by tim | Jul 18, 2014 | Blog, Gaming

Las Vegas has a reputation for being the best in gaming. However, if you can’t dedicate the time or effort to make a trip to Sin City, know that the best resorts could be right under your nose.
This recent article calls out the top ten non-Vegas casinos that are getting the most Yahoo searches. You’d be surprised at the entertainment value these resorts hold.
Here at All Star, we are also proud to call three of these ten casinos clients. As a full service loyalty provider, we are able to fulfill any need that comes our way. It is safe to say that these properties would not be where they are now if it weren’t for their comprehensive player loyalty program!
by tim | Mar 14, 2014 | Blog

What motivates employees?
No matter the size, large or small, businesses all over the country are taking time to proudly recognize the hard work ethics and continuous dedication of their employees in the workplace. Specifically, Jake Burton Carpenter, founder of Burton Snowboards, has not only fueled the growth of his company worldwide, but has done so in a reputable manner by recognizing and rewarding his employees for all of their hard work and dedication.
In 1977, Jake Burton Carpenter founded Burton Snowboards out of his Vermont barn. Since then, Burton has fueled the growth of snowboarding worldwide through its groundbreaking product lines, its grassroots efforts to get the sport accepted at resorts and its team of top snowboarders. In 1996, Burton began growing its family of brands to include board sports equipment and apparel brands. Privately held and owned by Jake, Burton’s headquarters are in Burlington, Vermont with international offices in Innsbruck, Austria and Tokyo, Japan.
We all know the success of a business starts with its employees. And when your employees are rewarded with Dog-friendly offices, season passes to the mountain, free skate park admission, “Fall Bash” attendance, Company Ride Day and Demo closet to name a few, it’s no wonder why Burton was named in the top 100 best companies to work for by Fortune Magazine.
Burton’s latest recognition to its employees came this week when Jake, the founder of the company, sent out the memo below to all his Burlington employees telling them to enjoy one of the last storms of the season with a day off to hit the slopes. This is a policy for the company – “When it snows 2 feet or more, the office is closed for all employees to go enjoy the mountain”. (See letter) Small reward? Yes, but impactful.

So, why does Jake feel recognition is so important? I listed a couple stats below to explain why he might feel this way:
- 85% of employees see a link between their level of motivation and the quality and quantity of their work – Study by Occupational Hazards
- Recognition programs aimed at individuals increased performance by 27% and by 40% for teams – SITE Foundation
- Long-term recognition programs are more than twice as powerful than
short-term (44% vs. 20%) – SITE Foundation
- 92% of corporations reported that objectives were surpassed, met, or at least partially met through the use of recognition programs – SITE Foundation
- 89% of employees say that positive feedback is their biggest motivator, yet only 39% get any feedback, be it positive or negative¹
Again, the foundational success of a business starts with its employees. We now know how even the smallest amount of recognition can motivate your employees to work smarter, safer, harder, etc. Jake Burton and All Star Incentive Marketing know how to motivate, it’s time we all do.
by tim | Feb 28, 2014 | Blog

Plainville and Penn National Gaming have been awarded the sole license to operate a slot-machine parlor in Massachusetts with conditions, to Penn National Gaming, which plans to operate the facility at the Plainridge harness racetrack.
The license was tentatively awarded by the state Gaming Commission, Elaine Driscoll, a spokeswoman for the panel, said yesterday in an e-mail. The company will need to accept conditions today before an official vote, she said.
The plans are plans to build a $225 million slot-machine facility at the Plainridge Racecourse, a harness-racing track in Plainville, about 35 miles southwest of Boston.
“We are currently reviewing the Gaming Commission’s conditions, but don’t see any major areas of concerns,” Chief Executive Officer Tim Wilmott said in an e-mailed statement.
The casino, which will include 1,250 slot machines, live racing and the first-ever Doug Flutie Sports Bar, could open by the second quarter of next year, Wilmott said.
The five-member panel considered job creation and the future of the state’s horse racing industry, among other criteria. In 2011, the state legalized casino betting with legislation that authorized three resorts and one slot parlor.
“The Plainville option is a sure-fire bet, it’s a proven operator,” commission Chairman Stephen Crosby said during the deliberations. “I think they’re going to do the job well.”
Cordish Cos., based in Baltimore, proposed a $200 million facility in Leominster and pledged to contribute $1 million annually to technology start-ups in the state, but came up short earning just 2 votes out of the possible 5.
Needless to say, things are just getting started in Massachusetts.
For a full read on the vote please click here
by tim | Feb 14, 2014 | Blog
With occasions like Earth Day and Mother’s Day on the horizon, the time is now to game plan an event that will separate your property from your competitors. The “Just Add Ice” – Orchid” is a distinctive and inspiring idea to brighten the day of your patrons.
Orchids offer versatility and resilience, so you can integrate them into most aspects of your planning and prepping, from on the spot recognition to traditional large quantity giveaways. When you feature this stunning yet durable flower at your event, the possibilities for brilliance are endless.
Grown and supplied by Green Circle Growers, one of the largest greenhouse operations in the Midwest, “Just Add Ice – Orchids” are breathtaking décor for the home or work space. “Just Add Ice – Orchids” are grown in an environmentally friendly fashion, using highly efficient growing techniques, water conservation and sustainable heat source. The “Just Add Ice – Orchids” brand is committed to introducing new ideas to the market place, continuously striving to best serve consumers and the environment. Just Add Ice Orchids encourages an innovative watering method of only three ice cubes per week, per plant.
In addition to growing over 5 million Just Add Ice Orchids each year, Green Circle Growers also produces other products with high-value, easy-care characteristics, including Anthuriums, Bonsai and Money Trees, and even Poinsettias for a Holiday Event!
This is another example of All Star offering proven solutions and products that help increase casino traffic and build long-lasting player loyalty. All Star also insures on site product expertise, including demonstrations by manufacturers and the necessary personnel to assist your guests with the redemption process.

by tim | Feb 7, 2014 | Blog

The article below lists 7 valuable tips for enhanced customer loyalty. In tough economic times especially, it is even more imperative to keep your customers coming back. Customers today are constantly being pitched by competitors saying they can do it cheaper. It’s important to find that blend of physical, emotional, and transactional value for your customers so that they close the door on all the solicitation.
Please read more here… http://winthecustomer.com/effective-tips-customer-loyalty/