Going Beyond the Game
Eclipse Gaming Systems gives back to its Native American communities as it prepares to evolve toward wider horizons
By Frank Legato
Only a very few private citizens of Georgia have been honored with a resolution of commendation in the state Senate . One of those citizens is Tim Minard , chief executive officer of Duluth , Georgia-based Eclipse Gaming Systems .
It wasn ’ t just the progress of Eclipse , a 14-year provider of gaming machines to several Class II Native American markets , which led to Senate Resolution 831 , adopted March 30 , although that was part of it .
Since he became CEO in 2018 , Minard , with help of principal David Lawrence and Sales VP Greg Drew , has reinvigorated Eclipse ’ s Class II business , overseeing the launch of a new platform and the high-performing IMPACT cabinet series . Eclipse has moved into new corporate headquarters in Duluth , an Atlanta suburb , and Minard has built a team of seasoned professionals that have strengthened its core Class II business by expanding its footprint into 14 states and positioning the company for an eventual move into Class III .
The state Senate resolution recognized and commended Minard for his contributions to Georgia through Eclipse and his former Georgia-based companies , Sports Challenge Network and Cadillac Jack — and his dedication to the state through efforts to lure businesses to Georgia , as well as his investments in entertainment centers throughout the state .
The heart of the Senate ’ s commendation of Minard went to his philosophy of not only fulfilling the equipment and service needs of his customers ,
but actively working to improve the communities in which he does business , through everything from scholarship programs to a wealth of charitable activities , volunteer efforts , and partnerships . It is that attitude and culture he brought to Eclipse , where it has evolved into a mantra , a tagline , and a mission statement : “ Going Beyond the Game .” Minard and Eclipse established the Beyond the Game Foundation , which has been quite active in Gwinnett County , where Eclipse is located , and the surrounding Metro Atlanta region .
The Metro Atlanta efforts have included the East Lake Foundation , dedicated to revitalizing the East Lake neighborhood and creating new opportunities for the families living there ; the Chris Tucker Foundation , which provides scholarships to youth and families in Metro Atlanta , with a focus on
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We took it upon ourselves to culturally build that into the mix , and think about being a great citizen , a great partner to our tribes , and then to our communities around us .
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— Tim Minard , CEO , Eclipse Gaming Systems
40 Global Gaming Business SEPTEMBER 2022