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Eldoradoat 50

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As 2012 draws to a close, we are thrilled that

Peninsula Gaming has officially become a part

of Boyd Gaming! With the completion of this

acquisition, we have added five properties, including

our first in the states of Iowa and Kansas.

• In Iowa, we are acquiring two Diamond Jo-branded casinos;

• In Louisiana, we have added Evangeline Downs and

Belle, giving us a total of five properties in the state;

• Near Wichita, Kansas Star Casino opened its permanent gaming

floor this month.

This is an exciting time for our Company. We now operate in eight states,

creating more opportunities to market our properties and to introduce

the Boyd Style brand of service to new guests and new markets.

We are one of the gaming industry’s largest companies, with 22

properties across the country. And that means there are now more

opportunities than ever for you to advance your career at Boyd Gaming!

As our Company continues to grow, we will not forget where we came

from. We were founded nearly 40 years ago by Sam and Bill Boyd, and

we are proud that their values still guide us. We believe in treating

people right -- our customers, team members, and communities. That is

a philosophy shared by our new colleagues, and a big reason we think

Peninsula Gaming is such a great fit for our Company

“Boyd Gaming and Peninsula share very similar cultures and business

models, as both companies are known for delivering great customer

service and giving back to our communities. We welcome our new

colleagues to Boyd Gaming, and together we will build upon our

success in the years to come,” said Keith Smith, President and Chief

Executive Officer.

Please join us in offering a warm welcome to our new team members from

Peninsula Gaming. We’re thrilled that you’ve joined the family!

Learn more about our five new properties by turning to the special insert included in this issue of Boyd Buzz.

COMPANY NEWS

W O R K ’ S A G A M E . P L A Y T O W I N .

Chris Poplin, the IP’s award-winning executive chef, has been cooking professionally

since he was 16. So it’s safe to say that he’s prepared more than his share of dinners

and luncheons for VIPs and dignitaries during his long and successful career.

But nothing like this.

Poplin was about to put on his apron, fire up the burners and cook for more than

700 very special VIPs on a stage that simply couldn’t get any bigger: the 2012

London Olympic Games. His guests: Team USA. The venue: the Royal College of

Arts, which briefly became “USA House,” the official “home away from home” for

America’s athletes, their families, coaches, visitors and support staff.

It all started a couple of months before the London Olympics, when Poplin was

selected by BP as one of the chefs invited to participate in the “Spirit of the Gulf,”

a culinary event sponsored by BP in conjunction with the U. S. Olympic Committee.

The event was designed to showcase the region’s unique Gulf Coast seafood cuisine.

Poplin joined seven other top chefs from Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and

Florida who prepared a varied menu of fresh seafood dishes celebrating the cuisine

of the Gulf Coast.

After being selected for the honor of representing the Gulf Coast and the IP at

the Olympics, Poplin and his team went into high gear to

prepare for the event.

For his dish, Poplin prepared Southern-style BBQ shrimp

served over goat cheese and smoked sausage grits. “It was

very important to use only the freshest Gulf Coast seafood,

especially our shrimp,” Poplin explained.

“I like to take something easily recognizable and make it into something you aren’t

expecting,” explained Poplin.

When he arrived, Poplin was immediately caught up in all the pageantry and

spectacle that only the Olympics could create.

“It was the first time I’d been to Europe and the history mixed with all of the modern

architecture was amazing,” Poplin said.

He even was lucky enough to take in a couple of medal-round swimming events.

“I had the opportunity to watch our swimmers win medals. The singing of our

national anthem in England is something I will never forget,” remarked Poplin.

Another highlight came when Poplin was interviewed by NBC alongside Olympic

legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

His favorite memory of this unforgettable Olympic experience?

“Without a doubt the highlight of the event was cooking for the U.S. athletes. I was

so proud and thankful just to be there; yet they were the ones thanking us for

coming all the way from the U.S. and cooking for them. I couldn’t believe how much

we were appreciated,” said Poplin.

The Spirit of the Gulf Goes to the Olympics

TEAM MEMBER NEWS

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Winter ’12

You can enroll to receive your W-2 online and early. Visit https://paperlesspay.talx.com/boydgaming. The deadline to enroll is January 13!

