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2/21/2008 |
Foxwoods Development Company to renovate and reopen the former Royal Oasis Resort in Grand Bahama Island |
| Foxwoods Development Company and Major International Developer announce agreement to renovate and reopen
the former Royal Oasis Resort in Grand Bahama Island |
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CONTACT:
Bruce MacDonald
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
860-312-4417
bmacdonald@mptn-nsn.gov
Patrick J. Power, Director
Harcourt Developments
+353-1-4753928, or +353-87-2325977
patpower@harcourthouse.com
FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND—The new owner of the Royal Oasis Resort, Harcourt Developments (Bahamas) Limited, has partnered with North America’s largest casino operator, Foxwoods, to manage the redeveloped resort.
Harcourt is working with Foxwoods Development Company to develop and manage the Royal Oasis Resort in Freeport on Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas. Foxwoods Development Company is the commercial gaming entity of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, whose businesses include Foxwoods Resort Casino in southeastern Connecticut.
The Royal Oasis closed in September 2004 after being severely damaged by hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. The prospect of the property being redeveloped has created a great deal of excitement on the island located 70 miles from Florida’s east coast.
"I wish to congratulate Harcourt Developments on successfully completing their negotiations with Foxwoods Development Company," said The Honorable Neko Grant, Minister of Tourism. "We are confident that Foxwoods’ reputation as high quality resort, casino, entertainment, and retail operators will be a strong compliment to the re-launching of Grand Bahama Island as a major Bahamas destination."
Both, the property’s new owner, Harcourt Developments, and Foxwoods Development Company are known for quality developments and bring a great deal of experience to the project. Foxwoods Development Company draws on the expertise that has taken Foxwoods in 16 years to the top of the gaming world. Foxwoods Development Company has a license to operate a casino in Philadelphia and is developing a gaming resort in southern California with another Native American tribe, and has other commercial gaming activities in various stages of development. Plans are already underway to redevelop the Royal Oasis site with the new owners eager to commence works as soon as possible. Once the property is expanded and renovated, the resort will be home to more than 650 hotel rooms and suites, a casino, convention/meeting facilities, spa, fitness center, restaurants, retail shops, recreation facilities, and a host of other amenities. The two on-site golf courses will also be restored to their former glory.
"We’re delighted to have partnered with such world class operators as Foxwoods who have a wealth of experience and expertise in the leisure industry," said Pat Power, Director of Harcourt Developments. "We look forward to our working relationship with Foxwoods for many years to come and their involvement in the project is a testament to the future of Grand Bahama."
The Royal Oasis represents a major expansion of Harcourt’s interests in Grand Bahama and its redevelopment reflects their commitment to the island. The company also owns multiple sites in Bahamia and is the estate manager for the entire area.
One of Ireland’s most successful privately owned property development companies, Harcourt Developments is involved in a diverse range of projects across the globe from Latvia to Las Vegas. Worldwide projects include Ireland’s largest Business Park, Park West and are involved in a Business Park in Latvia, an International Financial Services Centre in the Jersey, the largest chain of shopping centers in Ireland, the Titanic Quarter waterfront development in Belfast, Northern Ireland and an entire residential ‘village’ in Las Vegas, among others. Other hotel interests include the award winning Carlisle Bay Antigua, Wyndham Grand Chelsea Harbor London and Ireland’s newest five-star hotel, Solis Lough Eske Castle Co. Donegal.
In a precedent-shattering move, Foxwoods Development Company’s parent organization, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, has formed a business relationship with MGM Mirage, the international gaming giant, and is prepared in the spring to open MGM Grand at Foxwoods in the Connecticut countryside. It will offer the best in Native American gaming with a decided Las Vegas flair.
"We’re very pleased to partner with Harcourt Developments on such an exciting project to restore the former Royal Oasis property to a premier destination resort," said Joseph Colebut, chairman of the Foxwoods Development Company Board of Managers. "In the gaming resort world, the name Foxwoods is synonymous with quality and innovation. We look forward to bringing this same level of excellence to the project and Grand Bahama Island."
The Tribal Nation opened a small bingo hall on its reservation in 1986. It expanded into a casino six years later, opening Foxwoods in 1992. The expanded gaming resort that opened in a 240,000 sq. ft. structure grew steadily. With the opening of MGM Grand at Foxwoods in late May, Foxwoods will have grown to more than 8 million sq. ft. in size.
Today, Foxwoods Resort Casino contains 6 million sq. ft. of gaming, and boasts three hotels, extensive entertainment venues, top-flight restaurants, and retail stores featuring high-end brands.
The resort that attracts 40,000 visitors each day also features world-class golfing at the Lake of Isles (www.lakeofisles.com), as well as other businesses in the hospitality business.
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1/7/2008 |
Foxwoods Development Company announces promotions |
| Foxwoods Development Company announces promotions |
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CONTACT:
Public Relations
(860) 312-4417
St. Louis, MO -- Foxwoods Development Company, the commercial gaming and hospitality arm of the Connecticut-based Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, announced a number of key promotions today. FDC maintains its office here.
Joseph Colebut, acting chairman of the development company’s board of directors, said the promotions reflect a growing role for a number of key FDC executives as the company expands its operations.
