AKWESASNE – The Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort (AMCR) recently honored employees during its annual Associate of the Year Reception in their Winter Ballroom.

"Tonight we are here to celebrate 15 individuals who stood above the rest with their hard work, dedication, and commitment to the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort," Craig Fuller, Director of Human Resources, said in his opening remarks.

Department directors, managers, and nominees gathered for the dinner prepared by Executive Chief Garrett McKeeman and his staff.

Typically, a committee will review the nominations and select the winner based on a vote. This year, the format for choosing the associate and manager of the year changed. "When the committee sat down and reviewed all the associates in this room tonight, we could not come up with a clear winner. We will have a drawing, because all the individuals in this room tonight are worthy of holding the title - this is the fair way to do it," Patrick Bassney, general manager, explained of the committee's hard decision.

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Chief Ron Lafrance drew the name for Associate of the Year and the winner was Jeffrey Lashomb of Table Games. Chief Beverly Cook drew the name for Manager of the Quarter and the winner was Kanvvy Palmer of food and beverage.

Each winner received a $1,000 Keybank gift card and a plaque of recognition. All of the nominees received a $150 AMCR gift certificate and a plaque, as well.

Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council was represented by Chief Ron Lafrance, Chief Beverly Cook, Sub-Chief Michael Conners, and Sub-Chief Shelley Jacobs.

"What we have in this room is a team. It's not just one person or a group of directors who make this Casino what it is - it is team effort. As I look at the nominees here tonight, I want to tell you that each one of you is a winner because of your guest service. You guys are the leaders of the team." Craig Fuller added during his speech, drawing emphasis on teamwork.

2013 Associate of the Year Nominees

Each one of the following associates was honored as an Associate of the Month during 2013: Alan Cree who works in security. Helen Cole who works at the Rapids Food Court. William Deleel who works in facilities. Kim Olsen who works in the slot department. DJ Bigelow who works in information technology. Millard Fiemann who works in facilities. Bryanna Herne who works in hotel. Jeffrey Lashomb who works in table games. Patrick Gray who works in security. Diane Connors who works in hotel. Dorothy Gall who works in facilities.

2013 Manager/Supervisor of the Year Nominees

Each one of the following associates was honored as a Manager/Supervisor of the Quarter during 2013:

1st Quarter - Kannvy Palmer who works in food and beverage.

2nd Quarter - Deborah Hines who works in hotel.

3rd Quarter - Trisha Francis who works in cage.

4th Quarter - Jennifer Kader who works in guest services.