The Green Corner

TEAM MEMBER OF THE YEAR

Beyond our

Doors

Up Close

Beyond our

Doors

CHEF POPLIN SERVES A DISH AT THE USA HOUSE OLYMPIAN JACKIE JOYNER-KERSEE PICTURED

WITH CHEF POPLIN

TEAM MEMBER NEWSTEAM MEMBER NEWS

-branded casinos;

and

opened its permanent gaming

-branded casinos;

and Amelia

opened its permanent gaming

PeninsulaGaming

Page 2

Gold Coast Audio/Visual Technician and 16-year Gold Coast Audio/Visual Technician and 16-year Gold CoastBoyd Gaming team member Dave Bennett has

a houseful of kids these days. Now on the

surface, that might not seem too unusual. But

for three special children, it’s the difference

between living in a home filled with heartache

and one filled with love.

You see, the three kids in question are foster

children who came into the life of Bennett

and his wife Patricia a little over three months

ago. At first, he and his wife were expecting

to become temporary foster parents of two

boys, ages five and eight. Then they learned

the boys would be placed with them only until

a family willing to take both boys and their

younger sister was found.

Dave and his wife decided that they would be

the ones to take all three children.

“We wanted to take the boys’ sister with

us that same day,” Bennett explained. “But

before we could, we had to put a fence up

around our pool.”

“I’ll never forget the day we took the boys to

visit their sister, who was being cared for

by someone else until we could get the pool

fencing built,” added Bennett. “When I saw

the boys run up and hug their sister like there

was no tomorrow, I just wanted to break

down and cry.”

Even after just three short months under their

care, the children are blossoming. The oldest

boy is a Cub Scout and all three children are

enjoying the opportunity to have positive

experiences that would have seemed all but

impossible for them a few months ago.

Bennett explains. “The change from the first

day they arrived to now is a 180-degree about

face. They love going to church and going

camping. And their grades have totally changed

for the better.”

When asked why he and his wife decided

to go through the 10-week training course

and extensive background checks needed to

become foster parents, Bennett said simply,

“Our three kids are grown and we wanted to

give something back to our community right

here in Nevada.”

His wife Patricia agrees. “I just hope that we

can help them be safe and healthy,” she said.

On July 1, 1962 the Eldorado Casino welcomed its first guests with friendly

hospitality, nonstop gaming action, a lively social scene and delicious

dining served with a smile. A lot has changed since then, but one thing

that hasn’t is the Eldorado’s 50-year recipe for success: Treat everyone as

your neighbor, put the customer first and offer big value at a small price.

“The Eldorado was very important to me because it was my first investment

in the gaming business,” Bill Boyd said during a recent interview with the

Las Vegas Review-Journal. “Without it, we probably wouldn’t have gone on

and invested in Boyd Gaming.”

Three other long-time team members recently shared their memories of

working at the Eldorado. Twenty-five year veteran Bartender Patty Elmer

started at the Eldorado in 1987; Heather Bell, a Customer Service Attendant

began her Eldorado career in 1993; and Shirley Smith has been working as

a Host at Mariana’s Cantina since 1992.

“I enjoy all the team members that I work with. They are like family,” Patty

Elmer said. “We all go out of our way to help each other. I think the people

I work with are awesome.”

She adds that customers are also much like family to her. “Our customers

come in and they’re happy and bubbly and saying ‘hi’ and I enjoy having a

conversation with them,” she said.

Heather Bell laughs when remembering a humorous encounter with a

certain key executive. “It was New Year’s Eve,” she said, “I actually ran into

Bill Boyd with my change cart and didn’t know it was him.” Mr. Boyd, she

added, didn’t seem to mind the encounter one bit. “He just smiled and

said: ‘Oh, it’s okay,’ and walked off.”

Twenty-year Mariana’s Cantina Host Shirley Smith has seen customers grow

up right before her eyes. “Just the other day a lady came in and said: ‘I

remember you from when I was this big. I’m so glad to see you’re still here.’”

