The Cordish Companies held a celebration for the first anniversary of Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, recognizing its contribution of more than $325m to the local and state economies.
The opening of the facility created more than 1,300 new jobs and team members were paid $51.9m in wages during the year. Charitable organizations across the Greater Philadelphia region received more than $454,000 in contributions through cash donations.
The casino paid more than $91m in taxes to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and spent more than $100m to support local minority and women-owned businesses.
"As a family-owned company, we consider the community to be extended members of the Live! family. We're proud to be able to provide jobs and support local businesses, in addition to contribute directly to the organizations helping to better the lives of those around us," said Joe Billhimer, Executive Vice President, Cordish Gaming Group. "We look forward to continuing this support during year two, and beyond."
City Representative Sheila Hess presented the company with a proclamation, declaring the company’s February 11 anniversary date as Live! Day.
Philadelphia Eagles long snapper and magician Jon Dorenbos and Mummers champions of the South Philadelphia String Band also attended the celebration.
"We're so proud of the positive impact that we've made on our local communities during our first year in business and thank the City of Philadelphia for their kind recognition," said David Cordish, Chairman, The Cordish Companies. "We kept our promise to create a world-class destination, which has also proven to be an economic driver for the Greater Philadelphia region."
