What’s new in your industry?
The gaming industry continues to grow and currently has taken on an international flavor. In the past year gaming in Macau, China surpassed Las Vegas as the largest gaming market in the world. Domestically, construction continues to be a big part of gaming as properties become full-service entertainment facilities. This year you saw Casino Del Sol transformed from a casino into a true full-service resort.
What is the economic forecast for your industry?
The forecast is very positive. It appears the economic challenges of the past couple of years have bottomed out and people are more willing to spend their discretionary dollars on our product. This, combined with the addition of more amenities and the adjustments that properties have made to the economic challenges, has improved the effectiveness of operations.
Why does your company support economic development?
The Pascua Yaqui Tribe has been committed to Tucson for centuries, and the overall welfare of their community and the region is very important to them. Economic development allows their existing businesses to continue thriving and opens more doors for tribal membership through economic persity.
What is your company/industry doing to make Tucson a better place to live?
We just completed a $120 million expansion that created more than 500 construction jobs. We added
nearly 400 new permanent jobs. This is just the first phase of the master plan with much more to come. We also donate $2 million a year to local nonprofit organizations whose funding is always problematic. Our owners have been committed to this region for centuries and have a personal stake in its long-term viability.
What is your personal passion as it relates to our economy and Tucson’s future?
I have had the good fortune to live around the country during my lifetime and Tucson is my new home. The people, the culture and the wonderful quality-of-life opportunities here are simply like no place else. I want to see this area thrive and I have committed myself to assisting with this effort as part of the TREO Chairman’s Circle and as chairman of the board for Tucson Metropolitan Chamber. I’m proud of the direction we’re taking and the cooperative spirit of all of Southern Arizona in the commitment to economic persity and development.