Mike Campbell

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Oscar De La Hoya wants to see Pacquiao/Mayweather: Friday, Nov. 20, 2009; http://www.ringtv.com/blog/1329/oscar_de_la_hoya_blog_mayweatherpacquiao/
Las Vegas Business briefs: Friday, Oct. 10, 1997; * IGT, SHUFFLE MASTER INK PACT -- International Game Technology Inc. and Shuffle Master Inc. are on the upswing. Shares of both companies rose Thursday, partly due to the announcement they'd signed a second joint marketing agreement calling for IGT to market new Shuffle Master video gaming software products. IGT stock rose 63 cents, to $25.56, while Shuffle Master climbed 50 cents, to $9.38. IGT stock traded as low as $16 a share less than three months ago, but has jumped nearly 60 percent in value since mid-July. It now has a market capitalization of almost $3.2 billion, trailing only Hilton Hotels Corp., ITT Corp. and Mirage Resorts Inc. in stock value.
Las Vegas business news briefs: Thursday, July 10, 1997; * OVERTIME LEGISLATION -- A bill requiring overtime pay for millions of employees in California after eight hours of work a day is expected to get Gov. Pete Wilson's veto, but Democratic supporters say the measure will send a message to the administration. In April, the Wilson-appointed state Industrial Welfare Commission repealed a requirement that most workers receive higher pay for any time worked after the eighth hour in a day. California thus joined 46 other states in which overtime only begins after 40 hours of work in a single week. Business interests, which have long sought to dispose of the daily overtime rule, say the repeal allows workers and employers to enjoy more flexibility and increases California's competitiveness.
Las Vegas business briefs: Wednesday, July 9, 1997; * LAS VEGAS GRABS HONORS -- Las Vegas has been honored as the World's Leading Gambling Destination/Resort at the World Travel Awards. This is the fourth year Las Vegas has received the distinction. Las Vegas also was named Top North American Destination and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority was chosen for the fourth time as the World's Leading Tourist and Convention Board at the ceremony in New York City sponsored by the Travel Trade Gazette Worldwide and Tour and Travel News. Nominees and winners were selected by more than 500,000 travel agents and tour operators around the world.
Las Vegas business news briefs: Tuesday, July 8, 1997; * LUXOR SHOPS OPEN -- The Giza Galleria has opened at the Luxor, raising hopes among Circus Circus Enterprises Inc. executives for a reversal of a business slowdown. The eight shops offering artifacts dating back to 2400 B.C., as well as fashions, jewelry and other gifts, are set in an Egyptian-themed mall featuring fountains, statues and stone walkways. Construction disruptions from the massive renovations at the Luxor, including the now-completed addition of 2,000 rooms, have exacerbated the normal early summer slump that affects the Las Vegas tourist industry.
Las Vegas business news: Thursday, June 26, 1997; * CHAMBER EXCEEDS GOAL -- The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce has a lot to celebrate: more than $500,000 in recent contributions and a new office building to show for it. The chamber's new headquarters, located at 3720 Howard Hughes Parkway, was funded through the efforts of 250 volunteers who raised $650,000, exceeding their goal in the "On Our Way to 500K" campaign. The funds also will contribute to several other chamber projects, including stepped-up government affairs efforts, a new Business Resource Center and new programs for the membership, according to Diane Dickerson Merica, chairwoman of the chamber. To raise the funds, volunteers aggressively marketed virtually every chamber service, including memberships, advertising in chamber publications and sponsorships.
Las Vegas business news: Tuesday, June 24, 1997; * BRAILLE BILLING OFFERED -- Southwest Gas Corp. is offering two new services designed to assist its visually impaired and blind customers. To receive a gas company bill in Braille, a customer may call the local Las Vegas office at 365-1555 and request the special service. A copy of the standard bill will accompany the Braille bill. The Blind Center of Las Vegas produces and mails the bills after Southwest Gas electronically transfers specific billing information to the center. This month Southwest Gas also began printing certain billing information in large print on all customer bills. The amount due and due date are printed in larger type to assist the visually impaired.
