jan/feb Boyd Gaming’s got...
Transcript of jan/feb Boyd Gaming’s got...
W o r k ’ s a G a m E . P l a y T o W i N .
Boyd Gaming held its 30th Anniversary of the
Company-wide talent show on November 6th at
The Orleans Showroom. Finalists from 16 properties
competed for the title “Entertainer of the Year.”
Clifton Ceno from Vacations-Hawaii won the
distinction for his interpretation of a dance rendition
made popular on the Internet by comedian Justin
Laipply. Cliff’s performance featured songs from the
1980s and more. He joined Boyd Gaming in 2000,
bringing with him experience as a nightclub disc
jockey, on-air radio personality and promotions
assistant director for one of the largest radio stations
in Hawaii. Cliff’s winning performance earned him a
trip for two to Las Vegas and $1,000 cash.
The night’s performers represented a broad range of
talents, as well as roles within the Company. Several
local celebrities attended and judged the competition.
Cash awards were given for second through fifth
place, and all other finalists received dinner for two
at any one of our restaurants.
“This great Boyd Gaming tradition started in 1977
at the California Hotel when we had only 500
employees,” said Bill Boyd, Executive Chairman.
“Today, we have many thousands of employees and 16
properties nationwide that compete in our Employee
Talent Shows. These talent shows have always held
a special place in my heart and are a very important
part of the Company’s giving back to our employees.”
The 2007 Entertainer of the Year performers (in order of appearance)
Ignacio Lopez, Fremont (5th place winner) Nick Tornow, Par-A-Dice Melvyn Williams, California B.J. Kunkel, Sam’s Town Las Vegas Charmaine Barnes, Treasure Chest Eugene Mobarry, Gold Coast (2nd place winner) Jerry Walker, Borgata (4th place winner) Clifton Ceno, Vacations-Hawaii (1st place winner) Lawrence Totaro, Suncoast James Boles, Main Street Station Judy David, Blue Chip William Bender, Sam’s Town Tunica Monique Jack, Delta Downs Eric Barber, Sam’s Town Shreveport Kristy Belote, The Orleans Don Simmons, Jokers Wild/Eldorado (3rd place winner)
Boyd Gaming’s got Talent!
These talent shows... are a very important part of the Company’s
giving back to our employees. Bill Boyd - Executive Chairman
Welcome to the New BuzzNotice anything different about the Boyd Buzz... Our editorial
team has crafted several enhancements to make the newsletter
an even more effective tool in keeping you up to speed on the
latest news and happenings company-wide.
To ensure the articles are as timely as possible, the Buzz will
now be distributed six times per year versus four, as in the past.
In addition, changes were made to the size and format to make
the newsletter easier to read. Along with the changes, we also
made sure to keep many of the long-standing features that
Boyd Gaming employees have come to expect and enjoy – like
the Moving Up profiles, q&A and Property News.
Please tell us what you think of the new Buzz so we can
make it the best it can be! Email your comments to Kristy
Alward at [email protected] with the subject line
“New Buzz Format.”
Boyd Gaming sponsored three major Las Vegas-area events in
November and December.
Aviation Nation, held at Nellis Air Force Base, is the premier air
show of the Air Force and one of the largest aviation events in
North America. Boyd Gaming is considered the “founding sponsor”
of this free public event, which began six years ago.
The Professional Bull Riders World Championships welcomed
sell-out crowds at the Thomas & Mack Center. A celebrity charity
event was held at The Orleans in conjunction with the PBR
championships to benefit the “Resist All” Crisis Fund.
The National Finals Rodeo, also held
at Thomas & Mack, is the world’s
richest and most prestigious rodeo.
Contestants in bareback riding,
steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull
riding and more competed for prize
money reaching $5.5 million.
Vice President of Marketing Dan Stark,
who leads sponsorships such as these,
said, “Our involvement with these types of events
goes a long way in adding to our guests’
entertainment experience at our properties.”
Boyd Gaming Sponsors major Events:
EmPloyEE NEWsPage 2
ComPaNy NEWsPage 2
Company Collects 185 “Best of slots”
awards
Getting to Know our Board
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wit
hq&a
smithkeith
PropertyNews
Building
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jan/feb 08
ABOVE: BILL BOYD CONGRATULATES 2007 ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR, VACATIONS
HAWAII’S CLIFTON CENO.
Blue Chip was recognized in Northwest Indiana Business Quarterly’s “Best of Business” annual reader’s survey. The property was named a runner-up for best meeting site and best convention site in michigan City.
