors to the floral industry.

“It is an incredible honor to be chosen for such an esteemed award by my colleagues and peers,” said Price. “It is an amazing feeling when your hard work and dedication is noticed and commended not by not only your peers, but clients as well.”

The Arizona State Florists Association, based in Tucson, works to build a stronger, healthier floral industry and a positive image within Arizona communities. Price is often admired for her innovative style and ability to work with her surroundings to create special, low-cost displays. Her past creations range from collected tumbleweeds, painted gold and fashioned into Christmas trees to flower displays that incorporated car parts, and served as centerpieces for a Scottsdale Mercedes-Benz event.

“Christine is a true master at her craft, and it is a privilege to have someone on our staff so talented,” said Steve Gerken, senior director of hospitality of Talking Stick Resort. “Her inspirational arrangements and designs bring a unique element to Talking Stick Resort and to our guests that other properties can’t offer.”

An expert florist, Price has a master certification in floral design and a background in floral art. Since 2010, she has utilized her talents to create beautiful displays at Talking Stick Resort. Her ever-changing arrangements can be seen throughout the resort’s restaurants, concierge and common areas. Price’s beautiful designs also give special events an eye-catching flair, and are available as complements to weddings, meetings and other special occasions on the property. For more information, visit www.talkingstickresort.com or call 480-850-7777.

SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY, Ariz.-Oct. 28, 2009- Casino Arizona, a venture of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRP-MIC), announced today the appointment of Tom Freimuth as executive chef for its new property, Talking Stick Resort. Working professionally in kitchens since he was just 16 years old, Freimuth brings 30 years of experience to his new role with the resort.

"Casino Arizona is proud of the wide array of dining options it offers to guests. Our goal is to continue that tradition at Talking Stick Resort by providing the optimal dining experience for everyone no matter what their tastes," said Jon Jenkins, president and CEO for Casino Arizona. "Tom truly understands that objective and he is committed to presenting delicious, quality food in a most accessible way."

As executive chef, he oversees all aspects of kitchen operations for restaurants at both properties. These responsibilities include menu development, food quality control, as well as the planning and execution of special events. His duties also extend to staffing, including training, customer service and team building. Part of that team building and training includes the communication of Freimuth's cooking philosophy which is to buy quality ingredients, while pairing wonderful food, colors and textures and then letting the food speak for itself.

Freimuth has had a long-history of working with luxury resorts and high-end restaurants. Prior to this time with Casino Arizona, he was a chef at Robert Redford's Sundance Resort and at Boulders Resort in Carefree, Ariz. Freimuth also was a chef at local favorite Tarbell's in Phoenix. His familiarity with the hospitality industry is indispensable as it has been an integral component in the conception of the eight restaurants in Casino Arizona's new endeavor, Talking Stick Resort.

"The opening of Talking Stick Resort brings another level of excitement and challenge to my job as we bring guests new dining offerings," said Tom Freimuth, executive chef at Casino Arizona. "My hope is that through leadership, hard work, determination and a lot of fun, my staff and I can help open a resort that is successful and prosperous."

New director brings more than 10 years of communication experience to the Casino

SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY, Ariz.-Sept. 30, 2009- Casino Arizona, a venture of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRP-MIC), announced today the appointment of Ramon Martinez as director of public relations for two properties, Casino Arizona at Salt River and Talking Stick Resort.

"Ramon has been with Casino Arizona since its beginnings and has demonstrated true dedication to its progress," said Jon Jenkins, president and CEO of Casino Arizona. "His knowledge and understanding of the inner workings and our vision for the future make him an ideal candidate for director of public relations, a role that has become even more crucial as we embark on the launch of Talking Stick Resort."

In his role as public relations director, Martinez will serve as a spokesperson and liaison at all official functions sponsored by the enterprises while also increasing name recognition of both of its properties through work with the media. A member of the SRP-MIC, Martinez has worked on behalf of Community in several capacities; first as community relations assistant director and later as a member of SRP-MIC's tribal council.
Martinez spent four years on tribal council, during which time he was part of the team that negotiated SRP-MIC's gaming compact with Arizona. As a Council member, he worked to improve and preserve the quality of life of the Community by promoting a well-planned economic growth to ensure a financially secure future. Following his tenure on the Council, Martinez joined Casino Arizona. Over the course of his time there, he has taken on many roles including public relations manager and most recently as marketing manager, where he designed and implemented programs to attract new and repeat guest visits.

