October 16, marked a historic moment for the Ho-Chunk Nation as leaders, workers, and community members gathered to celebrate the Topping-Off Ceremony for Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit, the placement of the final steel beam that brings the structure one step closer to completion.
The event celebrated years of planning, collaboration, and determination that have gone into making this long-awaited project a reality. Attendees from across the Nation joined representatives from the City of Beloit, law enforcement, construction crews, and architectural teams. “Not every day out here looks like this or feels like this. Some days are and managing folks and making sure that they’re safe on site is a job that I couldn’t even take on myself,” President Jon said. “I want to say thank you to not only the workers and management team that has been facilitating this.”? Before the final beam was lifted into place, guests and workers signed their names across the steel as a symbol of unity and shared accomplishment.? The ceremony also included remarks from members of the Executive Branch and Legislature, and other officials who reflected on the teamwork and perseverance that have guided the project forward. “Everyone here had some kind of part in all of this,” Vice President Lambert Cleveland said. “I just want to thank all of you for making this happen.”? Special appreciation was given to the construction teams and early planners whose dedication laid the foundation for this achievement.