(LEFT TO RIGHT) EDYE TOMASELLO, FRANCES
TOOMEY, MICHELLE HARTZELL, TYRONE
BYNUM, MISTY GOUGAR AND LOU NUNZIAT.
riley Wallace, the new special events host for Boyd Gaming’s downtown las Vegas properties, was formerly head basketball coach for the University of Hawaii for 26 years.
Our involvement with these types
of events goes a long way... Dan Stark – Vice President of marketing
2007 Entertainer of the Year is named
BILL BOYD TAKES THE STAGE TO NAME THE WINNING PERFORMERS.
EmployeeFeedback Inspires
Change
movingup
The Green Corner
DID YOU KNOW?
Jokers Wild and Eldorado sponsored the 1st Annual Henderson Boys & Girls Club
Charity Poker Run in September.
Nearly 300 enthusiastic bikers turned out for the 70-mile run, starting at the
Eldorado Casino for breakfast and ending at Jokers Wild with a BBq meal. The
run included stops at the Railroad Pass Casino, the Hacienda Casino and
beautiful Calville Bay at Lake Mead.
Jokers and Eldorado matched the total net proceeds of the run, resulting in a
donation of nearly $2,700 to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson.
Company Collects 185 “Best of slots” awards
Retried U.S. Air Force Major General Billy
McCoy joined the ROTC program as a young
man in college “to escape the hay fields of
east Texas,” he will say, with tongue-in-
cheek. But the real reason was that he
always wanted to fly. And fly he has.
Billy entered the Air Force in 1963 and
was promoted to the
rank of Major General
in 1989. During 30 years
of active service, he
served as Air Force
Base Commander of
Homestead in Florida,
Langley in Virginia, Luke
in Arizona, Nellis in
Nevada and Lackland
in Texas.
After retiring from
the service, Billy
worked for Boyd
Gaming as Director of
Development from 1993
to 1996. He then went
on to become president and chief operating
officer of Luscombe Aircraft Corporation,
where he manned the helm until 2001.
Billy also served as chairman of the board
for Luscombe until 2007.
He has served on our
Board of Directors
since 1997.
Billy has three adult
children – a daughter
and two sons. One of
his favorite pastimes is
taking out his plane and
flying with his sons, both
of whom also have pilot’s
licenses. “I enjoy letting
them take the wheel and
watching the houses get
smaller,” he said.
Getting to Know our Board Billy mcCoy
members of the Weight Watchers program at Sam’s Town Las Vegas have, collectively, lost more than 4,000 pounds.
As of January 1, you assumed the position of President and CEO. Can you tell us about your new role and how it will affect Boyd Gaming?
my new role as Chief Executive Officer feels like a very natural transition in my career at Boyd Gaming and in the overall transformation of our Company. As I take this step
up, Bill Boyd has assumed the role of Executive Chairman for the Company and will remain actively involved with the strategic direction and vision of the Company.
I’ve been with Boyd Gaming now for 17 years. During that time, I’ve held a number of senior level executive positions and had the privilege of contributing my thoughts, energy and expertise to the growth of the Company – from going public in 1993 to the announcement of our Echelon project in 2006.
Boyd Gaming has a unique culture that has defined and differentiated the Company for the past 33 years. It’s simply a special place to work and play. As we embark on a new chapter in the Company’s history, I’m excited about continuing to work with a team that is committed to taking Boyd Gaming to the next level.
Also effective January 1, Paul Chakmak was promoted to Chief Operating Officer; Josh Hirsberg, a 17-year veteran of the gaming industry, joined the Company as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in Paul’s place; and Jeff Santoro was promoted to Senior Vice President and Treasurer.
With these changes, and with the entire team we have in place, I’m confident that the path we travel together will continue to lead to success.
I enjoy letting them take the wheel.. Billy mcCoy - Boyd Gaming Board member for 15 years
We are honored to receive such a strong endorsement from slot players across the country.
Keith Smith - President and Chief Executive Officer
Henderson Poker Run Benefits Charity
Boyd Gaming hit the jackpot in the 2007 “Best of Slots” competition, Strictly Slots magazine’s annual
survey of slot players from coast-to-coast.
Our properties received a total of 185 awards in this year’s polling,
including 65 first-place finishes. Leading the pack for the Company was
Sam’s Town Las Vegas, which finished first in 24 of 36 total categories
in the Las Vegas Locals competition, including the coveted title of
“Best Overall Hotel Casino.” “Since 1979, no locals casino has done it
better than Sam’s Town,” the magazine wrote in its October edition.
