Detroit/Windsor Chapter Plays a Key Role with the Casino Management Association

The Casino Management Association ("CMA") was formed as a non-profit organization in 1994 in an attempt to increase the level of education offered to gaming industry professionals. During the last eight years, CMA has gone through a number of ebb and flow cycles. The 2002 CMA National Board took drastic steps to keep CMA alive and well by contracting an association management firm, Drake & Co. In addition, the 2002 Board adopted a strategic plan for the association in an attempt to re-invigorate CMA's Las Vegas Chapter and develop other chapters across the globe.

Meanwhile, in the Detroit/Windsor market, a local CMA Chapter was initially formed in the year 2000. As a result of a strong commitment by all four local casinos, the Detroit/Windsor Chapter has become very successful. Each year, the Chapter offers a series of classes enabling casino employees, suppliers and regulators to network and learn more about the industry. On average, each session has an attendance varying from 80 to 120 people. Overall, the Detroit/Windsor CMA has grown to 400 members.

The success of the organization in the Detroit/Windsor market has lead to two of its members (Robert Russell of Fraser Trebilcock Davis & Dunlap, P.C. and John Hawkins of Greektown Casino, L.L.C.) being appointed to the CMA National Board of Directors. Recently, Detroit's own Robert Russell has been chosen to be the new President of the National CMA, and the organization has rapidly taken on an expanded role.

During the course of the last month, the National CMA Board, with the guidance of its Advisory Board, has: 1) held a number of successful meetings at the Global Gaming Expo; 2) launched the newly formatted CMA membership newsletter, The CMA Edge; 3) published a newly-designed website, www.cmaweb.org; 4) initiated a Las Vegas Chapter Needs Assessment Campaign; and 5) planned a November 18, 2002 Las Vegas Chapter Kickoff Event, sponsored by Mandalay Resort Group, to be held at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

Back in the Detroit/Windsor market, the local Chapter continues to shine. Currently, the Chapter is conducting another series of workshops. The next CMA workshop will take place on Wednesday, November 6, 2002, at 9 a.m. at the Greektown Casino. The program is entitled: "How Does Comping Work? How Does it Affect the Casino's Bottom Line?" and the presenter is Max Rubin, author of "Comp City." Mr. Rubin has been a featured guest on CBS' 48 Hours, 20-20, and the Discovery Channel's Casino Diaries. Mr. Rubin is a noted gaming consultant, corporate trainer and consumer advocate with over 30 years of experience in the gaming industry.

Everyone who shares the vision of the need for continuing education in the gaming profession is welcomed to join CMA. With all the increasing technology, the need for the CMA to provide education for the casino industry has never been greater. All the members of the Detroit/Windsor Chapter should be proud of its own success, and the key role the local Chapter's success is taking on revitalizing the group at the national level.