Press Releases
For Immediate Release
Contact: Brenda Goburn Smith (410) 385-1333
LOCAL BUSINESS GROUP TO PRESENT RESULTS OF JOINT STUDY ON SLOT MACHINE
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT AT A COMMUNITY FORUM
The Presidents’ RoundTable, Inc., Insist The Public Be Informed
Baltimore, MD – March 5, 2004 -- The Presidents’ RoundTable, Inc., has released the results of a jointly commissioned study* examining the possible economic and social impact Video Lottery Terminals (slot machines) may produce should they be introduced into various communities of the state of Maryland. A community forum will be held 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 9, Brown Memorial Baptist Church at 3215 W. Belvedere Avenue in the Pimlico community. Neighborhood and community groups are invited to hear the results.
The Presidents’ RoundTable, Inc. believes that due to the absence of any recent in-depth analysis on this subject, the need for a study was essential given the potential legislative action that is being initiated during the current General Assembly session in Annapolis.
The group wants to make sure that the public has access to necessary information before making a decision to support or oppose the introduction of slot machines. This study does not present a position of either pro or con with respect to the question of the introduction of slots. “We want people to make decisions for themselves”, said Garland Williamson, Chairman of The Presidents’ RoundTable, Inc.
The study not only projects the government and business benefits for the next four years, but it also illustrates the social impacts of slots based on similar gambling environments in states such as Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois and others.
The Presidents’ RoundTable, Inc. believes the impact of slots involves serious issues, and has particular concerns regarding its impact upon African American communities.
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The Presidents' RoundTable, Inc. (PRT) is an organization of Black businesspersons committed to synergistically promoting its members within the business sector and to seeking economic advancement for the community in an ethical manner.
The organization strives to become a strong support resource for its members and a source of prominent leadership for major business projects in the metropolitan area. One of its goals is to ensure an open and inclusive environment for economic development for all.
*The study was commissioned jointly with The Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable and The Presidents’ RoundTable. The firm that conducted the study is Optimal Solutions Group – a minority-owned economic and policy analysis consulting firm located in Baltimore, Maryland.