“Many of our servers recall first meeting guests when they were in their

late teens and early twenties and now these same customers have children

of their own,” said Director of Operations Guido Metzger, a 25-year Boyd

Gaming veteran. “We often have three or four generations of people that

you’ve just known for years and years, and that makes it special.”

Smith also appreciates the cooperative team spirit that makes working at

the Eldorado a true “family affair.”

“A couple weeks ago, I was stuck at the door trying to seat people, take a

list and do all the checks. So Patty came over and started seating people

for me without thinking twice about it,” Smith said.

“That’s a great example of the teamwork and the harmony that team

members share together which is just second nature,” added Metzger.

On the occasion of the casino’s 50th anniversary on July 1, Bill Boyd joined

team members and customers for a cake and champagne celebration toasting

the Eldorado’s half-century

of achievement and history.

Heather Bell summed it

up best when she said: “It’s

been a great ride.” And we

couldn’t agree more!

Beyond our DoorsBeyond our Doors

“The Casino That Started it All” Celebrates 50 Years of Historic Success

86468

As this year draws to a close, we are reminded of how very fortunate we are to have our friends and family gathered around celebrating this festive season. Judy and I are grateful to count you as our extended family and wish you all the happiest of holidays.

We know that great things are in store for us in 2013 thanks to the superior customer service you provide—both internal and external. We appreciate all that you do and wish you an abundance of health and happiness.

Happy New Year!

Holiday Message

KANSAS STAR OPENS ITS DOORS

The Kansas Star Casino has a new home! On

December 12, the casino welcomed its first guests

into its new, permanent building, after operating

out of a temporary facility since opening in

December, 2011.

“It’s incredibly exciting,” said Scott Cooper,

Kansas Star Casino General Manager. “The new

Kansas Star is bigger, better and we’re thrilled to

be able to show it off.”

The new casino comes with plenty of additional

amenities. The new gaming floor has 400

additional slot machines and 10 more table

games. The Kansas Star also unveiled five new

restaurants including an upscale steakhouse,

live-action buffet, Asian noodle bar, deli and

sports bar.

“We’re very proud of what we’ve built, and we

know our guests will feel comfortable here,”

said Cooper. “With our additional amenities,

combined with the new Hampton Inn Hotel

that opened in October, we will truly become a

regional entertainment destination.”

Work will begin soon on transforming the former

casino space into a permanent arena. The space

will be capable of hosting concerts, sporting

events and trade shows by July 2013. The arena

is scheduled for full completion, including the

ability to hold equestrian events, in 2015.

MICHAEL VARGAS DIAMOND JO DUBUQUESlot Ambassador

Team member since 2009

DAVIELLE JONES AMELIA BELLECasino Host

Team member since 2011

COLLETTE MAYBRIER KANSAS STARPlayers Club Representative

Team member since 2011

ELLEN MARTIN-JONES AMELIA BELLEDeckhand

Team member since 2011

SHERYL NORTHWAY DIAMOND JO WORTHInternal Maintenance Supervisor

Team member since 2005

TIFFANY ACHU KANSAS STARFood and Beverage Manager

Team member since 2012

LESLIE CAIN EVANGELINE DOWNSBuffet Supervisor

Team member since 2003

“It’s a great opportunity to move forward in the gaming industry. I’m looking forward to new machines and continued great guest service… everyone wins!”

“I think it will be exciting because we will be bigger and the guests will be able to do more with their points.”

“I believe there will be fair and consistent changes with Boyd and they will bring a very positive and exciting environment for all team members, including the opportunity to enroll in their current online programs to better my on-the-job skills.

“I like the ‘Boyd Style’ concept. I respect that level of commitment to hospitality and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

“I’m excited! I think it’s going to be a very good experience. I’m looking forward to the changes they have to offer.”

“I am excited for the new adventure and looking forward to what is coming up as we transition soon!”

“Boyd’s commitment to community is a lot like Peninsula’s, and that means a lot to me. I’m excited to join the Boyd family. I’ve heard wonderful things and I think it will be great for the Kansas Star.”

