IN THE NEWS TCA-Facilitated Ceremony

IN THE NEWS
TCA-Facilitated Ceremony Celebrates
Turkish-Native American Ties
L-R: Susan Waukon of the Ho Chunk Nation, TCA President G. Lincoln
McCurdy, Ambassador Namik Tan, Chairman John Berrey of the Quapaw
Tribe of Oklahoma (O-Gah-Pah), Robert Two Bears of the Ho Chunk
Nation.
The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) recently
facilitated a ceremony recognizing H.E. Namık Tan, Turkey’s
ambassador to the U.S., and Mrs. Fügen Tan for their efforts
in strengthening the Turkish-Native American relationship. The Honorable John Berrey, Chairman of the Quapaw
Tribe of Oklahoma (O-Gah-Pah), presented Ambassador and
Mrs. Tan with two pairs of handmade moccasins to thank
them for their work.
"I want to thank Ambassador Tan for his steadfast
support of deeper ties between the Republic of Turkey and
Indian Country,” said Chairman Berrey. “In a few short
years we have forged stronger cultural, political and economic
ties that few thought possible. On behalf of the Quapaw
people, the moccasins I present today remind us of the steps
we have taken together and those we will take in the future."
In a speech at the ceremony, Ambassador Tan reflected on
the relationship between Turkey and Indian Country. “The
cooperation that my country has started with the Indian
tribes during my tenure makes me really proud and constitutes one of the moments that I will fondly remember of my
stay in Washington, D.C.,” he said. “I hope that what we have
been doing together with TCA will be considered as the
beginning of a true cooperation between Turkey and Native
Americans. I am deeply grateful and honored to have become
a part of this hopefully long and beneficial mission.”
During his tenure, Ambassador Tan hosted three consecutive Native American Heritage Month receptions at his
residence and became the first foreign ambassador to attend
the nation's leading Reservation Economic Conference (REZ).
Chairman John Berrey first visited Turkey in November
2010 on a TCA-sponsored Native American Business
Cooperation Trip that was organized in conjunction with
Turkish Airlines’ inaugural flight from Washington, D.C. to
Istanbul. During the trip Chairman Berrey met with representatives from leading Turkish governmental, civil society
and private entities on behalf of the Quapaw (O-Gah-Pah)
Tribe of Oklahoma.
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April 2014
Potawatomi Bingo Casino to Become
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Summer
2014
Potawatomi Bingo Casino will change the name and
logo of its Menomonee Valley entertainment complex to
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. The change will take place this
summer and recognizes the addition of lodging into its
array of entertainment and hospitality offerings. This marks
the first time the property has changed its name in more than
two decades. It began in 1991 as Potawatomi Bingo and
changed to Potawatomi Bingo Casino in 1993 when it
expanded its gaming offerings. The new logo was designed
by the in-house creative team at the casino.
“Changing the property’s name to Potawatomi Hotel &
Casino marks an exciting new chapter in the storied
evolution of our business,” said Mike Goodrich, General
Manager. “In 23 years, the Potawatomi name has become
known for premier entertainment here in Milwaukee. As an
established brand, we felt it was important to retain a name
that people know and recognize. The new name also makes
it clear what we offer,” Goodrich added. “This will be very
important as we attract new visitors from outside the area.”
Thunder Valley Casino Resort Partners
with MGM Resorts International’s M life
Thunder Valley Casino Resort and MGM Resorts
International recently announced a strategic marketing
relationship to enhance their respective rewards programs,
Thunder Rewards and M life, and benefits offered to loyal
members. This marketing partnership creates reciprocal
benefits for the loyalty programs of both companies.
Thunder Rewards members will receive exclusive offers at
MGM Resorts destinations in Las Vegas, while MGM
Resorts’ M life members will enjoy offers to play and stay
at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, CA.
“Thunder Valley is thrilled to be partnering with worldrenowned MGM Resorts International and their prestigious Las Vegas properties to offer our Thunder Rewards
members a new gaming experience that is uniquely Vegas,”
said Dawn Clayton, General Manager of Thunder Valley
Casino Resort. “We are confident our guests will be impressed
by the fabulous amenities and benefits available at MGM
Resorts properties in Las Vegas. In turn, we can’t wait to
extend our four diamond hospitality to M life players as they
visit Thunder Valley, the largest gaming resort in Northern
California.”
Lance Evans, Vice President of Marketing Partnerships
for MGM Resorts International, said, “As we strive to deliver
maximum value for our M life members, regional casino
partnerships, such as our new relationship with Thunder
Valley Casino Resort, make for ideal additions to the
program and expand M life’s reach from coast to coast.”
