01 Aug Navajo Gaming Extends Closure to August 16, 2020, Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President Executive Orders 008-20
On behalf of our Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise (NNGE) Board of Directors and Executive Team, we extend our sincere appreciation for our team members, patrons and Diné people’s patience and understanding during the closure of our gaming operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have been closely monitoring the COVID-19 crisis and the devastating impact it’s had on the Navajo Nation and the region.
Since first closing our operations on March 17, the NNGE Board of Directors and Senior Management continue to work closely with the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President (OPVP) and the 24th Navajo Nation Council to receive reimbursement from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Act. This funding will allow NNGE to continue to cover our operational obligations, including our payroll and benefit expenses, since the closure has been extended to August 16, 2020, based on the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President Executive Orders 008-20.
“As of July 28, 2020, approximately 900 team members have received their temporary layoff notices via phone calls and/or mail. It is with great heartbreak we had to take this temporary step,” stated NNGE Interim CEO Brian Parrish. On August 4, an additional 140 team members will receive temporary layoff notices.
The Navajo Nation Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches continue to work tirelessly on reviewing and approving CARES Act funding allocations. If Navajo Gaming receives CARES Act funding, it would enable us to immediately return our Team Members from lay-off to an administrative leave with pay status and reopen when it’s prudent and have the resources needed to build the enterprise back up to pre-crisis business levels. Our Board of Directors and senior management team remain in constant communication with Navajo Nation Leadership to provide support and information throughout this process.
“Our team members are Navajo Gaming’s greatest asset! We are very grateful for their patience and unwavering commitment to NNGE as we navigate through these difficult times. They are the reason we’ve been able to give back to the Navajo Nation and the Diné People for more than 10 years. We will continue to keep our team updated on our progress being made in securing the necessary funding to sustain our Enterprise and safely reopen of our gaming operations,” added Parrish.
Please stay safe and continue to observe social distancing, washing of hands and wearing a face mask!
Ahéhee’!
Brian Parrish, Interim CEO