“Foxwoods Development Company is growing and the promotions I am announcing today reflect the important role these individuals have played in that growth,” Colebut said. “We have a highly motivated team and these promotions are a way of acknowledging the roles these individuals have played.”
Colebut said Gary D. Armentrout has been named president; Nelson N. Parker II, vice president of development; and Randee Bach is the vice president of design and construction.
Prior to joining Foxwoods Development Company in 2004, Armentrout held various senior-level positions with Harrahs, IGT and Harvey’s Casino Resorts. He was principal of Vanguard Gaming. In that role, he assisted the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians in the design, construction and opening of the Cache Creek Casino Resort outside Sacramento, California. Mr. Armentrout has a bachelor of business administration from the University of Iowa and a juris doctor from the University of Colorado, School of Law.
Mr. Parker joined Foxwoods Development Company in 2005. He has more than a decade’s experience in overall development and finance experience within gaming and private equity. He had been director of development for Argosy Gaming prior to joining Foxwoods Development. He also held numerous senior-level positions for several Midwest private equity groups.
Affiliated with Foxwoods Development Company since 2007, Ms. Bach has been involved in design and development of entertainment and hospitality projects for close to 20 years. She had been responsible for the design and construction for gaming projects as vice president of Penn National Gaming prior to joining FDC. She began her entertainment experience in General Contracting as a prime contractor for the construction of “Universal Studios Florida,” and she also worked for the Disney Company as the world renowned entertainment entity began expanding its resort in southern California.
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8/7/2007 |
Foxwoods Casino Philadelphia Names
James L. Dougherty General Manager |
| Foxwoods Casino Philadelphia Names
James L. Dougherty General Manager |
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CONTACT:
Maureen Garrity, 215.790.4408 office, 215.205.2676 cell, mgarrity@tierneyagency.com
FOXWOODS CASINO PHILADELPHIA NAMES JAMES L. DOUGHERTY GENERAL MANAGER
The South Philadelphia native served as
Director of Operations for Foxwoods Development Company
Philadelphia, PA (August 7, 2007) – Foxwoods Casino Philadelphia today announced that
James L. Dougherty has been named General Manager for Foxwoods Casino Philadelphia. Born and raised in South
Philadelphia, Dougherty spent 16 years of his career with the Sands Hotel & Casino and the Trump Castle Casino in
Atlantic City before joining Foxwoods.
Dougherty most recently served as Director of Operations for Foxwoods Development Company, the development
arm of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, the owner and operator of Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut,
where he analyzed, developed and was responsible for new gaming operations. In this role, Dougherty evaluated
existing gaming properties, set up new gaming operations, recruited and hired gaming operations management, and
formulated operating policies and procedures. Dougherty was instrumental in selecting Philadelphia as the location for
the Foxwoods project, according to Foxwoods Development Company Managing Director Gary D. Armentrout.
“With his extensive background in so many key areas of the development and operations of casinos, no one is better
suited to make Foxwoods’ vision a reality here in Philadelphia,” Armentrout said. “Jim will ensure that Foxwoods
Casino Philadelphia will be a good neighbor, a successful facility and an excellent addition to Philadelphia’s
entertainment landscape.”
Dougherty joined Foxwoods Resort Casino in January of 1998 as Executive Director of Casino Accounting Operations
where he was responsible for a staff of more than 1,000 employees. In that role, Dougherty developed and oversaw
implementation of procedures assuring compliance with internal controls, the National Indian Gaming Commission and
the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Gaming Commission regulations.
“To open a Foxwoods casino in Philadelphia is an incredible opportunity for me, both personally and professionally,”
Dougherty said. “Having grown up here, I feel like I’m coming home. And I feel good about bringing the Foxwoods
level of service to my hometown.”
During his time with the Sands Hotel & Casino, Dougherty held a number of operational and financial positions,
including front office manager, valet manager, assistant director of hotel operations, assistant hotel controller and
manager of coin operations. Dougherty was also responsible for the opening of a Simulcast facility and the design of
cages and multi-purpose coin booths, including cost projections, equipment ordering and coordination of construction
schedules. He also served as director of hotel operations with Trump Castle Casino.
Dougherty is a graduate of Richard Stockton College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting. He will be
relocating from Connecticut to the Philadelphia area with his wife, Laura, and their three daughters.
www.FOXWOODSPA.com.
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6/1/2007 |
Foxwoods Casino Philadelphia petitions
the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to overturn Philadelphia City Council’s R-10A Zoning
Ordinance |
| Foxwoods Casino Philadelphia petitions
the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to overturn Philadelphia City Council’s R-10A Zoning
Ordinance |
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CONTACTS:
Maureen Garrity, 215.790.4408 office, 215.205.2676 cell, mgarrity@tierneyagency.com
FOXWOODS CASINO PHILADELPHIA
PETITIONS PENNSYLVANIA STATE SUPREME COURT
FOR ZONING RELIEF
Philadelphia, PA (June 1, 2007) – Foxwoods Casino Philadelphia today petitioned
the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to overturn Philadelphia City Council’s R-10A Zoning
Ordinance, and to direct the City of Philadelphia to immediately issue the permits necessary
to begin construction.
In its filing, Foxwoods contends that City Council and the City of Philadelphia are
improperly using their legislative and zoning authority to delay the project in violation of
Foxwoods’ rights. Under the Gaming Act, if the City causes improper zoning delays, the
Supreme Court is vested with the authority to take direct action to rectify the problem.
