LANSING, May 7, 2007 – Lottery Commissioner Gary Peters will be honored with the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association’s 2007 President’s Award at an event in Lansing Friday.

Peters, who has been Lottery commissioner since April 2003, will be recognized for his contributions to the MLBA, including overseeing the establishment of Club Games in taverns, bars and restaurants.  Club Games include Club Keno, Pull Tabs and Lucky Streak.  The launch of Club Keno has been a phenomenal success and today generates nearly $500 million in annual revenues. 

“Since the program’s launch in 2003, many MLBA members have benefited greatly from the unique expansion opportunity Club Keno and Pull Tabs have provided their businesses,” said Cathy Pavick, executive director of the MLBA.  “The Club Games program not only benefits members through direct sales of Lottery products, but also enhances their traditional business by offering their patrons an exciting new form of entertainment.”

The MLBA President’s Award is given annually to recognize the recipient’s hard work and accomplishments in promoting Michigan’s hospitality industry.  The award showcases those whose efforts over the years have enhanced business opportunities and the economic standing of MLBA members.

The Michigan Licensed Beverage Association is a not-for-profit corporation created in 1939 by liquor licensees in the state of Michigan with the purpose of mutual improvement, protection, and benefit, therefore promoting the moral, social and intellectual advancement of the liquor licensees of the state of Michigan.  For more information on the association and its activities, visit the MLBA Web site at www.mlba.org.

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