CRDA AC Tourism District Newsletter – April `15 optimized version

April 2015
Courting the Lucrative Corporate Meetings Market to AC
Located in Atlantic City’s Marina District and overlooking scenic Absecon Channel and Inlet, the new $126
million Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center is set
to position Atlantic City as a leader in the Northeast for
the lucrative corporate business meetings market.
Once completed this September, the 100,000-squarefoot conference center will be the largest, most technologically advanced meeting facility between Baltimore and Boston.
“This ultimately will be a game-changer for the meetings market in Atlantic City,” said CRDA Executive
Director John Palmieri. “This facility will innovate and stimulate mid-week business in Atlantic City for hotels,
restaurants, shopping and entertainment.”
While currently attracting about one percent of a $16 billion corporate meetings market in the Northeast,
the Harrah’s Waterfront Conference Center is answering the call from prospective clients who are seeking
state-of-the-art amenities and large and adaptable meeting space along with world-class dining and leisure
activities for their business associates and partners.
The conference center’s list of world-class features will undoubtedly be an impressive selling point for interested corporate clients seeking a laid-back, seashore alternative to the congested, big city atmosphere.
The spacious Avalon and Wildwood ballrooms will each offer nearly 50,000 square feet of highlyconfigurable space that may also be made into 29 separate breakout rooms. Each ballroom may accommodate nearly 5,500 reception attendees or more than 3,400 classroom participants.
The Atlantic City ballroom, at 13,200 square feet, will accommodate 1,300 for a grand reception, 1,200 in
theatre-style seating or 800 for banquets. The ballroom’s space may also be divided into seven different
sections that will open up to The Gallery, which will feature 4,400 square feet of prefunction space.
Three other small-sized ballrooms will offer a total of 6,200 square feet of space of varying dimensions and
accommodate a total of nearly 500 attendees. Lastly, The Concert Venue will have room for more than
1,200 attendees.
With six months to go until the official grand opening,
the conference center is already generating plenty of
interest and booking dozens of meetings that will have
a positive impact on the city’s bottom line and perception as a world-class corporate meetings destination.
“The Harrah’s Atlantic City Waterfront Conference
Center currently has over $16.1 million in projected
revenue from more than 60 definite bookings, and an
additional almost $10 million in sales pending,” said
Michael Massari, senior VP of national meetings & events for Caesars Entertainment.
Construction has generated nearly 350 jobs for highly-skilled laborers and is, according to Massari, “going
smoothly as the building is sealed and interior construction is well underway.”
The conference center, offering a unique meeting space that is highly sought by large, Fortune 500-style
corporations and businesses, will complement the current Atlantic City convention center, which opened in
1997 and is home to many popular annual conventions and trade shows. In 2014, the convention center
hosted 92 events and more than 332,000 attendees over the course of 196 event days. These 92 events led
to more than $129 million in delegate spending and more than 95,000 room nights at Atlantic City hotel
properties.
The prospect of luring large, corporate meetings to the city could mean an increase in the number of visitors
taking advantage of Atlantic City’s International Airport (ACY). While Atlantic City is an attractive and
convenient driving destination for nearly one third of the country’s population and 20 percent of the country’s business addresses, ACY has recently expanded its international reach with seasonal air service through
Continued on page 2
Courting the Lucrative Corporate Meetings Market to Atlantic City
Air Canada. Meeting attendees from throughout Canada may now fly into Atlantic City, via Toronto, from many major Canadian cities.
"The new Harrah's Conference center is exactly what it takes to generate the year-round air service demand that will benefit the entire community,’’ said E.J. Mullins, program director for the Port Authority of NY/NJ at Atlantic City International Airport. “Only minutes away, ACY's worldclass air terminal will be a perfect complement to this state-of-the-art facility."
Once completed, the conference center, which is being funded by $80 million in equity financing by Harrah’s, $45 million from the CRDA and
$24.1 million in tax breaks over 20 years from the NJ Economic Development Authority, will generate between 60-140 permanent jobs.