“Despite our good faith efforts to work with both City Council and the City of Philadelphia
to move this project forward, we have been frustrated by repeated efforts to delay our
progress,” said Gary Armentrout, managing director of Foxwoods Development Company.
“We are disappointed we had to take this action, but are anxious to receive the approvals we
are legally qualified for. The sooner we do, the sooner we can begin generating thousands of
jobs and the revenues that have already been built into the City’s five-year plan.”
Foxwoods cites a number of delaying tactics, including reneged commitments by the City for
introduction and passage of legislative packages for Foxwoods, as well as the introduction
of eight anti-casino bills - two of which became law – despite the clear mandate of state law
that casinos would be located at the sites selected by the Gaming Board.
Representatives from the City’s legal department committed in January to ensure passage
of the legislation that would allow Foxwoods to proceed, then made the same commitment
again in an e-mail dated May 9, 2007. That e-mail provides for final passage of the
Commercial Entertainment District package on a date after City Council’s summer recess is
set to begin.
“The City’s machinations constitute an obvious effort to delay Foxwoods’ project over
the course of the City Council’s summer recess because, while Foxwoods has no realistic
expectation whatsoever that City Council would act favorably and pass legislation applying
CED zoning to Foxwoods’ project, regardless of City Council’s intention, there is simply not
enough time to introduce, consider and pass legislation applying CED zoning to Foxwoods’
www.FoxwoodsPA.com property before City Council’s announced recess date of June 14, 2007,” according to the
petition.
In addition, the City Solicitor, without justification, removed the previously-scheduled
submission from the agenda, despite the City Planning Department’s acknowledgement
that all necessary plans and information have been received. This was further confirmed by
Mayor Street’s May 31 proposed legislation which, among other things, would have applied
CED zoning to the Foxwoods property.
The City Solicitor is requiring that Foxwoods consummate a developer agreement before its
submission will be considered by the planning commission, yet SugarHouse’s submission
was approved by the commission without the same requirement.
The City has also engaged in actions that specifically prevent the Foxwoods project from
progressing, including freezing the permitting process. Foxwoods maintains that despite
filing for its permits on January 23, 2007 when the site was zoned C-3 and allowed for the
development of a casino, the City has now halted the permitting process and refuses to
review Foxwoods’ application. In addition, the City Solicitor’s Office created a roadblock
called the “Mandatory Development Process,” which prohibits only casino developers and
their representatives from contacting any city official, unless cleared by the City’s Law
Department.
According to Foxwoods’ petition, Philadelphia City Council has taken “measure after
measure in an effort to thwart” the development of its project. Foxwoods argues that one of
the eight bills designed to stall the process, the Anti-Foxwoods R-10A Ordinance, is illegal in
that it is both special legislation and spot zoning.
The proposed ordinance was vetoed by Mayor John F. Street, who said that this legislation “is
clearly calculated to defeat the Gaming Control Board’s approval of gaming at this location.”
His veto was overridden by City Council, despite advice from both the Planning Commission
and the City Solicitor to the contrary. In addition to the Anti-Foxwoods R-10A ordinance, the
City Planning Commission has gone on record as being opposed to the majority of the anticasino
bills.
“Despite Foxwoods’ compliance with all CED requirements and the City’s professed support
for the project, the City and City Council have systematically set up roadblocks to impede
our progress,” Armentrout said.
The actions of the City and City Council have prevented the Foxwoods project from moving
forward, and continued delay without Court intervention will cause enormous financial harm
to Foxwoods. If the R-10A Ordinance is not struck down and if permits are not issued, both
Foxwoods and the Commonwealth will suffer substantial damages and irreparable harm. www.FOXWOODSPA.com
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6/28/2006 |
$300
Million Casino Resort Development |
| $300 Million Casino Resort
Development |
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Contact: Bruce MacDonald,
Tribal Public Relations, 860-312-4417
Mashantucket Pequots Partner with
California Tribe
in $300 Million Casino Resort Development
Owners of Foxwoods Resort Casino to build and manage
casino on reservation of Pauma Band of Mission Indians in San Diego
County
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
in Connecticut and the Pauma Band of Mission Indians in California
are joining hands across the continent to build a $300 million
dollar casino on the Pauma Bands reservation north of San
Diego.
We are fortunate to have the financial resources and gaming
expertise to help other tribal communities to achieve economic self
sufficiency, said Michael Thomas, chairman of the Mashantucket
Pequots. This agreement is about Native solidarity. Its also about
Native peoples reaching out to build solid tribal economies.
The Pequots Foxwoods Development Company will oversee the project
that includes a proposed 500-room hotel, 2,000 slot machines and 50
gaming tables.
In addition, the gaming resort will include an entertainment venue,
retail stores, and a variety of restaurants, from fast-food
eateries to fine dining establishments.
Our reasons for partnering with the Pequots on this project
involves more than the fact that they bring with them a
spectacularly successful track record with their own gaming
enterprise in Connecticut, said Pauma Chairman Chris Devers. The
Pequots respect Native sovereignty and have a long history of
struggle and perseverance, and we can relate to that.