TAMMY GRAFF DIAMOND JO WORTHCage Supervisor

Team member since 2005

“I am excited to become part of Boyd Gaming, I believe there will be lots of new opportunities for employees. I am glad to hear that I will continue to work for a family oriented company!”

Last May, Boyd Gaming announced an agreement

to acquire Peninsula Gaming, LLC, including

its five casinos in three states. The acquisition

increases our total number of properties to 22,

and adds two new states, Iowa and Kansas, to

our nationwide portfolio.

We are excited to combine our two companies.

Peninsula has a track record of operational

excellence, great management, and a culture

where team members place a priority on

delivering great guest service. In other words,

they’re the perfect fit for Boyd Gaming!

Boyd Gaming management has met with

team members at each Peninsula property

to begin introducing them to our Company.

During these sessions, we provided an overview

of our heritage, values, and policies. We also

shared a video that featured our team members

welcoming Peninsula to the Boyd Gaming family.

It is clear the folks from Peninsula know how to

work hard and how to have fun. Our cultures are

similar, and we are thrilled to be working together.

PENINSULA GAMINGUp Close

The Kansas Star Casino is a full-service casino, offering the

excitement of Las Vegas with the unmatched hospitality of south

central Kansas. Since it opened its doors in 2011, the casino

is already among the most visited attractions in Kansas. The

casino features a state of the art facility and five first-class

restaurants and food outlets. Kansas Star is a public/private

partnership with the State of Kansas. As south central Kansas’

casino, Kansas Star’s development will continue to attract more

visitors when their event center begins hosting trade shows,

concerts, equestrian events and more starting mid-2013.

In less than a year of operation, the Kansas Star has already

proven to be a valuable community partner. After tornadoes

hit parts of Wichita, just miles from the Kansas Star, team

members organized a clean-up effort within days of the storm.

The Kansas Star also teamed up with the United Way to assist

with volunteers who were giving their time during clean-up.

The Kansas Star has also made a commitment to education,

supporting students, teachers and families by providing

scholarships to graduating seniors and back-to-school gift cards

to all K–12 students and teachers in local school districts.

OPENED 2006

SLOTS 988

TABLES 22 plus 7 poker tables

DINING Burger King Subway The Kitchen Buffet Woodfire Grille

TEAM MEMBERS 435

OPENED 2009

SLOTS 838

TABLES 17

plus 3 poker tables

DINING Cajun Buffet

TEAM MEMBERS 340

OPENED 2008

SLOTS 992

TABLES 19

DINING Mojo’s

Jo’s Deli The Kitchen Buffet

Woodfire Grille

TEAM MEMBERS 537

DIAMOND JO CASINO DUBUQUE, IOWA

DIAMOND JO WORTH NORTHWOOD, IOWA

AMELIA BELLE CASINO AMELIA, LOUISIANA

Diamond Jo Dubuque is a 188,000-square-foot entertainment

center located on the Mississippi River. Once you step inside,

it’s easy to see why Diamond Jo team members have been voted

“friendliest casino employees” in the state of Iowa for 12 years

in a row! From casual dining to concerts to sporting events,

Diamond Jo Casino is a full-service casino surrounded by fun!

Mississippi Moon Bar hosts more than 200 nights of live

entertainment each year. This vertical venue allows nearly

1,000 fans to be no more than 85 feet away from some of the

nation’s top performers including Jewel, The Doobie Brothers,

Darius Rucker, Joan Rivers, Slash, the B-52’s and more. Cherry

Lanes is a state-of-the-art, 30-lane bowling center where casual

and professional bowlers alike bowl a total of more than 76,000

games each year. Diamond Jo Casino’s banquet and event

venues host weddings, banquets and community events.

Last year Diamond Jo distributed more than $3.2 million to

the Dubuque Racing Association to support the arts, safety

services, education and economic development. Diamond Jo

team members often roll up their sleeves to help our community

get the work done. Team members volunteer at local non-profits

an average of 5,000

hours each year.

Diamond Jo Worth is the largest employer in northern Iowa’s

Worth County. Diamond Jo Worth’s event center is a favorite

location for community events, weddings, comedy and concerts.

