WILL COLUMBIA SUSSEX ALLOW NEW MANAGEMENT TO BRING THEM BACK TO A VALUED COMPANY

Implications: This could be a sound move by Columbia Sussex. The hiring of Scott Butera could cause the company to move in a different direction. Where do they go from here? Will senior management allow Scott the freedom to make corrections in their company policy?

Analysis: We have spoken in previous article about the poor management techniques of Columbia Sussex. I don't want to dwell on that scenario again. I do wonder how much freedom they will give to Scott Butera to try and fix the almost unfixable.. Scott is a very capable type of manager. He should be able to spot all the weak spots in short order. I am sure that he will try and correct the employee problems as a priority move. You need to correct the faults on the inside first. To improve food, beverage and entertainment might be less of a problem. It's really in the hands of Bill Yung, top honcho, at Columbia Sussex. If he let's go of the rains long enough for Scott to do his job they might see some light at the end of this darkened tunnel they have created. They have a very tough road to hoe, as corporate management seemed to want to only create problems for staff, customers and themselves. I place the blame directly on Mr. Yungs lack of major casino background.

My hope would be the Tropicana Las Vegas would  get back to the standards they set many years ago. Not sure they can accomplish it, but they are at least starting in a direction more suited for major casino properties. Having given my feelings about Columbia Sussex, I now applaud them for taking a bold step forward to clean up their act with the hiring of Scott Butera. It will certainly give bankers, lenders and other investors the ability to speak with someone that is knowledgable in this very sophisticated industry. The Tropicana needs this type of person in the top management spot if they have a real desire to compete in today's market.  ENOUGH SAID...........