The American Gaming Association (AGA) has announced the finalists for the 2008 Gaming Voice Awards, a recognition that honors the accomplishment in public relations, advertising, publicity and financial and corporate communications in the gaming industry. The list of finalists includes Harrah’s Entertainment, MGM Grand, Pinnacle Entertainment Inc, Mohigan Tribal Gaming Authority and more.

The finalists include a total of 21 gaming companies, hotels and organizations from all over the U.S nominated in 15 categories, including best 2007 annual report, best direct mail, best customer publication, best print, outdoor, radio and TV advertisements, best online site, and best public affairs and multi-format marketing campaigns. A group of experts in advertising, marketing, public relations, Internet and graphic design and financial communications evaluated more than 270 entries to select the 47 nominations.

"Given the current economic climate and the challenges being faced by so many members of our industry, it is more important than ever for companies to differentiate themselves in a highly competitive marketplace, and excellent marketing, advertising and communications is one way they can do just that. The finalists for this year's Communications Awards represent the finest work being done in gaming communications and provide proof that our industry is developing some of the most innovative and interesting communications materials around." said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO of the AGA and 2008 Gaming Voice Awards MC.

Gaming Voice Awards will be presented on Wednesday, November 19th at the Las Vegas Convention Center.  The American Gaming Association will also take the opportunity to honor the Lifetime Achievement Award for Gaming Communications to Jack Leone, Sierra Pacific Resources vice president of corporate communications. Leone has spent more than 48 years in the public relations, marketing and advertising areas in times in where the marketing and advertising were essential to revitalize the Las Vegas gaming industry. Leone also represented several Las Vegas hotels and casinos for almost twenty years, including the Caesars Palace, MGM Grand Hotel and Casino and Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.