(By David Zuba)
Bass Pro Shops: A Popular Destination Within a Destination
Situated strategically at the foot of the Atlantic City Expressway in the corridor region of the
city where thousands of motorists and pedestrians pass by on a daily basis, Bass Pro Shops,
recognized throughout the country as an outdoor retail leader in fishing, hunting, camping,
nature gifts and much more, is currently putting the finishing touches on its new 86,000square-foot outdoorsman super store.
Located in the heart of downtown, Bass Pro Shops’ Atlantic City store will be the first of its kind
in the state of New Jersey.
“Bass Pro Shops brings to Atlantic City a tremendous and dedicated following, a popular destination within a destination,” said CRDA Executive Director John Palmieri. “Bass Pro Shops’
leadership has shown its commitment and enthusiasm towards Atlantic City’s future with this
project.”
Atlantic City’s Bass Pro Shops is the first of its kind in Originally granted preliminary and final site plan approval by the CRDA on September 16, 2013,
the state of New Jersey.
Bass Pro’s official ground breaking ceremony took place on October 1, 2013 and included
dignitaries such as State of New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, Bass Pro Shops
General Manager Aaron Frazier, and Cordish Company President of Development Blake Cordish. The CRDA contributed a $12.3 million construction loan plus as much as $11 million over 11 years as part of a sales tax rebate program.
Upon entering the store, visitors will immediately be welcomed by an impressive 13,000-gallon aquarium stocked full with local indigenous sea
life. Boating enthusiasts will love the store’s large boat showroom directly to their right as they walk through the front door and also will be able
to browse a huge selection of boats once Bass Pro’s outdoor boat yard is completed just down the street on the corner of Mississippi and
Fairmount avenues.
Bounded by Mississippi, Missouri, Atlantic and Arctic avenues, Bass Pro Shops is scheduled to open on Wednesday, April 15th with a soft opening
from 6-10 pm. Fifty-percent of that evening’s revenue will be donated to various outdoor-centric charities. The official grand opening will take
place the following day on Thursday, April 16th from 8 am – 9 pm. Normal business hours will run 9
am – 9 pm daily and 10 am – 7 pm Sundays.
Outdoor enthusiasts will be impressed by the store’s sheer magnitude of selections, including
men’s and ladies apparel, camping and hunting gear and clothing, footwear, t-shirts, sunglasses,
gifts, and much more. Local, seaside motifs and hand-painted murals depict the region’s various
natural scenic locales throughout the store.
Bass Pro Shops will offer holiday-themed events for the local community during Easter, Halloween
and Christmas, including a Santa’s Wonderland. Fishing and hunting classics will be popular annual
events along with fire arm classes in the store’s secure pistol range.
The store will employ 225 employees, 40% of which will be full-time, and also will be a dog-friendly
store with shoppers encouraged to bring along their furry companions while shopping.
“This project is another example of the business sector showing faith and confidence in Atlantic
City’s present and future,” said Palmieri. “The CRDA is committed to reinvesting in our community
and neighborhoods.”
13,000-gallon aquarium greats visitors upon
entering Bass Pro Shops front doors.
Parking on-site at Bass Pro will be offer 245 spaces. Anyone spending a minimum of $50 or more inside Bass Pro will be able to park for free while
all others will be charged a flat fee of $3. Parking fees may fluctuate throughout the year at the lot. Meanwhile, a free valet service will be
provided when the lot is full. Self parking is also available at the CRDA's Wave Garage at Mississippi and Fairmount Avenues. (By David Zuba) 2
CRDA Board Votes on Citywide Boardwalk Interactive Lighting Project, more
The Board of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) approved several measures at its March 23rd meeting that will improve the
city’s lighting and security capabilities and extend funding to several worthwhile projects.
