Detroit Windsor Casino Management Association Chapter Begins Spring Certification Series

8 January 2003

By David Waddell

Due to the casino gaming industry's huge technological advances over the last decade, the industry has seen an increasing need for educational sources for its middle and upper management employees. In 1994, Casino Management Association, a non-profit organization, was created to provide educational sources for the Las Vegas casino industry's professional work force. In 2000, a local Michigan CMA Chapter was created to provide these educational services to the Detroit/Windsor gaming community. The DetroitWindsor CMA Chapter's Spring 2003 Certification Series begins on January 29, 2003. This will be the local Chapter's fifth workshop series, and anyone who recognizes the continuing education need in the gaming profession is welcome to join.

On Wednesday, January 29, 2003 at 9 a.m. the DetroitWindsor CMA Chapter will begin its Spring 2003 Certification Series at the MotorCity Casino's Classic Buffet Restaurant. The initial workshop is entitled: "Designing Diversity: Making It Work" and will include a presentation by Hector Shamley and June Atkins, Michigan Department of Civil Rights. The Fall 2002 Certification Series saw a 28 percent increase in graduates. To date over 250 people have graduated from one of the prior four Certification Series by completing at least three of the five workshops in any given Series. Persons who graduate from the Certification Series are recognized for their accomplishment with a certificate and an invitation to the CMA Annual Awards Dinner.

The Spring Series workshops will occur at the following times and locations:

501. Designing Diversity: Making It Work

As the world becomes more homogenous, it only makes sense to reach into all segments of the population to develop an efficient and loyal employee and customer base. This session will explain why, besides being the right thing to do, encouraging diversity within the gaming industry is the effective thing to do.

Speakers: Hector Shamley and June Atkins, Michigan Department of Civil Rights

Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2003

Time: 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Location: MotorCity Casino's Buffet

502. Cash Reporting Regulations: What Every Casino Employee Must Know.

This program will include a comprehensive review of cash reporting regulations for the gaming industry. This session will cover Ontario and IRS Regulation. This program is a must for each level of gaming supervision, including cage, pit and audit departments.

Speakers: Donna Mayer, Revenue Agent, IRS; and Kam Tazer, Revenue Agent, IRS

Date: Wednesday, February 26, 2003

Time: 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Location: City of Detroit Training Center

503. Casino Operations: Building a TEAM Atmosphere within your Department

The casino gaming operation is a 24-7 operation whether you are involved with tables, slots, F&B, security, compliance, audit, surveillance, or guest services. At this workshop you will learn how you can be a more effective gaming industry professional by focusing on a TEAM approach in your daily interaction with colleagues and guests.

Speakers: Dr. Julia Matthews, VP, Right Management Consultants

Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2003

Time: 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Location: Greektown Casino Olive Room

504. Problem Gambling: What Drives State Regulations?

What are the driving forces behind state gaming regulations as it relates to problem gambling? What are the models on which gaming regulators base the policies they enforce? At this workshop you will learn about the current state of problem gambling research and what actions the gaming industry is taking to proactively address this most important issue.

Speakers: Richard LaBrie, Ed.D. Associate Director of Research and Data Analysis Harvard Medical School's Division on Addictions

Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2003

Time: 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Location: Casino Windsor Ballroom

505. Permanent Casinos: What Issues Do Developers Look at During Their Planning? What Impact Will Permanent Casinos Have on the DetroitWindsor Market?

During the course of the next three years, the DetroitWindsor casino market is slated to invest $1 billion plus in the construction of permanent Detroit casinos. What will the 1,200 hotel rooms, an increase in the total casino square footage, and the addition of conference and entertainment options have on the DetroitWindsor market? At this program you will hear from one of the gaming industrys leading economic impact analysts as to what details go into the planning and what the DetroitWindsor market can expect from permanent casinos.

Speaker: Steve Rittvo, President, The Innovation Group

Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2003

Time: 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Location: MGM Grand's 5th Floor Conf. Room

If you are interested in participating in the DetroitWindsor CMA Chapter Spring 2003 Certification Series, please contact Kim Collins at (313) 237-7300 or log onto CMA's website at www.cmaweb.org.

CMA is for all gaming industry employees wishing to network with suppliers, regulators, and other gaming professionals while learning more about the industry.