By Josh Resnek
Now it is official.
The Wynn name has been erased — but not really.
All the signage has been changed leading to the entrance of the casino and hotel which has been renamed, Encore Boston Harbor.
Encore is the name of a Wynn casino property in
Las Vegas, a part of the Wynn family of gaming interests.
That family has expanded to include the Everett project.
The Everett project therefor remains a part of Wynn Resorts.
This official announcement was made last week and unveiled officially by Wynn Resorts President Matthew Maddox during an appearance before the Gaming Commission.
The Wynn name, he told the commission, is more than Steve Wynn’s last name. It is a brand.
He also acknowledged that he understands the sensitivities that here in Boston about sexual harassment are more pronounced than in other parts of the nation and that the renaming of the complex reveals the corporations sensitivities to the new situation it faces as the project comes closer to completion.
At the Gaming Commission meeting, Maddox attempted to prove that Steven Wynn, the disgraced founder of the company, was no longer a force with the company.
He admitted to speaking with Wynn on a number of occasions following his resignation but emphasized that those discussions were not about the business in any particular or specific way. He indicated that Wynn (the founder) had sold all his stock and has nothing whatsoever to do with the management and the vision of the company as it is moving ahead.
Maddox’s message to the Gaming Commission is that Wynn is done and gone with the company.
Also, Maddox emphasized as well the naming of three women to the board of directors indicated how greatly the corporation was changing its image and persona.
One of the commissioners was quoted in the Boston Herald as believing the naming of the women to the board was a whitewash and came a bit too late.
However, those close to the Gaming Commission asserted that Wynn Resorts was doing the right thing so far and that this would have a great deal of persuasion on the Gaming Commission which is now apparently looking into whether or not Wynn Resorts is a suitable owner of the gambling license.
Maddox played a very strong hand before the Gaming Commission.
He played the only hand he has.
The Gaming Commission will be releasing its investigation report and determine suitability at that time expected to be during the summer.
In the meantime, rumors and reports of a sale of the Everett property have fallen silent.
Maddox has said he will never sell this property.
“I found the land…this will never be sold,” he said.