Recycling Today: Alter Companies

Bernard Goldstein, chairman of the Iowa-based Alter Companies, has been honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Law, his alma mater.

In addition to his role as chairman of the Alter Companies, which includes scrap company Alter Trading Corp., St. Louis, and transportation company Alter Barge, Goldstein is the founder, CEO and chairman of Isle of Capri Casinos Inc., Biloxi, Miss.

He joined the Alter Companies in 1950 and served as secretary/treasurer until 1964, when he was elected executive vice president. He became president in 1973 and chairman in 1980. His son Robert currently serves as CEO of Alter Trading Corp.

Often referred to as the "Father of Riverboat Gaming," Goldstein received the American Gaming Association's "Top Performing CEO of the Year" honor in 2001.

Goldstein has been active in the development of the industry in a number of states and was instrumental in lobbying for the original legislation for riverboat gaming in Iowa.

He got his start in gaming as chairman of the board of Steamboat Companies, which operated the Diamond Lady and Emerald Lady casino riverboats. He also served as chairman of the board and president of Casino Cruises Inc.