Win-River Resort & Casino Adopts 100%
Smoke-Free Polic
L-R: Jason Hart, Tribal Chairperson; Jack Potter Jr., Vice Chairperson;
Council Members Hope Wilkes, Michelle Hayward, Patty Spaulding, and
James Hayward Sr.; Narinder Dhaliwal, Project Director of California’s
Clean Air Project; Leon Benner, Council Member; Brian McCain, Council
Person; and Gary Hayward, General Manager of Win-River Resort &
Casino.
In a bold move to bring smoke-free, world-class gaming
to northern California, Win-River Casino Resort recently
held a celebration of their new smoke-free gaming floor.
Casino General Manager, Gary Hayward announced,
“The number one reason for the change is the health of our
employees. We have a lot of benefits and programs that are
pushing for healthier lifestyles, weight loss, and fitness
programs, yet we expose them to a smoking environment on
a daily basis. It just didn’t make sense in the long run.”
Gary Hayward and the Redding Rancheria Tribal
Government made this voluntary choice because their
extensive research at the casino showed that the vast
majority of guests want smoke-free gaming and that this move
will not only protect the health of employees and guests,
but also reduce business costs. All aspects of the health
consequences, economic costs, and hospitality surveys for
guests and employees were assessed and evaluated. The
results surprised Hayward when he found that even during
the busiest times at the casino; smoking customers amounted
to less than 13%. In the past year, counts of smoking
customers showed the 13% had decreased to 10%. Hayward
also evaluated the overall smoking environment in California
where the smoking prevalence rate has now dropped to 12%.
“We have to be respectful of smokers with the way this
rolls out,” Hayward said. “They are just as important as the
nonsmoker.”Win-River will provide attractive outdoor
smoking areas and will hold table spots and machines for
guests who wish to go outside to smoke, said Hayward.
“As sovereign nations, Indian casino resorts are not
required to comply with California's smoke free workplace
laws. However, Redding Rancheria has made the decision
to provide healthier indoor hospitality and entertainment
for all,” said Narinder Dhaliwal, Project Director for
California's Clean air Project.
Certificates and proclamations received included: The
Congressional Recognition, The State of California Senate
Certificate of Recognition, Shasta County Board of
Supervisors Certificate of Recognition, A Proclamation
from the Mayor of the City of Redding, A Congratulatory
Proclamation from the Anderson City Council, A Proclamation from the City of Shasta Lake, An official applauds
from the American Lung Association of California, and a
Congratulatory Proclamation form the Greater Redding
Chamber of Commerce.
The California Clean Air Award was given to the
Redding Rancheria in recognition of their business vision and
commitment to public health for the Win-River 100%
smoke-free Resort and Casino.
Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians
Launches New Television Program
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians recently
launched a new television program, Chumash Life, featuring
a series of mini documentaries on the scope and complexity
of the Chumash experience.
“We felt we needed an additional communication
vehicle to help foster a better understanding of our tribe,”
said Vincent Armenta, Tribal Chairman of the Santa Ynez
Band of Chumash Indians. “Chumash Life looks at our tribal
life, our projects, and emphasizes the joy and celebration of
what we do – whether it’s our quest for housing or creating
our own brand of wine.”
The show will air on Santa Barbara Cox Cable’s On
Demand Channel 1892 and also Cox’s Channel 8. Chumash
Life will also be available on a Chumash-branded YouTube
Channel at youtube.com/chumashlife. In addition, it will
air on a special channel in Chumash-owned hotels rooms
(Chumash Casino Resort, Hotel Corque and Hadsten
House).
The first episode of the quarterly Chumash Life features
the tribe’s Kitá Wines and winemaker Tara Gomez in a
segment entitled “Native Wines and Native Vines.” In “Our
Ancestral Land,” the segment focuses on the tribe’s Camp
4 property and the tribe’s quest to place that land into
federal trust. “A Collection of Treasures,” takes a look at the
growing collection of artifacts and replications the tribe is
gathering in anticipation of the museum the tribe hopes to
build across the street from the reservation. In “Partners in
the Community,” a recurring segment featuring non-profit
organizations that partner with the tribe’s Foundation, the
segment looks at the Foundation’s work with the Search Dog
Foundation.
“Chumash Life tells our tribal story not from the perspective of tribal opponents or journalists or politicians, but
from our tribal perspective,” said Frances Snyder, a tribal
member and co-producer of the show. “Too often, others
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IN THE NEWS
disseminate information about our tribe that is not only
factually incorrect, but also potentially damaging to the
community’s long-term understanding of our tribe.”
