GRAND TIMESPublished for Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures Associates

Grand Casino Hinckley Edition

April 29, 2016

In This Issue...

Associate Interest 2

Events & Promotions 3

Associate News 4

Service Recognition 6

Learning & Development 7

Top Sponsor! On Tuesday, April 19, 2016, Grand Casino representatives Jessica Spicer, Kris Rote, Nicole Mitchell, and Hannah Huff attended Memorial Bloods annual Sponsor Appreciation Luncheon. During the luncheon they heard from guest speakers and enjoyed receiving, on Grand Casino Associates' behalf, the Top Sponsor award with 449 units collected in 2015.

Grand Casino Named Top Sponsor at Memorial Blood's Annual Sponsor Appreciation Luncheon on Tuesday, April 19

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ASSOCIATE INTEREST

Welcome New AssociatesDominick Anderson Buffet Buss Person

Amanda Arechigo Buffet Bus Person

Lisa Barclay Hotel Room Attendant

Damon Bartosch Snack Bar Line Cook

Jordan Bos Valet Attendant

Mary Burth Hotel Guest Service Rep GNI

Daniel Carlson Golf Grounds Technician

Megan Corona Hotel Bell Person

Cassidy Dunkley Golf Guest Service Specialist

Gene Eiffler Hotel Room Attendant

Sharon Feist Cage Cashier

Toni Forsberg RV Park Attendant

Gregory Goldman RV Park Attendant

Robin Granlund Environmental SVC Engineer

Jody Gutzkow Cage Cashier

Linda Ide Cage Cashier

Michael Ivey Restaurant Dishwasher

Dillon Kingbird Buffet Bus Person

Rebecca Koch Environmental SVC Engineer

Heidi Krone Golf Guest Service Specialist

Jesse Lee Central Reservation Sale Rep

Cameron Martin Hotel Room Attendant GHI

Aileen Martinez Buffet Host/Hostess

Thomas Mattinas III Hotel Room Attendant

Angie Mattinas Hotel Room Attendant

Nycole Nelson Restaruant Prep Cook

Suzanne Peterson Golf Beverage Cart Server

Catherine Schmidt Count Team Counter

Tomas Schultz Restaurant Server

Sydney Skeie Restaurant Server

Cody Speers Environmental SVC Engineer

Alyssa Sundeen Beverage Server

Rebecca Wiczek Cage Cashier

Anjelica Winsor Beverage Utility

2016 Prime Time Follow-up If you were unable to attend, please contact your supervisor if you would like to access and view Joe Nayquonabe's, MLCV Corporate Commissioner, presentation.

Reminder to Associates: Pickup Bernick’s Vending Refunds

Security Timekeepers Office has a number of Bernick’s Vending refund envelopes that have not been claimed.

Grayling Peterson had a seven year old Guest make a list of the things she could help him with in the Arcade. On her list: help with tickets; help organize; and help wipe off tables. She included a category, Things for Everyone To Do (Kids Included) Around the Arcade to Be Respectful: say nice things, and say please and thank you.

Guest in Arcade Showing Respect and Appreciate to Our Associates

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EVENTS & PROMOTIONS

Upcoming Silver Sevens Acts

April 26 - May 1Slamabama (Country)

May 3 - 5Robby Vee (50’s/Rockabilly)

Upcoming Concerts - Events and Convention CenterDate & Time Performer Ticket Prices

Friday, May 13 & Saturday, May 14 - 7 pm The Chippendales $20, $25, $30

May 20 - 22 - times vary 38th Chmielewski Polka Fest $45, $17, $15

Saturday, May 21 -7 pm Heart/Joan Jett & The Blackhearts $35, $40, $50, $55, $60, $65

April Craft Beer of the MonthCastle Cream Ale: $5, 16 oz. glass

April Drink Specials Kraken Up

Kraken Cocktail Kraken & Cola My Pet Squid

Upcoming PromotionsFri, April 29 Sat, April 30 Sun, May 1 Mon, May 2 Tues, May 3 Wed, May 4 Thurs, May 5

