Assemblyman Chris Friend (R – Big Flats) met with Thomas Osiecki, President and COO of American Racing and Entertainment LLC (ARE), which owns the Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs Casinos, in Albany on January 30, 2012, as well as former New York State Assemblyman Jay J. Dinga, currently the ARE Director of Governmental Relations. With Tioga Downs set to expand its operations, it was an opportunity for Assemblyman Friend to meet with one of the largest and most successful businesses in his district.

“It was a pleasure to meet with Mr. Osiecki and former Assemblyman Dinga,” said Friend. “Tioga Downs is planning to build a hotel and convention center with an indoor parking garage on its grounds. This will bring more jobs and revenue to Tioga County, and I enjoyed discussing these exciting plans for the future.”

Tom Osiecki stated that “Tioga Downs is pleased to continue its growth as an employer and economic engine for the Southern Tier region. We place a high value on our partnerships with state and local governments, as well as the opportunity to contribute significantly to state aid to education.”