The MGM 2020 axe continues to fall. Company employees received the following open letter from CEO Jim Murren …
“Dear Colleagues:
“I want to begin this note by thanking so many of you for your patience, support and focus over the last several months. Redesigning an organization to achieve transformational change is difficult; I have been deeply impressed with your personal leadership and commitment to embracing the challenging task of implementing MGM 2020.
“Just as I did previously, I am reaching out to keep you informed as we conduct the second and final round of major organizational changes that have been planned as part of 2020. Since our last round of position eliminations, we have made additional organizational changes to leadership structures that resulted in 222 individuals whose positions were eliminated. Additionally, today, we will be meeting with 557 individuals to let them know that their positions at the Company have been eliminated. As is our practice, we have taken strides to ensure our impacted colleagues were offered other other options if those existed and we have provided a non-working notice period where health benefits will continue and severance to try and ease a life-changing transition. I stand behind the decisions we have made and believe the necessary to ensure our future, but I deeply regret the impacts they have on individuals and their families.
“The changes we are making today bring us closer to concluding the foundational work of MGM 2020 during which we streamlined our operating model and reduced our salaried staff by over 12 percent. While we will will always seek opportunities to operate in the highest performing way possible, we that we will move into the growth chapter of MGM 2020 with a sound organizational structure. You will hear much more from my and our MGM Resorts leadership team about this exciting phase of investment and future growth.
“I want to assure you the decisions of the last several months were made deliberately, carefully and with gravity. Having done this foundational work, we will be stronger and better prepared for continued success and and industry leadership in 2020 and beyond.
“Once again, you have my deepest gratitude for your steadfast commitment. I look forward to building a vibrant future for MGM Resorts.
“Sincerely, Jim.”
OK. we’d like to know more about why the changes are necessary “to ensure 
our future,” to say nothing of the “growth chapter” that’s coming, but Murren is to be applauded for his transparency. Our heart goes out to the 779 individuals who won’t be part of the next chapter at MGM and hope they have a soft landing that returns them swiftly to the workforce.
* If you haven’t seen the Jeff Koons statue of Popeye at Wynncore, too late. Now you’ll have to go to Encore Boston Harbor to take a gander at the man who fights to the finish because he eats his spinach.
* Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman is fighting breast cancer. We will keep her in our thoughts and wish her a speedy recovery.
* With conventioneers the dominant tranche of Las Vegas customers is this Sin City’s new theme song?
