In Honor of our Veterans: The Massachusetts Gaming Industry salutes Veterans with series of events, Commission releases video highlighting veteran opportunities
- November 10, 2016
- by MGC Communications
- 0 comments
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) is pleased to support a series of events hosted by gaming licensees in honor of Veterans Day. The commission salutes the men and women who have served in the U.S. Military and extends deep gratitude for their sacrifice.
The MGC is committed to ensuring that Massachusetts veterans benefit from the opportunities afforded by the state’s new expanded gaming industry. MGC presented this video during a public meeting which features the stories of the many veterans currently working in the state’s gaming industry and also highlights the opportunities that expanded gaming provides to veterans in Massachusetts.
Facts about the Expanded Gaming Industry and Veteran Opportunity:
- At MGM Springfield, Veterans account for 9.32% of the total construction workhours on the site exceeding their 8% project goal.
- During design and construction, MGM Springfield has contracted with 12 Veteran-owned (VBE) companies with 6.5% of the project spend committed to Veteran-owned businesses totaling $13.91 Million. The project currently exceeds their goal of 2% VBE spend.
- From January 1, 2016 to September 30, 2016, Plainridge Park Casino spent $172,387.70 with Veteran-owned businesses. Currently Plainridge Park Casino is working with 7 VBE’s based in Massachusetts. Plainridge Park Casino also reports current employment is composed of 3% veterans.
- During the construction phase, Plainridge Park Casino authorized its contractor to award a total of $97.5 million in contracts. The contractor reported that, as of June 30, 2015, $30.8 million (31.6%) of the contracts went to minority, women and Veteran-owned businesses with $8.4 million (9%) to VBE’s surpassing their diversity goal of 3% VBE.
- Wynn Boston Harbor reports that it is now exceeding goals for Veteran participation in all categories during the design and construction phase. Wynn Boston Harbor awarded $3.4 Million in design contracts to VBEs exceeding the 1% goal to an actual 6.4%. In addition, Wynn has awarded $14.5 Million in construction contracts to VBEs. Lastly, Wynn Boston Harbor reports that Veterans trade workers on-site have completed more than 7,000 hours of work.
Events to honor Veterans:
- MGM Springfield will hold a career information session for Veterans on November 11, 2016.
- Wynn Boston Harbor will provide refreshments to all workers on the site in honor of Veterans Day 911/11). Wynn is also launching a Veterans Recognition program. In addition, Wynn will participate in a series of Veterans appreciation events across the Commonwealth including a Veterans ceremony in Everett (11/11) and the Chelsea Soldiers Home Veterans Exposition (11/9).