Prairie Meadows Response to COVID-19

Contact:

Gary Palmer

Gary.Palmer@prairiemeadows.com

515.957.3020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 27, 2020 - Altoona, IA. Last week, as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Prairie Meadows announced the layoff of 1,130 employees from its workforce, effective May 3, 2020.  It will retain 73 employees to oversee the management, preservation, and maintenance of the facility during the shutdown period. The property has been closed since March 16, 2020 at the direction of the Prairie Meadows Board of Directors and its executive team. Prior to the shutdown, a compensation plan was adopted to pay and provide benefits to employees through April 16, which was subsequently extended through May 2, 2020.

In an effort to support our employees during this uncertain time, Prairie Meadows will be extending benefits to all eligible employees affected by the layoff through July 31, 2020. “The health and well-being of our employees, our community, and Prairie Meadows remain our top priorities. We want to continue assisting our employees as they navigate these difficult and challenging times,” said Gary Palmer, Prairie Meadows President/CEO. “Teamwork and support of each other continues to be at our core of operation,” adds Palmer. “We are optimistic and hopeful for the future.”

Prairie Meadows has, and will continue to follow the advice and guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Iowa Department of Public Health, and Governor Kim Reynolds. Additional staff protocols have been put in place for monitoring the ever-changing COVID-19 crisis.

Prairie Meadows looks forward to serving you and the community in the very near future.

About Prairie Meadows

Prairie Meadows began operations as a nonprofit organization in 1989 with the goal of promoting economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in the state of Iowa. Through taxes, grants, and charitable donations, Prairie Meadows has given more than $1.9 billion to the state of Iowa, Polk Co., City of Altoona, City of Des Moines, Polk Co. Schools, and numerous other local and state charities.  Prairie Meadows offers nearly 1,700 slot machines, table games, sports wagering, live and simulcast racing, hotel accommodations, entertainment, and more.

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