Nov. 2, 2009 (Business Wire) -- Penn National Gaming, Inc. (PENN: Nasdaq) announced today that it has reached a community relations agreement with Russell Simmons’ Rush Communications of NYC and a labor framework agreement with the New York Hotel & Motel Trades Council, AFL-CIO in relation to a video lottery terminal gaming facility at New York’s Aqueduct Race Track. The agreements reflect Penn National’s commitment to Aqueduct’s local Queens community, New York City and New York State, horsemen and employees, and extend Penn National’s record of community, charitable and civic support and diversity initiatives in each of the markets in which it operates.
The agreement with Russell Simmons’ Rush Communications of NYC brings together Penn National’s unparalleled financial stability and liquidity, role as one of the nation’s largest investors in the re-development of pari-mutuel facilities and operator of successful horse racing facilities, with Rush’s local resources, community advocacy and focus on corporate social responsibility.
In its capacity as community relations advisor on this project, Rush will be involved in public affairs and in advising Penn National on its planned local community relations and outreach, charitable donations, diversity and humane initiatives. Rush will assist Penn National Gaming in meeting its commitment to Community Board 10 and local officials to be a strong local partner. Rush will donate a portion of its compensation for providing services to Penn National to charities.
Russell Simmons commented, “As a Queens native, I am sensitive to the developmental needs, educational opportunities and other conditions that can benefit from Penn National’s plan for the Aqueduct facility. I am also acutely aware of the animal rights issues that could be advocated for within this role. Penn National is an exemplary corporate citizen and the re-development of Aqueduct represents an important vehicle for creating sustainable economic growth and contributions to the borough and New York as well as empowerment, community relations, and humane initiatives that are close to my heart.”
Penn National’s agreement with the New York Hotel & Motel Trades Council, AFL-CIO establishes a framework to ensure that organized labor will participate in the ongoing operations of Aqueduct if Penn National is selected to develop and operate the video lottery terminal facility.
Peter M. Carlino, Chief Executive Officer of Penn National commented, “We are delighted to have access to the counsel, resources and involvement of Russell Simmons and Rush Communications in our plan to develop the Aqueduct facility in Queens. In conversations with Community Board 10 and other local leaders, we understand the importance of working with the Queens community to hear and respond to their priorities and concerns as we move forward with the revitalization of Aqueduct and the surrounding area.