Snyder said the Chumash Life show combines the tribe’s
desire to tell its story with the need to take a positive, upbeat
approach in tackling complex tribal issues. “We hope
viewers come away from the show with a much better understanding of our tribe and a great feeling about the many
projects our tribe is undertaking,” she said.
Pechanga Resort & Casino Recognized
With Two AAA Four Diamond Awards for
2014
The AAA Automobile Club of Southern California
recently announced the 2014 Four Diamond winners in the
region and Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula picked
up two coveted titles. In January, the 517-luxury resort
opened its newly renovated, multimillion dollar hotel lobby
and new restaurants and has received the AAA Four Diamond
Award for the 13th time. The resort has won it consecutively
since opening in 2002. Only 10 other resorts in Riverside
County also carry the AAA Four Diamond distinction. The
Great Oak Steakhouse earned the honor among only six
others in Riverside County and 38 other restaurants in all
of Southern California. The Great Oak Steakhouse has won
the award for the third time in a row since 2012.
“AAA Four Diamond Awards tell us that guests appreciate the amenities, the impeccable service, and the commitment to quality we show to everyone at Pechanga,” says Rudy
Prieto, General Manager of Pechanga Resort & Casino.
AAA performs in-person property inspections using
guidelines weighted by the priorities of its 54 million
members. To ensure a typical guest experience, inspections
are unannounced. The Pechanga RV Resort has also received
the official AAA Campground Appointment for 2014.
Bally Technologies’ Wave Hits the Casino
Floor at Fantasy Springs
At the Coachella Valley’s Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
gaming floor, Quick Hit is now featured on the ALPHA 2
Pro Series™ Wave™, Bally Technologies’ latest awardwinning and innovative slot platform. Fantasy Springs is the
first southern California casino to install the 2014 Gaming
Technology Best Show Product winner. The Wave is the
industry’s only cabinet with a 40-inch curved LCD touch
screen monitor, delivering optimal viewing and increased
player interaction. The Wave comes complete with the
award-winning iDECK™ and an optional 22-inch Digital
Topper. Bally’s entire catalog of video-slot games for the
Pro Series V22/22 and V32 can be played on the Pro Wave.
Director of Slot Operations, Dave Polizzi, is proud to
provide Fantasy Springs players the best the gaming world
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April 2014
has to offer, noting, “This new platform from Bally is like
nothing we’ve ever seen. Its comfortable form and versatile
function will keep users coming back for more.” The Pro
Wave, currently on the Fantasy Springs floor, gives users a
powerfully different playing experience and adds a sleek
presence to the casino floor.
Largest Casino Resort Destination in
Minnesota Selects Rainmaker’s Revenue
Management Solution
The Rainmaker Group recently announced that Mystic
Lake Casino Hotel, in Prior Lake, MN, will implement
TribalREV®, Rainmaker’s comprehensive revenue management software solution provided as a managed service.
The two entities recently finalized the agreement and the solution will be implemented in the first quarter of 2014.
The dramatic increases in data-storage and processing
capabilities have allowed Rainmaker to undertake steadily
more complex analysis for customers ranging from a
128-room hotel to a 5,000-room resort. The revenue
increases typically come from small adjustments in room rates
– moving nightly rates by $10 to $25 to make sure that rooms
are priced to achieve the greatest value.
Players Earn “License to Drive” in 16th
Annual AGEM/AGA Golf Classic
Presented by JCM Global
Players in the AGEM/AGA Golf Classic Presented by
JCM Global are earning their “license to drive” at the 16th
annual event. Organizers are celebrating 16 successful
years of the high-profile affair with new challenges and
more fun.
Event producer Tom Nieman of JCM Global said, “We’re
celebrating our 16th by giving players a ‘license to drive’ with
two fun and challenging driving contests, chances to win a
4x4 truck, and a great day at one of the world’s top courses.
We are excited to welcome our players and sponsors and to
raise a lot of money in support of the National Center for
Responsible Gaming’s (NCRG) important research.”
This year’s Golf Classic takes place April 29 on the awardwinning greens of Cascata in Boulder City, NV. This year’s
event is more exciting than ever, with two “License to Drive”
contests where organizers are giving away $8,400 in total cash
prizes. Players will also have two opportunities (front/back)
to win a 4x4 truck in hole-in-one contests, and there will be
a wide range of terrific raffle prizes.
Proceeds benefit the National Center for Responsible
Gaming. Registration is open now and is limited to the first
128 participants. Green fee is $700 per person or $2,200 for
a foursome.
