The Atlantic City Alliance, a nonprofit corporation formed recently to spearhead the marketing strategy for Atlantic City’s rebirth, welcomed Elizabeth Cartmell as its CEO at a Boardwalk.

Cartmell was formerly president of Aramark Sports and Entertainment.

The ACA’s primary mission is to develop and implement a full-scale, broad-based, multi-year marketing program for Atlantic City. Using $30 million a year collected by the state from casino revenue taxes. The ACA will work with the New Jersey Casino Reinvestment Development Authority to market and promote the new state-sponsored Tourism District via a public/private partnership.

“This administration continues to enact an aggressive agenda to make Atlantic City a premier gaming and tourism destination while strengthening its role as an engine of business growth and investment for the city, state and regional economies,” commented New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. “The much-needed reforms we are implementing will chart a new course for economic growth, job creation and prosperity in Atlantic City and the industry has been a vital part of this work. In Liza Cartmell, the Atlantic City Alliance has selected an experienced leader who will work collaboratively with our team to continue vital progress on key revitalization measures. I am pleased to welcome her to the Atlantic City team.” 

The Casino Association of New Jersey, which is part of the Atlantic City Alliance, believes cooperation is needed from all segments of the market.

“Thanks to Governor Christie, the legislature and a united effort within the casino industry, the Atlantic City Alliance was formed with one overriding goal—to increase business volumes by promoting, marketing and developing Atlantic City as a premier destination resort,” added Don Marrandino, ACA chairman and Eastern Division president of Caesars Entertainment. “We are excited to have Liza Cartmell leading this organization. She is a world-class executive with the right experience and vision to lead an organization that will successfully market and promote Atlantic City. Under Liza’s leadership, the Atlantic City Alliance will create a new and improved brand identity for Atlantic City that resonates with Atlantic City's current customer base as well as to tourists who currently bypass Atlantic City.

“This strategy will include components geared to improve convention and meeting business, the city-wide event calendar, and clean and safe initiatives. It will also develop a strategic marketing plan that will promote Atlantic City’s newly developed brand including the collective marketing of Atlantic City’s casino resorts’ vibrant nightlife, major concert venues with first-class headliners, upscale and celebrity-chef restaurants, brand-name retail shopping and famous beach and Boardwalk. She’ll lead an organization that will make sure consumers know that our gaming and non-gaming entertainment offerings make Atlantic City second to none.”

“The combination of Liza’s financial background and management experience makes her a unique executive in her ability to lead and grow an organization, while making sure the organization is fiscally responsible and meets its goals,” said Peter Luukko, president and chief operating officer of Comcast-Spectacor. “Liza and I have worked together on many projects over the past 20 years. She is the best in the business.”

Cartmell will work alongside Marrandino and ACA's official Board of Trustees, including chief executives Robert Griffin of Trump Entertainment Resorts, Tony Rodio of Tropicana Casino and Resort, Tom Ballance of Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa and Dennis Gomes of Resorts Casino Hotel.

Taking the podium at her introduction, Cartmell said the city needs to attract more visitors through public relations and marketing efforts that will put Atlantic City on a similar footing with other destinations.

She also pledged to work with the Atlantic City Convention Center to increase business travel, and said there needs to be an increase in “signature events” that bring people to the city.

The members of the ACA include Bally’s Atlantic City Casino Hotel, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Caesars Atlantic City, Harrah’s Resort, Resorts Casino Hotel, Showboat Atlantic City, Tropicana Casino and Resort, Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino and Trump Taj Mahal Hotel Casino.

By Casino Connection Staff