No Clownin’ Around: Salt River Community Gaming Enterprises Hosts Recognition Celebration

Salt River Community Gaming Enterprises hosted its annual crew member recognition luncheon on Feb. 2 with carnival video games, caricature drawings, prizes, scrumptious meals and the highest enterprise awards of the 12 months.

3 Takeaways: 

• The annual crew member recognition celebration was held contained in the Salt River Grand Ballroom on the Talking Stick Resort and Casino.
• Awards such because the Enrolled Community Member of the Year, Supervisor of the Year and lots of extra had been offered.
• Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community President Martin Harvier and Vice-President Ricardo Leonard offered speeches and blessings in the course of the luncheon.

As the saying goes, while you work onerous, you could additionally play onerous.

Every 12 months, leaders of the Salt River Gaming Enterprises take outing to have a good time the employees members who make Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort one of many most interesting hospitality venues within the nation. 

This 12 months was no completely different.

On Feb. 2 on the Talking Stick Resort and Casino, contained in the Salt River Grand Ballroom, the Salt River Gaming Enterprises held its annual crew member recognition celebration.

Awards had been handed out within the following classes: 

• Lifesaver Award
• Supervisor of the Year
• Team Member of the Year
• Enrolled Community Member of the Year
• Safety Committee Award

Additionally, the current 2025 graduates of the Pathways to Success program had been honored in the course of the luncheon. The program offers enrolled SRPMIC members coaching to arrange for line-level, managerial and government roles within the gaming and hospitality trade. 

The Speeches

Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort President and CEO John Dinius spoke first. Upon his arrival, he appeared on the packed crowd of gaming workers in attendance and jokingly requested his administration crew, “Do we have enough people out there on the floor taking care of our guests?” He was knowledgeable by administrators that each casinos had been appropriately staffed in the course of the luncheon. 

Dinius stated, “We celebrate our team members, who turn our core values into visible actions throughout the year. I want to extend my sincere appreciation for the leadership, dedication and courage you all bring to the SRPMIC Gaming Enterprises. Your work contributes directly to the strength and prosperity of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.”

Later, SRPMIC President Martin Harvier offered some further phrases. 

“I just want to say how grateful I am to be here,” started Harvier. He revealed that Salt River Gaming Enterprises is a significant monetary contributor that ensures the continued ascension and enchancment of the SRPMIC. 

He added, “I also want to thank your spouses for allowing you to be here with us and sharing your talents with the Community. I have a jacket [with] the Casino Arizona logo on it. I don’t know how many times people have stopped me to tell me, ‘Hey, I’ve been there, that’s a great place.’ That makes me proud, because it’s a reflection on you all.”

Following Harvier’s remarks, August Antone, chairman of the Salt River Gaming Enterprises Board of Directors, spoke for a couple of minutes.

“Whether your contribution was visible on the floor, behind the scenes or in a quiet moment of mentorship, it all adds up,” Antone stated. “Every interaction, every extra hour, every thoughtful decision has helped shape the experience our guests enjoy and a culture we are proud of.” 

Antone additionally expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Pathways to Success graduates. “This program is greater than coaching; it’s an funding in our future leaders. 

“Let today remind you that your efforts matter,” Antone concluded. 

Later, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Patricia Tate introduced the graduates of the Pathways to Success program. 

“Pathways to Success is a launchpad to our future careers. I’m incredibly proud this year of the graduates and all they have achieved [while] balancing demanding careers, families, responsibilities and personal commitments, often at a great sacrifice. Their perseverance speaks volumes about the character and determination of each graduate.”

Last 12 months, almost 20 Community members graduated from this system. 

The Awards

Representing the Safety Committee, common managers Christian Geier and Trenni Martinez introduced two departments because the winners of the Department Safety Awards: Food and Beverage and the Security crew. “These teams took ownership, helped one another and proved safety is a team sport,” stated Geier. 

