NJ starts casino worker vaccinations as Callender retires from CANJ

Added: April 2, 2021

The Casino Association of New Jersey has praised Steve Callender, the outgoing president, as the organization reveals some new deals done in order to help vaccinate all employees in Atlantic City casinos.

Callender also worked as the regional president for Caesars Entertainment, and is now retiring after spending 43 years working in the gaming industry. CANJ called the outgoing president “a fixture of the Atlantic City gaming industry since its inception”.

He was one of Atlantic City’s very first dealers after gambling became legal back in 1978, and he has served in many incredible roles over the past 43 years of his career. In his role as regional president at Caesars, he was in charge of five different venues including Caesars, Tropicana and Harrah’s in Atlantic City, as well as Harrah’s in Philadelphia and Horseshoe Baltimore.

A CANJ spokesperson mentioned:

Steve has been an instrumental leader who understands that as Atlantic City’s top employer, the gaming industry is the economic backbone of our local and regional economy. He has always supported initiatives that contributed to Atlantic City’s revitalisation and diversification. Since 2019, he served as president of the Casino Association of New Jersey, a trade organisation that advocates for legislation and initiatives that support the ongoing transformation of Atlantic City into a world-class destination resort.

His drive for our industry has never wavered, and his passion is as evident today as it was the day Steve first stepped onto the casino floor. While we will miss Steve’s leadership, wisdom, generosity, and unparalleled dedication, it was an honour to have worked with him all these years. We wish Steve and his family the best of luck in retirement, and we thank him for everything he’s done for Atlantic City and our industry.”

Aside from that, CANJ has teamed up with Unite Here Local 54 and AtlantiCare in order to ensure that all casino workers in Atlantic City are able to receive vaccinations for COVID-19.

Governor Phil Murphy made it possible for all employees in hospitality to acquire the vaccine all over the state, after having three organisations collaborating over the vaccinations in order to have 25,000 casino workers fully vaccinated by the end of May.

Callender spoke of his departure saying:

It’s hard to believe that this time last year, Atlantic City casinos were closed due to the pandemic. We have worked very hard to safely bring back thousands of our valued employees and guests over the last year. Today marks a major step forward in recovering from this crisis, and we look forward to bringing back even more employees and guests to our properties. I would like to thank our partners, AtlantiCare and Unite Here, for their tireless commitment to providing all our casino employees the opportunity to be vaccinated before Memorial Day. Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer and is an important season for our industry.

Atlantic City, Caesars Entertainment, Casino Association of New Jersey, Harrah’s