Its indoor/outdoor concert stage transforms the east parking lot

into a much larger venue, well-suited for their summer concert

series. Pheasant Links, a nearby golf and shooting course, is one

of Diamond Jo Worth’s most unique amenities. Camouflage golf

carts with gun racks are right at home among nine holes of golf,

combined with shooting clay stands and targets on more than

385 acres at Pheasant Links.

This wildly popular casino won support of local residents who

applied with Peninsula Gaming for a gaming license. Once awarded,

Worth County Development Authority became Diamond Jo’s non-

profit partner. Since Diamond Jo Worth opened in 2006, WCDA has

received more than $29 million in distributions from Diamond Jo.

WCDA uses the money to support students and education and also

fulfills grant requests to support local non-profits and economic

development. Every student in Worth County is eligible for a $75

shopping card for school supplies each year. This year, WCDA

distributed more than $90,000 to students for school supplies!

Each year, students graduating from

high school are eligible for scholarships

toward any post-secondary institution

of higher learning.

Peninsula Gaming acquired Amelia Belle Casino in October

2009. The riverboat casino was previously docked in New

Orleans, where it suffered severe damage during Hurricane

Katrina. Once repaired and refurbished, Amelia found a new

name and a new home on the Bayou.

Amelia is primarily a local market casino, where team members

know most of their customers by name. The third deck of

the riverboat is an event center where you can find regional

entertainment and special events. The Cajun Buffet serves

prepared from scratch southern Louisiana cuisine. The second

deck of the riverboat is home to a sports bar, with video poker

and a limited menu.

When the community needs help they know they can rely on

Amelia Belle team members. Immediately following Hurricane

Isaac, Amelia Belle was the first business open in the area and

served free meals to local residents impacted by the storm.

EVANGELINE DOWNS OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANABuilt in Opelousas in historic St. Landry Parish, Evangeline

Downs Racetrack and Casino celebrates every part of the

area’s rich Cajun traditions and culture. There’ s no denying

that you are in Cajun Country when you arrive at Evangeline

Downs. The sound of local musicians and the scent of Cajun

home cooking fills the air. The Event Center at Evangeline

Downs provides the perfect venue for community events and

fundraisers, banquets, and concerts.

The area’s rich heritage is evident throughout the gaming floor

as well. Evangeline Downs team members are committed to

exceptional guest service and hospitality, which are a natural

part of their southern roots. This is evident in the way team

members are busy building relationships throughout the

community and always trying to lend a helping hand to their

neighbors. For years Evangeline Downs’ team members have

been the largest supporter of Opelousas Relay for Life. This

year they broke their own record when Evangeline Downs’ team

members gave more than $14,000 to Relay for Life.

Eager to support the region’s long history of horse racing, guests

of all ages can enjoy fun, family-friendly events during two

seasons of racing, thoroughbred

and quarter horse.

OPENED December 2011

SLOTS 1,829

TABLES 45 plus 10 poker tables

DINING Panini Jo’s

Woodfire GrilleKitchen Buffet

An PhoShark Bar

TEAM MEMBERS 925

KANSAS STAR CASINO MULVANE, KANSAS

OPENED 2003

SLOTS 1,424

DINING Blackberry’s Cajun Buffet Café 24/7 The Gumbo BarSilks Dining Room & Concessions

TEAM MEMBERS 683

Introducing

MovingUp

William “Bill” BriggsAssistant Security Manager

Jimmy McGillController

Kevin WilliamsFacilities Director

Moving Up: Assistant Security Manager – Suncoast (2012);

Security Shift Supervisor (2002); Corporal/Assistant Shift

Supervisor (1999); Security Officer – The Orleans (1998).

On the Job: Recently promoted to Assistant Security Manager

at Suncoast, William “Bill” Briggs is responsible for many of the

day-to-day security operations at the Suncoast. From scheduling

shifts and helping guests to walking the property with a watchful

eye, Bill epitomizes the phrase: “To protect and to serve.”

“I enjoy and really appreciate all the opportunities available

to team members, from our continuing education program to

having the ability to advance within the company,” Briggs said.

After Hours: Born in Painesville, Ohio, Bill grew up on an

80-acre homestead in Alaska with no running water or utilities.