Pre-development work will begin immediately, and that will include
negotiation of an agreement with the County of San Diego to address
off-site impacts, including the question of traffic, said Gary
Armentrout, the chief development officer of Foxwoods Development
Company.
Pedro Johnson, chairman of the Foxwoods Development Company Board
of Directors, expressed his appreciation to all who negotiated this
agreement.
"As a tribal elder I know the importance of bringing two tribes
together on important projects such as this, he said. We always
welcome the opportunity to partner with another tribe, and we look
forward to sharing the expertise we have gained by operating
Foxwoods.
The new casino resort, which has yet to be named, will replace a
smaller facility on the Pauma Bands reservation some 50 miles north
of the city of San Diego. The existing casino will remain open
during construction, and will close upon completion of the newer
and enlarged casino adjacent to the existing facility.
Construction is scheduled to begin upon completion of talks with
the County of San Diego. The casino is expected to take 24 months
to complete, with an opening planned for the spring of 2009.
About the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal
Nation: Federally recognized since 1983, the
Tribal Nation has deep roots in the Connecticut soil. In 1637
English Colonists waged what historians have described as a war of
genocide against the powerful Pequot nation, killing hundreds of
men, women and children in a massacre at Mystic in 1637. Long
consigned to the margins of society, the Mashantucket Pequots have
persevered through the centuries and maintained a presence on what
remained of their land. With the opening of Foxwoods in
1992, the tribe quickly claimed a preeminent position in the
gaming industry. Today, in addition to the gaming resort, the tribe
operates championship golf courses and other hospitality
businesses, as well as the largest tribally owned museum devoted to
Native peoples in the United States (http://www.pequotmuseum.org/
).
About the Pauma Band of Mission Indians:
Federally recognized since 1892, the Pauma Band is one of seven
Bands of the Luiseno people located in San Diego and Riverside
counties with a history that goes back thousands of years. Tribal
lands of the Pauma Band consist of 4 parcels of land equaling
approximately 5,800 acres. In 1985, Pauma began its agriculture
project with 5 acres of Hass avocados. Currently, Pauma produces
Hass avocados, Valencia oranges and lemons on approximately 60
acres. In 2001, Pauma opened Casino Pauma which brought employment
opportunities to the Pauma people and growth to the Pauma
government.
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2/28/2006 |
Philadelphia
Project |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bruce MacDonald, Tribal Public
Relations, 860-312-4417
Foxwoods Development Company
and partners plan Philadelphia project
Philadelphia, PA. - Foxwoods Development Company has partnered with
a group of local investors in hopes of gaining one of two casino
licenses to be awarded in the city later this year. Five gaming
companies are in competition for the licenses to be awarded by the
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
Foxwoods Development Company, a commercial entity wholly owned by
the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, is seen as a strong
contender for the license. It plans to build a $400 million casino
on a key piece of waterfront property in the city.
"This represents our first pursuit of a commercial gaming license
and it is an important one for the Tribe," said Gary Armentrout,
FDCs chief development officer. "We have been
involved in Indian Gaming but this will be our first venture in
off-reservation gaming, where we compete as a commercial
entity.
"The Philadelphia market is close enough to us so people know the
Foxwoods name and its first-class reputation that the tribe has
built over the years," he said. "We think this will be a great
opportunity for the tribe as it seeks to diversify its economic
holdings."
Partnering with the Tribe is a diverse group of primarily local
investors, business leaders in this historic city, national sports
figures and the legendary entertainer Quincy Jones.
The partnership's plans call for developing a 16-acre tract,
strategically positioned within the city and bordering on the
Delaware River on Columbus Boulevard at Piers 60, 62 and 63. The
site is additionally bordered by Wal-Mart and Home Depot to the
south, Comcast's CN8 studios to the north.
Scheduled to be built in phases, the initial casino construction
includes 3,000 slot machines, entertainment and food and beverage
venues. The casino will be built to allow expansion to 5,000
slots. Additional amenities, including a major
waterfront hotel and retail shopping will follow.
Armentrout said the Foxwoods Development Company had many
opportunities in Pennsylvania, but chose Philadelphia based on the
quality of the partners and the site, which has long been viewed
for casino development.
"It is a measure of the partners' commitment to Philadelphia that
they plan to give a significant portion of their profits to local
charities served by Philadelphia-based foundations, and we're proud
to be associated with people of that caliber," Armentrout
said.
More than 60 percent of the partner investor group is owned by
Washington Partners Community Charities, LP, consisting of the
Rubin Family Charitable Foundation, the Silver Family Charitable
Foundation and Ed. Snider, all of whom have committed to donate 100
percent of their profits from the casino to philanthropic
endeavors.
The Rubin Family Charitable Foundation and the Silver Family
Charitable Foundation were created to fund charitable causes,
primarily focusing on disadvantaged children in the Delaware Valley
and southern New Jersey.
Ed Snider has pledged the funds received on behalf of his interest
to charitable causes as well.
The Rubin Family Charitable Foundation was established by Ronald
Rubin, CEO of PREIT and a Philadelphia-based real estate developer,
whose holdings include the historic Bellevue, and other properties.
The Silver Family Charitable Foundation was established by Melissa
Silver, daughter of Lewis Katz, who is a partner of the NBA's New
Jersey Nets and a partner in the YankeeNets, the entity that owns
the NY Yankee baseball team and the YES cable television network.
