ZZZ - GMG - VEGAS INC 2011-2014

talking points Orlando rides off with NFR But don't expect Las Vegas to ride off into the sunset after losing one go round by Richard N. Velotta C CO GU LU ES M T N ongratulations, Orlando. None of us saw you sprinting to the finish in the great National Finals Rodeo chase. Most of us thought the big threat was Jerry Jones and his Cowboy Stadium in Dallas. Or Oklahoma City with a play to return the rodeo to its roots. After all, the city has made its presence known in professional sports by turning the Seattle Supersonics into the Oklahoma City Thunder. Impressive! All of us thought you, Orlando, were no hat, all mouse ears. So now the premiere event of the American West is going to be staged in Central Florida? Steer wrestling? Will it become alligator wrestling? 20131223_VI06_F.indd 6 The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority will likely be publicly magnanimous toward Orlando. Congrats, Orlando. You got us. But in the back rooms, they're likely wondering what in the wild world of sports is going on here? It's my guess they're plotting some kind of retaliation to fill the big hole we'll have in our December calendar come 2015. Are there any good Orlando shows worth picking off? Probably. So again, Orlando, congratulations. But watch your back. rick.velotta@lasvegassun.com / 259-4061 / @VegasInc_TheRV Maybe you can set up some new events for the kids — riding bucking palmetto bugs. Or persuade some world-class cowboys to do a little python wrangling in the Everglades. Caesars Entertainment workers care about their community, help Las Vegas thrive n Thanksgiving, I'm grateful for what Caesars Entertainment's employees do, not only in helping the business succeed but also for their role in the community. Caesars employees have not only contributed to low-carbon solutions to reduce water, energy and waste consumption at all Caesars resorts as part of our CodeGreen initiative, but they also have demonstrated community leadership through volunteering and giving efforts that are part of our company's Hero program. I am especially proud of the following socially minded employee efforts that have taken place in Las Vegas this year that highlight our company's commitment to operating responsibly and sustainably: n Rebuilding Together: In celebration of Veterans Day, about 300 volunteers refurbished three homes and one 6 have 4 million reasons why they went with Orlando. It's all about the dinero. Special events planners promise a competing rodeo event when NFR folds its tents at the end of 2014. Good luck. If I'm a rodeo cowboy who has invested the whole year competing in NFR events nationwide, am I going to go to the World Series where the prize money is higher, or an exhibition game where I can also legally gamble? Orlando has promised to build a brand new venue for the rodeo by 2016. That has to make you wonder about what will happen when the committee convened to consider a new stadium at UNLV meets. Thankful for employee volunteers by Jan Jones Blackhurst O Maybe you can set up some new events for the kids — riding bucking palmetto bugs. Or persuade some world-class cowboys to do a little python wrangling in the Everglades. Most of us drank the Kool-Aid, believing there was no way NFR would ever leave Las Vegas. The cowboys love it here. Not only could they work their magic in the arena and make big bucks surviving big bucks, they could let down their hair and have a little fun at the blackjack table. Or take in the Blake Sheltons, Brad Paisleys and Travis Tritts of the world. Las Vegas Events, which fought hard to get a contract renewal here for NFR, isn't happy. But rodeo administrators neighborhood park in North Las Vegas. Volunteers from the local organizations Rebuilding Together and Energy Fit NV, along with Caesars employees and guests, spent the day painting, hauling trash, trimming trees, cleaning up graffiti, leveling and re-rocking yards, and reconstructing fences. We also partnered with Energy Fit NV to achieve an average increase of 23 percent in the energy efficiency of the homes. n Adopted trail at Bruce Trent Park: In partnership with Outdoor Las Vegas Foundation, and in celebration of National Parks Trust Kids to Parks Day, Caesars adopted a trail at Bruce Trent Park and hosted a celebration at which several hundred employees, family members and friends joined us for a celebratory walk down the trail. n Garden project with Second Wind Dreams: Employees who are part of Caesars' community involvement team, called Hero, revamped a community garden at a local elder care community in conjunction with our partnership with the Second Wind Dreams organization. Volunteers spent the day painting, cleaning, gardening, visiting with the seniors and reconstructing the community garden. n CodeGreen Farmers Markets: Twice a year, employees at our Las Vegas properties organize on-site farmers markets that are open to family members and friends, offering fresh local produce, baked goods and vendor booths hosted by local green partners. As part of our CodeGreen initiative, which aims to enhance the first-class experience of Caesars guests, creating healthier, cleaner communities, the farmers markets invite employees to explore sustainable food options. Without employees' interest in positively contributing to their community and environment, these activities would not be the successes they were. Thankfully, our employees care. In fact, a recent company-wide survey revealed that employees are 92 percent more likely to be highly engaged and experience greater work satisfaction the more they engage with and know about the company's volunteerism efforts. This is good news for all involved — employees, guests and local communities — because the more our employees engage in volunteer efforts like these, the more Las Vegas will thrive. Jan Jones Blackhurst, a former mayor of Las Vegas, is executive vice president of communications and government relations for Caesars Entertainment. Employees are 92 percent more likely to be highly engaged and experience greater work satisfaction the more they know about the company's volunteerism efforts. | 23 DECEMBER 2013 | 12/19/13 11:14:43 AM

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