36 Reasons for Success
Commerce Casino Salutes 20th Anniversary Employees

As Commerce Casino celebrates its 20th Anniversary this month, the commemorative milestone is being shared by a select group of "original" employees. In fact, there are presently 36 employees who witnessed the casino's earliest days of operations. Representing a wide range of casino departments and duties, they have defining attributes in common: commitment, dedication, and enduring loyalty. These "pillars of success" are being recognized this month for their contributions to Commerce Casino's successful journey in the gaming industry, which officially began on a hot summer day two decades ago.

On August 1, 1983, the air conditioning was turned up, and an anxious group of employees welcomed Commerce Casino's first customers. Their smiles, courteous demeanors, and genuine friendliness soon became one of the casino's strongest suits. As a result, Commerce Casino dubbed itself "L.A.'s Friendliest," and customer service became the cornerstone of its operations. Today, those with the lowest badge numbers command a wealth of respect and admiration from both co-workers and customers alike.

While the past two decades have been heralded by remarkable change and growth on behalf of Commerce Casino, the "Original 36" have seen everything from parking lot expansions to the opening of the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Commerce Casino in 2001. As company icons to co-workers and customers, they have witnessed every improvement, expansion, transitional phase, and new challenge.

In order to fully appreciate their roles and perspectives with respect to Commerce Casino's history, flash back 20 years. In 1983, personal computers belonged to a select few. The Internet was merely the stuff of science-fiction novels. No one had heard of plasma televisions. Cell phones didn't incessantly ring, nor did they even exist in the widespread format of today's high-tech telephones. The Reagan administration was spending its third year in the White House. Half a world away, the Berlin Wall still stood, and the Soviet Union ranked as a major world power. And, despite mediocre ratings, a new television show called "Cheers" was renewed for a second season.

Historically, the early '80s can be viewed as a time of substantial economic growth. The climate was ideal for investors and a window of opportunity was opened for many private businesses. The job market held promise, too. In the city of Commerce, 500 employees were hired to help launch the maiden voyage of an ambitious multimillion dollar gamble. At 80,000 sq. ft. and 100 game tables, Commerce Casino eclipsed most card clubs of the era. What's more, it represented one of the first major gaming facilities to be based in a relatively new geographic area outside of Gardena. So, when a new casino broke ground in the city of Commerce, the entire gaming industry stood up and took notice. And, when a new group of casino employees assembled in their respective roles, the air was charged with a combination of nervousness, excitement, and optimism.

Poker dealer June Watts shares some of her earliest Commerce Casino memories: "I remember when we opened – right away we blew all the other small casinos away. We became number one in the state of California. I knew we would outgrow our main floor and have to expand. I never dreamed we would ever have a hotel. I was used to the Gardena clubs, so when the doors to the casino opened, it scared me. It was like working in a football field! I have been in the industry thirty years now, and I love Commerce Casino. The people here are my family. In my view, we are the friendliest and the best casino anywhere to work for and play at."

Count Team Manager Carlett Miguel, who was hired as a housekeeper in 1983, stated, "I thought this place was so big, but I had no idea how big it would get. I'm so glad that I'm still here after twenty years and that I was able to see the casino grow into what it is today."

Former porter turned dealer Benjamin Shuler added, "Things seemed crazy at first because we were learning how to run such a large poker room at the time. I remember the very first New Year's Eve party, we converted the low- limit section into a big party area and the cook made a sandwich as long as the galleria. The biggest change I've seen is the hotel, plus the ethnic shift in our customer base compared to twenty years ago. I've appreciated being exposed to different people from around the world. It's interesting that I only came to work at Commerce Casino for one year, yet I'm still working here twenty years later."

"I remember when there was only lowball, draw, and raise blind games," remarked dealer Gloria Goh. "The biggest change, I would say, would be expanding the gaming area and the hotel. There's a lot more variety of games, too. My biggest challenge has been learning new games as the years go by. The most memorable thing is – one time, as I was dealing, I smelled smoke. I looked under the table and a player had accidentally set his own shoes on fire! I guess the most surprising thing for me is that I never expected to work at a casino as a dealer, but this is what I do, and where I am today."

Phylis Bealer reflected, "I was hired to be a chip attendant, but then I was asked to work in the cashier's cage. I didn't know if I would want to stand all day or what the work would be like, but I'm still here. Time goes by quickly in the cage because your mind is always occupied. The past twenty years have flown by."

Restaurant Supervisor Alma Hinton, who began her career at Commerce Casino as a waitress in the Chuckwagon restaurant, recalls, "We wore cowgirl costumes! There was a much smaller family-style atmosphere back in those days – everyone knew each other. There was only one restaurant and one playing area. The bar was named the Watering Hole. To this day, I still see some of our regular customers come in almost every day. I never would have guessed that we would have gotten this big."

Lorraine Applerose, lead hostess in the Eden Restaurant, remembers, "I have always felt at home here, so many good friends – customers and co-workers. It was fun and exciting in those days. We were all part of something new, and hoped that the casino would be a success. The biggest change has been the hotel. For years it was talked about, but I never could have imagined it or visualized what it would look like today."

Relief Shift Manager Ingrid Roseman reminisced, "Let's see, I started out as a dealer when dealers had to 'deal all of the games or none of the games.' Once we opened, we changed a lot of what was happening in the industry. We were the biggest, we were proud of it, and we wanted to stay number one. It always has been important to focus on customer service, especially in those days. We were one of the first casinos to offer employee benefits, dealers, and quality service for customers. I remember the saying, 'People have to eat, but they don't have to play cards.' We're in a people business, and you also have to be sensitive to different cultures. Every day is different because we work with people. I appreciate the fact that I still see some of our oldest customers on a regular basis."

While the original three dozen employees who ushered in Commerce Casino's first year of operations are being honored this month, their collective years of service amount to invaluable company assets, according to President and Chief Executive Officer George Tumanjan.

"This year marks one of my greatest privileges since Commerce Casino opened for business. I am honored to salute and thank each and every 20-year employee for their commitment to this company," remarked Tumanjan.

He commented, "While many of us share fond memories of Commerce Casino's early days, we can be proud of how far we have come together. The success we have experienced during the past two decades is largely due to the steadfast commitment of our employees and loyal customers, who have formed the basis of our Commerce Casino 'family'."

Tumanjan added, "It goes without saying that we wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for the patronage of our valued customers as well as employees. When you mix employee loyalty with customer loyalty, you have something special to celebrate, especially after twenty years in the business. I couldn't be more pleased to thank everyone for all they have done, and continue to do, for Commerce Casino."