AMCR HONORS ASSOCIATES IN ANNUAL RECEPTION

(AKWESASNE, NY, February 24, 2014) – Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort (AMCR) held its annual Associate of the Year Reception on Tuesday February 18, 2014 in the Winter Ballroom. Department directors, managers, and nominees gathered for the annual reception with dinner prepared by Executive Chief Garrett McKeeman and his staff. Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council was represented by Chief Ron Lafrance, Chief Beverly Cook, Sub-Chief Michael Conners, and Sub-Chief Shelley Jacobs.

"Tonight we are here to celebrate 15 individuals who stood above the rest with their hard work, dedication, and commitment to the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort," Craig Fuller, Director of Human Resources, said in his opening remarks. "What we have in this room is a team. It's not just one person or a group of directors who make this Casino what it is – it is team effort. As I look at the nominees here tonight, I want to tell you that each one of you is a winner because of your guest service. You guys are the leaders of the team," Craig Fuller added during his speech, drawing emphasis on team work.

Typically, a committee will review the nominations and select the winner based on a vote. This year, the format for choosing the associate and manager of the year changed. "When the committee sat down and reviewed all the associates in this room tonight, we could not come up with a clear winner. We will have a drawing, because all the individuals in this room tonight are worthy of holding the title – this is the fair way to do it," Patrick Bassney, General Manager, explained of the committee's hard decision.

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Chief Ron Lafrance drew the name for Associate of the Year and the winner was Jeffrey Lashomb of Table Games. Chief Beverly Cook drew the name for Manager of the Quarter and the winner was Kanvvy Palmer of Food and Beverage. Each winner received a $1,000 Keybank gift card and a plaque of recognition. All of the nominees received a $150 AMCR gift certificate and a plaque, as well.

Sub-Chief Shelley Jacobs addressed the honored associates, "In this business, it's important to find people you can count on, people who can help you build the business. We found you. Your willingness to go above and beyond is well-known to all of us on the Mohawk Gaming Enterprise Board of Managers and Tribal Council." Sub-Chief Jacobs was the former Assistant Director of Food and Beverage at AMCR and stated she knows just how committed the team is to delivering exceptional service, 24/7.

"I look forward to another positive year working alongside each and every one of you," Emily Lauzon, Assistant General Manager, added in conclusion of the reception.

2013 Associate of the Year Nominees

Each one of the following associates was honored as an Associate of the Month during 2013:

Alan Cree – Security, Helen Cole – Rapids Food Court, William Deleel – Facilities, Kim Olsen – Slot Dept., DJ Bigelow – Information Technology, Millard Fiemann – Facilities, Bryanna Herne – Hotel, Jeffrey Lashomb – Table Games, Patrick Gray – Security, Diane Connors – Hotel and Dorothy Gall – Facilities.

2013 Manager/Supervisor of the Year Nominees

Each one of the following associates was honored as a Manager/Supervisor of the Quarter during 2013:

1st Quarter – Kannvy Palmer – Food & Beverage

2nd Quarter – Deborah Hines – Hotel

3rd Quarter – Trisha Francis – Cage

4th Quarter – Jennifer Kader – Guest Services