HOLLYWOOD — The honors have continued to come in this summer for Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming.

For the third-consecutive year, HRI was recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of America’s “best employers for women.”

Forbes compiles the annual list in the travel and leisure category from a survey of more than 75,000 U.S. employees that are working for companies of at least 1,000 people.

One of the reasons HRI was recognized in the category is due to the success of its “Women in Leadership” program.

“Providing women with the proper tools, training and leadership opportunities is crucial to the success of any organization and Hard Rock does an exemplary job of representing female leaders at all levels,” Tracy Bradford, EVP of administration and founder of the Seminole and Hard Rock WIL program, said in a statement. “Being honored for the third consecutive year is a testament to Hard Rock’s ongoing commitment to empowering women within the workplace and will continue to be a focal point to ensure we have a diverse team throughout all areas of our organization.”

The WIL program launched in 2017. Since then, HRI has recognized “emerging women leaders” and has increased their promotion.

The program offers a mix of education, mentorship and networking. The full list of Forbes’ “Best Employers for Women,” can be found online at forbes. com.

For more information on the WIL program, email shrwomeninleadership@shrss.com.

‘PlayersEdge’ gets national nod

HRI and Seminole Gaming have also been recognized for its “PlayersEdge” employee training program.

The “Corporate Social Responsibility Award” was given by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) for the program that was implemented in late 2019.

PlayersEdge is known as the first comprehensive gambling literacy and education program designed by a U.S.-based gaming operator.

It applies a segmented education strategy for new, casual and seasoned casino players – and anyone at risk of problem gambling.

Most gambling programs focus extensively on problem gamblers only, officials said.

PlayersEdge also helps players understand their own behavior, identify risks of gambling, and develop positive play habits. For those who consider their gambling activity to have gone too far, PlayersEdge offers the assistance of voluntary self-exclusion and referrals to professional help and counseling services.

HRI chairman and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen marked the occasion to thank the NCPG for the award and also recognize several partners in the endeavor, including creative agency Redline Media Group; HRI vice president of global social responsibility, Paul Pellizzari; and Dr. Rory Reid of the University of California, Los Angeles.

The Washington, D.C.-based NCPG is the national advocacy organization for those affected by problem gambling.

More information is available at ncpgambling.org.

More awards on tap?

Meanwhile, USA Today is looking for its “best of the best” across several categories as part of its next “10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.”

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood has been nominated in four categories in the “casinos” section.

The categories are:

• Best casino hotel: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

• Best casino outside of Las Vegas: Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood

• Best casino restaurant: Council Oak Steaks & Seafood

• Best players club: Seminole Wild Card

Those interested in casting their vote can go to 10best.com/awards/travel.

Organizers said participants can vote once a day in each category until Sept. 7. The winners are expected to be announced Sept. 18.