Hundreds turn out for first casino job forum in Cincinnati

CINCINNATI - Big dreams for future careers got a major boost Thursday night in Bond Hill, when several hundred job seekers heard from the management of the new Horseshoe Casino in Cincinnati.

The new general manager of the Horseshoe Casino, Kevin Kline, says he's aiming to fill 95 percent of the 1,700 permanent jobs at the casino with local residents from around the Tri-State.

As the new $400 million casino takes shape and form on Broadway Commons, it seems excitement over the permanent jobs it will bring continues to grow.

It was a packed house at Integrity Hall on Seymour Avenue as the NAACP held the first jobs forum for the casino.

It seemed that everyone brought a dream with them. Kroger clerk James Fincher of Mount Airy wants to be a casino dealer.

"A better life for my children. A way better life, hopefully. Definitely be able to put my fiancee through school, too," Fincher said.

On the other side of the room, Constance Bates wants her five-person "concierge" errand business to grow with the casino.

Bates owns Take 5 Concierge, which currently has a staff of five working for individuals at their homes and businesses. 

"It would mean big business for our company. We're so excited that they're here and we are looking forward to the opportunity to talk with them. We can either work on a contractual basis with them or as a referral," Bates said.

General Manager Kline brought them news they wanted to hear.

In addition to reaffirming his 95 percent local hiring figure, Kline said he wanted the hiring to reflect the community.

"Our employee base, not only will come from Cincinnati but our employee base will be very reflective of the community that we are building in, and that we will operate in," he said.

Kline says if applicants are hired, the company will work to give them promotions and help them advance their careers.

"Trust me. If you have made it and you are one of those 1,700 folks, we work with you as the day is long. We will work with you to make sure we keep you."

Kline reminded everyone that when job interviews started in Cleveland recently, more than 12,000 people showed up for the first 600 positions.
    
He believes first interviews for Horseshoe Cincinnati will start later this fall for an expected opening next spring.