[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 14 (Tuesday, February 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO EMPRESS CASINO JOLIET

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JERRY WELLER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 24, 1998

  Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Empress Casino 
Joliet, a tremendous corporate citizen in Joliet, Illinois as it has 
been named the 1998 Salute to Industry Award recipient by the Joliet 
Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
  From its opening day in June of 1992, the Empress Casino has made a 
dramatic impact on the economic landscapes of Joliet, Will County and 
the State of Illinois. In a region where many hard working people have 
struggled to find consistent and reliable employment, the Empress 
Casino has risen to become Will County's sixth largest employer, 
keeping 1600 local employees on its $45 million annual payroll. During 
its first 14 days of operation, the Empress Casino welcomed over 50,000 
people and has currently hosted over 21 million guests, an incredible 
achievement for less than six years of operations.
  Understanding how local support is a major factor to the Empress 
Casino's success, the owners have made a substantial commitment to 
support the community through charitable contributions. In just one 
year, the Empress Casino has donated nearly $300,000 to organizations 
able to assist people in need. Further emphasizing its commitment to 
boosting the local economy, the Empress reinvests well over $9 million 
each year purchasing supplies, products, and services from local 
businesses. The City of Joliet and the State of Illinois have received 
substantial benefits from the Empress Casino's success, including $77 
million and $191 million of tax revenue, respectively.
  Mr. Speaker, I am happy to join the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce 
as we recognize the Empress Casino Joliet as an outstanding corporate 
citizen in Joliet and Will County, Illinois. I applaud the owners and 
employees of the Empress Casino for their dedication made to our 
community and wish them the best in the future.

                          ____________________