The Board agreed to a preliminary determination of project eligibility for the Atlantic County Improvement Authority’s (ACIA) Boardwalk Interactive Lighting Display Program. This project has a total cost of approximately $33.6 million, with private funding in the amount of $20.8 million
coming from the ACIA’s sub-tenant, Impactivate, and $12.8 million in gap financing being sought from the CRDA in order to fund the project’s
remaining balance, which will require final board approval and a fund reservation.
This project would include the installation of 164 LED marine-grade light pole fixtures between Jackson and Vermont avenues; procurement/
installation of 72 pan-tilt-zoom security cameras, electrical conduit, meters and fiber optics that will be connected to the Atlantic City Police
Department (ACPD) through 72 street end poles; creation of a digital data storage center for operations of a surveillance/security camera network; removal of 187 existing Victorian-style street lights and retrofitting to LED; removal of 41 existing aluminum cobra-head lamps and light
poles; installation of up to four state-of-the-art interactive components at City-approved locations; and 110 high-resolution outdoor LED matrix
screens along the length of the Boardwalk that will display upcoming local events and provide free Wi-Fi internet access and mobile device charging stations.
“This exciting, state-of-the-art interactive program will be equipped to display upcoming entertainment, events, advertising, announcements and
will add to our visitor’s positive experience,” said CRDA Executive Director John Palmieri.
In other business, the Board voted to modify an earlier agreement with Resorts Casino Hotel that provided a fund reservation of $9.38 million
from available and future Investment Alternative Tax (IAT) obligations for a meeting room expansion project and renovation of 310 hotel
bathrooms.
This modified agreement will allow Resorts to not proceed with the room renovation portion of the project unless future IAT revenues are readily
available to Resorts as outlined in the original agreement. The meeting space portion of the project is anticipated to be completed by the
summer of 2015.
Also, as part of the CRDA’s Tourism Marketing Expansion Project, the Board agreed to provide a grant to the Save Lucy Committee, Inc. for specific marketing and promotional expenses in an amount not to exceed $25,000 per year over a three-year term, not exceeding a total of $75,000.
“Lucy the Elephant is a long-standing regional attraction that brings thousands of visitors to our region each year,” said Palmieri. “Lucy and Atlantic City both complement each other as popular destinations at the southern New Jersey shore.”
Additionally, the Board granted a preliminary determination of project eligibility to the International Swimming Hall of Fame Project and approved a fund reservation in an amount not to exceed $100,000 toward a project feasibility study to Grant Leisure, Inc.
Lastly, the Board agreed to approve two recently-adopted redevelopment plans by the City of Atlantic City. The first would allow the former fire
station at 535 Atlantic Avenue to be repurposed for “the production and retail/wholesale of craft spirits, related uses and restaurants with entertainment.” The second would repurpose the former Showboat Casino Hotel complex and surrounding area into a University Campus for Stockton
University complete with educational facilities, residential housing, retail, restaurants and other related uses in support of a “University City.”
Board actions will take effect following the expiration of the Governor’s statutory review period. (By David Zuba)
Pacific Avenue Milling and Paving Project Ready to Continue in April
The final phase of paving along Atlantic City’s Pacific Avenue will resume on Wednesday, April 1st,
weather permitting, and is scheduled for to be completed before Memorial Day.
Crews will mill, re-set utility covers and pave the street from Hartford Avenue in the south end to
New Jersey Avenue in the north end. During this time, there will be six-block areas with traffic
restrictions of one lane in each direction. In the event road closings are necessary, police will reroute traffic accordingly.
Traffic restrictions will be in effect 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Jitneys will continue to
operate on Pacific Avenue during the work.
Drivers are advised to use other routes to avoid delays. Delivery trucks will be required to use side
streets in areas where the work is taking place. Sidewalks will remain open during the work;
pedestrians are cautioned to avoid walking on freshly paved asphalt and cross only where directed
by police. (By Elaine Zamansky)
The long process of repaving Pacific Avenue is
nearing completion this spring.
3
Air Canada Set to Commence Seasonal Flights Between ACY and Toronto
Air Canada announced in March that it will be launching non-stop service between its Toronto
Pearson hub and Atlantic City International Airport (ACY). The seasonal service, to be flown by Air
Canada Express and operated by Jazz, will offer four return trips a week beginning May 22nd.