Bill attended Wasilla High School before Sarah Palin made the

small community famous. When he’s not golfing, you’ll find Bill

in his shop doing wood working projects.

Moving Up: Controller – Sam’s Town Shreveport (2012);

Assistant Controller (2006); Accounting Manager (2005);

Accounting Manager – Treasure Chest (2000); Revenue Audit

Supervisor (1998); Revenue Audit Clerk (1997).

On the Job: As Controller, Jimmy oversees the Accounting

Department, responsible for accounts payable and receivable,

revenue audit and the warehouse. “I’ve been truly fortunate to

work for a company like Boyd Gaming that believes in its team

members by promoting from within.”

Jimmy has hosted the Team Member Talent Show and facilitated

the customer service class. He did such a great job as Sam’s Town

host that he was asked to serve as emcee for the companywide

Talent Show Finals in Las Vegas.

After Hours: Being a health conscious team member, he loves

that there is a Be Healthy Coach accessible to him right on

property. When Jimmy isn’t helping to raise his eight nieces,

you can find him at his second home, the gym. Originally from

New Orleans, he is well-known for his red beans and dirty rice.

Moving Up: Facilities Director – Sam’s Town Las Vegas (2012);

Facilities Manager – Main Street Station/California (2008);

Assistant Facilities Manager (2005); Engineering Supervisor

(2003); Engineering Helper – Sam’s Town Las Vegas (1991);

Maintenance Groundskeeper (1990).

On the Job: Veteran Boyd Gaming team member and Detroit

native Kevin Williams just loves to “fix things.” During his

career in Facilities with Boyd Gaming, he’s been able to do just

that. “I’ve always been interested in how things work,” says

Williams. “I remember getting my very first tool set at a young

age and taking perfectly good working bikes and motorcycles

apart and putting them back together just for fun.” Williams

is happy to be back at Sam’s Town Las Vegas where his career

started. “I was very excited to see my co-workers again and am

very proud to be given this awesome opportunity,” he adds.

After Hours: Kevin and Julie, his wife of 22 years, love to go

camping and riding all-terrain vehicles with their two sons:

Michael (age 17) and Jeffrey (age 21).

MOVING UP ILLUSTRATIONS © GARY KREJCA

TEAM MEMBER OF THE YEARAt Boyd Gaming, we recognize that our greatest asset is the 21,000-plus team members who

live Boyd Style each and every day. Those who have been named Team Member of the Month

throughout the year are honored at a special event. The Team Member of the Year is selected at

this celebration and receives numerous prizes, including a trip for two to Hawaii.

Our Team Members of the Year serve as great examples of living Boyd Style and are why we

believe we have the best people in the business!

Learn about what inspires these team members to give it their all each day by visiting the Boyd

Style section on boyd.net. Congratulations to our Team Members of the Year!

Prisilla PriceCaliforniaHost PersonTeam member since 1984

Mayela Revilla FremontFront DeskTeam member since 2008

Jeremy ZiebartGold CoastHousekeeping CustodianTeam member since 2004

Bernadette AdiMain Street StationCage CashierTeam member since 2006

Debbie OkiecThe OrleansMassage TherapistTeam member since 2009

Lisa McCaslinSam’s Town Las VegasCashier R&STeam member since 1997

Alvaro ToledoSuncoastAttendant Count RoomTeam member since 2009

Deborah WilsonJokers WildAttendant Customer SVC SlotTeam member since 1998

Linda RogersEldoradoSpecialist MarketingTeam member since 2000

Mary WinnBlue ChipCustodianTeam member since 2005

Emily StewartDelta Downs Buyer/Media PlannerTeam member since 2002

Jeanette RobbinsPar-A-DiceSecurity OfficerTeam member since 1991

Lakeisha CouteeSam’s Town ShreveportAttendant Customer SVC SlotTeam member since 2004

T.J. TinnelSam’s Town TunicaLaborerTeam member since 2008

Dale MansfieldTreasure ChestSurveillance TechTeam member since 2008

Every Boyd Gaming property holds an annual United Way pacesetter campaign. As pacesetters we set the standard in each community. Our success depends on the generous pledges from team members. In southern Nevada, pledges from our team members make up the largest contribution from any employee-giving campaign in the region.

