On May 25, Hard Rock Chairman Jim Allen addressed attendees of a community meeting presented by Hard Rock, Atlantic City.
Diversity is a priority for Hard Rock according to Allen. Then, comes the business of Hard Rock.
The death of George Floyd three years ago changed Allen. (see full video from Shore Local)
I’m a white guy that doesn’t understand.
Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock
Ethnicity and gender will now play a substantial role in the hiring of Hard Rock employees. Top Hard Rock casino management will reflect Allen’s diversity pledge.
- 60% of Hard Rock employees are minorities
- 57% of Hard Rock managers & supervisors are minorities
- 23% of Hard Rock employees are from Atlantic City.
- 62% of employees are minorities.
- 40% are females. (not including upper management)
Note: Traditional news outlets did not cover this Hard Rock Community Town Hall. Most residents unaware of this public meeting.
According to Allen’s PowerPoint presentation, Hard Rock’s support of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will include installation of gender neutral bathrooms. Allen did not discuss percentage of transgender or non-binary managers within Hard Rock upper management.
9,000 Hard Rock employees trained so far. THE LOOK workshop includes training in: Unconscious bias, Inclusion Circles, Diversity Round Tables and Diversity Committees.
Allen warned of New York casinos opening in near future but made no mention of Hard Rock’s interest in North Jersey gaming opportunities via Meadowlands Race Track.
NOTE: Plans moving forward to bring a casino to Long Island. Nassau County granted Las Vegas Sands a 99-year lease to develop area around Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY.
Allen: We have to be ready. AC is important to us. Our company has economic diversity. We will be able to withstand storms. Market may get stressed due to gaming expansion in lower part of New York.
The Hard Rock Chairman shared the latest Hard Rock investments.
- Athens, Greece.
- Barcelona, Spain.
- Bristol, Virginia.
- Rockford, Illinois
- Bakersfield, California.
- Jamaica
- Las Vegas
NOTE: No discussion on crime, homelessness and drug abuse adjacent to Atlantic City’s Hard Rock property.
Hard Rock is home to the popular Drag fundraising event called The Miss’d America Pageant.
Atlantic City Councilman Kaleem Shabazz was in attendance, Mayor Marty Small was not.
Mr Allen, why are you allowing men to use ladies room at Hard Rock?
You seriously think he’s reading a comment board, and cares what a random guy who calls himself Casino Jack thinks? Um, no.
Be careful Hard Rock. You could be the next Target or Bud-Light.
He is laughing all the way to the bank.
Try treating your employees better.