Las Vegas business news: Monday, June 23, 1997; * ALLIANCE GAMING TABS CEO -- Alliance Gaming Corp. announced the appointment of Morris Goldstein as president and CEO. "I am very pleased to be joining Alliance Gaming and look forward to working with the management team to achieve the company's full potential for its shareholders, customers and employees," Goldstein said in a statement today. Prior to joining Alliance Gaming, Goldstein, 52, was CEO of Thomson Technology Initiative, a unit of Thomson Corp., which is a global publisher and provider of information services with aggregate revenue of over $8 billion. In that position, he was responsible for developing enterprise-wide technologies and business strategies to support the electronic information distribution requirements of that company's more than 400 publishing units.
Las Vegas business news briefs: Tuesday, June 17, 1997; * POLYPHASE BACK TO MARKET -- Stock trading is expected to resume today for a company whose subsidiary plans to build a 100,000-seat domed stadium. Spokesmen for Dallas-based Polyphase Corp. said they have filed annual and quarterly financial reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission, leading to the re-establishment of trading on the American Stock Exchange. Financial reports for 1996 fiscal year and quarterly reports for periods ending Dec. 31 and March 31 had not been filed with the SEC due to a legal dispute with one of the company's lenders. Two suits have been filed in Dallas District Court to resolve the dispute involving Polyphase's primary businesses, frozen foods, electronics and forestry equipment. The company's Ply Stadium Partners subsidiary is attempting to build a stadium west of downtown.
Las Vegas business news briefs: Friday, June 13, 1997; * TRANSITIONAL HOSPITALS SALE -- Las Vegas-based Transitional Hospitals Corp. said it withdrew from a $565 million agreement to be bought by Medical Corp. in favor of a higher bid from Vencor Inc. Transitional Hospitals in May agreed to be acquired by Pennsylvania-based Select Medical for $14.55 a share, which Vencor topped. Vencor has since boosted its bid to $16 a share, or $639 million. Transitional had the option of terminating the Select Medical agreement with the understanding that Select Medical would have five days to top the Vencor bid. Vencor, with sales of $3 billion, owns and operates a network of hospitals, nursing centers and contract services in 46 states. Transitional, formerly known as Community Psychiatric Centers, operates 16 acute-care hospitals.
Las Vegas business news briefs: Wednesday, June 11, 1997; * BANK STOCK APPLAUDED -- Two banks with a strong presence in Southern Nevada are among nine identified by Fortune magazine as having superior stock. Norwest Corp. and BankAmerica Corp. are listed as companies that "exemplify the themes that have driven the (financial services) sector higher over the past few years -- deregulation, consolidation and cost savings" and that have "management teams that are exploiting new growth opportunities." Norwest stock closed Tuesday at $55.25, up 25 cents, while BankAmerica was at $125.375, up $1.375.
Las Vegas business news briefs: Thursday, June 5, 1997; * NATIONAL GAMING STUDY -- MGM Grand Inc. Chairman Terry Lanni said he expects the nine-member National Gambling Impact Study Commission to take a close look at Internet and Indian gaming issues because of congressional concerns over the potential for scandal in those areas. "These are the most burning issues when I've talked with congressmen about the study," Lanni -- a commission member -- told investors at an Oppenheimer & Co. gaming-and-lodging conference Wednesday. Compulsive gambling and the industry's steps to control it will also undergo close scrutiny, he said. Lanni said selection of an impartial full-time executive director will be important in helping ensure a fair study. Equally important, he said, will be unbiased research conducted by the National Academy of Sciences and the U.S. Advisory Committee of Intergovernmental Agencies, a body comprised of federal and state officials, including Nevada Gov. Bob Miller.
Las Vegas business news briefs: Wednesday, June 4, 1997; * MORE DELTA GAINS -- Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines continued its push for market share in Las Vegas, increasing passenger totals in April by 18.6 percent over the same period a year earlier. Overall, passenger traffic on scheduled carriers was down about 1.1 percent at McCarran International Airport. Other airlines posting gains in April: TWA, up 17.3 percent; Alaska, up 12.5 percent; Northwest and United, each up 7.3 percent; Reno Air, up 7.2 percent; and Hawaiian, up 7 percent. The two market leaders in Las Vegas, Southwest Airlines and America West, were down 1.2 percent and 6.8 percent, respectively.