“Air Canada is pleased to be adding Atlantic City to its already extensive U.S. network. This new route
will enable our customers to conveniently travel non-stop to Atlantic City where they can enjoy its
famed boardwalk, beaches and casinos. It will also provide Atlantic City a direct connection to Air
Canada’s Toronto global hub. The flights will be conveniently timed to link with Air Canada’s extensive
network for connections to and from the rest of Canada and beyond with customers eligible to
accumulate and redeem Aeroplan miles,” said Benjamin Smith, President, Passenger Airlines, at Air
Canada.
“The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) welcomes Air Canada and looks forward to a strong and lasting relationship. Our
organization understands the importance of increased air travel to create positive impact in the region, and the CRDA Board is fully on board with
making strategic investments to expand service at the Atlantic City Airport. We are optimistic about the
opportunity this provides,” said CRDA Executive Director John Palmieri.
“Atlantic City International Airport's new seasonal Air Canada service to and from Toronto demonstrates
the continuing passenger demand for travel to Atlantic City and the surrounding region,” said Port
Authority Aviation Director Thomas Bosco. “It also is a reflection of the major investments put in
Atlantic City International Airport in recent years, making this regional airport an attractive opportunity
for carriers internationally, as well as domestically.’’
Air Canada’s service between Toronto Pearson and Atlantic City International Airport will be operated
from May 22 to September 7, 2015, using a 74-seat Bombardier Q-400 aircraft. Flights will depart from
Toronto at 10:05 am from Friday through Monday and land at ACY at 11:35 am. Flights will depart ACY at 12:05 pm from Friday through Monday
and land in Toronto at 1:44 pm. (By Air Canada)
Jean Muchanic to Receive Spirit of Hospitality Award at Annual Host Awards
The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) will name Jean Muchanic, executive director of Absecon Lighthouse, as the Spirit of
Hospitality honoree during this year’s Host Awards on May 6. Presented each year at the Annual Atlantic City Host Awards banquet, the Spirit of
Hospitality Award is bestowed upon an outstanding individual who has made a long-lasting and significant contribution to the Atlantic City
region’s hospitality and travel industry. Most importantly, this award embodies the recipient’s spirit and dedication to serving the visitors who
come to Atlantic City.
Since January 2005, Muchanic has been the consummate cheerleader and champion for the Historic Absecon Lighthouse’s cause. Under her leadership, the lighthouse has increased visitation by 132% and admissions revenue by 85% since 2005. As a certified wedding officiate, Muchanic
performs weddings at the lighthouse throughout the year and during the annual Valentine’s Day Vow Renewal ceremony. Muchanic has also
served on the boards for the Advocates of New Jersey History, South Jersey Cultural Alliance, Greater Atlantic City Public Relations Council and
the New Jersey Arthritis Foundation.
“I am just one guardian and lightkeeper in a long line of them since 1857 and it’s my duty to make sure that the lighthouse, Keeper’s Cottage and
grounds remain an example of the history and beauty of our seaside resort,” said Muchanic. “As an anchor in the south inlet, it is my sincere
hope that everyone in our area will visit the lighthouse and I’m not stopping until that goal is a reality.”
Past recipients of the Spirit of Hospitality Award include Anthony Catanoso, owner of Steel Pier (2014); The Dougherty Family, owners of Knife
and Fork Inn, Dock’s Oyster House and Harry’s Oyster Bar (2013); and former Atlantic City Special Improvement District Executive Director, City of
Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian (2003).
This year’s Annual Host Awards will take place on Wednesday, May 6 in the Adrian Phillips Ballroom at Historic Boardwalk Hall. Registration and
reception commence at 5:30 pm with the formal dinner and awards ceremony beginning at 6:30 pm. Tickets are available for $65 per person or
$650 for a table of 10 by calling Jacqueline Carole, Chairperson, Atlantic City Host Awards at 609-449-7174.