Delta Downs celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the

$1,000,000 Delta Downs Jackpot on November 17. This

Grade III race for 2-year-old thoroughbreds is one of the

richest in the country. This year’s Jackpot Day featured

eight stakes races with purses totaling more than $2.4

million. The day was capped off with a sold-out concert in

the Delta Event Center featuring Wynona & The Big Noise.

On October 8, the Boulder Strip Diversity Team held its first

annual Top Dog Cook Off. Teams from Eldorado, Jokers Wild, Linen and Uniform Services and Sam’s Town Las Vegas competed for the prize of Top Dog. The competition

was fierce and the hot dogs were delicious. Taking

the Top Dog honor were Linen and Uniform Services

team members Rosa Bonilla, Maria Garcia and Mayra

Rodriguez for their Crazy Dog. Team members and their

families enjoyed sampling the award-winning hot dogs

and participating in the day’s festivities.

A group of Biloxi-Gulfport locals, including several IP team members (Joe Dale,

Carpenter; Auggie Luthjens, Shift Supervisor; Mike Hryhorchuk, Welder; John

MacDonald, Painter and Barry Barrett, Electrician) teamed up to turn an old

aircraft fuel tank into a near scale model of the $2 billion USS Mississippi nuclear

submarine. They worked on the model after work hours and in their spare time for

over a month. The traveling model will be displayed at events around Mississippi.

Zuniga Butler and Veronica Tucker, Sam’s Town Shreveportteam members, were busy serving at Smokey Joe’s and the buffet

when a customer collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. With

Veronica’s assistance, Zuniga began CPR and continued lifesaving

efforts until paramedics arrived. When asked about her heroic

experience, Zuniga said, “I’m just really thankful I was able to

save her, because she could be someone’s mother, sister or

daughter, and I know I’d want someone to save me if I were in

that situation.” Thank you Veronica and Zuniga for Exceeding

Expectations by stepping in to help save a customer’s life!

Treasure Chest recently teamed up with the Jefferson SPCA for the Inaugural Pawrates of

the Pontchartrain fundraiser in support of animal welfare programs in the community. The

pirate-themed gala at Treasure Chest included food, live entertainment and a silent auction.

Event-goers came dressed in an assortment

of pirate attire. “We are so appreciative of

Treasure Chest Casino for their support of

our mission,” said Jefferson SPCA Programs

Director Jacob Stroman. Nearly $12,000 was

raised during the fundraiser.

Par-A-Dice has undergone many changes in the last several

months. The hotel and pavilion have been renovated,

receiving new paint with red, brown and tan added to the

color scheme. The pavilion was also given new wallpaper and

the second deck layout in the casino was redone to improve

the guest experience.

On November 10, Borgata welcomed Savor Borgata – An Evening with Borgata’s Culinary Masters. Borgata welcomed Savor Borgata – An Evening with Borgata’s Culinary Masters. BorgataThe event featured Borgata’s leading culinary restaurants and chefs. Guests had the opportunity

to interact with famous chefs like Bobby Flay, Stephen Kalt, Michael Mina, Michael Schulson,

Wolfgang Puck, Geoffrey Zakarian and Borgata’s Executive Pastry Chef Thaddeus DuBois. The

event also offered a variety of wine, beer, and spirits

from across the globe. “It’s a rare opportunity to mix

and mingle with some of the world’s most celebrated

chefs, and even more so to do it all in one night!” said

Joe Lupo, Senior Vice President of Operations.

The Green CornerA Really Bright Idea: New Lighting Fixtures Save Energy, Money and Reduce LaborWhat’s the big deal about lights anyway? Turns out lighting really is a big deal, both in dollars and cents and in the amount of energy consumed. And Boyd Gaming uses a lot of lighting, so much so that three years ago Boyd Gaming created a corporate department solely focused on energy management.

In the past year, the team has focused on phasing out high intensity discharge (HID) lights. HID lights are mainly used to illuminate parking lots, the sides of buildings, and other areas where a lot of light is needed (like the bowl at the Orleans Arena).

