[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 5553-5554]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                               RICK MAZER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 14, 2010

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I take 
this time to honor one of Northwest Indiana's most respected business 
and community leaders, Mr. Rick Mazer, from Saint John, Indiana. On 
April 8, 2010, Rick was honored by Horseshoe Casino and the Northwest 
Indiana Forum in appreciation for his many years of service as a 
dedicated executive and for his numerous contributions to the community 
of Northwest Indiana. The celebration took place at Gamba Ristorante in 
Merrillville, Indiana.
  Rick Mazer's professional and academic career led him to become a 
prominent leader in the gaming industry for nearly thirty years. In 
1976, Rick earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from 
Boston University. His lifelong career in the gaming industry began in 
1979, in Atlantic City, where he held various positions at Caesar's 
Entertainment and Resorts International. In 1991, Rick's career led him 
to Peoria, Illinois where he played an instrumental role in the grand 
opening of Par-A-Dice Riverboat Casino, where he served as Vice 
President of Marketing. In late 1995, Mr. Mazer became the Director of 
Marketing and Advertising at the Empress Casino in Joliet, Illinois. He 
joined the team at Horseshoe Casino nearly fifteen years ago and 
successfully maintained a leadership role through three ownerships. In 
2007, due to his outstanding management skills and superior business 
strategies, Rick was subsequently promoted to oversee the two Harrah's 
Entertainment casinos that book-end the state, picking up 
responsibilities for what was known as Caesars Indiana, now Horseshoe 
Southern Indiana. Mr. Mazer led the transformation from one great brand 
to another. The ``mother of all boats'', or MOAB, is the moniker fondly 
used internally to reference the $500 million casino that Rick 
spearheaded. The design, construction, and opening of one of the most 
stunning casinos in America could have only happened under his 
guidance. For his efforts, Mr. Mazer has been presented with the 
Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year award. After 
years of service in the Indiana market, Rick was given an opportunity 
to oversee multiple casinos in America's gaming capital, Las Vegas. 
Staying within the Harrah's Entertainment family has made the 
transition very smooth.
  Rick Mazer exemplifies what it means to be a true leader. His 
outstanding leadership skills are reflected by staff members, who have 
been quoted as saying, ``Rick actively engages members of his team, 
constantly challenging them to expand their expertise while fostering 
their talent and growth. Rick understands that with a truly engaged 
team, anything is possible.''
  In addition to his impressive professional career, Rick passionately 
serves the people of Northwest Indiana through his involvement in many 
community organizations. Among his many contributions, Rick is actively 
involved with the Northwest Indiana Forum, Tradewinds

[[Page 5554]]

Rehabilitative Services, Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, Casino 
Association of Indiana, Lake Area United Way, Crisis Center, Haven 
House, American Cancer Society, Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Lake 
County Convention and Visitor's Bureau Hospitality Committee, and the 
Indiana Black Expo. For his many charitable efforts, Rick was awarded 
the prestigious Raoul Wallenberg Humanitarian Award. For his 
continuous, selfless devotion to the community of Northwest Indiana, 
Mr. Mazer is to be highly commended.
  Rick's dedication to his community is exceeded only by his devotion 
to his amazing family. This coming May, he and his wonderful wife, 
Aria, will celebrate 30 years of marriage. They have two beloved 
daughters, Ericka and Racquel.
  Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other 
distinguished colleagues join me in commending Mr. Rick Mazer as he is 
honored for his lifetime of service and dedication to the Northwest 
Indiana community. Rick continues to touch the lives of countless 
people, and for his unselfish, lifelong commitment, he is worthy of the 
highest praise.

                          ____________________