In a corporate treasure boasting over 40,000 dazzling jewels, six rare gems stand out. The best and brightest of MGM MIRAGE adorned the stage at the prestigious Employee of the Year gala. The program’s purpose – to honor, in the most lavish manner possible, the people who make the showcase of lustrous resorts shine! Each year 72 flawless employees — 12 “Employees of the Month” from each of six properties — are magnanimously entertained in royal fashion with an evening of opulence featuring gourmet fare, enchanting entertainment, and the opportunity to be rewarded for their invaluable contributions.

The priceless collection of MGM MIRAGE employees perform multi-faceted jobs, which make every guest’s time at their resort of choice, precious. The service ambassadors you are about to meet radiate the company’s philosophy of providing exemplary hospitality and entertainment through various shared characteristics: eagerness to go the extra mile, extreme enthusiasm, positive personalities, reliability, strong commitments to serving others, and role-model attendance.

Although the esteemed honor of “Employee of the Year” is reserved for only six members, MGM MIRAGE feels it’s imperative that every employee knows the significance of his or her work. As Senior Vice President of Human Resources for MGM MIRAGE, Cynthia Kiser Murphey said, “Life is one big series of experiences and it is people who create these experiences for other people. As magnificent as MGM MIRAGE resorts are, it is their employees and the caliber of service they put forth that resonates with our guests.” The annual Employee of the Year galas are distinctively reserved for “the best of the best.” In short, winners represent the company’s lifeblood.

Without further ado, here you have it – the genuinely extraordinary 2004 Employee of the Year Winners.

	Bellagio Annabelle Soto believes in the power of patience, which she eloquently demonstrates as a secretary in Bellagio’s Casino Credit Department, and as a single mother at home. Bellagio’s guests appreciate the loving nature Annabelle so generously pours out on everyone around her. A people-person at heart, Annabelle is happiest listening to customers sing praises of her top-notch service. In addition to her career, Annabelle is passionate about her community. She volunteers as a church librarian, hosts a Bible study in her home and feeds the homeless. For recreation, she delights in “Fun Fridays” – watching movies, taking walks, picnicking, or baking with her daughters.
	MGM Grand Denise Arencibia is every bit as welcoming and polished as her home-away-from- home at MGM Grand – The Mansion. The sky’s the limit for the quality of service she expects of herself as a high-limit baccarat dealer. Denise deals out distinction. During her time on the clock, the stakes are always high, but she continually remains calm, relying on the strength of smiling and its contagious energy to get her through. However, the smile is always genuine; Denise adores her job! Outside The Mansion, Denise antes up her time to Family Home Hospice. She also pleasures in going to church with her family, Tuesday “Family Days” and “Girls’ Night Out.”
	The Mirage Jesus Estrada thrives in the verdant gardens of The Mirage, ensuring its constant bloom as a true tropical paradise. The gardener loves raking in compliments from guests and boasts that the fabulous foliage is still the best in the city! At the root of Jesus’ accomplishments lies his keen eye for detail, honesty and insistence that education and constant improvement are essential for growth. Jesus also nurtures his community by planting seeds of kindness. He coaches soccer teams, volunteers at a North Las Vegas shelter during Thanksgiving, and donates his time and materials to help complete home landscaping for a needy family every December. Outside of his field, Jesus likes gathering with family, watching sports and carpentry.
	TI Sam Sadovia has been in the forefront of TI’s appeal since its grand opening. He has the adventuresome job every little boy dreams about – being a pirate. Now an antagonist to the sultry Sirens of TI, Sam continues to live the pirate’s life while training new mates and managing ship maintenance. The fact that he treasures his job is evident and he has the perfect attendance record to prove it. Back on shore, Sam steals away time to volunteer for various special events each year. His shipshape personality, perpetually positive attitude and eagerness to brave dangerous waters, night after night, are sought-after qualities of too great wealth to be hidden!
	New York-New York Julius George has been a part of Las Vegas history since 1965 when he became one of the first African Americans in the city to become a bell person. This gregarious character has graced the guests of New York-New York with his charm and first-class service since the resort’s opening day. The hospitality industry veteran is respected by peers and loved by the guests who have come to seek him out as part of their vacation experiences. His many contributions to his community include, supporting MGM MIRAGE’s Voice Foundation, recruiting for the NAACP and teaching children how to swim at the YMCA. Out of his uniform, Julius enjoys jazz, movies and shopping. He plans on making his bite out of the Big Apple a lasting mark by retiring one day as the destination’s “No. 1 bellman.”
	Beau Rivage Jon McDougal embodies the essence of Southern hospitality, which he so graciously displays through his every duty as bell services attendant for Beau Rivage. Since beginning his career with the resort in June 2002, Jon has never missed a single day of work. His inherent ability to anticipate the needs of guests and management has helped him garner seven performance commendations, as well as the well-deserved respect of his colleagues. Jon never ceases to go the extra mile and thus, has become the employee Bell Services management is accustomed to depending upon. In addition to integrity and fervor for excellence, Jon exudes cordiality, forever bearing a welcoming smile to visitors of the beautiful Biloxi Coast!