A special guest, Miss America 2015 Kira Kazantsev, will be in attendance and on stage this year to greet and present all recipients with their
respective Host Award.
Also, a new scholarship will presented this year in memory of the late Howard Bacharach, who passed away last August at 74. Bacharach was a
15-year Atlantic City Host Committee member, former executive director of the Atlantic City Hotel & Lodging Association and volunteer with
many worthwhile organizations throughout the region. (By David Zuba)
4
Atlantic City Dominates GolfStyles NJ Magazine Best Golf Courses Rankings
GolfStyles New Jersey Magazine has released its Readers Choice Rankings of the “Best
Golf Courses” in New Jersey. For the growing legion of devotees to golf around Atlantic
City, the news hardly comes as a surprise.
Led by perennial favorites Atlantic City Country Club, Shore Gate, Stockton Seaview
Bay Course, Ballamor, Blue Heron Pines, Harbor Pines and Twisted Dune, many of the
17 layouts in the Greater Atlantic City area dominated the GolfStyles New Jersey’s
“Public Golf” category.
At Nos. 1 and 2, Atlantic City Country Club and Shore Gate topped the rankings of the
10 “Top Clubs” in New Jersey, while Ballamor was close behind at No. 4 on the list
along with Scotland Run (6) and Running Deer (8). The ranking’s honorable mention
included Stockton Seaview Bay and Pines courses, Vineyard Golf at Renault,
McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links, The Links at Brigantine Beach and Cape May
National.
Atlantic City CC finished second among the state’s “Favorite Courses” ranking, with Running Deer, Ballamor and Shore Gate rounding out the Top
6 and followed closely by Scotland Run (9) and Harbor Pines (10), while the honorable mention category included Twisted Dune, Blue Heron
Pines, McCullough’s Emerald Links, Cape May National, The Links at Brigantine Beach and Stockton Seaview Resort Bay Course.
The popular category “Best Course At The Shore” was dominated by Atlantic City area courses. The Top 5 was, in order, Atlantic City Country Club,
Shore Gate, Stockton Seaview Bay Course, Ballamor and Blue Heron Pines, while Harbor Pines came in sixth on the list and Twisted Dune seventh,
followed by Sea Oaks (9) and McCullough’s Emerald Links (10). Honorable mention included Sand Barrens, The Links at Brigantine Beach, Cape
May National and Stockton Seaview Pines Course.
When it comes to the state’s “Best Bargain” in the public golf category, Running Deer Golf Club was the top choice while Cape May National
checked in at No. 4. Honorable mention went to Blue Heron Pines, McCullough’s Emerald Links, The Links at Brigantine Beach, Harbor Pines,
Ballamor and Scotland Run.
The state’s “Top Golf Resorts” included Sea Oaks, Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club, and Renault Winery and Vineyard Golf.
The always-important “Best Conditions” category was dominated by
Atlantic City. Atlantic City Country Club topped the category ranking
while Ballamor was ranked No. 3 in the state followed by Running
Deer, Shore Gate and Harbor Pines rounding out the Top 6, just ahead
of Blue Heron Pines (9), Stockton Seaview Resort (10) and the honorable mentions including Scotland Run, Sea Oaks and Twisted Dune.
Not surprisingly, many of the state’s “Best Golf Instructors” are
spreading their wisdom around Atlantic City, led by Jeff Bonicky of Sea
Oaks at No. 4 in the state, followed by Running Deer’s John Tyrell at
No. 9 and Bruce Chelucci of Blue Heron Pines at No. 10. Bonicky also
finished second in the “Top Golf Professional” category, followed by
Heron Glen’s Tim Ward at No. 3, along with Shore Gate’s Harry Bittner,
(8) and Atlantic City’s Fran Mulholland, (10) rounding out the Top 10.
Honorable mention in that category included Twisted Dune’s Scott
Dunn, Ballamor’s Mike Tucci, Bob Ewing of Harbor Pines Golf Club and Running Deer’s Klay Knerr.
