Gaming industry icon, Art Frank has announced he will bring his remarkable career to a close in January 2017. The President of Niagara Casinos will pass the torch to current Vice President of Operations, Richard Taylor, following over three decades in the industry.
“It has been an honour to lead both Fallsview Casino and Casino Niagara for the past 10 years,” said Art Frank, President of Niagara Casinos. “I am incredibly proud to have been part of such an inspiring and dedicated team of associates that has worked tirelessly to bring our Niagara Casinos to new heights while building strong relationships with our community partners.”
With more than 35 years of international gaming experience, Art Frank’s commitment to the industry is unmatched. From a dealer, floorman and scheduling supervisor in Atlantic City to a pit boss, shift manager and special events coordinator at Paradise Island Casino in the Bahamas, Frank quickly advanced to become Senior Vice President, Gaming Division for Carnival Resorts and Casinos. In this capacity, he was responsible for the opening of Carnival’s Casino Rouge property in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, while developing operational plans for Carnival’s Lucayan Beach Resort & Casino, Grand Bahamas. In 1998 the New Jersey native headed north to spearhead the expansion at Casino Rama as President and Chief Executive Officer. The new entertainment centre, hotel and multiple restaurants he opened there led to record-breaking financial results.
In 2006, Art Frank embarked on an exciting new challenge. Despite a weak U.S. dollar, increased border restrictions and rising gasoline prices, the savvy executive sensed a huge opportunity in Niagara. In his new role as President of Niagara Casinos he worked closely with the Niagara Casinos team to expand the product offering at Fallsview Casino Resort and create a distinct experience at Casino Niagara. Award-winning restaurants were opened at Fallsview Casino Resort, including Ponte Vecchio, Golden Lotus and the stunning R5 Lounge. The Spa at Fallsview doubled in size and hotel room reservations sky rocketed. Down the street at Casino Niagara, over $40 million in renovations and capital investments since Art Frank’s arrival created an atmosphere that today attracts over two million guests each year and has garnered eight wins as the Hamilton Spectator’s Reader’s Choice for Best Casino.
Art Frank’s accomplishments have been felt far beyond the Niagara Casinos properties. In 2015, Niagara’s two Casinos injected $60 million into the local economy, employing almost 4,000 associates and directly supporting the bottom lines of over 300 regional businesses. In addition, $20 million has been invested into social services and programs in the region through the Niagara Casinos’ Corporate Giving Program, a comprehensive charitable donations program of which Art Frank has been a steadfast supporter.
The consummate team player, Art Frank is quick to recognize his team when asked for the recipe behind his success, “I have had the good fortune of being able to create really effective teams because our Niagara Casinos workforce is truly world class. The associates at Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara are some of the best people I’ve had the pleasure of working with and I’m confident that that I’m leaving the organization in very capable hands.”
Beginning in January 2017, Niagara Casinos’ current Vice President of Operations, Richard Taylor, will be taking over the role of President for the premiere entertainment destinations, “Our Executive Team at Niagara Casinos agrees that my fellow colleague and friend, Richard Taylor, is the perfect fit to continue to develop the organization and advance community partnerships through continued industry growth,” said Frank.
An Ontario gaming pioneer, Richard Taylor held the position of Vice President Gaming Operations for OLG, prior to his current role and was responsible for the oversight of a significant portfolio of gaming locations throughout the province. He gained his in-depth experience through roles held in various senior capacities with Caesars Windsor, the OLG and other private and public sector organizations including AGCO, Hiram Walker and KPMG. Richard Taylor joined Niagara Casinos in 2008 and since that time has been an active member of the community, including serving a six-year term on Niagara College’s Board of Governors.
“I look forward to continuing to work closely with our Executive Team as their hard work and infectious enthusiasm carry through to our associates, patrons and community partners,” stated Taylor. “I extend my gratitude to Art Frank for leading with integrity, character and intellect to create an organization that is committed to excellence.”
About Fallsview Casino Resort
Overlooking the world-famous Horseshoe Falls, Fallsview Casino Resort is an award-winning resort that has been offering premier entertainment and superior guest service since 2004. Featuring a CAA Four-Diamond Hotel with 374 luxury rooms and suites, Fallsview Casino houses one of the largest and impressive gaming floors in the world with over 3,000 slot machines and 130 gaming tables. Winner of the Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence and CAA’s Four-Diamond Award for its two signature restaurants, Ponte Vecchio and 21 Club Steak & Seafood, this vibrant resort property also features a full–service spa and fitness centre, a state-of-the-art 1,500-seat Avalon Theatre, dozens of dining and shopping options and over 30,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara have been recognized as a “Hamilton-Niagara Top Employer” for seven consecutive years. For more information, visit fallsviewcasinoresort.com or call 1-888-325-5788.
About Casino Niagara
Operating since 1996, Casino Niagara offers non-stop excitement in the heart of Niagara Falls’ tourism district. The Casino features action-packed gaming with over 1,300 slot machines, 30 gaming tables, including one of the largest poker rooms in Ontario, a designated sports section and exciting tournaments. The property also includes four restaurants, free live entertainment and Yuk Yuk’s standup comedy. For more information, visit casinoniagara.com, or call 1-888-325-5788.
For more information on Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara visit fallsviewcasinoresort.com and casinoniagara.com or join us on Facebook and Twitter@fallsviewcasino | @casinoniagara.
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Contact:
Mallory Antonello
Communications Specialist
mantonello@fallsviewcasinoresort.com
905-371-7538