Ed. Snider is the chairman and part-owner of Comcast Spectacor,
whose holdings include the NHL Philadelphia Flyers and the NBA
Philadelphia 76ers.
Other limited partner investors in Washington Philadelphia
Investors, LP, some of whom have pledged a portion of their
interests to charitable endeavors, are 76ers President and General
Manager Billy King, world-renown music impresario Quincy Jones,
developer Peter DePaul, former Phillies' centerfielder Garry
Maddox.
Also, Atlantic City race track owner Robert Levy, Temple Women's
Basketball Coach Dawn Staley, local attorney and businessman, Fred
Tecee, A.J. Agarwal, a senior managing director of the Blackstone
Group, an investment and advisory firm, Sylvia DiBona, wife of the
late Independence Blue Cross President and CEO G. Fred DiBona, Jr.,
and local businessman Alan Steinberg.
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12/28/2005 |
FDC, Local
Investors Announce Plans to Develop Philadelphia Waterfront
Casino |
| FDC, Local Investors Announce Plans to
Develop Philadelphia Waterfront Casino |
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Contact: Maureen Garrity
215-790-4408 office, 215-205-2676 cell, mgarrity@tierneyagency.com
Foxwoods Development Company, Local Investors
Announce
Plans to Develop Philadelphia Waterfront Casino
Investors to Donate Profits to
Charity
Philadelphia, PA (December 28, 2005) An affiliate
of the owner and operator of the worlds largest casino today
announced plans to partner with a diverse group of primarily local
investors to develop a first-class, 3,000-slot casino along the
Delaware River, generating millions in taxes for the city and the
commonwealth, as well as millions in economic benefits for the
region. In addition, a number of the investors
will channel their proceeds to support educational, recreational
and cultural initiatives with a focus on children in underserved
communities.
Foxwoods Development Company, LLC, the commercial gaming affiliate
of Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut, is
partnering with a group of investors operating as Washington
Philadelphia Investors, LP. Foxwoods
Development Company, LLC is owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal
Nation, which is based in southeastern
Connecticut. More than 60% of the limited
partner investor group is owned by Washington Partners Community
Charities, LP, consisting of the Rubin Family Charitable
Foundation, the Silver Family Charitable Foundation and Ed Snider,
all of whom have committed to donate 100 percent of their profits
from the casino to philanthropic endeavors.
The Rubin Family Charitable Foundation and the Silver Family
Charitable Foundation were created to fund charitable causes,
primarily focusing on disadvantaged children in the Delaware Valley
and southern New Jersey. Ed Snider has pledged
the funds received on behalf of his interest to charitable
causes. The Rubin Family Charitable Foundation
was established by Ronald Rubin, CEO of PREIT and a
Philadelphia-based real estate developer, whose holdings include
the historic Bellevue, and other properties. The
Silver Family Charitable Foundation was established by Melissa
Silver, daughter of Lewis Katz who is a partner of the NBAs New
Jersey Nets and a partner in the YankeeNets, the entity that owns
the NY Yankee baseball team and the YES cable television
network. Ed Snider is the Chairman and part
owner of Comcast Spectacor whose holdings include the NHL
Philadelphia Flyers and the NBA Philadelphia 76ers.
Other limited partner investors in Washington Philadelphia
Investors, LP, some of whom have pledged a portion of their
interests to charitable endeavors, are 76ers President and General
Manager Billy King; world-renowned music genius Quincy Jones;
developer Peter DePaul; former Phillies centerfielder Garry Maddox;
Atlantic City Race Track owner Robert Levy; Temple Womens
Basketball Coach Dawn Staley; local attorney and businessman, Fred
Tecce; A.J. Agarwal, a senior managing director of The Blackstone
Group, an investment and advisory firm; Sylvia DiBona, wife of the
late Independence Blue Cross President and CEO G. Fred DiBona, Jr.
and chairman of the foundation to continue his legacy; the Mary
Mason Community Foundation, founded by radio talk show host Mary
Mason; and local businessman Alan Steinberg.
The joint venture, called Philadelphia Entertainment and
Development Partners, submitted an application with the
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for a casino operating
license. Philadelphia Entertainment and
Development Partners plans to develop a casino on the approximately
16-acre vacant parcel of land east of Christopher Columbus
Boulevard between Tasker Avenue and Reed Street.
The casino, which is expected to cost approximately $300 million in
the first phase of development, will initially accommodate 3,000
slots, entertainment, and food and beverage
venues. It will be constructed with the ability
to expand to 5,000 slots, with additional entertainment, restaurant
and shopping options.
The site is bordered by Wal-Mart and Home Depot to the south,
Comcasts CN8 studios to the north, and the United Artists Riverview
Theater across Columbus Boulevard to the
west.
The Philadelphia Entertainment and Development Partners site
supports the citys long-term goal of economically reinvigorating
the remainder of the riverfront. Siting a casino
on the property would positively impact the retail that already
exists on Columbus Boulevard, and it is in close proximity to the
Convention Center as well as to Philadelphias entertainment,
restaurants, hotels and other attractions. The
site is easily accessible from I-95 from the northeast, southwest,
and over both bridges into New Jersey.
