George Ryan News

The 46’ x 17.5’ high tunnel catamaran George Ryan recently arrived in Juneau after departing Port Angeles, Washington three days prior. The vessel was built by Armstrong Marine USA for Alaska Tales Whale Watching, located in Juneau. Alaska Tales also operates a 42’ catamaran, Jay Ellis, built by Armstrong in 2017.The 49-passenger + 3 crew USCG Subchapter T vessel pairs speed with stability for the ultimate touring platform. Multiple viewing decks and mitered AJR Marine windows make George Ryan well suited for wildlife watching. Stainless steel cable railings ensure clear views.

Illinois Gov. George Ryan signaled he may be willing to support the transfer of a dormant riverboat gaming license to Cook County, despite campaigning against the idea last year. While not explicitly endorsing a specific casino site, he acknowledged without the crucial support of legislators who want riverboat gaming in the county, no gambling package could move forward in the Illinois General Assembly. Cook County is the only Illinois county prohibited by law from having a riverboat casino. Rosemont Mayor Donald Stephens is pushing for a riverboat there, and Chicago Mayor Richard Daley has endorsed Stephens' bid for a casino. Daley said he is not interested in bringing riverboat gambling to Chicago, but if Rosemont wants the dormant Silver Eagle license, he won't raise objections

James H.I Weakley has been selected to be the next President of Lake Carriers' Association. He will succeed George J. Ryan when the latter retires after 20 years of service on January 15, 2003. Weakley will begin serving as President-Elect of LCA on October 1 to ensure an orderly succession. "I am delighted to turn the helm over to Jim Weakley," said Ryan. "I have worked with him for more than 10 years and consider Jim ideally suited to represent U.S.-Flag shipping on the Great Lakes. He possesses both managerial and operational skills that, combined with his knowledge of the U.S. "As both a member of the Coast Guard and then private industry, I have held George Ryan in the highest regard," said Weakley. Weakley's maritime experience is extensive. A 1984 graduate of the U.S.

The operators of many of the riverboat casinos along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers are likely to enjoy smooth sailing as growing demand, limited new supply, and relaxed regulations support stronger operating results and possibly rating upgrades, Moody's Investors Service reports. The rating agency also cautions, however, looser gaming restrictions in one jurisdiction or the strengthening of one casino's position through the addition of new amenities could put pressure on neighboring operations. "Overall, our rating outlook is positive and we expect more upgrades than downgrades of companies in this industry over the next 6-18 months," says Moody's VP/senior analyst Todd Gray.

The operators of many of the riverboat casinos along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers are likely to enjoy smooth sailing as growing demand, limited new supply, and relaxed regulations support stronger operating results and possibly rating upgrades, Moody's Investors Service reports. The rating agency also cautions, however, looser gaming restrictions in one jurisdiction or the strengthening of one casino's position through the addition of new amenities could put pressure on neighboring operations. "Overall, our rating outlook is positive and we expect more upgrades than downgrades of companies in this industry over the next 6-18 months," says Moody's VP/Senior Analyst Todd Gray.

The embattled chairman of the Illinois Gaming Board, criticized over the panel's decision to approve a riverboat sale over the objections of regulatory staff, has resigned. Robert Vickrey, a board member since 1992, sent his resignation letter to Gov. George Ryan, who appointed him chairman last summer. Ryan name Gregory Jones as the new chairman. Anti-gambling activists had been pressing for Vickrey's resignation since the board voted 3-1 on Nov. 30 to approve the purchase of the Empress riverboat casinos by casino mogul Jack Binion, owner of Horseshoe Gambling, for $609 million. That decision came on the last day before deadlines for financing and regulatory approval that could have sunk the deal.