Las Vegas business briefs: Tuesday, June 3, 1997; * NO TRENDS -- Growth will be lukewarm in Southern Nevada for the last half of 1997, say UNLV economists studying Southern Nevada's Index of Leading Economic Indicators. An index of 10 Clark County growth-measuring categories was gleaned from March statistics. The May report showed five components showing no changes and five showing negative changes. Gross gaming revenues was the major component pulling the index into negative territory with the $488.6 million in revenues 5.42 percent less than the previous month and 4.3 percent less than the same month a year ago. Since January, the index has shifted directions twice. "Although a lack of a clear trend is annoying, it is better than a clearly negative trend," said the report, issued by the Center for Business and Economic Research at UNLV.
Las Vegas business news briefs: Thursday, May 22, 1997; * ZIONS ACQUIRING SUN STATE -- Sun State Bank is being acquired by the parent company of Nevada State Bank. Salt Lake City-based Zions Bancorporation and Sun State Capital Corp. today announced the $37 million merger plan, which is subject to approval by Sun State shareholders and banking regulators. The acquisition is expected to be completed by fall. Sun State, with $150 million in assets, operates four offices in Las Vegas and one in Reno. Nevada State Bank has $615 million in assets and has 32 offices throughout the state, including 16 in Southern Nevada, some of them in Smiths grocery stores.
Las Vegas business briefs: Thursday, May 15, 1997; * LAYOFF ASSISTANCE PROVIDED -- State vocational trainers are assisting employees of the Service Merchandise Distribution Center on Sunset Way in Henderson who are facing layoffs. Service Merchandise plans to close the Henderson facility June 10. Carol Jackson, director of the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, said the state's rapid response team has already begun providing training and job referral services and education on unemployment insurance guidelines to the center's 93 employees.
Las Vegas business news briefs: Tuesday, May 6, 1997; * FASHION OUTLET -- The company that developed the Forum Shops at Caesars and the Shops at Stratosphere is building the new outlet center that will open in Primm in the summer of 1998. Gordon Group Holdings Ltd., Santa Monica, Calif., and TrizecHahn Centers, San Diego, is developing the Fashion Outlet of Las Vegas near Primm's three resort properties, Whiskey Pete's, Buffalo Bill's and Primadonna. The first phase of the center will cover 400,000 square feet and include outlet centers for St. John's Knits, Calvin Klein, Nine West, Baby Guess and Quiksilver and restaurants Morton's of Chicago and Bertolini's Authentic Trattoria. Construction is due to begin later this month on the $75 million center, which is half leased.
Las Vegas business news: Thursday, April 10, 1997; * ARISTOCRAT TABS PRESIDENT -- Aristocrat Inc., a unit of Australian-based gaming manufacturer Aristocrat Leisure Ltd., has named former International Game Technology executive Dean McClain president and chief executive officer of U.S. and Canadian operations. McClain, who has more than 10 years of gaming-equipment sales experience, will be based at Aristocrat's domestic headquarters in Reno. Aristocrat Leisure is the largest international gaming machine manufacturer outside North America, with gaming licenses in 55 jurisdictions in 23 countries.
Las Vegas business briefs: Tuesday, April 8, 1997; * RIO ATTRACTION OPENS -- The Rio hotel-casino's "Masquerade Show in the Sky" float opens to the public on Thursday. The $25 million parade attraction's availability to the public has been delayed since Feb. 7 because of technical difficulties. The float will allow guests to wear costumes and ride alongside the Rio performers. The show includes 36 specialty dancers, musicians, aerialists and costumed stilt walkers. The ride will open to invited guests today.
Las Vegas business news: Tuesday, April 1, 1997; * ITT BUILDS WAR CHEST -- ITT Corp., amassing cash to combat Hilton Hotels Corp.'s hostile takeover bid, said it will sell its remaining stake in Alcatel Alsthom SA for about $530 million, boosting the total raised from divesting the French telecommunications company shares to $830 million. The buyer was identified only as a large U.S. institutional investor. ITT has also agreed to sell its 50 percent interest in Madison Square Garden for about $650 million, meaning it will have about $1.48 billion in additional cash to make acquisitions, buy back shares or issue a special dividend to get shareholder support for its opposition to Hilton's $10.5 billion takeover attempt.
Las Vegas business briefs: Friday, March 28, 1997; * CHAMBER LEADER EXITING -- Mark Smith, the 11-year president and general manager of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, will leave that post at the end of the year, chamber officials announced today in a statement. Diane Dickerson Merica, chairman of the chamber's board of trustees, said a national search already has begun for candidates to succeed Smith, who spent 20 years as a television broadcaster and general manager of KLAS-TV Channel 8 prior to taking the top job at the chamber. Merica was unavailable to comment today on reports that Pat Shalmy, who will end his tenure as Clark County manager next Friday, is being considered for the job. Smith indicated he would spend more time with his family and with other business ventures upon leaving the chamber.