Gazette Bonus Loyalty (mailer)

VIP Dinner

Bonus Cash/ Grand Play

(kiosk)

25th Anniversary

Drawing

Gazette Bonus Loyalty (mailer)

Hidden Treasures

(kiosk)

Hidden Treasures

(kiosk)

Bonus Grand Play

(kiosk)

Senior Wednesday

Mystery Money(kiosk)

Celebrate American Indian History Month at this dazzling annual event presented by Grand Casino Mille Lacs AmVets Post 53 to be held in the Grand Casino Mille Lacs Events and Convention Center.

Arts & Crafts Show 10 am – 7 pmDozens of vendors will display a stunning variety of hand-crafted items and artwork.Booth Fee: $50 per booth All vendors must register and be approved for a vendor license prior to the event date.

Powwow 12 pm – 5 pmAmerican Indian heritage and culture comes alive with performances by drum groups and dancers.Grand Entries at 12 pm and 5 pmDrums and Dancer registration start one hour prior to each session.

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ASSOCIATE NEWS

Sharing Our Solutions...

There is a Sharing our Solutions drop box with blank forms downstairs near the Associate entrance, and a link has also been added to the intranet (SharePoint). Please utilize this tool to bring your ideas forward.

Remember to put your name on the form if you’d like to be recognized for your contribution!

Healthy Eating  Challenge May 1st – 28th

Sign up the week of April 25 thru April 29th and pick up your tracking sheet so you are ready to start  May 1st .

We will also have a weight loss challenge - weigh in will be when you sign up - Monday, April 25th through Friday, April 29th  and pay $5 to join. Final weigh out will be during the week of May 30th thru June 3rd   The male and female who loses the most weight will split the pot 50/50.

Log your daily food intake – try your best to follow the food pyramid.

Turn in your log once a week between 7 am – 5 pm (the Human Resourc-es receptionist will initial) to get entered into the weekly drawings.

• Bring us your healthy grocery receipt for the current week – and receive an extra drawing slip• Take a picture of your healthy food order at a restaurant – to receive an extra drawing slip• Tracking for the week of  May 1st through May 7th  should be turned  in between the following days May 9th thru 13th• Tracking for the  week of May 8th through May 14th should be turned in between the following days May 16th – 20th• Tracking for the week of May 15th through May 21st should be turned in between the following days May 23rd – 27th• Tracking for the week of May 22nd through May 28th should be turned in between the following days May 30th – June 3rd

(Completion of challenge will count as one company choice).

Retrace Health – Convenient Primary CareIn-Network with Medica and Open to everyone in Minnesota

Retrace Health is a Minnesota clinic that brings full-service primary care to you through video and in-home visits. Their mission is to make primary care more personal, convenient, and affordable. In the second part of a three part series, they will elaborate on what it means to them to be “Convenient”.

“When we say ‘convenient’, we don’t mean ‘convenient for healthcare’, but truly convenient. We have structured our practice to make everything simple for patients. There’s no driving, no going out into the cold when you’re not feeling well, no struggling to get an appointment that fits your schedule, and no sitting in germ-filled waiting rooms. It’s full-service primary care when you want it, and in the comfort of your own home.”

To schedule or learn more about Retrace Health, go to www.retracehealth.com.

Ojibwe Word of the Week

miigo maanoo =

let it go

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ASSOCIATE NEWS

Suicide Postvention WorkshopWednesday, May 11

One Sesson ONLY Schedule:

10 am - 12 pm Break (Lunch break is on your own.)

1 pm - 3 pm

This is a half-day suicide postvention workshop that was created by NAMI. It teaches professionals how to best respond to a sudden death like suicide, reduce the risk of contagion, and promote healthy recovery for both the suicide loss survivors and the greater community.

This will be the only class offered. Please plan accordingly as it is unknown if this workshop will be offered again.