Golf Classic title sponsors are AGEM and the AGA.
The event is presented by JCM Global and benefits the
NCRG, the only national nonprofit organization dedicated
to funding research on gambling disorders and increasing
awareness about responsible gaming.
Aristocrat Tops 2014 Slot Manager
Survey Winning Top Performing Game,
Most Anticipated Game
Aristocrat’s runaway hit Buffalo™ has been named the top
performing game for the third year in a row in Goldman Sachs’
2014 Slot Manager Survey. Aristocrat’s The Walking Dead™
also topped the survey, named as the most anticipated game
release of the year by slot managers across 27 states.
Buffalo Stampede™ and E*Series™ were also featured
in the top six most anticipated releases, and more than 20
percent of slot managers said that Aristocrat games were the
most profitable of any supplier – up sharply from 15 percent
in last year’s survey.
Further, “performance” was cited by slot managers as the
top reason for buying more Aristocrat games, for the third year
in a row. In this year’s survey, 63% of customers rated
performance as the best reason to buy Aristocrat.
“This is exciting news, and just the beginning for
Aristocrat. The games pipeline we are building is our best
ever, with more major releases planned over the coming
months that will only add to the breadth and quality of our
new portfolio,” said Chief Product Officer, Rich Schneider.
“We’ve been working hard on our product-led strategy
and there’s no doubt we have been making excellent progress
– nowhere more so than here in North America. Now to
get this endorsement from our customers is particularly
encouraging and only strengthens our resolve to keep lifting the bar and transforming the game.”
API Gaming to Head Up Midwest
Distribution for Eclipse Gaming Systems
Long time gaming consultant Dennis Nelson will head
up distribution and support for Eclipse through API
Gaming, LLC, focused on the Midwestern United States.
As founder of API, Nelson has headed up significant
operations providing Indian tribes and operators support with
regulatory compliance, as well as investigative, and governmental consulting activities for over three decades. He also
founded and developed the gaming industries leading
identity solution company, Veridocs.
“I have always prided myself in being a problem solver and
welcome the opportunity to perform and execute on the
revenue generating side of the house,” said Nelson. “Eclipse
represents an early growth company opportunity, to
translate our knowledge and rapport with executive leaders
of gaming companies and tribes into significant expansion
of business to a great company with innovative products.
At API Gaming we have a team that will deliver Eclipse
products into properties and venues we know well. We are
very excited to be part of the Eclipse team!”
Jack Saltiel, CEO of Eclipse Gaming Systems,
commented, “We are excited to have API Gaming as part
of our sales team in the United States. We will work together
with API to grow this new market area.”
Crane Payment Innovations Born From
MEI Acquisition
Crane Co. has used its acquisition of MEI to launch
Crane Payment Innovations (CPI). The coin and note
products from Cashcode, Money Controls, NRI, Telequip
and MEI brands offer the industry’s most comprehensive
portfolio of cash management solutions for gaming,
financial, retail, transport and vending markets.
“We’re building a new, integrated business that will
combine the strengths of MEI and Crane Payment
Solutions,” said Mike Hayes, CPI President. “Our goal is to
earn our customers’ business every day.”
Crane originally announced its intent to acquire MEI on
December 12, 2012. The acquisition was completed nearly
a year later on December 11, 2013 after two CPS products
were divested at the request of the European Commission.
“It’s exciting to think about what CPI will be able to offer
customers,” said Tom Nugent, CPI President of Gaming and
Retail. “Our challenge, in the immediate future, is to
temper the enthusiasm of what can be with the realism of
what needs to happen to provide the level of service customers
have associated with these brands.
“The realization of our vision for CPI will be dependent
upon collaboration with our loyal customer base. We are
embarking upon a journey that will require focus and patience
– but one that promises to deliver an unmatched set of
products and resources to raise expectations for payment
systems.”
The acquisition signifies the potential Crane sees in its
ability to add value to applications that rely upon cash
transactions. Including the “I” for Innovations is significant
as the aforementioned brands have a long history of
using technology to create documented returns on capital
investments.
“The combined knowledge of CPI allows us to offer
customers the personnel, experience and products to find
solutions that impact the bottom line,” said Nugent. “And,
ultimately, that is how we should be measured. We aspire to
set a new standard – driving transaction, asset and maintenance efficiencies into customers’ operations.”
Moving forward, the entity will begin to take shape as
corporate and customer-facing functions are consolidated
over time. The intent is to have CPS and MEI act as
separate companies in a “business as usual” state until core
functions can be assimilated in a manner that is seamless to
customers. ®
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