Atlantic City CC topped the “Most Scenic” category, followed by Scotland Run Golf Club (4), Shore Gate (8) and Blue Heron Pines (9). Honorable
mention went to Ballamor, Harbor Pines, Twisted Dune, Vineyard Golf at Renault and Stockton Seaview Bay Course. Among the “Best Family
Clubs” were Running Deer (3), Harbor Pines (9) and Scotland Run (10), while Blue Heron Pines made the honorable mention list.
In the category of “Favorite Golf Course Management” Ron Jaworski Golf and its four courses topped the rankings, with the Ottinger Family Golf
(3 courses) at No. 3 and Cape May National at No. 5, while Harbor Pines (6) and Troon Golf - Seaview Resort (8) made the Top 10. Honorable
mention included Sea Oaks and Mays Landing.
Finally, Atlantic City CC also topped the all-important “Best Food” category for New Jersey golfers followed closely by Scotland Run at No. 3,
Stockton Seaview Resort at No. 4 and Running Deer at No. 5, while Blue Heron Pines (8) also made the Top 10. Honorable mention went to Library
III at McCullough’s Emerald Golf Links, Harbor Pines and Renault Winery and Vineyard Golf.
Learn more about all 17 Atlantic City courses and book your golf getaway at www.PlayACGolf.com.
5
AC: The Summer 2015 Entertainment Capital of the Jersey Shore
Summer 2015 is almost here and Atlantic City is ready to entertain with more
than 1,000 DJ sets, 84 headliner concerts (and counting), three beach dance
events, live music at the beach bars and on the Boardwalk, food and wine
festivals, sporting events, showroom revues and parades.
Atlantic City has more headliners, a larger variety of entertainment options, the
most hotels rooms, gaming and 24/7 fun – distinguishing AC from most shore
destinations from New York to Maryland. And with price points to meet any
budget, visitors can choose between an up-and-coming comedian for around
$20 or treat themselves to legendary acts like Jerry Seinfeld or Wanda Sykes.
With visits by Madonna at Boardwalk Hall, Bob Dylan at Borgata Hotel Casino &
Spa, Boyz II Men at Tropicana Casino & Resort, and cover bands on the beach at
Landshark Bar & Grill at Resorts Casino Hotel – DO AC declares Atlantic City the
Entertainment Capital of the Jersey Shore for summer 2015.
The Atlantic City Alliance will launch the DO AC Entertainment Capital of the Jersey Shore micro-campaign on April 1.
*Database email marketing to a list of 660,000+ friends of AC
*Social Media promotion to 500,000+ followers
*Media relations and PR campaign
*Billboards in and around AC
*Dedicated web page at www.doatlanticcity.com/entertainment
*Casino hotel packages with tickets to shows and a hotel room
*Leveraging partner relationships with Live Nation, Global Spectrum and others
“Atlantic City is ready to welcome visitors to our free beaches, World-famous Boardwalk, gaming and nightlife establishments,” said Atlantic City
Alliance Executive Director Jeff Guaracino. “Summer is our peak season and we anticipate strong demand especially on weekends for concert
tickets, dinner reservations, hotel rooms and more. We recommend booking summer vacations now. Consider a mid-week getaway, or try a
boutique, non-casino hotel.”
Entertainment leader Live Nation is making a larger investment in AC to book more live entertainment in the shore resort’s venues this summer
and in 2015 than ever before.
“Atlantic City is the place to be on the Jersey Shore for entertainment this summer,” said Live Nation Philadelphia Regional President Geoff
Gordon. “We’re excited to be part of the new Borgata Festival Park and have a partnership with the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority
to bring a dozen shows to Boardwalk Hall in 2015.”