Buffet for Veteran and Active Military Associates

Joe Nayquonabe is traveling to Kuwait with the Serving our Troops organization at Camp Arifijan, Kuwait. In showing sol-idarity with them, we are inviting all Associates who are Ac-tive Duty or Retired Military to enjoy a free meal at the Buffet during regular Buffet hours on any of the days listed below. You may choose either a Lunch or a Dinner Buffet. Please bring your Military ID, DD Form 214, or any other applicable identification you may possess to the Time Keeper to receive a coupon* to present to the Buffet cashier.

*Limit of one coupon per qualifying Associate.

Please make sure this information is shared with all your team! And to all our Associates who are Active Duty or Re-tired Military - your service is appreciated, thank you!

The following are the dates which have been approved.• Monday, May 16• Tuesday, May 17• Wednesday, May 18

Taking Care of Your AllergiesWellness Tip Sheet

Many people have allergies. Symptoms often include sneezing and sniffles. You also may have a stuffy nose. Your eyes may be itchy or watery. Or, you may have postnasal drip or an itchy nose. Common causes include dust and animal dander. They also can include pollen from grass, trees or flowers. You may have symptoms yearround. Or, you may only have them at certain times of the year. How can you find relief?

You Can Run But You Can’t HideAllergy triggers are everywhere. You may not be able to avoid them all. But, depending on the cause of your allergies, these tips may help:

Pollen Allergies• Stay inside when the pollen count is high.• Keep windows closed.• Use air-conditioning when you can. • Change filters often.• After being outdoors, take a bath or shower and

change your clothes. • Don’t hang clothes, sheets or towels outside to dry.• If you have outdoor pets, pollen can get on their fur

so bathe them often if they come indoors.

Talk with your doctor about other steps you can take. Find out what’s best for you.

Dust Mite Allergies• Vacuum often. On bare

floors, use rugs that can be washed.

• Wash bedding in hot water to kill dust mites

• Put zippered plastic covers or anti-allergen covers on mattresses and pillows.

• Get rid of decorative items that collect dust.

Animal Dander Allergies• Don’t allow pets in your

bedroom or on your bed.• Keep pets off upholstered

furniture and if possible, carpets or rugs. If this is not possible, vacuum often to remove hair and dander from surfaces.

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SERVICE RECOGNITION

GuestNet Shout - Outs

Bell Desk:Daniel was extremely helpful in moving our luggage up to the room. I had also received a large basket of flowers at the birthday party prior to coming to hotel and he handled it very gently. We both needed and appreciated this service.

Bell Desk: Brandon very friendly and helpful with assisting us to our rooms with luggage

Bell Desk: Brandon is always helpful and friendly.

Bell Desk: Jeff was amazing; helpful, professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. Took care of key problem right away. He was a wonderful first impression of the casino.

Bell Desk:The help that we got from one of the bell hops was amazing. Jeff went out of his way to help us with a key problem, getting luggage to the room, and any questions answered. He was froendly, efficient, and knowledgeable. Great first impression of the casino/hotel.

Beverage Service: Beer cart guy, Troy, is great.

Bingo: Our compliments to Linda and the caller as well as all the other girls who are very friendly.

Bingo: Kimberly, in the bingo area, is fantastic. She always is taking care of people and remembers everyone.

Central Reservations:Sherri was extremely helpful in making my reservation. She booked concert tickets for us and was very kind to consider we were bringing my mother who is 83 years old and has needs that she recognized and made suggestions to help us.

Central Reservations: Rosy was very polite, and professional during the reservation process.

Central Reservations:Chelsea was very helpful in handling our reservation. As this was our 25th wedding anniversary, we were celebrating. She secured us a better rate than we were expecting and wished us well during our stay.

Grand Grill Americana: When I go to the grand grill I ask for Mary. She is one of the best at the grill.

Host Reservation: Wonderful helpful people in VIP checkin. Outstanding kind, help from Host Paul. Host Kat is very special also.

