MAILBOX

Training & Development, Dec 2005

Timely News on Katrina Tragedy

THANKS for your coverage of the Katrina and Rita hurricanes that devastated the Gulf Coast region. Your editor's note "Rebuild the People, too" and the cover story "Emergency Training Takes Center Stage," made reference to the "future" of this region and the rebuilding that will need to happen-both structurally and emotionally.

JobFlash tried to do its part to take care of the displaced residents. When Treasure Chest Casino on the Kenner, Louisiana, riverboat was shut down by Hurricane Katrina, JobFlash established a website dedicated to help Treasure Chest's 1,031 employees transfer to any of Boyd Gaming's 18 U.S. properties.

The endeavor, Treasure Chest Employees Only, is part of Boyd Gaming's Hurricane Katrina Relief program, which was established to help employees with information regarding their paychecks, overnight accommodations, and redeployment from the New Orleans-area riverboat.

Boyd Gaming established a similar support program for the 1,065 employees of Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and hotel in Vinton, Louisiana, after that property was subsequently battered by Hurricane Rita. Boyd has two other regional properties-Sam's Town hotel and Casino in Shreveport and Sam's Town hotel and Gambling Hall in Tunica, Mississippi.

When Boyd Gaming became a client two years ago, they made it very clear that we were helping them recruit a family, not just employees. We're humbled to be part of their comprehensive assistance effort. Boyd Gaming has redefined the term human resources.

We all have to do our part to assist the victims of this terrible disaster.

Mike Krueger

CEO

JobFlash

Fremont, California

www.jobflash.com

Preparedness Training Is Vital

I'M REALLY EXCITED to read the November 2005 issue of T&D magazine regarding preparedness training. I noticed a lot of familiar names, but wanted to let you know about our program, funded through the Department of Homeland Security's Office for Domestic Preparedness at the American Red Cross national headquarters.

We're preparing a national pilot program for non-governmental organizations that will help them plan, prepare for, and respond to a terrorist incident. We're also making plans to continue this effort with NGOs regarding catastrophic events in the next couple of years.

Thanks for the good work and product!

Heather L. Porterfield

Training Lead, ODP Training Initiative

Training Development and Delivery, American

Red Cross

Washington, DC

Porterfieldh@usa.redcross.org