The candidates this year all have made a very positive impact on our hobby in 2014. I have personal relationships with all of the candidates so picking just one is a very difficult task. When I think back about 2014, to me the most important event for the CCGTCC was that the Museum of Gaming History (previously known as the Building Fund) coming to life in the form of the Jackie Gaughan Exhibit at the El Cortez Hotel and Casino.

My gosh ... I never expected to see the buzz that we got out of that event. I was there for the unveiling, present were El Cortez executives, CCGTCC officials and members, curious onlookers and the press. Reporters interviewing, photographers taking pictures and cameramen taking video. And then to see the coverage in the newspapers, television news and all over the internet. Our club in the news. WOW.

Many, many individuals were involved in making our dream a reality, including two of the candidates and both did a fantastic job. But there was one person who dug in deep, got their hands dirty with every aspect of the project ... project concept, design, selecting the equipment, buying the equipment, setting up the equipment, working the with hotel staff, identifying what content was needed, finding the content and setting it up. He was at the El Cortez for a solid week up to the unveiling making sure that everything was perfect. And at his own expense. His dedication to the CCGTCC and success in pulling off a spectacular achievement is why I will be voting for Neal Silverman as the person who is most deserving of this award for 2014.

And again I congratulate all of the candidates on their nomination and appreciate all the hard work that they did to earn this recognition. Thanks.