Hotel Front Desk:Somehow a note was not left to specify the room we wanted. This was handled extremely well by Brandi at the front desk when we checked in. She talked to her supervisor, Kristen, and not only got the floor we wanted but got an upgrade to a much nicer room!!!Thanks Brandi and Kristen!!!! Much appreciated.

Hotel Front Desk:

We randomly stopped in during a road trip. Apparently there were no non smoking rooms available, which is very important to us. Someone at the desk told me to wait while she contacted her supervisor. The supervisor then proceeded to find us a non smoking room with a Jacuzzi. We were very pleased with the attentiveness of the supervisor and with the lovely room we were given. I believe her name was Kristen. Thank you for a nice evening on our road trip.

Hotel Front Desk: Always friendly and helpful. James was awesome!

Hotel Front Desk: Brandi was able to answer questions and guide us more directly to our room. Very helpful.

Hotel Front Desk: Our compliments to Brandi and Kristen, manager. They were extremely helpful in resolving a mixed up reservation.

Hotel Front Desk: Valerie was so helpful! It was a great start to our weekend to have such a friendly person checking us in!

Hotel Front Desk: We were checked in promptly when we arrived. Valerie was kind and explained all of the details of our reservation.

Hotel Housekeeping: Theresa on floor 12 is outstanding in EVERY way. She has been very good every year without exception! We are not related. She is just a special person.

Shuttle: Sharon, the bus driver, is the best gal ever!!!

Silver Sevens Lounge: John is the best. Polite, professional, friendly, and fast. He is excellent.

Silver Sevens Lounge: John, our server, was wonderful! He was friendly, helpful and funny. Enjoyed his service!

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L&D On-line Resources

LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT

Upcoming in

Learning & DevelopmentAll MLCV Associates Are Welcome

Service from the Heart Thursday, May 12 1 pm - 5 pm

Description: This class focuses on providing exceptional Guest Service. Exceptional Guest Service is service from the heart. During the session, Associates will analyze their own Guest Service skills, and look at options and opportunities that they have in their work areas to provide exceptional service. Participants will leave the class with action steps to improve Guest Service in their work areas.

Learning to Lead Thursday, May 19 9 am - 1 pm

Participants gain an understanding of the differences between leading and supervising. Participants also learn the four leadership concepts of being an effective leader.

Addressing Emotions Wednesday, May 25 1 pm - 5 pm

The session provides a process for handling emotions in daily work situations. Participants learn to remain calm and objective, to recover quickly and help others do the same, and to take charge in difficult circumstances to keep the discussion moving forward.

Click here, or contact your supervisor or Tina Bartheidel (extension 4808) to register!(Personal and Career Development Classes count as one WHIP choice.)

Prioritizing ProductivityIf you are busier than you like to be, but feeling less productive, then read on. How busy are you these days? Now, here is another question: How productive are you? As most of us know, the two are not remotely the same. All too often, being busy may have nothing at all to do with the results we get and what we achieve. We spend our days, often very long days, in a flurry of activity. But, when the day or week is over, we are disappointed at the level of our accomplishment. Our disappointment creates stress and we push ourselves even harder to "get more done." However, pushing hard isn't the answer. So, what is the answer? Experience shows that a sense of priorities based on a clear purpose and well-defined short- and long-term goals are what one needs. The world is full of people who are definitely in motion, but they're not exactly sure where they're going and they don't know why, either. Maybe they get going so fast that they never take the time to figure it out. If that is your situation, perhaps now is the time to set aside the opportunity for personal reflection, some personal values clarification and goal-setting. There is nothing like a strong sense of purpose, based on clearly spelled out values, to keep you moving. More than

that, it keeps you moving in the right direction. With all the different media out there today, it is easier than ever before to get pulled away from our targets. We just want to make sure that the targets we are aiming at are worth our time and talents, and are truly getting us where we want to go.

For more articles from the Pacific Institute follow this link: http://www.thepacificinstitute.com/articles

For more information, or to submit articles for the newsletter, e-mail the Grand Times, or utilize the Grand Times drop box in the Associate hallway.

