From maid to president of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol (USA). The successful climb of Caxias native Allie Heinen Evangelista set the tone for the lunch meeting of the Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Services of Caxias do Sul (CIC Caxias) this Monday (7). By participating virtually and talking about the theme "A bet on the American dream", Allie talked about her trajectory in a doubly significant event: it was the resumption of the weekly calendar of lunch meetings on Mondays and it was alluding to International Women's Day, that is celebrated today (March 8).
“I am proud to represent Brazil, professional women and foreigners in a new world. I want my story from chambermaid to president to inspire other women and immigrants to fight for professional success in Brazil or anywhere in the world,” said Allie, who dedicated her speech to her father, former president of CIC Caxias Carlos Heinen. “A father who worked hard to provide me with the best education and opportunities for success,” she said emotionally.
After talking about the beginning of her life in the United States, Allie, who has a degree in Tourism from the University of Caxias do Sul (UCS), recalled her professional career in large hotel chains, starting in 1999, when she started as a maid at the Hilton Hotel, until this year assuming the position of president of Hard Rock Bristol.
An executive in a predominantly male managerial universe, she said that she did not find barriers because she was a woman. She said that her story was not easy, but that the difficulties were overcome with hard work, dedication and discipline.
According to the executive, the gaming industry in the United States employs 1.8 million people. There are 981 casinos and 44 states where gaming is legal. Together, they generate US$41 billion in taxes, with an annual economic impact of US$261 billion.
“Why should Brazil legalize gambling?” she asked. Because, according to Allie, Brazil, Cuba and North Korea are the only countries in the world that still haven't regulated the activity. “Illegal gaming is one of the biggest sources of money raising annually, something close to R$ 27 billion. In addition, 20 million Brazilians bet daily on the joog do bicho and 10 million Brazilians participate in sports betting on the internet,” she enumerated.
The speaker also stated that legalization could represent 658,000 direct jobs, 619,000 jobs for game production, in addition to foreign investment and growth in the tourism industry. “Illegal gaming prevents the collection of taxes to benefit health, education and public safety,” Allie argued.
Regarding the current bill to legalize gaming in Brazil, approved by the Chamber of Deputies on February 24, and which is now going to the Senate, Allie said casinos, bingo, video bingo, online games, jogo do bicho and horse racing will be allowed.
She recalled that the limit of casinos per state will be according to the number of inhabitants, exclusively in leisure complexes, with hotels with at least 100 rooms, restaurants and shopping centers. The project provides for a tax burden of 17% on betting operations and 20% on Income Tax on prizes from R$10 thousand.
Anonymous women
Opening the lunch meeting, the president of CIC Caxias, Celestino Oscar Loro, highlighted the participation of Allie Heinen Evangelista in the event and paid tribute to all women on International Women's Day, especially the legion of anonymous women who do not have the visibility they deserve, but who fight in every way to make the world a better place.
Source: CIC Press Office - Journalist Marta Guerra Sfreddo
