<SUBMISSION>
<ACCESSION-NUMBER>0001186747-09-000032
<TYPE>4
<PUBLIC-DOCUMENT-COUNT>1
<PERIOD>20091103
<FILING-DATE>20091105
<DATE-OF-FILING-DATE-CHANGE>20091105
<REPORTING-OWNER>
<OWNER-DATA>
<CONFORMED-NAME>JOHNSON MARIANNE BOYD
<CIK>0001186742
</OWNER-DATA>
<FILING-VALUES>
<FORM-TYPE>4
<ACT>34
<FILE-NUMBER>001-12882
<FILM-NUMBER>091162514
</FILING-VALUES>
</REPORTING-OWNER>
<ISSUER>
<COMPANY-DATA>
<CONFORMED-NAME>BOYD GAMING CORP
<CIK>0000906553
<ASSIGNED-SIC>7990
<IRS-NUMBER>880242733
<STATE-OF-INCORPORATION>NV
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>1231
</COMPANY-DATA>
<BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>3883 HOWARD HUGHES PARKWAY
<STREET2>NINTH FLOOR
<CITY>LAS VEGAS
<STATE>NV
<ZIP>89169
<PHONE>7027927200
</BUSINESS-ADDRESS>
<MAIL-ADDRESS>
<STREET1>3883 HOWARD HUGHES PARKWAY
<STREET2>NINTH FLOOR
<CITY>LAS VEGAS
<STATE>NV
<ZIP>89169
</MAIL-ADDRESS>
<FORMER-COMPANY>
<FORMER-CONFORMED-NAME>BOYD GROUP
<DATE-CHANGED>19941130
</FORMER-COMPANY>
</ISSUER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>4
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>edgar.xml
<DESCRIPTION>PRIMARY DOCUMENT
<TEXT>
<XML>
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<ownershipDocument>

    <schemaVersion>X0303</schemaVersion>

    <documentType>4</documentType>

    <periodOfReport>2009-11-03</periodOfReport>

    <issuer>
        <issuerCik>0000906553</issuerCik>
        <issuerName>BOYD GAMING CORP</issuerName>
        <issuerTradingSymbol>BYD</issuerTradingSymbol>
    </issuer>

    <reportingOwner>
        <reportingOwnerId>
            <rptOwnerCik>0001186742</rptOwnerCik>
            <rptOwnerName>JOHNSON MARIANNE BOYD</rptOwnerName>
        </reportingOwnerId>
        <reportingOwnerAddress>
            <rptOwnerStreet1>3883 HOWARD HUGHES PARKWAY</rptOwnerStreet1>
            <rptOwnerStreet2>NINTH FLOOR</rptOwnerStreet2>
            <rptOwnerCity>LAS VEGAS</rptOwnerCity>
            <rptOwnerState>NV</rptOwnerState>
            <rptOwnerZipCode>89169</rptOwnerZipCode>
            <rptOwnerStateDescription></rptOwnerStateDescription>
        </reportingOwnerAddress>
        <reportingOwnerRelationship>
            <isDirector>1</isDirector>
            <isOfficer>1</isOfficer>
            <isTenPercentOwner>1</isTenPercentOwner>
            <isOther>0</isOther>
            <officerTitle>Executive Vice President</officerTitle>
        </reportingOwnerRelationship>
    </reportingOwner>

    <nonDerivativeTable>
        <nonDerivativeTransaction>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <transactionDate>
                <value>2009-11-03</value>
            </transactionDate>
            <transactionCoding>
                <transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType>
                <transactionCode>A</transactionCode>
                <equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
            </transactionCoding>
            <transactionAmounts>
                <transactionShares>
                    <value>20210</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F1"/>
                </transactionShares>
                <transactionPricePerShare>
                    <value>0</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F1"/>
                </transactionPricePerShare>
                <transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
                    <value>A</value>
                </transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
            </transactionAmounts>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>90144</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>D</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value></value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeTransaction>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
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            <postTransactionAmounts>
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                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Trust *</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F2"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>30011</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
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                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Trust *</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F3"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>28721</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Trust *</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F4"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>30011</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Trust *</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F5"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>30011</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
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            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Trust *</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F6"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>28521</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Trust *</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F7"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>14613</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Trust *</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F8"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>91324</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Trust *</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F9"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>130247</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Trust *</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F10"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>30582</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Annuity Trust *</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F11"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>32613</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Annuity Trust *</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F12"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>53904</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Annuity Trust *</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F13"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>108340</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Annuity Trust *</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F14"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>62218</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Annuity Trust *</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F15"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>123587</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>Bu Annuity Trust *</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F16"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>722353</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Annuity Trust *</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F17"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>1907138</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Annuity Trust *</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F18"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>2339618</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Annuity Trust *</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F19"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>1675532</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Annuity Trust *</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F20"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>1552049</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Annuity Trust *</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F21"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>1035000</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Annuity Trust *</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F22"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
        <nonDerivativeHolding>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Common Stock</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>1731288</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>I</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value>By Trust</value>
                    <footnoteId id="F23"/>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </nonDerivativeHolding>
    </nonDerivativeTable>

