HIGHLAND, CA – For the second year in a row, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians was awarded “Responsible Business of the Year” at the 2022 Global Gaming Awards in Las Vegas, NV. The recognition rewards San Manuel’s commitment to excellent business practices in human resources and community relations.
The tribe was recognized for its generous contributions donating over $300 million to charitable organizations in their own community, across the country, and throughout Indian Country over the last 20 years. The award also acknowledges the tribe and its gaming enterprise for their commitment to providing resources on services, programs, and initiatives that will yield positive economic, cultural, and social impacts.
“It is an honor that the gaming industry recognizes our dedication to people first, before the enterprise,” said Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. “In an ever-changing economic and business environment, we have not wavered from our values-based business model that is centered first around our stewardship of people and our communities. Our values guide us in building healthy and resilient communities, being a responsible employer, and a providing a responsible entertainment destination for our valued guests.”
Giving back is part of the tribe’s heritage and core mission. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians supports the community as an answer to the “Call of Yawá” (a Serrano word meaning “to act on one’s beliefs”). In addition to supporting non-profit organizations nationally and locally, the tribe is one of the largest employers in the Inland Empire, providing employment opportunities that support their tribal government operations as well as at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino. In the last 12 months, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has hired more than 3,000 new team members to support the expansion of San Manuel Casino to Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel, which includes a 17-story hotel tower, full-service spa, pool deck, additional dining, and an entertainment venue.
