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About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (April 15, 2016)
S moke S ignals APRIL 15, 2016 11 Casino names employee, supervisor of the year By Angela Sears Advertising supervisor Table Games Trainer Lance Nuttman of McMinnville and Ta- ble Games Floor Supervisor Larry Menning of Grand Ronde were selected as the 2015 Employee and Supervisor of the Year during the annual banquet held in late February. Nuttman began his career with Spirit Mountain Casino in June 1996 as a blackjack dealer. As the department grew, he grew with it, learning and dealing all the games the casino had to offer. In 2008, he was promoted to table games trainer. “It is the variety of tasks I get to do and the departments I get to work with,” Nuttman said about what he likes about the job. “I enjoy being the go-to guy for anything that needs to be done. I also very much enjoy the ‘a-ha!’ moment of teaching, when I can see the light- bulb of understanding flicker on.” As a trainer for the department, Nuttman’s daily activities allow him to wear “many hats.” He trains new dealers, coaches and retrains current staff, writes and modifies policies and procedures, develops and tests new games, creates class curriculums, assists with interviews and hiring processes, assists man- agement when needed, and also deals and supervises on the gaming floor whenever he is needed. Nuttman was nominated as Em- ployee of the Year for his ability to deliver great customer service when interacting with staff and for his willingness to share informa- tion and lead by example. “Lance is a key member of table games,” said Table Games Man- ager Ed Badran. “We can always count on him to be here until the job is complete. He often changes count on Larry. He offers to help his co-workers in any way he can, he has a great rapport with internal and external guests, and he is always willing to change hours or days off to fit com- pany needs. Larry sets the example for Supervisor of the Year.” Being selected came as a surprise for Menning. He said he was thrilled to be chosen for such an honor because he works among so many great employees and supervisors. Only those who were named employees of the month or supervisors of the quarter were eligible to be named Employee and Supervisor of the Year. A committee of managers and directors pared Submitted photo down the list of 24 employees Lance Nuttman and Larry Menning were named employee and supervisor of the year, and eight supervisors. The respectively, at Spirit Mountain Casino for 2015 during a February awards ceremony. casino’s executive team then selected the two winners who Prizes included a $1,000 check each. they felt best exemplified the qualities for the awards. promoted again in 2005 as a dual his schedule to meet the needs of “On behalf of the executive team, rate assistant shift supervisor. the department and always makes casino Board of Directors and Trib- As a floor supervisor, some of himself available to help dealers al Council, I would like to thank Menning’s responsibilities are to improve their skills.” Lance Nuttman and Larry Men- oversee the dealers and the games “It is an amazing honor and very ning for their outstanding work in his section of the pit, ensure the humbling to be selected as Em- and dedication to Spirit Mountain games are run properly and the ployee of the Year,” Nuttman said. Casino,” said General Manager dealers are following all policies “Each of the nominees was deserv- Stan Dillon. “They are both fan- and procedures. He also addresses ing of this award, and I am proud to tastic employees whose teamwork, any issues on the game, as well as represent SMC and be recognized dedication and drive make them tracking the guest play and ensur- in my 20th year of employment.” an invaluable asset to the casino. ing the integrity of the game at all Menning began his career with Congratulations to you both and times, to name a few. Spirit Mountain Casino in 1997 thank you for a job well done.” Menning was nominated for his as a soft count attendant. He In addition to the awards, Nut- positive attitude and willingness to eventually transferred to the Slot tman and Menning each received help others. Department as a slot attendant a check for $1,000, a $2,000 travel “Larry’s leadership skills are and, in 1999, he attended dealer voucher toward a trip of their choice above most,” Badran said. “He is school to begin his career in table and designated parking for one respected by all who work above games. In 2003, Menning was pro- year. and below him. You can always moted to floor supervisor and was Family Tutoring Nights “Come help grow your child’s education” Wednesday evenings 5:15 to 7 p.m. April 20, 27, May 4, 11, 18 Youth Education K-12 Building Activities include: Healthy Family Dinner YED Computer Lab access Tutorial assistance Homework support Literacy skill building Lots of PRIZES Free transportation is available for Native American youth and their parents that live in the Willamina and Grand Ronde area Please contact Contact Andrea @ 503-879-2162 by 4 p.m. if your family would like transportation. For more Information Please contact Youth Education @ 503-879-2101