The Company’s Downtown Las Vegas properties also posted an
impressive performance – Main Street Station received 33 total
awards, followed by the Fremont
with 28. Borgata received the
most awards among Boyd Gaming
properties, with 34 awards,
including “Best Overall Hotel
Casino” in Atlantic City. Sam’s
Town Shreveport won 33 awards.
BBq AT JOKERS WILD
smithkeith
DID YOU KNOW?
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: WILLIAM S. BOYD, MARIANNE JOHNSON, KEITH E.
SMITH, ROBERT L. BOUGHNER, WILLIAM R. BOYD, THOMAS V. GIRARDI,
LUTHER MACK JR., MICHAEL O. MAFFIE, BILLY G. MCCOY, FREDERICK J.
SCHWAB, PETER M. THOMAS, AND VERONICA J. WILSON.
Company Collects 185 “Best of slots” awards
MOVING UP ILLUSTRATIONS © CALDER CHISM
Moving Up: Craps Dealer (1991) – Dual Rate Supervisor (1992) – Supervisor (1993) – Pit Manager (1996) – Dual Pit/Shift (2000) – Shift Manager (2005) – Director of Table Games (2007)
Thought for the Day: Although Boyd Gaming purchased Par-A-Dice in 1996, Doug actually started working there the day the casino opened its doors in 1991. He says he feels fortunate to inherit the outstanding group of team members and leaders in his department. “Having worked my way through every level, I am familiar with the high level of talent and experience they bring,” he stressed.
After Hours: Doug enjoys fishing, golf and gardening. He and his wife, Kim, have been married 18 years and have three children. “I have been promoted to a very big job at work, but the biggest and ultimate test is being the best father I can be,” he said.
Inaugural health awareness days are rousing successThe inaugural health awareness days event held in November at the
Corporate office was a rousing success, with more than 66 percent
of the eligible employees participating in this one-of-a-kind event.
Each participant received an electronic health risk assessment
(HRA), followed by a variety of measurements such as cholesterol,
glucose and blood pressure. Participants then attended a session
with a certified health coach to sort through the information and
develop a personal wellness action plan. Finally, each came away
with a health status rating and tools to help improve or maintain a
personal level of good health.
“The process was smooth and easy,” said Boyd Gaming corporate
employee Jeanette Rodriquez. “I would definitely recommend the
program to others.”
Healthy refreshments and great prizes helped make the event a
good time for all who attended.
This event – run efficiently and professionally by our healthcare partners CIGNA and Health
Solutions – was an important milestone for the future of health promotion at Boyd Gaming.
Along with other pilot programs throughout 2008, it will help determine the future direction for
a health promotion program that is engaging and rewarding, both personally and professionally.
By providing tools to help us be aware of our health, this should be the first step in leading
healthy lives. Thank you BOYD Benefits for making this
wonderful program available to us.
Employee Feedback inspires Change
Crystal Barroso
Senior Human Resources Specialist
Scott Singer
Table Games Manager
Doug Johnson
Director of Table Games
dania Jai-alai backcourt star, Gotzon Enbil, won the World Championship of Jai-alai with miami frontcourter Goicoetxea in markina, Spain.
This survey will result in change at this property. Improved score from 2006 to 2007 with a 13 percent increase
movingup
Moving Up: Dice Dealer (1979) – Floor Supervisor (1981)
– Pit Manager (1987) – Assistant Shift Manager (1995)
– Shift Manager (1996) – Table Games Manager (2007)
Thought for the day: A typical day in Scott’s shoes
includes time spent in meetings with the management
team, circulating the casino floor, and completing office
obligations. Along with the increased responsibilities of
his new position, Scott said, “I enjoy the time I get to
spend out on the casino floor with guests and
co-workers now more than ever.”
After Hours: On his time off he enjoys spending time
with family and friends. Scott has three children and one
grandchild. Scott is a self-described “gym rat.” He enjoys
his time working out and riding his mountain bike, playing
basketball and football.
®
Moving Up: PBX Operator, The Orleans (2004) – HR Clerk,
The Orleans (2005) – HR Representative, The Orleans (2005)
– Sr. HR Specialist, Corporate (2007)
Thought for the day: Crystal starting working at
The Orleans right after high school and has quickly worked
her way up the ranks. In addition to her full-time job, she
attends college part-time, working toward a degree in
business administration with an emphasis in human
resources. Her favorite part of working in human
resources is the opportunity to interact with employees
from many properties. She especially enjoys helping plan
community events, such as the children’s Christmas
parties, and is looking forward to the Special Olympics
events this spring.
