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Haydocy Showroom to convert into casino HR department
(by Sean Lehosit, Westside Editor - December 14, 2011)
A timeline for employment opportunities at Hollywood Casino was announced on Dec. 8 during a welcoming celebration for Ameet Patel, the casino's general manager.
The event was sponsored by the Columbus NAACP in partnership with Haydocy Automotive and the Columbus Hispanic Chamber. The NAACP serves as a diversity consultant for the casino project and is responsible for coordinating job fairs for construction workers.
Patel said he feels overwhelming support from the community. He said Columbus provided the warmest welcome he has received from any city in the U.S.
“I feel so humbled, just getting this kind of reception from the community,” Patel said.
Patel said, in the following weeks, the Haydocy Showroom, 3895 W. Broad St., will be converted into a human resource department and community information center for Hollywood Casino. This public resource could be available as early as January.
“Starting Jan. 1, you will see everything more clearly…most importantly, you will see the opportunity for employment,” Patel said.
He said, between January and March, there will be huge momentum moving forward with the project. Penn National has awarded $180 million in contracts, with 35 percent of those given to minority operations.
“Remember, this is a $400 million project that will bring excitement back to the (Westside) area,” Patel said.
Patel said the casino will spend millions every year on supplies like cards, dice and food. They plan to support Westside businesses for as much of these needs as possible, before reaching out to national markets or the city of Columbus.
“We typically support the community we work and where our employees come from. We show preference to our community,” Patel said.
Ninety percent of employees will be local hires. He reminded the public to remain updated and to take advantage of the community information center. In six months “very specific” information concerning job requirements will be released for upcoming job fairs.
The casino could bring 2,000 jobs to the community, but before that occurs, casino management is ready to find five individuals for senior management positions. This search is nationwide and concentrated on those with previous casino experience.
Next summer development training programs will be formed, in partnership with local colleges, which will be announced in January. These courses will be taught on site and train the staff for their positions.
Patel said a food buffet, with 350 seats, will be the highlight of the facility. Casino officials expect no less than 1,000 visitors to this buffet per day. It will feature fresh pastries prepared on site from a bakery inside the building.
The casino will also have an event center with an entertainment lounge and ballroom available for rent.
Community organizations will have the opportunity to seek charitable gifts or sponsorships from the casino, Patel said.
Penn National expects to see 10,000 visitors a day to the casino and is developing a five year master plan. Patel said they have made their mark by coming to communities and working locally, instead of through a central office.
“I’m getting the opportunity of my lifetime to bring something really unique to the Westside,” Patel said.
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