Foxwoods Development Company will be responsible for the management
of all aspects of the operation, including gaming, entertainment,
and food and beverage outlets.
Foxwoods Development Company was attracted to this opportunity
because of the superior partnership group and the excellent site,
said Foxwoods Development Company Chief Development Officer
Gary Armentrout. We looked at other opportunities in Philadelphia
and throughout the state and chose this as the best one. We are
committed to working with our partners to develop a first-class
facility that Philadelphia will be proud of.
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is the owner of both Foxwoods
Resort Casino (www.foxwoods.com) and Foxwoods
Development Company, its commercial operating arm in the gaming and
hospitality fields throughout the United States.
Opened in 1992, Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT has
grown to be the worlds largest casino, with 340,000 square feet -
more than any other casino devoted to gaming.
ABOUT Foxwoods Development Company:
Wholly owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Foxwoods
Development Company is the entity through which the tribe utilizes
its financial and human resources to develop and manage hospitality
related enterprises outside of Connecticut. The
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has operated Foxwoods Resort
Casino in southeastern Connecticut since 1992.
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Foxwoods Development Company is
the entity through which the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
utilizes its financial and human resources to develop and manage
hospitality-related enterprises outside of
Connecticut.
Wholly owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Foxwoods
Development Company offers a range of business services, drawing on
its unparalleled record of success with Foxwoods Resort Casino and
the knowledge of an executive team whose members have worked in the
gaming and hospitality fields in the United States and many foreign
countries.
Formed in 2003, Foxwoods Development Company offers its clients and
partners expertise in the following areas:
Financing/equity: FDC is prepared to use its
vast resources to provide and or arrange financing and equity for
projects under attractive terms. Over the years,
the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has developed excellent
relationships with all of the major financial institutions and has
raised in excess of $1 billion of financing.
Development services: FDCs owner, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal
Nation, has a track record of taking a project from the dream stage
through opening. Foxwoods Development Company is
able to draw on this experience to the benefit of its
clients.
Management Services: The management at Foxwoods is considered one
of the strongest in the gaming industry and is available through
FDC.
Consulting Services: FDC provides consulting services in all
aspects of a gaming operation and is available for operational
reviews, financial analysis, marketing studies and training
programs conducted in an objective and professional manner.
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has operated Foxwoods
Resort Casino in southeastern Connecticut since
1992. It has grown to be a major player in the
gaming hospitality field with its forward-thinking management and
its record-setting development practices.
(www.foxwoods.com).
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Fact Sheet
www.foxwoods.com
MASHANTUCKET, Ct. -- Foxwoods
Resort Casino, opened by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation in
1992, has grown to be the largest casino in the world, with more
gaming space and games under one roof than any other casino.
Foxwoods has just over 11,000 (11,063) employees and is a major
economic contributor to the Connecticut economy.
The gaming resort has a payroll of $300 million a year. In the last
year it spent $324 million last year to purchase goods and services
to operate the casino. Under a unique
revenue-sharing agreement negotiated with the state of Connecticut,
the tribal nation has provided the state $2.2 billion since 1993
when the agreement took affect.
When Foxwoods opened on Feb. 15, 1992, it had 250,000 sq. ft. of
space. Presently it consists of 4.7 million sq. ft. and in three
years it will add 2 million sq. ft. of resort
space. The amount of gaming space in the
original casino amounted to 46,000 sq. ft. with 170 table games and
no slots. Today the casino has 340,000 sq. ft.
of gaming space, with 378 table games and 7,400 slots.
An
average of 40,000 visitors a day come to Foxwoods.
Located in southeastern Connecticut near Mystic, Foxwoods offers
its guests the following amenities:
GAMING: 378 table games and 7,400 slot machines
in six casino settings at the resort.
ENTERTAINMENT: Fox Theater opened in 1993 by
Frank Sinatra; arena/multi-purpose room, up to 4,000 opened by
Luicano Pavarotti in 1994. B.B. King Nite Club, Hard Rock
Cafe.
HOTELS: Three hotels on property with a combined
1,420 rooms; the Grand Pequot, the Great Cedar and the Two Trees
Inn.
DINING: There are 35 food & beverage
outlets, offering everything from gourmet dining to fast-food
service.
RETAIL: There are 24 retail stores, featuring a
wide variety of quality, name-brand products.
GOLF: Two championship courses, designed by Rese
Jones around a 90-acre lake. They were praised
by both Golf magazine and Golf Digest as being in the top 10 best
new courses in the United States in 2005.
MEETINGS/CONFERENCE/TRADE SHOWS: Foxwoods is a
full-service business operation with 55,000 sq. ft. and 25
conference and breakout rooms.
RECENT
NOTICE: Honored with 31 Best Of awards by Casino
Player Magazine as well as AAA 4-Diamond awards for both its
Paragon Restaurant and Grand Pequot Tower Hotel, Foxwoods is
recognized as an incomparable entertainment destination.
Upcoming at Foxwoods
Ground was broken in November for a $700 million expansion that
will add a new 825 room hotel tower with additional gaming, an
expanded spa, 115,000 square feet of meeting and convention space,
more restaurants, nightclubs and retail, as well as a new 4,000
seat performing arts theater. This
expansion will be completed during the summer of 2008.