AC doesn’t mind namedropping. Here is a sample of some big names “Do-ing AC”:
Bob Dylan at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (April 10)
D.L. Hughley at Tropicana Casino & Resort (April 11)
Chippendales Get Lucky Tour at Resorts Casino Hotel (April 25)
112 & Dru Hill at Harrah’s Resort (May 2)
Florida Georgia Line at Boardwalk Hall (May 8)
Crosby, Stills & Nash at Caesars Atlantic City (May 9)
AC Boardwalk Con at Boardwalk Hall & AC Convention Center (May 14-17)
Wayne Brady at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (May 22)
Boston at Trump Taj Mahal (June 6)
Wanda Sykes at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (June 12-13)
Neil Sedaka at Golden Nugget Atlantic City (June 12)
Romeo Santos at Boardwalk Hall (June 26)
Beach Glow EDM concert on the beach (June 27)
Idina Menzel at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (July 10)
George Lopez at Borgata otHoHotel Casino & Spa (July 11)
SandBlast Weekend (July 17-20)
Boyz II Men at Tropicana Casino & Resort (July 18)
Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (July 24)
(continued on page 7)
6
AC: The Summer 2015 Entertainment Capital of the Jersey Shore
(continued from page 6)
Jerry Seinfeld at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (August 7-8)
Lisa Lampanelli at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa (August 28)
Atlantic City Salutes the Armed Forces Parade (August 31)
Atlantic City Airshow (September 2)
Miss America Competition and Show Us Your Shoes Parade (September TBA)
Madonna at Boardwalk Hall (October 3)
Ricky Martin at Boardwalk Hall (October 17)
More than Entertainment:
Many of Atlantic City’s resorts are completing renovations or additions including Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, The Claridge Hotel, Tropicana Casino
& Resort and others. And entertainment isn’t limited to live acts with an exciting dining scene that is even better in 2015.
Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill in Caesars Atlantic City opened in February. La Tasha McCutchen winter of “Hell’s Kitchen” is the head chef of the
new restaurant. Café 2825 Italian-American restaurant was named to the Top 100 Best Restaurants in America by Open Table based on customer
reviews and is just one example of the great neighborhood dining scene in Atlantic City. Numerous food, wine and liquor festivals all year long
including Atlantic City Beer & Music Festival, Atlantic City Seafood Festival, Bacon Week and Whiskey Week at Tropicana, Savor Borgata, Atlantic
City Food and Wine Festival by Caesars Entertainment and many more. (By the Atlantic City Alliance)
Good News for Atlantic City: People Are Hearing Good News
What are the media reporting about Atlantic City? What are people recalling about
the news from Atlantic City? And does the news impact their summer travel plans?
The Atlantic City Alliance, the organization behind the “Do AC” campaign wanted to
know, and for AC, it’s good news?
According to a quick pulse, short consumer poll conducted by Russell Research last
month and ongoing media analysis by Paine Publishing together they found:
*Since October there have been more desirable than undesirable stories in the
media about Atlantic City — desirable stories outnumber undesirable 2.5 to
1.
*People overwhelmingly remember the good news — four out of the top five
pieces of news people recall about AC were positive.
*Those already planning their summer travel will spend $1,700 — and what they
hear in the news affects three out of five decisions on whether to travel to
AC or not.
The following were the top news items people heard about AC:
*There is a famous boardwalk
*Hotels and casinos have closed or are closing
*There is great night life
*There are great restaurants
*Many hotels are running special deals
“Word of mouth is an important driver of people’s decisions on where to travel, the more positive your ‘buzz’ is the more likely someone will want
to visit for a trip just for fun,” said ACA Executive Director Jeff Guaracino. “As part of the ‘Do AC’ marketing campaign, we work with the media
every day and we work to understand what is being said about our destination especially when it’s about more than just gaming.”
“Looking at all of the media coverage of Atlantic City for more than two years now, we’ve found the media are clearly finding hundreds of stories
to tell about AC on a wide variety of topics,” explained Katie Delahaye Paine CEO of Paine Publishing. “When you dig into it, while the gaming
industry’s news dominated in 2014 it is being balanced out by other positive news.”
