Sands proposes Talent Partnership if New York casino plan approved

Sands announced that it would partner with the group Minority Millennials, a local not-for-profit that would help build a diverse pipeline of local talent for pre-apprenticeships and procurement opportunities related to the resort and casino venture.

The partnership, Sands said, will enable Minority Millennials to further its mission of helping young people of color access jobs, build wealth and become more civically engaged. As part of the collaboration, Minority Millennials will work with Sands to ensure that local students and young professionals are prepared to take advantage of local career opportunities stemming from the integrated resort.

“Partnerships are the foundation of workforce development, the Sands team reached out to us because they understand the importance of creating and fostering opportunities for young Long Islanders of color, and also of meeting them where they are with any education, training and recruitment efforts,” said Dan Lloyd, founder and president of Minority Millennials. “We are preparing to roll out an extensive campaign to ensure that when these jobs open, our local students, young professionals and emerging entrepreneurs are ready to take advantage of them. The types of jobs and careers that the Sands proposal aims to unlock are the kinds of opportunities that can create real generational wealth within our communities and drive economic growth, equity, and prosperity for Long Island.”

Sands is applying for one of three licenses the state is offering to build a casino in the downstate area. It plans to build a multi-billion-dollar hospitality, entertainment and casino complex at the Nassau Hub, where the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum sits.

The resort portions of the site would include outdoor community space, four- and five-star hotel rooms and a performance venue that "honors the legacy" of performances at Nassau Coliseum. Sands said the resort would also feature celebrity chef restaurants, experiential events and flexible meeting and convention spaces. The casino, if approved, would be less than a tenth of the project's total square footage, Sands said.

If it goes forward, the Minority Millennial campaign would primarily targeting students, young professionals and people aged 40 and under in Uniondale and the surrounding communities. Events and opportunities will also be made available throughout Long Island.

The campaign will lean heavily on social media, but also include in-person events, such as a Procurement Academy for minority- and women-owned businesses, as well as disabled veterans; a resume writing workshop; and a pre-apprenticeship fair where local unions and training centers will have the ability to recruit new members for any potential construction-related opportunities.

Sands has also announced a possible partnership with Nassau Community College to become the primary employee training center for the company if its Hub plan goes through.