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12/14/2005 |
James
Dougherty, Director of Operations |
| James Dougherty, Director of
Operations |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bruce MacDonald, Tribal Public
Relations, 860-312-4417
December 14, 2005
Veteran Gaming Professional Named to Key Position by
Foxwoods Development Company
MASHANTUCKET, CT--James L. Dougherty, until recently the Executive
Director of Casino Accounting Operations at Foxwoods Resort Casino
in Connecticut, is the new Director of Operations with the Foxwoods
Development Company (FDC).
Gary Armentrout, the firms Chief Development Officer, made the
announcement, praising Dougherty as a business professional with a
wide range of experience in the traditional commercial gaming field
and in the fast-growing Indian gaming market.
Jim brings strong hands-on casino management and operational
experience that will allow Foxwoods Development Company to continue
growing in the gaming and hospitality market in the United States,
said Armentrout. He has a keen understanding of
finance and he understands the integrated IT role and he will serve
as the FDCs Director of Operations, responsible for projects were
involved in.
In his new position, Dougherty will evaluate existing gaming
properties, set up new gaming operations and oversee the recruiting
and hiring of gaming operations management while also formulating
policies and procedures.
Im very excited about the opportunity to become a part of the
Foxwoods Development Company team as they embark on a wide range of
projects with other Native American Tribes and commercial gaming
ventures. My tenure with Foxwoods Resort Casino
allows me to tap into a very experienced and dedicated team of
employees that have made Foxwoods the ultimate success story, said
Jim Dougherty.
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is the owner of both Foxwoods
Resort Casino (www.foxwoods.com) and Foxwoods Development Company,
its commercial operating arm in the gaming and hospitality fields
throughout the United States.
Dougherty has worked at Foxwoods since January
1998. A 20-year veteran of the gaming field, he
has held numerous management positions in Atlantic City, N.J. with
both the Sands Hotel & Casino and the Trump Castle Casino
Hotel.
He is a graduate of Richard Stockton College, Pomona, N.J. with a
Bachelor of Arts degree in
accounting.
ABOUT Foxwoods Development Company:
Wholly owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Foxwoods
Development Company is the entity through which the tribe utilizes
its financial and human resources to develop and manage hospitality
related enterprises outside of Connecticut. The
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has operated Foxwoods Resort
Casino in southeastern Connecticut since 1992.
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8/15/2005 |
Nelson N.
Parker, Director of Development |
| Nelson N. Parker, Director of
Development |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bruce MacDonald,
Tribal Public Relations, 860-312-4417
Aug. 15, 2005
Foxwoods Development Company fills key
position
with a veteran development executive
MASHANTUCKET Nelson N. Parker, a veteran corporate development
executive, has been named Director of Development for the Foxwoods
Development Company, Gary Armentrout, the firms Chief Development
Officer, announced today.
Nelsons appointment marks another step in the growth of Foxwoods
Development Company, Armentrout said. His background is ideally
suited and he will play a valuable role in our continued efforts to
pursue the development and management of hospitality related
enterprises throughout the United States for the Mashantucket
Pequot Tribal Nation and its highly successful Foxwoods Resort
Casino (www.foxwoods.com) in Connecticut.
Nelson has nearly ten years of diverse corporate development
experience, with a strong background in mergers and acquisitions,
gaming and corporate finance. Prior to joining
Foxwoods Development Company, he was the Director of Development
for Argosy Gaming Company where he focused on domestic and
international gaming development and acquisition projects.
I am excited to be a part of such a highly respected organization
within our industry, Nelson said. Foxwoods is a
tremendous success story with a long tradition of achieving
excellence. I look forward to contributing to
its continued success through the growth of our development and
expansion activities.
Prior to his experience with Argosy, Nelson held executive-level
positions for several Midwestern private equity groups where he was
involved in over a dozen acquisitions. He also
participated as a board member and corporate officer of Precision
Manufacturing Group, LLC.
Nelson has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration
from Transylvania University in Lexington,
Kentucky. He is working in the Foxwoods
Development Company office in St. Louis at 1001 Craig Road, Suite
330, St. Louis, Mo. 63146. Telephone, 1-314-569-9857.
ABOUT Foxwoods Development Company:
Wholly owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Foxwoods
Development Company is the entity through which the tribe utilizes
its financial and human resources to develop and manage hospitality
related enterprises outside of Connecticut. The
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has operated Foxwoods Resort
Casino in southeastern Connecticut since 1992.
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8/15/2005 |
Tribe to
partner on $270 million gaming resort |
| Tribe to partner on $270 million gaming
resort |
PRINT CLOSE |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Bruce MacDonald,
Tribal Public Relations, 860-312-4417
Aug. 15, 2005
Tribe to partner with Iowa Tribe of Kansa
& Nebraska to develop $270 million gaming
resort
The Iowa Tribe of Kansas & Nebraska and the Mashantucket Pequot
Tribal Nation in Connecticut have announced the formation of a
partnership to develop a major gaming resort in Sedgwick
County.
The business partnership between two Native American tribes
promises to create a major destination resort in Park City at the
gateway to Wichita. The $270 million gaming resort to be built in
two phases was announced here during a press conference at The Law
Company, 345 N. Riverview.
Tribal Chairman Leon Campbell welcomed the Mashantucket Pequot
business venture, and thanked the Tribe.