"With more than 10 years at Casino Arizona, I have been fortunate to see it grow into two thriving properties," said Ramon Martinez, director of public relations for Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort. "That growth continues with the upcoming opening of Talking Stick Resort, and I am excited about the endless possibilities and to be a part of the team that will help drive its success."

"We are looking to Ramon, not only to foster positive relationships between our properties, the media and the Community, but also as a representative of our current and future endeavors," said Jenkins.

SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY, Arizona-Sept. 17, 2009- At a time when luxury hotel and resort development is at a virtual standstill elsewhere in the country, an exciting new resort project is under construction in the heart of the greater Phoenix area. This 15-story world-class resort, slated to open in early 2010, is being developed by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRP-MIC). SRP-MIC, a sovereign tribe with nearly 9,000 members, is located on 52,600 acres just east of Scottsdale.

SRP-MIC recently announced their decision to name the new resort "Talking Stick Resort", a name that signifies the rich culture and heritage of the Pima and Maricopa tribes. Talking Stick refers to a "calendar stick", a long piece of wood, traditionally kept by several tribal members, on which records of important events were documented each year. Events are characterized by mnemonic devices, such as water signifying a flood or a sun and moon denoting an eclipse, and each had meaning to the individual making the record.

"Talking Stick Resort is the culmination of years of planning and the realization of a dream for economic diversification for SRP-MIC," said Jon Jenkins, President and CEO of Casino Arizona. "The new name embodies their vision of balancing economic development with its long-established values." SRP-MIC operates several successful business enterprises including Casino Arizona and is currently planning to develop a spring training complex near the Talking Stick Resort for the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Colorado Rockies.

Talking Stick Resort will feature 497 luxurious deluxe guest rooms and suites, a state-of-the-art spa, multiple fine dining and casual restaurants and bars, more than 100,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor function space including a 25,000 square foot ballroom, and 36 holes of championship golf at the adjacent world-renowned Talking Stick Golf Club, managed by Troon Golf. Non-stop excitement and live entertainment will be available at the resort's 240,000 square foot casino.

The resort will be located just east of Loop 101 on Indian Bend Road in a pristine desert setting with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It will be just 20 minutes away from Phoenix's Sky Harbor International Airport and 10 minutes from Old Town Scottsdale's shopping and entertainment district.

In early 2010, Talking Stick Resort the most distinct resort and entertainment destination will open its doors in Scottsdale, Arizona. While relaxing in one of the 497 deluxe rooms, guests will enjoy upscale amenities, such as a rejuvenating open-air spa; eight world-class restaurants; 10 entertainment lounges including 750-seat Showroom; a lively 240,000 square foot gaming floor; full-service pool and more than 100,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor conference space.
Upon entering the Talking Stick Resort, guests will be treated to concierge and limousine services, as well as pool cabana reservations. One of the most dramatic areas of the resort, the pool, will delight both children and adults, with a multi-dimensional water zone, water slide, spas and a swim-up bar. Lined along the main pool, cabanas will offer privacy and upgraded services, such as in-cabana dining and spa treatments.

With its usual eye on exceptional dining, Talking Stick Resort will feature eight restaurants, introducing a variety of cuisines. In addition to a multi-stationed international buffet, café and barista bar and cigar and wine bar, the resort's most prized dining experience will be located on the 15th floor - a high-end restaurant, complete with 360-degree views of the Valley.
In addition to unique dining options, guests can select from an array of entertainment choices, including a 750-seat Showroom offering live entertainment. After hours, the Showroom will transform into a nightclub for a late evening of dancing. Other entertainment hot spots will include a themed sports bar, live-action piano bar and a 14th floor VIP Lounge, all designed to enliven the senses.