FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 4/22/2009

Beau Rivage Expands and Formalizes Environmental Efforts

“Always Bet on Green” Initiative Focuses on Recycling and Sustainability

BILOXI, Miss. – Beau Rivage Resort & Casino rolls out its comprehensive “green” initiative – “Always Bet on Green” – today in conjunction with Earth Day. The property-wide program focuses on reducing energy usage, eliminating waste and recycling while offering guests and meeting planners a selection of earth-friendly options.

Beau Rivage began implementing energy-saving measures several years ago and has continually installed more energy-efficient equipment and fixtures to decrease its impact on the environment. The casino has since expanded the efforts beyond engineering to include food and beverage, guest services and administrative departments.

In 2008, Beau Rivage established a Green Council, led by Director of Engineering Al Greene, to examine and address the resort’s environmental practices and explore ways to reduce costs through energy efficiency, water conservation, recycling and other avenues. The 13- member council includes representation from each division and communicates regularly, conducts research and shares best practices.

“Betting on green is a winning proposition when it comes to the environment,” said George P. Corchis Jr., president and chief operating officer of MGM MIRAGE’s Mississippi resorts, which includes Beau Rivage in Biloxi and the Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica. “We’re examining every part of our operation to identify ways we can make a difference while not compromising - and in many cases enhancing- the guest experience.”

Prior to Hurricane Katrina, the casino had begun implementing energy-saving changes to its engineering and operations, including replacing lighting and upgrading heating and air conditioning equipment. After the storm, more changes were made as the property went through an extensive, year-long, $550 million renovation.

“Always Bet on Green’ initiatives range from employing paperless communications, conserving energy and recycling to giving guests green choices and offering organic items in Beau Rivage’s restaurants, nightclubs and bars and retail outlets.

Beau Rivage’s security team donates lost and found items to charity, including eye glasses to the Lion’s Club and cell phones to the battered women’s shelter. Unclaimed money, an average of $10,000 per year, goes into Beau Rivage’s VOICE Foundation for donation.

Ongoing casino marketing promotions encourage customers to think and “go green,” highlight sustainability efforts and offer players a chance to win environmentally friendly prizes such as hybrid automobiles.
Beau Rivage is also developing a personalized online system to communicate directly with players about their rewards and upcoming promotions. Beau Rivage’s PURL’s, or personal URLs – will allow players to receive targeted offers and information in real time. Not only does it help the environment by saving trees, it allows for customer engagement, personalization and the highest level of customer service.

“By communicating electronically with our players, we can continually update their offers while reducing the amount of paper we print and mail,” said Brian J. Bork, vice president of marketing for MGM MIRAGE Mississippi resorts. “What better way to service our players than by giving them access to what they want, exactly when they want it.”

As part of April 22 Earth Day festivities, Beau Rivage employees will be planting trees at the Fountain’s Pier Complex in D’Iberville. Other “Always Bet on Green” employee volunteer initiatives include participation in the Great American Clean-up April 25 and an on-going partnership with the Mississippi Urban Forest Council and its community tree training and planting program.

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For More Information:
Mary Cracchiolo-Spain, Beau Rivage
mcracchiolo@beaurivage.com
(228) 386-7134