In a reception at The Union League, Hamilton, along with four other Emerging Icon honorees, was recognized as a driving force in maintaining the economic excellence of the Philadelphia region.
As the general manager of SugarHouse Casino, Hamilton leads a workforce of approximately 1,500 team members and manages all day-to-day operations of the 260,000-square-foot gaming facility. Under her leadership, SugarHouse has been named a Top Workplace by Philly.com six times and a Best Place to Work by the Philadelphia Business Journal for seven consecutive years. As one of the region's leading tourist destinations, SugarHouse continues to be a strong economic engine, generating approximately $832 million in tax revenue for the city and Commonwealth and has contributed approximately $8.4 million to various local organizations.
"It's an honor to receive this recognition from The Philadelphia Inquirer," said Wendy Hamilton. "To be grouped with an exceptional class of Philadelphia community leaders and business executives is an extraordinary privilege."
Selected from more than 50 nominees by a board of Inquirer executives, Hamilton and her fellow honorees were chosen for their outstanding leadership and dedication to making positive community impacts. The Emerging Icon honorees were recognized following the induction of five major players into the Philadelphia Business Hall of Fame, most notably Madeline Bell of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Lewis Katz, beloved Philadelphia entrepreneur, among others.
A Philadelphia native, Hamilton began her career in the casino industry at Harrah's Resort Atlantic City and has excelled in the industry for 23 years. An avid community member, Hamilton is on the board of directors for Visit Philadelphia, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and the Police Athletic League (PAL).