DAILY SPECIALSApril 29- May 1

Friday: Arbor DayBreakfast: Mexican ScramblerLunch: Lasagna & Two Breadsticks or Veggies

Saturday: National Herb DayBreakfast: Eggs Benedict & HashbrownsLunch: Dijon Chicken, Au Gratin Potatoes, Veggies

Sunday: Rural Life Sunday DayBreakfast: Country BreakfastLunch: Pork Chow Mein, Two Egg Rolls, and a Fortune Cookie

Sandwich of the Week: Pork Fritter SandwichWrap of the Week: Pizza Wrap

May 2 - 6

Monday: Melanoma DayBreakfast: Backwoods BreakfastLunch: Sloppy Joes & Kettle Chips

Tuesday: Garden Meditation DayBreakfast: Chef’s Choice Pancake, Two Eggs, & Breakfast MeatLunch: Bowl Taco Salad

Wednesday: Intergalactic Star Wars DayBreakfast: Two Eggs, Country Hashbrowns, ToastLunch: Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo with BreadsticksHealthy Choice: Lime Chicken Curry Salad Stuffed Tomato with Fruit

Thursday: Cinco de MayoBreakfast: Stuffed French Toast & Breakfast MeatLunch: Shrimp Taco and Sweet & Spicy Slaw

Friday: No Diet DayBreakfast: Biscuits & Gravy with Two EggsLunch: Reuben Sandwich & Kettle Chips

Sandwich of the Week: Tuna Melt on Sour DoughWrap of the Week: Chicken Strip Wrap*Menu is subject to change. Lunch special is available 10:30am – midnight; Breakfast special available midnight to 10:30am.

BirthdaysApril 29

Samantha Robbins Luann DeRungs

April 30Daryle Ekleberry Jospeh Prepodnik Dawn Anderson Laura Petry Linda Moritz Janet Mattison

May 1Arlene Oslowski Amanda L’Heureux Howard Handy Tara Raese Cherly Olson

May 2Beverly Easton Heidi Huff Terrence Ballou Anthony Westburg Jeremy Ladd Janelle Stankeivicz Roger Moritz Daniel Bherens

May 3Genevieve Kowarsch Christian Carson Tara Lone Stephanie Day Joelle Lundberg Dillon Kingbird Ashley Lucht

May 4Jerry Sangren Theresa Higgins

May 5Lori Tocholke Valerie Matrious

AnniversariesApril 29

Susan Eskuri Diane Tri Janet Mattison Steffanie Collins Danielle Collins Stephanie Dunkley Kyle Strohmayer Teresa Laine

24 years 24 years 22 years 3 years 3 years 3 years 3 years 3 years

April 30Judy Oredson Eva Friel Colleen Fellman Patricia Seek Debra Leger Kevin Ausmus Roselee Williams Eve Peura Naomi Turnbull Cassandra Griffin

24 years 24 years 24 years 24 years 24 years 24 years 24 years 9 years 4 years 4 years

May 1Patricia Campbell Elizabeth Thornbloom

21 years 10 years

May 2Linda Sivigny Murray Lori Tocholke Rhonda Pieper Patricia Scott Brady Norby Jodi Fisher Patricia Bellach

24 years 24 years 24 years 5 years 5 years 5 years 5 years

May 3Connie Volk Arlene Stratton Marsha Furey David Carlson Justin Sauter

24 years 24 years 24 years 12 years 6 years

May 4Shirley Wagenius Scott Colsrud Virginia Groth Cindy Bostrom Christopher Hoffman Vicki Burton Christopher Rojas

24 years 24 years 24 years 24 years 18 years 7 years 1 years

May 5Kim Leone Larson Kimberly Freetly Anne Thalin Bradley Hawkinson Arlene Oslowski David Benson Thomas Parsons Samantha Lindahl Kevin Cokley

24 years 24 years 24 years 24 years 24 years 13 years 2 years 2 years 1 year