Thanks to our troops!

News Flash: this past Thursday, Iraq, U.S. Troops transitioned from a comabtive force to an advisory presence. In their new role U.S Troops should function mainly as a support and training resource to Iraqi operations..... After all of the uproar surrounding the war and withdraw, it is almost unreal that the withdraw has finally occurred.

I will not delve into political opinions, but instead want to appreciate the humanity that is invested across the world in the armed forces. The Bingham family has quite a few loved ones that served, serve, or will serve our country as a member of the United States Military. I truly commend those that endure the isolation, physical duress, mental challenges that are implicit to the duties of soldier. Really and truly its an accomplishment that few individuals can proclaim. To our armed forces! In all their strength and perseverance..

Econoimic Recovery? Corporate Parties in America

Hello Readers!!!!!

While reading Special Event Magazine this week I came across the following article:

Corporate Event Market Looking Up in 2010 and 2011, Special Events Survey Says: "The mood in the corporate special event community is definitely picking up, according to the annual Special Events Corporate Event Marketplace study, which will be released next month. The ninth edition shows growing event rosters, with 18 percent of respondents saying they expect to stage more events in 2010 than they did in 2009, and 35 percent predicting even more event work in 2011. This is a big improvement over last year's study, when a whopping 38 percent of respondents said they expected to stage fewer events in 2009 than they did in 2008.
A third of respondents predict that their company's budget allocation for special events will remain the same in 2011 as 2010. Forty-one percent predict their company will allocate more money to special events in 2011, while 19 percent say their company will likely allocate less to events.
Corporate events mean business, now more than ever. The percentage of respondents saying they attempt to measure the ROI of their events is up to 57 percent this year, the highest rate seen since the survey started in 2002. That year, only 28 percent said they attempt to measure event ROI."

Food for thought my good people..... Did your company cut back on corporate events in the last two years? If so, is your company planning something more elaborate for this year? Feel free to leave any and all feedback below!

Small Business Spotlight: Lynda.com

This past Sunday, D&E Casino Services was lucky enough to have the opportunity to provide entertainment at a 82nd Birthday party. Co-founder of Lynda.com. Lynda Weiman, requested a patient and compassionate dealer, for her father's poker-themed birthday celebration. One of our favorite poker dealers, Evan Davis, was an easy choice for the gig and was well-received by party-goers and the hostess. Obviously party-success is of vital importance, yet this blog is dedicated to the hostess, Lynda Weiman.

Along with her husband, Lynda Weiman is the co-founder of Lynda.com, which specializes in software-training. Lynda.com offers consumers a chance to master the technology that has remained elusive and past their comprehension. The site boasts a comprehensive breadth of products; which include applications such as graphic design, data analysis, and blogging...... Hmm perhaps i should take a course! Give the pervasive integration of technology into our society, it is imperative to understand and even excel at certain software applications.

Besides offering a relevant service at a reasonable price and convenient location, Lynda.com resonates with my emotional being. Similar to D&E Casino, Lynda.com was founded by a husband and wife team and provides service to a niche-market. I think it is so exciting to interact with a set of successful small-business owners that initially took a great risk in targeting a category-specific market, which has expanded to include most of society. True innovation in society does not arrive without risk, thus I personally hold great admiration for entrepreneurs. Individuals, such as Lynda Weiman, function as blood pressure in our world. they provide the force to pump blood which maintain and develops vitality.
This week I hope everyone will consider a means which will create pressure and movement in their life and in the remainder of society.     

Party Planning Checklist: Your Party Made Easy

Well all, we are half-way through summer party season. Which while fun can be a bit stressful!!

So I have simplified your party preparation with a detailed list of steps to make sure your next bash is an absolute hit.....



Party Planning Checklist



Make an invitation list.  Remeber that usually 70 percent of guests will show up. Decide on a theme, if desired. Send invitations via Mail, e-mail, even phone invites are all acceptable. Coordinate invitations and the food menu with your theme. Pre-plan with a shopping list and cooking timetable. 
2 weeks beforehand.....

Hire any waitstaff or party entertainment at least two weeks before. Remember that service people work on a as-needed basis and will need to schedule your event.


Clean your linens and glassware or purchase plastic utensils/tableclothes. Choose an upbeat and varied playlist of music that all of your guests will enjoy. Note that Itunes has compilation playlist that are grouped by theme.
Complete any advanced grocery shopping and cooking. Prepare any dishes that can be frozen.

One week beforehand.....


Early in the week, do a detailed cleaning job and arrange furniture to accomodate your expected guest count. Plan on touch ups for 15 minutes a day until the big event. Plan you bar: three bottles of wine for every four people, three to four cocktails per guest for a two- to three-hour cocktail party. Alcohol can be purchased at BevMo or Costco for very reeasonable prices.

Three days before...


Be considerate and tell your neighbors to expect extra noise and less parking on the day of your party. Typically, your best bet is to invite them as a guest. Make a detailed timeline of cooking preparation and doublecheck the ingredient list.