We will create quality entertainment options as contemplated in
this project. We will offer jobs and economic opportunity for
all. We will provide much needed monies for
state and local governments, and most importantly we will proudly
contribute monies for the education of our most precious resource,
the school children of Kansas.
Former Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Treasurer Pedro Johnson, who
heads up the Foxwoods Development Company, praised the Iowa Tribe
of Kansas & Nebraska.
We are happy to partner with the Iowa tribe to help them achieve
the kind of economic self-sufficiency that we have worked hard to
attain in Connecticut, he said. Our Foxwoods
Resort Casino has proven very beneficial to our Tribal members and
the state of Connecticut, to which we have given over $2 billion
since 1993.
The Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska is located along the Missouri
River on an approximately 2,100-acre reservation that straddles
northeast Kansas and southeast Nebraska. The tribes economy is
primary based on agriculture, but it has been engaged in gaming on
a smaller scale.
The initial phase of the resort in Sedgwick County will create
1,500 jobs and increase to
2,500 when fully operational, and will cost an estimated $186
million.
The resort will be located on a 59-acre site at West 77th St.
North, with easy access from Interstate 135 and U.S.
81. Plans call for a 260,000 sq. ft. facility
that contains 2,500 slot machines and 50 gaming tables.
This will be a significant regional destination
and entertainment venue in an underserved market. It will draw
customers from hundreds of miles and provide an infusion of cash
and jobs to our economy, said Bob Knight, the former Wichita mayor
who is working with the Iowa Tribe on the
project. We are partnering with a world-class
casino operator whose Foxwoods Resort Casino has become the
standard to attain in the industry.
Gary Armentrout, the chief development officer for Foxwoods
Development Company, and a veteran of the gaming industry, said he
is impressed with the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, and looks
forward to working with tribal leadership on this important
project.
We are ready to bring the proven business
experience of Foxwoods to south-central Kansas to create a true
destination resort that will provide benefits to the entire state,
he said.
The Iowa Tribe gaming resort will include the
following major elements:
Four restaurants, including a 500-seat buffet, a
250-seat steak house, a 24-hour casual-dining restaurant, a fast
food count and three bar lounges, including one with a small
entertainment stage.
A 300-room hotel that will feature an
indoor/outdoor pool and a spa.
A 40,000 sq. ft. convention and conference center
that will feature 15,000-18,000 sq. ft. ballroom capable of seating
nearly 1000 people, and additional breakout meeting
rooms.
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1/10/2005 |
Chukchansi
agreement |
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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
January 10,
2005
CONTACT: Joyce Burel,Chairperson, Picayune Rancheria of
Chukchansi Indians (559) 760-3136
Bruce MacDonald,
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nations PR (860) 312-4417
CHUKCHANSI ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT
WITH
FOXWOODS DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
TO ASSIST TRIBE WITH GAMING OPERATION
COARSEGOLD, Calif.The Chukchansi Economic Development Authority of
the Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians and the Foxwoods
Development Company jointly announced today the approval of a
consulting agreement that will have the Connecticut-based operators
of the world's largest casino assist the Tribe in evaluating and
improving the popular Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino.
"With this agreement, we are partnering with other Native
Americans, who like us operate a very successful casino, but they
have been doing it a lot longer than we have." Tribal Chairwoman
Joyce Burel said. "We are delighted to have them lend us their
expertise in our efforts to make Chukchansi Gold the best gaming
facility in the Valley."
Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, one of central California's
premiere gaming destinations, offers its customers 1,800 slot
machines, 46 table games and a variety of world-class amenities,
including a 192-room hotel, seven restaurants and entertainment
offerings on the property.
Foxwoods is going to
focus on the Chukchansi Casino's strengths and areas that may need
some improvement, as well as the potential for expansion.
Pedro Johnson, Chairman of the Foxwoods Development Company's board
of directors, thanked the Chukchansi Economic Development Authority
for the opportunity to work on this important project.
"We appreciate the fact that we were selected for this important
task," Johnson said. "Partnering with another tribe is always a
welcomed opportunity for us and we look forward to sharing the
expertise we have gained from operating the world's largest
casino."
Bill Sherlock, president of Foxwoods, and a board member of
Foxwoods Development LLC, said the company provides other Native
American tribes and commercial businesses with significant
experience in management, consulting, project management and other
areas in the resort field.
"Our Foxwoods management team brings a unique perspective and the
ability to help the Chukchansi tribe with their operation," said
Bill Sherlock, President and CEO of Foxwoods. "We bring years of
proven experience and a track record of success. We look forward to
sharing this with the owners of the Chukchansi Gold Resort &
Casino."
"This signals the next stage for our tribe and our casino,"
concluded Chairwoman Burel. "We're open, we have a beautiful
facility and our public is growing. Now we want to take the next
step which will allow us to continue to grow."
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation operates Foxwoods
(www.foxwoods.com) on its reservation in southeastern Connecticut,
halfway between New York and Boston. Opened in 1992, Foxwoods has
7,400 slot machines and 390 table games. There are three hotels
with 1,400 rooms at Foxwoods, 30 restaurants, two championship golf
courses, major entertainment venues, retail shops and a health spa
and salon. The reservation also features the Mashantucket Pequot
Museum and Research Center nearby.
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