RICHMOND, BC, June 11, 2014 /CNW/ - Throughout the month of June, River Rock Casino Resort is marking its 10th Anniversary and celebrating a milestone that would not have been possible to achieve without the dedication of over 1,000 employees who deliver memorable experiences every single day to thousands of local and international guests.
In the case of Jonathan Sarino, Manager of Slots, River Rock was a place that provided him with an opportunity to build a brand new career path. Sarino immigrated to Canada in 2004 and was a certified dentist in Philippines with his own practice. Soon after his arrival to Vancouver he realized that his professional designation would not be recognized. "I remember being accepted to a dental hygiene program in Prince George, but felt that maybe it was time to try something new," said Sarino. With that attitude, Sarino applied for a job at River Rock and was hired as a dealer.
Today, Sarino looks back and remembers that he has spent more time in the gaming industry than practicing dentistry and does not contemplate going back to his original career choice. "While working at River Rock I have not only learned new skills, but have been able to grow and develop my new career. I started as a dealer, then got promoted to a slot attendant and today manage the slot department that has about 50 employees. The best part of my job is being able to build relationships with guests and coworkers but also being able to see how my suggestions and contributions have an impact on the overall operation."
Sarino's story is not the only one of triumph and perseverance as River Rock is comprised of a diverse group of individuals. The depth of diversity can be experienced by the 78 different languages and dialects spoken at River Rock.
As a former police sergeant in Singapore, Rishi Khaira's career started at Boulevard Casino but soon after continued at River Rock where Khaira found his new calling. Over the last four years, Khaira was a member of the security department and today holds the title of Assistant General Manager.
"When I compare my time with other River Rock employees, my four years seem immaterial but I have to admit that the position I currently have is not a job but a career. River Rock is a place that drives people to grow and develop but at the same time recognizes and encourages performance. Every day is different as there are new obstacles and opportunities that need to be addressed," added Khaira.
"I am extremely proud of our people as they shape every single aspect of our operation and ensure that River Rock delivers on its promise of providing exceptional entertainment opportunities," said Peter Goudron, Senior Vice President Operations-West, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation.
As the third largest employer in Richmond, River Rock invested $51.4 million in salaries, wages and benefits in 2013.
To learn more about River Rock Casino Resort's upcoming 10th Anniversary calendar of events, which includes a $150,000 cash draw, diamonds and grand prize Silver Jaguar XF 2.0T giveaway accompanied by diamond themed dining, hotel and entertainment offerings please visit www.diamondcelebration.ca or www.riverrock.com.
River Rock Casino Resort is owned by the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation (GCGC), Canada's largest gaming service and hospitality operator with 17 facilities located throughout BC, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Washington State. Every year, River Rock Casino Resort provides support to the Richmond community through volunteering services, in-kind donations or financial contributions. Some of the charitable organizations that River Rock has supported are: Richmond Family Place, BC Children's Hospital Foundation, Richmond Food Bank, Richmond Society for Community Living, Richmond Chinese Community Society, and Volunteer Richmond Information Services. In 2013, the City of Richmond received $17.6 million from the River Rock Casino Resort in host local government payments and since River Rock's inception; the city has received $113.9 million. These funds have been dedicated to the construction costs of the Richmond Olympic Oval as well as certain community grants, and future revenue will fund the construction of the new Minoru Aquatic Centre.
Image with caption: "River Rock Casino Resort is marking its 10th Anniversary during the month of June. To learn more about the upcoming events, please visit www.riverrock.com. (CNW Group/River Rock Casino Resort)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140611_C2246_PHOTO_EN_3610.jpg
SOURCE: River Rock Casino Resort
For further media inquiries please contact: Sonja Mandic, Manager, Media and Responsible Gaming, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation, 604.303.1000, [email protected]
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