One Day Before

Set up tables or buffet and chairs. Place trash cans throughout the house to cut down on later cleanup. Anticipate spills and have plenty of paper towels, club soda, and other stain removers avilable. Buy and arrange flowers. Do all possible prep work for your food selections.

Day of...
Finish any last bits of cooking. Try to save yourself a headache and keep day-of-cooking to a minimum. the cooking ! .Display food. About two hours before guests arrive, set out appetizers and snacks that won’t perish at room temperature. Give yourself 30 minutes to relax and freshen up before guests arrive.... And lastly Enjoy!!!!!!!!

Wheel of Fortune Fun!

The wheel of fortune, as it is commonly called, has been to subject to increasing popularity in the United States within the last 8 years. In American casinos the wheel of fortune is more commonly known as the money wheel, in which symbols have dollar dominations: $1, $2, $5, $10, and $20. The payoff for each segment corresponds to the dollar amount—such as the $20 section pays 20:1. Players win these odds if the ticker at the top of wheel lands on the section that the player has bet on. Similar to slot machines, the wheel is need more on chance than anything else. The high gamble involved in securing winnings, makes the game that much more fun.

Similar to American casinos, D&E Casinos has recently a jump in money wheel rentals. We are very excited the rental market is reflecting modern gaming trends and have taken measures to meet the demands of our customers. We have revamped all of our wheel of fortunes and money wheels and regularly rent them out to fundraiser, grand-opening, convention, and special promotion events. We are happy to service this new niche in the gaming community. Feel free to come see our games or rent equipment for your event. Until then……………………. Happy gaming!!!!!!!!!

Celebration of Fathers

Woohoo!!!!!!! This Sunday I get to celebrate my favorite man in this world, who happens to be co-owner and of D&E casino Services. From the of its inception in 1924, Fathers' day has been a Holiday that revolves around a special dinner and thanksgiving for fathers. As such, I was inspired to share two recipes which i am sure my father and yours would enjoy:

Guinness-Braised Chuck Steak and Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients

Steak:

1 1/2 pounds boneless chuck steak, trimmed

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped carrot

1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth, divided

1 teaspoon dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

1 (8-ounce) package presliced mushrooms

1 garlic clove, minced

2 bay leaves

1 (12-ounce) bottle Guinness Stout

Potatoes:

2 pounds peeled baking potatoes, quartered

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 cup fat-free milk

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream

2 tablespoons prepared horseradish

1/2 teaspoon salt

                                                                                                   

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

1.To prepare steak, sprinkle steak with 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add steak; cook 5 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove steak from pan; set aside. Add 1 1/2 cups onion, chopped carrot, 2 tablespoons broth, and sugar. Cover, reduce heat to medium, and cook 10 minutes. Stir in rosemary, mushrooms, and garlic. Cover and cook 2 minutes. Add bay leaves, stout, remaining broth, and steak; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour and 30 minutes or until steak is tender.
2.To prepare potatoes, place potatoes in a large saucepan; cover with water. Bring to a boil; simmer 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender; drain. Return potatoes to pan. Add butter; beat with a mixer at medium speed just until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients. Keep warm.

3.Remove steak from pan; keep warm. Discard bay leaves. Increase heat to medium-high; cook 5 minutes or until slightly thickened. Spoon stout mixture over steak. Serve with potatoes.

However you spend it, I hope everyones Fathers' Day is fabulous and especially for the Fathers out there. To my Poppa Bear :)

Community Partners in Lakewood and Long Beach

I want to say thank you to some local businesses that Hold a special place in hearts at D&E casino Services


First up! I really want to say thanks to Cindy Hinsberger. She is always telling her customers, friends, and family about D&E Casino Services. She is such a great referral that she keeps her own stash of business cards. In addition to frequesnt referrals, Cindy happen to be a fabulous stylist that ensures Ellie always looks her best on event days. Thank you Cindy for making sure Momma B. always looks fly!!!!

We feel especially honored that our casino services were used at the engagement party of Hinsberger, Cindy’s daughter. We hope to spend many more years in the company of the Hinsbergers!

You can reach Cindy for stellar hair styling services at Panache Hair Design:

Panache Hair Design

(562) 429-1424 or (562) 925-6170

4146 Viking Way • Long Beach, CA 90808

Open 7 Days A Week

Another valuable community partner that provides D&E Casino with constant support and positive feedback, is the Grand of Long Beach. For the last ten years, we have worked as business comrades with the Grand. They are familiar with our broad variety of our services and exceptional customer services, and as such send their customers our way. Since the commencement of our liaison, we have done over 50 events at Grand by their direct suggestion. With the beautiful facilities and fabulous catering that The Grand and its other venues provide, we always send clients in the Long Beach area straight to the Grand special event office. You can check out their venues out at:

www.choura.us/thegrand and www.choura.us/blog

Our community partners play a vital role in the success and vitality of our company and as such I truly say thank you to Cindy and the Grand Management, for helping D&E Casino stay a prominent vendor of the Southern Californian event industry. We are eternally grateful.