Las Vegas business briefs: Friday, March 21, 1997; * SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP -- A workshop focusing on small business concerns and issues that may not be felt by larger companies will be held next week. On Thursday, March 27, a panel of city, county and state representatives will address these small business issues in a workshop. The workshop will be held at the Clark County Government Center in Room 1119 and starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m. For additional information, contact Terry Johnson, small business advocate for the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, at 486-4335.
Las Vegas business news briefs: Thursday, March 20, 1997; Local
Las Vegas business news briefs: Tuesday, March 18, 1997; * STRATOSPHERE CASH FLOW -- Stratosphere Corp. said consolidated cash flow rose to $983,421 in the four weeks ended Feb. 23 from the $553,622 reported for the four weeks ended Jan. 26. But it said average cash flow for the five months ended Feb. 23 slipped to $1.62 million from the $1.77 million average of the four months ended Jan. 26. Under the prepackaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization plan filed by Stratosphere and its majority owner, Grand Casinos Inc., Stratosphere needs to average $2.267 million in monthly cash flow for Grand to proceed with the restructuring. If it does, Grand would invest up to $75 million to build another 1,000 rooms at the site. The minimum cash-flow requirement would enable Stratosphere to make interest payments on $203 million of first-mortgage notes. The plan calls for the interest on those notes to be cut to 11.25 percent from 14.25 percent.
Las Vegas business news briefs: Friday, March 14, 1997; * LV 40TH IN TELECOMMUTING -- When it comes to working from home, Las Vegas ranks 40th out of the 300 largest metropolitan areas, according to a survey by Money magazine in its April issue. "Working at home is a great way to spend more time with your family, avoid an ugly commute or simply get more work done in less time," the magazine reported. In determining the ranking, Money magazine combined the latest economic and quality of life data with research from PC World magazine on the factors that make life easier and more lucrative for telecommuters. Money magazine's No. 1 place for telecommuting: San Francisco.
Las Vegas business new briefs: Wednesday, Feb. 19, 1997; * ITT ADDS TO WARCHEST -- In less than a week, ITT Corp. has added about $470 million to the warchest it will use to try to stave off a hostile takeover by Hilton Hotels Corp. Cablevision Inc., the New York-based cable-television operator, paid ITT about $169 million Tuesday to raise its stake in the jointly owned Madison Square Garden to 50 percent from 26.6 percent. Cablevision had until March 17 to complete the payment for half the total purchase price, and retains the right of first refusal should ITT opt to sell its 50 percent stake in the Garden. Last week, ITT sold about half its 5 percent interest in a French telecommunications company for about $300 million. ITT's opposition to Hilton's $55-a-share offer has prompted speculation the target company might attempt to acquire another gaming and lodging company in a bid to thwart the Hilton takeover.
Las Vegas business news: Wednesday, Feb. 12, 1997; * MIRAGE EARNINGS RISE -- Mirage Resorts Inc. said fourth-quarter earnings rose 25 percent on higher room rates at its casinos and strong results from its Mirage and Treasure Island casinos. Mirage, which is based in Las Vegas, said profit from operations rose to $55.6 million, or 29 cents a share, from net income of $44.5 million, or 23 cents a year earlier. Revenue fell less than 1 percent to $373.7 million. In the most recent quarter, a charge of $3.51 million, or 2 cents a share, to build a new lobby in its Treasure Island casino and add casino and retail space, produced net income of $52.1 million, or 27 cents a share. The results beat Wall Street's expectations for earnings of 26 cents a share, based on the average estimate of 20 analysts surveyed by IBES International Inc. "We are consistent at each of our properties, and we are consistent as a company," said Mirage Chief Financial Officer Dan Lee.
Las Vegas business news: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 1997; * STATION CASINOS REVENUES RISE -- Station Casinos Inc. reported net income of $6.9 million, or 20 cents a share,for the third quarter ended Dec. 31, compared with $7.4 million, or 21 cents a share, for the year-earlier quarter. Revenue rose to $133.8 million from $122.9 million. The company said sports-book revenue declined $1.3 million in the fiscal 1997 quarter from the year-ago period at its three Las Vegas properties.