Martinez then introduced the 2 winners of the Safety Committee Excellence Awards, Retail Supervisor Cynthia Flores and Maintenance Supervisor Noel Mills. Each got here as much as the rostrum and acquired a commemorative plaque. 

Flores was final 12 months’s winner of the enrolled Community Member of the Year Award.

The Lifesaver Award was offered to line cooks Idalia Gaspar, Jessica Wahpeta and Jesus Garcia. “On May 29, a team member began choking at Casino Arizona. Wahpeta immediately did the Heimlich maneuver while Garcia stabilized the coworker and Gaspar provided support while additional help was on the way. Their teamwork may have saved a life,” Martinez stated.

Senior Vice-President of Marketing Toni Ineson and Human Resources Vice-President Diane McMahan introduced the winner of the Team Member Recognition: Food & Beverage Analytics Specialist Katie Parra. 

Lead Kino Shift Supervisor Margarita Robles was named Supervisor of the Year. 

Chief Hospitality Officer Braxton Meyers and Chief Operating Officer Don Ayers handed out the award for Team Member of the Year, which went to Multimedia Marketing Designer Phillip Grosvenor II. 

Lastly, the award for the Enrolled Community Member of the Year was given to Human Resources HRIS Specialist Julia Paul. “Over the past eight and a half years with [Salt River] Gaming Enterprises, Julia has become an indispensable contributor [with] human resources and a partner with our operational leaders,” stated Meyers. 

Paul acquired a roaring spherical of applause from the attendees.

Paul’s fellow nominees for the Enrolled Community Member of the Year Award had been Tamara Hayes, Lead Rewards Club Representative for Player Development; Adria Hill, Environmental Services EVS Attendant; and Qua-Tavaish “Blossom” Loring, Concession Attendant in Food & Beverage. 

As the luncheon neared its finish, attendees had been inspired to go to the caricature drawing station, take part within the ping-pong ball problem carnival recreation and take a whirl on the 360-degree picture sales space, all of which had been positioned out on the grand ballroom foyer grounds.

“Thank very much for everything that that you do,” stated Dinius as he made some concluding remarks. “Remember, everything we do on a daily basis contributes to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. I couldn’t be more proud of you all.”

O’odham Action News Interview: Enrolled Community Member of the Year: Julia Paul, Human Resources

1. What was the primary thought that got here to your thoughts while you heard you received the award? 

“Honestly, my first thought was, ‘Wow, really?’ I was surprised. We have so many exceptional team members who work incredibly hard, so I know it couldn’t have been an easy decision. I’m truly honored.”

2. What’s your favourite side working for Casino Arizona? 

“One of my favorite aspects of working for Salt River Community Gaming Enterprises is the opportunity to collaborate with different departments. I really enjoy taking on complex challenges because they push me to learn new processes and better understand how everything connects to support the company’s growth.”

3. How do you keep motivated at work?

“I stay motivated by organizing my work by priority and focusing on one task at a time. I make sure to take short breaks in between to reset and stay energized. I also set aside time to dive into new projects or ideas, which keeps my work engaging and helps me continue learning.”

4. What’s the most effective piece of recommendation you’ve ever acquired? Who gave you the recommendation?

“The best piece of advice I’ve ever received came from my mother. She always told me to treat everyone the same—with respect—and to always conduct myself professionally. Even when respect isn’t given, she reminded me to remain professional.”

5. What recommendation would you give to somebody beginning their profession with the SRPMIC Community Gaming Enterprises?

“My advice to someone starting their career with Salt River Community Gaming Enterprises is to take full advantage of the diverse environments and learning opportunities available. Embrace each experience and network within the enterprise to better understand the various roles and departments. Ask for feedback, listen more than you speak to gain a deeper understanding of how the business operates, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

6. Is there the rest you’d wish to share with the Community and our readers?

“My employment with Salt River Community Gaming Enterprises has been rewarding. I’ve had the opportunity to continue growing in my Human Resources career while also contributing to and supporting our Community. It’s meaningful to be part of an organization that makes a positive impact.”