By Roger Porter
The dust has settled and the guests have all returned to their normal routines, however memories of the 2007 Annual Summit Open House and Customer Appreciation Days will linger for awhile.
It' amazing that although the Summit crew pulls out the stops every year for this event, it just seems to get better and better.
This year's event, the 11th, was once again held at the Billings Shrine Auditorium located on Broadwater. In years past the action was held on the main floor of the building. This year, because of scheduling conflicts, it was moved to the lower level and that move didn't deter one iota from the great displays and physical set up. In fact, it may have even better since the venue was more intimate and the acoustics superior.
According to Summit Marketing Coordinator Curt Hagerty, "We once again had great attendance and that always makes us feel good. We appreciate the support our customers offer us and the large turnout is testimony to the fact that we just don't have business relationships with our customers but friendships as well."
Hagerty continued, "Even with being downstairs at the Shrine this year, we still created a fun and relaxing atmosphere where everyone could be entertained, wined and dined and experience our latest products ."
Although one of Summit's main goals is for guests to have a good time, it is also an opportunity to personally test drive the ever expanding line of Summit video gaming and amusement products .
Commenting on customer reaction to the state-of-the-art equipment line up, Hagerty said, "From the feedback we have received, we're confident everyone liked what they saw. New software configurations, new glass, lights and, last but not least, new poker and keno games for both the Royal Touch and MegaPlex series of games.
There was something for everyone to enjoy."
Reinforcing Hagerty's take was President Tim Carson who added, "I'm confident our customers and friends had a great time and were able to see what is available for not only our new MegaPlex series of gaming machines but for our Royal Touch product line and the strong upgrade path it continues to enjoy."
Over the years Carson has earned a reputation for staging a fine open house. His hands-on approach is evident in even the small things such as a plate of candies and nuts placed on each table for the guests to nibble on.
And, be prepared for the future roll out of such new games as "Payline Poker" and "Spill Over Keno" which evoked customer raves during their introduction at the recent fete.
After a Summit open house, the casual observer might think that everyone they glimpsed on the street would certainly be bedecked in a shirt or a cap emblazoned with the Summit logo as everyone had an opportunity to win one simply by spinning the big wheel.
The Summit crew has learned over the years what keeps "em comin' back and audience participation entertainment seems to be the key.
Each person upon entering was given a ticket for drawings to be held throughout the affair. If your number was called at certain intervals you might have a go at the Grab for Cash Money Machine, a wind booth that blows bills of various denominations around much as a hurricane would. And, what you grab, you keep.
No doubt the most popular entertainment of the affair for the second year in a row was the "Take it or Leave it Game" patterned on the popular television show
"Deal or no Deal."
Featuring a set specially constructed for this event, local radio personality Charlie Fox and his very comely assistant, Cindi DeHooge, lent some class to the game and could easily have stepped into the roles on the network TV show.
Contestants had an opportunity to win up to $800 by making the right choices during the course of the game.
Unfortunately, not everyone wins the big money as Jan, one of the notorious "Timber Sisters" of Big Timber, found out when she counted her winnings and they added up to the grand sum of $1.
In addition to the entertainment, visitors always appreciate the very well stocked bar. It is rumored that Bob Snow, the Shrine caterer, takes special pains to see that the meal offerings are equal to the event and he succeeds every time.
This year's Tuesday lunch menu included chicken strips, pulled pork sandwiches and, for dinner, chicken cordon bleu and baby back ribs. Wednesday's offerings included, seafood fettuccine alfredo and French dip sandwiches for lunch and New York steaks, fried shrimp and strawberry shortcake to top off the day.
For those of a technical bent and whose job it is to service video gaming machines, Summit once more offered their popular technical classes.
A bit more advanced technically this year, these classes are conducted by both the Summit staff and representatives of the various component manufacturers.
Nowhere in the state are such technical classes available in such a condensed format with no cost to the attendees. Even employees of the Gambling Control Division's Technical Services branch took part.
In concluding the yearly affair, Carson said, "We sincerely want to thank everyone who took the time to stop by and see us. I hope everyone left with a confident feeling that Summit Gaming is working hard to ensure a very bright gaming future for Montana.
We certainly look forward to seeing everyone again next year."
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, May. 2007, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.