Carson Valley Inn employee talks about prospects after casino restructuring

Gardnerville Ranchos resident Tom Phillips said it's a hard pill to swallow - working through the holidays knowing he won't have a job in the new year.

"I obviously pre-registered for unemployment and have resumes going out," said the 40-year-old Carson Valley Inn purchasing agent. "It's really challenging, especially during the holidays; that makes it doubly so."

Phillips is one of about 80 Carson Valley Inn employees not returning under the casino's new ownership.

"I was a dedicated employee for almost 15 years, employee of the year in 1997," he said.

But on Dec. 17, Phillips was told he would not have a position come Jan. 4, after the transfer of ownership.

"I not only have to wait out the time, but now I also have to train my replacement," he said. "I have to help train the person who will be taking my position. In my opinion, it's not fair. It's a hard pill to swallow. I have no problem training someone, but how they did it was not nice."

Phillips called his replacement "a real nice lady," and said he doesn't blame her for finding employment.

"It's just rough how they did it," he said. "I don't hold grudges. It's not just sour grapes. How they went about things affected a lot of people. Morale is very low. You go into the employee dining room, and it's like a morgue. It's not just myself, though, but people I've worked with for the past 15 years, people who showed up every day and tried to do the best they could."

As for the future, Phillips said he has some options.

"I'm not destitute," he said. "I've put out resumes for other purchasing positions across Northern Nevada. If I have to move out of the city or state, then I have to. I need to look out for my family. Family comes first. I love living here in the Valley, I have for the past 15 years, but family comes first."

On Monday, CVI Director of Sales and Marketing Bill Henderson said he understands the hurt of those losing their jobs.

"I would say the people not being hired by the new operators are probably not very happy right now," he said. "I can understand that. But the 300 people who have been hired are excited about the prospects of the future, and they're glad to have jobs. I would say their morale is very high, but I totally understand those who were not picked up by the new company, how their morale is low right now."

Henderson said there is nothing anyone can say to make someone feel better about losing a job.

"It would be great if the new owners had positions for everybody right off the bat, but with major remodeling and restructuring in certain areas, there isn't the need for as many people in January and February as in the past."

Of the hundreds of employees hired under the new company, Henderson said only 11 came from outside the original workforce. He said two of those filled vacant positions, leaving virtually nine hires from outside the original pool.

"This business model will allow us to proceed into the future," Henderson said. "I am so encouraged we are going to have a viable CVI that will continue to be a viable employer in the Valley at a time when the industry is in a very precarious situation."

Henderson pointed to the Jackson Rancheria Casino & Hotel in Jackson, Calif., which just laid off 113 employees.

"To put this in perspective, I keep reading about companies going bankrupt and layoffs in other areas," he said. "I think the fact that CVI will continue to be a viable employer with a major capital infusion, which wouldn't have happened under the old ownership, means that there are hundreds of people in the Valley who have to feel very fortunate compared to feeling very unfortunate.

"Some people I've worked with for a long time will not be here any longer," Henderson said. "It's tough - but we have to move forward to make sure CVI continues to be one of the largest employers in Carson Valley."