After Hours: When she’s not at work or school, Crystal
tries to make time for fun by going on road trips, taking
dancing classes and learning to play the harmonica.
Seeking out the ideas, concerns and feedback of our employees is one of the ways we can help
ensure Boyd Gaming’s continued success. In 2006, we began conducting employee surveys in
partnership with HR Solutions. In 2007, more than 12,500 employees participated in the survey!
What did you tell us this year? Overall results were largely positive; however, there were some
areas of opportunity. For example, employees shared that they would like to see more
communication, more support for career growth, an improved performance evaluation process,
and policies and procedures administered consistently among departments.
Some of the most improved scores from 2006 to 2007 were: “the PTO benefits meet my needs,”
9 percent increase; “this survey will result in change at this property,” 13 percent increase; and
“I am paid fairly for the work I do,” 20 percent increase.
Employee feedback has already inspired positive changes. At the Las Vegas Downtown
properties, for example, a new and improved customer service program is being launched.
The Corporate office will begin holding Town Hall meetings; and at the Borgata, managers
have begun inviting senior managers to pre-shift meetings to meet the employees and
answer questions.
To read an expanded article about the Employee Opinion Survey,
go online at www.boyd.net.
DID YOU KNOW?
News You Can UseThe Suncoast recently remodeled the Oyster Bar and the Buffet, and the results are amazing. There are more renovations to come in the near future for both restaurants, as well as throughout the property. Café Siena and Senor Miguel’s also both feature new menus.
Charlie Holleger – food and beverage manager and 30-year Dania Jai-Alai employee – was thrilled when his 15-year-old son, Walter, became one of six Broward County kids chosen to participate in “Shaq’s Big Challenge.” The program is sponsored by NBA All-Star Shaquille O’Neal to help fight childhood obesity and was a television series on ABC last year. Under the supervision of a nutritionist and trainer, Walter lost nearly 70 pounds!
Gina Polovina, Boyd Gaming’s Vice President of Government & Community Affairs, was honored with the 2007 Athena Leadership Award by the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Nevada. The award recognizes women who strive to improve the quality of life in the community and actively assist women
in realizing their full leadership potential.
In October, Jokers Wild and Eldorado sponsored Taylor Elementary School in Henderson, Nevada, in the “Chefs for Kids” program. Datron Green,
food and beverage manager; Travis Williams, executive chef for Jokers Wild; and Larry
Steele, slots manager, helped serve breakfast to more than 700 children with the help of the
F&B teams from casinos all over the Las Vegas/Henderson Valley.
Borgata hosted a Children’s Holiday Party in December. More than 1,000 children attended. This year’s event featured a moving train, Santa and Mrs. Claus, carnival games, airbrush tattoos, and lots of holiday snacks and goodies.
Our apologies! In our feature last issue on the World Series of Poker Casino Employee Championships, we failed to mention that David Dietrich from Boyd Gaming Corporate finished 6th, with a total winning of $14,000. Congratulations, David!
Sam’s Town Shreveport employees came to together during several community events and employee parties
last fall. An annual canned food drive and toy drive helped ensure families in the community would have happy, memorable holidays. Employee events included a Halloween party and children’s holiday party.
It was a “boo-tiful” day October 31st at the Rainbow Corporate Offices, with Halloween treats, decorations and costume contests. Winners for the best door decoration, pumpkin carving and costume were selected by anonymous judges from Las Vegas properties.
Dania Jai-Alai hosted a charity night in December, with all the net proceeds for that evening’s performance being contributed to the South Florida United Way. In other Dania news, the property has negotiated a deal with Mardi Gras Greyhound Track whereby the two facilities are exchanging signals and betting for the first time.
Borgata hosted its third annual Women in Wine event in November. All proceeds from ticket sales and auctions were donated through the Borgata Heart and Soul Foundation to Living Beyond Breast Cancer and the Atlantic County Women’s Center.
Blue Chip has many creative efforts underway to conserve resources
and safeguard the environment.
With the opening of its new Team Member Dining Room in November,
Blue Chip switched to using regular plates, glasses and silverware.
This reduces the use of Styrofoam plates and plastic utensils,
which are non-biodegradable and end up in landfills forever.