After reviewing the options, we found a similar technology that would significantly reduce our power consumption. We started by retrofitting all the fixtures at the Suncoast in 2011. With positive results at the Suncoast, our energy management team began working with property executives and Facilities Departments to ensure all needs were met before expanding the project.

The old lighting fixtures used 1,000-watt lamps, while the new lights use only 575 watts per bulb, without any noticeable difference in the amount of light.

Once the majority of the parking-lot lamps in Nevada are changed out by the end of this year, we estimate we will save 2.1 million kilowatt-hours per year, which will lower our energy bill by more than $130,000 annually. Additionally, these new bulbs last twice as long as the old ones, which mean Facilities staff will only have to change out lights once every four years.

Plans call for this new type of energy-efficient lighting to be installed at other Boyd Gaming properties nationwide beginning in 2013.

“It is exciting to reduce an operating expense that benefits not only the company and its team members, but our customers, the community and the environment,” said Paula Eylar, Vice President of Hospitality and Energy Management for Boyd Gaming.

BOYD BUZZ TEAM EDITOR: LYNN JAX, BOYD GAMING. PROPERTY CONTRIBUTORS: “D” ALEXANDER SCOTT, BLUE CHIP / KATHY MICK, BORGATA / VANESSA MAY, CALIFORNIA/FREMONT/MAIN STREET STATION / WENDY CHAUMONT, DELTA DOWNS / SANDI RICHARDSON, ELDORADO/JOKERS WILD / LYNNE RAVENSCRAFT, GOLD COAST / LYNN FRISBY, CONNIE MACKAY, IP / LANI DEJESUS, MARISSA NEILL, JIM SEAGRAVE, THE ORLEANS / ALEX DAVIES, JENNIFER SHARP, PAR-A-DICE / LINDA YARD, SAM’S TOWN LAS VEGAS / DEMETRIC JOHNSON, SAM’S TOWN TUNICA / WESLEY GARCIA, SAM’S TOWN SHREVEPORT /

JESUS MEDINA, GLENDA ZUHSE, SUNCOAST / RODNEY MILLER, MATTHEW TUSCH, TREASURE CHEST / RUSSELL GOUVEIA, BILL SMITH, VACATIONS HAWAII. BOYD GAMING CONTRIBUTORS: ROB MEYNE, DAVID STROW.Cert no. XXX-XXX-000

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prize: call 702.696.6901 or email lynnjax@boydgaming.com.

Property NewsNews You Can Use

The Boyd Gaming Be Healthy Team is an exciting new benefit now

available to team members and their spouses. This dedicated

group of health specialists includes nurses, dieticians, clinicians,

counselors and on-site health coaches who will listen, understand

your needs, and help you find solutions to improve your health. It’s

completely confidential and provided at no cost to you.

The Be Healthy Team can help you take a more active role in your

health in many ways, including:

• Identifying stress triggers and better coping with and reducing stress.

• Maintaining good eating habits, and managing or losing weight.

• Quitting tobacco use.

• Better managing chronic health conditions, including heart disease, asthma, diabetes, depression and more.

• Getting ready for an upcoming surgery by speaking with a nurse before and after the procedure. The Be Healthy Team can better prepare you and your family on what to expect and answer your questions.

• Talking to a nurse about a medical

diagnosis or concern about your health.

Boyd Benefits is proud to offer team members another great resource for improving their health. To

speak with a specialist from our Be Healthy Team, call 800-568-1314 or see your on-site health coach.

Haregewoin Workneh a Keno Writer at Fremont

found her team member ID number in the last

issue of the Boyd Buzz. Her prize pack included

NFR and NASCAR items courtesy of Corporate

Marketing. The next lucky winner could be you!

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LEFT TO RIGHT: SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ SERVER VERONICA TUCKER AND ZUNIGA BUTLER, INTERNATIONAL BUFFET SERVER.

B Connected received a Gold “Stevie” Award for Best Hospitality &

Leisure Website at this year’s International Business Awards, while B Connected Mobile won a Silver Award in the Travel App category.