Amador County – The Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel on Thursday announced plans for layoffs of about 150 employees as the tribe “charts a course toward a stronger future.”

The Jackson Rancheria plans the layoffs, coupled with a $100 million renovation under way, to strengthen what will remain Amador County’s top employer, while enhancing visitor experience.

Doug Elmets of Elmets Communications said the Rancheria is “determined to provide guests with the region’s most exciting casino and hotel experience,” and “leaders of the Jackson Rancheria are combining an ambitious remodel with a set of smart business efficiencies designed to keep the popular gaming destination going strong.”

Jackson Rancheria CEO Rich Hoffman said: “Our goal is to create a contemporary gaming environment based on a smart, forward-thinking business model.” Hoffman said: “It’s unfortunate that this new direction requires some downsizing of staff, but we believe the long-term economic interests of the tribe are best-served by this approach.”

He said “to thrive, we need to keep evolving – both to serve our guests and to ensure the future prosperity of the Rancheria’s people.”

Elmets said the “new direction, recommended by a team of seasoned casino consultants, includes a hotel makeover, all new restaurants, the addition of scores of slot machines and gaming tables, and a freshly updated casino experience for visitors.” It will also include some staff reductions, as the Rancheria “strives to keep business costs down in order to stay fiscally healthy and better reward guests.”

Casino management expects that “150 positions will be affected in all categories of employment, and that displaced employees will receive a severance package and job placement assistance.” Even after the layoffs, Jackson Rancheria will remain Amador County’s largest employer, with about 1,250 workers.

Elmets said with “one phase of hotel rooms currently on line, the $100 million remodel will put the Rancheria at the vanguard of today’s gaming venues, with updated machines and table games plus other additions responsive to changing customer preferences.”

The layoff affects about 10 percent of its workforce. The Jackson Rancheria laid off 113 employees in December 2009, due to a 10 percent decrease in casino revenue compared to the previous year. Coupled with attrition losses of 100 jobs, the Casino had reduced its number of employees to 1,667 total in January 2010. After forthcoming layoffs gives the Casino approximately 1,250 employees, the Rancheria will have shortened its staff by 417 employees over 18 months since January 2010.

No timeline was cited in the plans for the upcoming layoffs.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.