The security department donates all lost-and-found eye
glasses to the Lions Club and cell phones to a women’s
shelter to be programmed for 911. The wardrobe
department recycles zippers and buttons off old
uniforms. Throughout the property, live active bacteria
are used in place of harsh chemicals to keep drains
clean and clear.
Building EchelonConstruction progress continues on schedule at the Echelon site on the Las Vegas Strip.
In December, Echelon, began
accepting group bookings for The
Meeting Center, a 650,000-square-foot
convention center scheduled to open
in the third quarter 2010.
“The launch of our meeting and convention sales effort is a key milestone in the development of
Echelon,” said Bob Boughner, Echelon President and Chief Executive Officer.
...Blue Chip switched to using regular plates, glasses and silverware.
...a key milestone in the development of Echelon. Bob Boughner - Echelon President and CEO
The Orleans’ new Krewe Kafe opened in November with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. In other news, the Orleans Arena was recently nominated for a 2007 Hall of Headlines Award by the staff of Venues Today, a leading international trade publication that covers the business side of entertainment and sports.
Bobbi Hoven, junior league coordinator for Gold Coast, was named 2007 Volunteer of the Year for the Special Olympics of Nevada. She also was selected as bowling official for the Special Olympics World Games held in Shanghai, China, in October. Bobbi also coordinated the Special Olympics regional bowling games for more than 300 participants at The Orleans
Bowling Center in November.
Blue Chip raised nearly $73,000 in this year’s United Way campaign, which exceeded their goal and last year’s number by 15 percent. In addition, the United Way held a live and silent auction at Blue Chip, during which another $27,000 was raised.
LAUREN PRESSON, UNITED WAY OF BROWARD IS SHOWN HOW TO HOLD A CESTA BY MARTY FLEISCHMAN, ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER AND MANNY CANCIO, FRONTCOURTER FROM DANIA JAI-ALAI.
PHOTO 1: (LEFT TO RIGHT) LORRAINE BRACCO, MARIO CANTONE, FRAN DRESCHER, PEGGY FLEMING, RICKI LAKE / PHOTO 2: JEFFREY ZAKARIAN, MICHAEL MINA, AND MICHAEL SCHULSON / PHOTO 3: ACTION SHOT OF OUR CELEBRITY COOK-OFF FEATURING MICHAEL SCHULSON AND JEFFREY ZAKARIAN WITH MARIO CANTONE AS HOST / PHOTO 4: CHECK PRESENTATION.
Property News
WALTER HOLLEGER (CENTER) IS HEADING TO TALLAHASSEE WITH SHAqUILLE O’NEAL AND HIS PERSONAL
TRAINER TO MEET WITH GOVERNOR CRIST.
LAURA DE LA CRUZ , PLAYERS CLUB PROGRAMS DIRECTOR, WON INDIVIDUAL COSTUME; THE IT STAFF TOOK THE AWARD FOR GROUP COSTUME.
Property News (con’t)
The Green Corner
Boyd Buzz TEam EdiTor: ROB STILLWELL, CORPORATE / assisTaNT EdiTor: KRISTY ALWARD, CORPORATE Boyd GamiNG ProPErTy CoNTriBuTors: “D” ALEXANDER SCOTT, BLUE CHIP / KATHY mICK, BORGATA / ALEXANDRA TOCCI, CALIFORNIA/FREmONT/mAIN STREET STATION / mARTY FLEISCHmAN, DANIA JAI-ALAI / WENDY CHAUmONT, DELTA DOWNS / KATE CHRISTmAN, SHEREE CUNNINGHAm, SANDI RICHARDSON, ELDORADO/JOKERS WILD / LYNNE RAVENSCRAFT, GOLD COAST / LANI DEJESUS, JIm SEAGRAVE, THE ORLEANS / CORI SEGLER, JENNIFER SHARP, PAR-A-DICE /
PATRICK FITZGERALD, SAm’S TOWN LAS VEGAS / NICOLE WHITTINGTON-SHANNON, SAm’S TOWN TUNICA / JULIE JUNEAU, SAm’S TOWN SHREVEPORT / GLENDA ZUHSE, JULIE JUNEAU SUNCOAST / BOBBY THORNTON, TREASURE CHEST / BILL SmITH, RUSSELL GOUVEIA, VACATIONS HAWAII CorPoraTE CoNTriBuTors: GINA POLOVINA, JUDY BANKS, INDU FAIRBANKS, LES LEONARD
Cert no. SCS-COC-001046