The general manager of the new casino near Riverside says construction is on target for the opening in August. General manager Joe Massa says their first event will be August 31st.
Massa says they’ll have a private opening for the 700 Iowa investors beginning about three o’clock, and then they’ll open the doors to the general public at nine o’clock.
Massa says the hiring process is well underway as they seek some 850 employees. He says over 50-percent of the employees are from Washington County. Massa says they have an “aggressive” starting wage and wellness program. There were some in nearby Kalona that spoke out against the casino when it was proposed. Massa says he’s talked with several groups in Kalona and believes he’s addressed their concerns.
Massa says they’ve talked with the chamber of commerce in Kalona about having some of their artwork sold at the casino, and about cross promoting the casino and Kalona to visitors of both areas. Massa says work is also progressing on the golf course and they’ll soon begin seeding many of the holes.