Shelbyville News staff report
Indiana Live! Casino remains a bright spot during the current economic downturn and record unemployment in the state, company officials say.
The casino plans to hire more than 350 new employees as the gaming and entertainment venue prepares to open its permanent facility in early 2009.
Indiana Live! is gearing up for a series of job fairs in January and February to fill the positions.
"What we have to offer is really a large variety of opportunities for everyone from career professionals and skilled workers to high-energy general employment seekers," said Indiana Live! Casino general manager Mark Hemmerle.
Since opening in its temporary 70,000-square-foot facility in June, Indiana Live! Casino has employed more than 420 full- and part-time workers. Once the permanent facility opens, the $195 million casino will employ more than 750 people, Hemmerle said. It will feature additional casino floor space and dining options that will include Maker's Mark Steakhouse, NASCAR Sports Grille, Live Market and two bars.
"When you look at the state of the national and local economy now and the forecast of what is to come, I think this opportunity is a significant one for anyone looking ahead with the desire to secure employment during these unstable times," Hemmerle said. "We are excited to hire for these positions as we ramp up plans to open a new Indiana Live! Casino and excited about our ability to contribute positively to the state's overall economy."
Altogether, the annual payroll at Indiana Live! Casino, including salaries, wages and benefits, will be more than $19 million a year once the permanent casino opens, Hemmerle said.
Positions that the casino will offer include jobs in operations, marketing, food service, human resources, security, transportation, cashiers and engineering among other fields for applicants who are age 21 and older.
Those interested in pursuing employment at Indiana Live! can visit the casino's Web site at www.indianalivecasino.com. Times, dates and locations of the planned job fairs in January and February will be announced once plans have been finalized, officials said.
Since opening in June, the casino has paid nearly $20.2 million in wagering taxes to the state of Indiana, Hemmerle said. The casino is projected to generate more than $74 million in taxes during its first year of operation on gaming revenues and purse contributions, excluding income, wage, sales, property and business taxes.
An estimated $45 million will go directly to the state's Property Tax Reduction Trust Fund to benefit all Hoosier residents, and an estimated $5 million will be administered to Shelby County cities and towns, he said.