Visitreno

[thegambler]

Here are a couple of Facebook messages from the Siena's GM. If you look at the second message, it appears that the inability to pay bills has led employees' benefits to be affected and that the media is somewhat responsible for this. I don't see the connection, but I hope their efforts pay off (and that the table games--especially the 10x craps--come back).



A note from Clyde Callicott the GM
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Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at 7:15pm
In the last several months we've worked hard to bring the Siena to a much higher profile. We went from an unknown downtown property to a highly recognized boutique experience. Why - Well the Siena is different. It's different than any other property in Reno and we're very proud of it. No you might have seen, or heard or read recently that the Siena has been going through a tremendously challenging time. Well it's true .. but who hasn't lately. While these issues have been quite stressful (and public) I assure you that in time we will get through them through sheer determination and focus at the business at hand. However we still have a lot of work to do. In the next few weeks, and as more details get hammered out I will share them with you so you always know what 's happening here at the Siena.

As we strive to continue to deliver a unique experience here at the Siena there's one thing I hope you never forget.- the employees of the Siena because they have never given up on serving you. They have never given up on bringing you the type of service standards you deserve, the type of service standards that are unequaled at any other local Reno casino. They care about you ... you will always be our guest. Thank all of you for your continued patronage of the Siena. It means a lot to all of us all.



We'll get through this one… we promise



Thank you

Clyde Callicott

GM / Siena Hotel Spa Casin





RENO NEVADA – JULY 13, 2010 – Earlier this week previous employees of the Siena Hotel Spa Casino claimed that there health insurance benefits we're not covered due to a lapse in payment. Clyde Callicott, General Manager of the Siena Hotel Spa Casino has assured employees that the property is reinstating the insurance plans by paying the monies owed, and will continue to fix issues such as these on behalf of the property.
According to a letter from the Siena management to its employees dated Monday, July 13, 2010, the coverage will be reinstated by July 29, 2010.
This is only one of the many difficult situations the property has faced over the past few months. Relentless negative publicity from local news stations and the media has only added to the daily trials and tribulations. Many businesses face the very same problems we are facing today, says Callicott and we are doing our best to stay positive and work through these situations in the best possible way.

Where many companies face similar problems in these tough market conditions they are hardly scrutinized in the same way the Siena is. The Siena has made tremendous strides in repositioning itself as the only boutique hotel casino property in Reno. New management, staff, entertainment venues, gaming promotions and food options have all been recently introduced to the property.
The management of the Siena is optimistic that they will be able to overcome these financial challenges with their vendors and business is looking up. We are very happy that we will be able to continually serve our loyal customer base and look towards to serving future guests who visit this amazing property, says Callicott.
The Siena is encouraging all current and former employees that have been affected by the lapse in coverage to call Human Resources at (775) 32-SIENA

[mjames1229]

This place is walking distance from the bowling stadium, and I never saw one ad geared towards the bowlers.

They missed a golden opportunity during the time of significant financial distress. If they survive until next March, lets hope they try to get some of the 400-or-so bowlers that come in every single day (and many with spouses to stay for 3-4 nights).

[stan_allen]

The incredibly poor punctuation and grammar of the July 13th post does little to inspire confidence.

'nuff said.

[remano]

Give 'em a break on the spelling and punctuation, Stan. With times being as tough as they are for the Siena, they had to hire Higgins as the typist in the publicity department.

Seriously, I have followed most of the publicity surrounding the Siena situation and I don't think it has been unduly negative. I'm sure it seems that way to Siena management because nothing right now looks like good news, but I think the reporting has been pretty factual. The improvements mentioned in the post (new management, entertainment venues, gaming changes etc.) have been reported along with the bad. I don't think the Siena has anything to complain about in that regard.

It is true that a lot of businesses are stressed in this economy. Some are laying off employees and cutting back on services. Unlike the Siena, however, those business are not in arrears of taxes in several categories, being called before regulatory agencies, facing license revocation, losing fringe benefit coverage due to non-payment of premiums or bouncing payroll checks. Most also are not as large an operation or as visible as a downtown casino/hotel. If there is a difference in the level of publicity, I think there is a logical reason for it.

[jerry]

Thanks for update, R.
I get several emails a week from them. I am not impressed with what they send me. Not positive from my aspect. Most of it is geared to "Locals" which is what brought the place down earlier. Usually it is like, "here's what we have to eat today", etc. In that vein anyway.

I have spent scores of nights there in past but have not had a free room offered for about two years now. I always paid for the "free" room in the casino.

I will just let my comps expire and not darken the place (likely) until I see a notice that they have somehow cleaned the air in there. It is every bit as bad as the Gold Dust West, which is the pits. I even quit eating in the Gold Dust restaurant because I detest walking through that foul air.

[remano]

Today was the deadline for the Siena to pay off about $150,000 in gaming taxes to avoid revocation of their license. Looks like they didn't make it, and to stall for more time they instead filed for bankruptcy. Details are in the article linked below. The article also mentions that they are now negotiating with a Las Vegas company to take over management of the gaming operations. They had previously tried to get the Cal Neva interested in a management contract.

http://www.rgj.com/article/20100722/BIZ/100722016

[jerry]

I had some really nice times there when I was still a VIP.
Met some great people, both employees and other "VIPs".
Had great food, fun, entertainment, and rooms.

But management really drove it down into the gutter. They attracted the wrong people, drove away the big spenders, and let the air become unbearable.
Recent changes continued to move in the same direction.

I still remember the first time we went in there. It was very impressive. Nice and dark; we had great drinks; a very nice mood/setting/whatever with a nice ambience. One of the nicest casino experiences ever.

But alas that did not last. I frequently offered suggestions to the GM but he declined to acknowledge, or act on, them.
Maybe, if he had, then they could blame the demise on me.

[remano]

Jerry,

Some of those suggestions were very good, but knocking down the Pioneer Center to put in a softball field was a little over the top, don't you think? <GG>

[jerry]

Remano, the world can never have too many softball fields. The Pioneers are "history" anyhow.

[thegambler]

Interesting takes on this blog about the Siena's situation and Cal Neva's potential interest in it. One of the most interesting parts of the blog is the comment about Intrepid Gaming's website. Most of it is under construction! Check it out:

the blog: http://rereno2.wordpress.com/2010/07/22/siena-in-bk/

the website: http://intrepidgaming.com/Home_Page.html

The blog also has some background on the Ng family drama.

[LilyJDragonfly]

Hrm... the blog had very interesting reading and links even beyond the Siena speculations.... thanks for posting!