This month, Leadership Colorado participants visited Monarch Casino Resort Spa in Black Hawk to immerse themselves in Colorado’s gaming industry. Participants learned about the dozens of micro-businesses that make up the Monarch property (gaming, facilities, purchasing, sales, warehouse, security, marketing, and dozens of others), lessons in hiring, developing, and retaining staff; target marketing and analytics; the challenges of their location and industry regulations, and how the leadership team works diligently to build relationships and develop new skills with their employees, from Jeannie Magdefrau (General Manager), Erica Ferris (Director of Marketing), Nikki Speight (Director of Hotel Operations), Steve Zlobin (Director of Games), and Tobin Leibin (Director of Housekeeping).
After eating a delicious lunch at The Buffet, participants gathered for a second panel with Jason Gumer (Monarch VP and General Counsel), Representative Judy Amabile, Senator Dylan Roberts, and Central City Mayor Jeremy Fey for a conversation on gaming industry regulations and challenges, as well as opportunities for the towns of Black Hawk and Central City to become a future entertainment destination.
Later, Monarch Casino hosts led the group on a tour of restaurant Bistro Mariposa (where the general manager and head chef prepared a unique dessert for the group), a private craps lesson, and a chance to take in the mountain views from the rooftop pool. The program ended in the ultra-luxurious penthouse suite where participants sipped cocktails and discussed what they had learned that day.
Thank you to our program hosts at Monarch Casino Resort Spa – and be sure to check them out for your next getaway!
After the program, participants said:
“Monarch and the people who run this place are exceptional. I have never been, although I am a frequenter to Black Hawk. This information provided by the legislators and the hotel/casino was invaluable and a wonderful experience. The pride and dedication from all participating members was evident. Thank you.”
“Both panels were very valuable as they provided different perspectives on what is currently happening in our mountain/gaming communities. The ideas of promoting more businesses and creating a destination place for Colorado was news to me.”
“I think it was cool seeing all of the different areas of the resort and hearing about the regulatory/local challenges for the business. The two different panels were really interesting, and the food was great!”