    <derivativeTable>
        <derivativeTransaction>
            <securityTitle>
                <value>Employee Stock Option (Right to Buy)</value>
            </securityTitle>
            <conversionOrExercisePrice>
                <value>7.55</value>
            </conversionOrExercisePrice>
            <transactionDate>
                <value>2009-11-03</value>
            </transactionDate>
            <transactionCoding>
                <transactionFormType>4</transactionFormType>
                <transactionCode>A</transactionCode>
                <equitySwapInvolved>0</equitySwapInvolved>
            </transactionCoding>
            <transactionAmounts>
                <transactionShares>
                    <value>89360</value>
                </transactionShares>
                <transactionPricePerShare>
                    <value>0</value>
                </transactionPricePerShare>
                <transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
                    <value>A</value>
                </transactionAcquiredDisposedCode>
            </transactionAmounts>
            <exerciseDate>
                <footnoteId id="F24"/>
            </exerciseDate>
            <expirationDate>
                <value>2019-11-03</value>
            </expirationDate>
            <underlyingSecurity>
                <underlyingSecurityTitle>
                    <value>Common Stock</value>
                </underlyingSecurityTitle>
                <underlyingSecurityShares>
                    <value>89360</value>
                </underlyingSecurityShares>
            </underlyingSecurity>
            <postTransactionAmounts>
                <sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
                    <value>89360</value>
                </sharesOwnedFollowingTransaction>
            </postTransactionAmounts>
            <ownershipNature>
                <directOrIndirectOwnership>
                    <value>D</value>
                </directOrIndirectOwnership>
                <natureOfOwnership>
                    <value></value>
                </natureOfOwnership>
            </ownershipNature>
        </derivativeTransaction>
    </derivativeTable>

    <footnotes>
        <footnote id="F1">The Reporting Person was awarded 20,210 Restricted Stock Units for no consideration pursuant to the Issuer's 2002 Stock Incentive Plan.  Each Restricted Stock Unit represents a contingent right to receive one share of Issuer common stock upon vesting.  The Restricted Stock Units will vest in full upon the third anniversary of the date of award. The Restricted Stock Units are subject to the forfeiture and other terms and conditions contained in the award agreement and the 2002 Stock Incentive Plan.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F2">By Marianne Boyd Johnson as Trustee of the Aysia Lynn Boyd Education Trust Dated 7/1/97.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F3">By Marianne Boyd Johnson as Trustee of the Taylor Joseph Boyd Education Trust Dated 7/1/97.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F4">By Marianne Boyd Johnson as Trustee of the William Samuel Boyd Education Trust Dated 7/1/97.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F5">By Marianne Boyd Johnson as Trustee of the Samuel Joseph Boyd, Jr. Education Trust Dated 7/1/97.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F6">By Marianne Boyd Johnson as Trustee of the T'Mir Kathleen Boyd Education Trust Dated 7/1/97.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F7">By Marianne Boyd Johnson as Trustee of the Josef William Boyd Education Trust Dated 7/1/97.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F8">By Marianne Boyd Johnson as Trustee of the Justin Boyd Education Trust Dated 11/1/99.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F9">By the Johnson Children's Trust Dated 6/24/96, Bruno Mark, Trustee.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F10">By William R. Boyd and Myong Boyd Children's Trust dated 8/1/93, of which the reporting person is the trustee.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F11">By BG-99 Grantor Retained Annuity Trust #3, of which the reporting person is the trustee.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F12">By BG-00 Grantor Retained Annuity Trust #3, of which the reporting person is the trustee.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F13">By BG-01 Grantor Retained Annuity Trust #2, of which the reporting person is the trustee.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F14">By BG-01 Grantor Retained Annuity Trust #3, of which the reporting person is the trustee.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F15">By BG-02 Grantor Retained Annuity Trust #2, of which the reporting person is the trustee.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F16">By BG-02 Grantor Retained Annuity Trust #3, of which the reporting person is the trustee.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F17">By W.M. Limited Partnership, of which the Marianne Boyd Gaming Properties Trust, of which the reporting person is the trustee, settlor and beneficiary, is the general partner thereof.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F18">By BG-99 Limited Partnership, of which the Marianne Boyd Gaming Properties Trust, of which the reporting person is the trustee, settlor and beneficiary, is the general partner thereof.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F19">By BG-00 Limited Partnership, of which the Marianne Boyd Gaming Properties Trust, of which the reporting person is the trustee, settlor and beneficiary, is the general partner thereof.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F20">By BG-01 Limited Partnership, of which the Marianne Boyd Gaming PropertiesTrust, of which the reporting person is the trustee, settlor and beneficiary, is the general partner thereof.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F21">By BG-02 Limited Partnership, of which the Marianne Boyd Gaming Properties Trust, of which the reporting person is the trustee, settlor and beneficiary, is the general partner thereof.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F22">By BG-09 Limited Partnership, of which each of the William S. Boyd Gaming Properties Trust (&quot;WSBGPT&quot;) and the Marianne Boyd Gaming Properties Trust (&quot;MBGPT&quot;) are the general partners thereof.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F23">By the Marianne E. Boyd Johnson Gaming PropertiesTrust, of which the reporting person is the Trustee, Settlor and Beneficiary, excluding shares held by W.M. Limited Partnership, BG-99 Limited Partnership, BG-00 Limited Partnership, BG-01 Limited Partnership and BG-02 Limited Partnership, which are included in notes  (18) through (22) hereof.</footnote>
        <footnote id="F24">Options granted under the Issuer's 2002 Stock Incentive Plan.  Vesting plan calls for options to become exercisable at the rate of 33.333% per year on the first day of each successive 12 month period commencing one year from grant date.</footnote>
    </footnotes>

    <remarks>*  The reporting person expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of any securities of the Issuer except for those securities that are owned directly by the Reporting Person or to the extent of the Reporting Person's pecuniary interest in a trust or other entity which owns such securities.</remarks>

    <ownerSignature>
        <signatureName>Brian A. Larson, Attorney-in-Fact for Marianne Boyd Johnson</signatureName>
        <signatureDate>2009-11-05</signatureDate>
    </ownerSignature>
</ownershipDocument>
</XML>
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SUBMISSION>