“Quick surveys like this one are a useful tool to ascertain data through an independent survey to find out what people are thinking,” said Ruth
Hernandez Senior Account Executive for Russell Research. “In Atlantic City’s case the data indicates they are hearing more positive than
negative.” (By the Atlantic City Alliance)
7
CRDA Project Updates in Photos
Bass Pro Shops
Harrah’s Conference Center
BET Boardwalk Retail Project
8
CRDA Project Updates in Photos
Atlantic Avenue Façade Improvements
(Left & Below) Carolina Crescent
Housing Development
9
Convention Center Events
32BJ SEIU Leadership Conf
April 9-12
Herbalife FSL 2015
April 17-19
North Atlantic Regional Conf
April 29-30
Atlantic City Events
April Fools Half Marathon/7K/11K
Bass Pro Shops Grand Opening
April 12
April 15-16
Atlantic City Arbor Day Observance
April 26
Noyes Arts Garage of Stockton Events
Learn to Crochet, 11:30am-1:30pm
Second Friday, 6-8pm
April 9
April 10
Spring Into Painting Demonstration, 3-5:30pm
April 16
Wine & Design: Watercolor Painting, 2-5pm
April 19
Employee Profile: Get to Know—Rob Campbell
Bringing a whole new meaning to the term
“purchasing power”, Rob Campbell has been the
CRDA’s Purchasing Manager since April 2011. His
responsibilities include, but are not limited to,
advertising for bids and RFP’s, specification
development, issuance of purchase orders and the
monitoring of the procurement activities of the
CRDA, thus ensuring that procurement laws, policies
and procedures that govern state procurement are
followed.
As a man who knows his business, Rob holds
degrees from Farleigh Dickerson University (MBA,
Management and Organizational Design) and The
Richard Stockton College of New Jersey (BA,
Management with a Minor in African American
Studies). Rob is also certified as a Registered Public
Purchasing Official, Certified Professional Public
Buyer, Qualified Purchasing Agent and a Right to Know Instructor.
Spring Into Painting: Drawing with Color, 35:30pm
April 23
Accolades bestowed upon Rob include the Delta Mu Delta National Honor Society, Phi Theta
Kappa National Honor Society and the South Jersey Chapter of National Institute of Government
Purchasing Manager of the Year. He is a member of the Governmental Purchasing Association
of New Jersey for which he was once the President, the National Institute of Government
Purchasing and its South Jersey Chapter.
Spring Into Painting: Open Studio I, 3-5:30pm
April 30
During his spare time and with precise aim, Rob enjoys target shooting (firearms and bow) and
fishing.
Learn to Knit with Via: Increase/Decrease,
11:30am-1:30pm
April 23
Meetings & Events
CRDA Land Use Regulation Meeting
April 2
Meet AC Board Meeting
April 13
CRDA Land Use Regulation Meeting
April 16
CRDA Board Meeting
April 21
Born in Bronx, NY, Rob grew up in Pleasantville, NJ and now resides in Mays Landing with his
beautiful wife Melanie and son Jonathan. Rob also has a daughter, Camille, who resides in
Chicago, IL and another son, Robert, who resides in Kennesaw, GA. Rounding out the household
are Zoe, a miniature pinscher and Onyx, the chinchilla. (By Media Relations Staff)
April CRDA Birthdays
Joan Elsworth
April 1
Bunny Rixey
April 5
Barbara Rhodes
April 11
Carol Spatz
April 16
Sami Muhammad
April 21
Glenn Monroe
April 22
Hassan Hameen
April 26
Jill Barlow
April 26
Kelly Dillon
April 29
FYI Philly visited Atlantic City in February to produce a series of interviews for an Atlantic City
Restaurant Week special on 6 ABC. Guy Fieri’s Chophouse, Kelsey’s, Los Amigos, Martorano’s and
Gordon Ramsay’s were featured.
Published monthly by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and Written by David Zuba, Publicist, Media Relations/Communications
Do you have an idea for a story, question or comment? If so, please contact David Zuba at [email protected] or 609-343-5980
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