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Mississippi casinos help post-Katrina economy29 August 2007MISSISSIPPI -- As reported by the Clarion Ledger: "Rebounding casinos on Mississippi's Gulf Coast have dimmed memories of Hurricane Katrina's economic damage - the double-digit unemployment rates and obliterated tax base that followed the 2005 storm. "They've not only put more than 18,000 employees back to work in the gaming industry, but they've also contributed to the success of other businesses that have become part of an emerging economic renaissance. Annual retail sales in the three coastal counties have increased 61 percent increase since 2004, a year before Katrina. "Apex Laundry in Gulfport, with 15 employees, has had annual sales reach $700,000 since reopening after Katrina - almost $300,000 more than before the storm, said Jeffrey Buck of Gulfport, who with his wife, Rita, founded the commercial laundry in 1993. "...Buck credits the gaming industry with helping bring his business back. Apex Laundry launders linens but also has about $90,000 worth of linens it rents. "...Quenton Dukes, who handles banquet setup at IP Casino in Biloxi, said Apex supplies linens for banquets at the casino and its customer service makes it stand out..." |