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The Columbus NAACP and Penn National Gaming announced a partnership Tuesday to "ensure that diversity inclusion is most important in every phase of the new Hollywood Casino Columbus." Diversity hiring was a major issue in the negotiations between the House and Senate on casino implementation legislation and was ultimately left out of the final law. Columbus NAACP

Penn National partners with NAACP
Published: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 11:27 AM EDT
Penn National Gaming, Inc. (Nasdaq: PENN) announced today that the Columbus NAACP will partner with Penn National to ensure that diversity inclusion is most important in every phase of the new Hollywood Casino Columbus, from construction to employment. As the Administrator for Diversity Inclusion, the Columbus NAACP will begin the process of ensuring that minority and women-owned contractors have an equal opportunity to bid on the construction phase of the casino.

The Columbus (OH) NAACP Branch President, Noel Williams states, "Our research reveals that Penn National is committed to Diversity. In areas where Penn has moved into a city such as the case here in Columbus, they have exceeded their diversity goals. Penn National made a campaign promise to provide economic opportunity for the entire community but specifically for the minority community and through community outreach. By partnering with the NAACP the goal of diversity will be met." There is no organization better situated than, the NAACP the oldest and strongest civil rights organization in America, to ensure diversity.”

The NAACP announces their “Get Listed! Campaign as Phase 1 of the construction process begins. Penn and the NAACP are requesting all minority contractors, vendors and supplier to "Get Listed" by logging on to www.columbusnaacp.org under tab "Action Alerts" or www.hollywoodcasinocolumbus.com and get registered before September 15th. We encourage all to register!

Eric Schippers, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, of Penn National commented, “we are proud to partner with the Columbus NAACP and members of the minority business community of Columbus and Central Ohio in our efforts to provide the economic opportunity we promised in our campaign. It is important for interested businesses to register with us. We advise all contractors who are not certified MBEs and WBEs to start the process now.”

With a planned investment of approximately $400 million, Hollywood Casino Columbus, which is expected to open in the second half of 2012, will include 180,000 square feet of gaming space, 3,000 slot machines, 85 table games, 25 poker tables, a parking garage, a variety of food and beverage offerings and an entertainment lounge.

The NAACP-GET LISTED! Campaign will provide additional marketing, advertising and community outreach events. For more information on upcoming events and announcements visit our website at www.columbusnaacp.org or www.hollywoodcasinocolumbus.com.