News Articles

Incoming chairman challenges Chamber members

Submitted by gseidman on Thu, December 13, 2012
Written By:

Hubble Smith

Jay Barrett Addresses Chamber Members

Las Vegas is making great strides at improving its education system and recruiting new business and preparing leaders for the future, moves that will help the community recover from the worst of economic times, the incoming chairman of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce said Wednesday.

The biggest challenge in the new year is to stay focused and keep up the energy to drive through obstacles that come up, said Jay Barrett, principal of JABarrett Co. financial advisers.

Las Vegas Chamber unveils new name, tech startup initiative

Submitted by gseidman on Thu, December 13, 2012
Written By:

Eli Segall

Jay Barrett Unveiling New Logo

The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce is changing its name and rolling out new efforts to help the valley’s budding startup businesses — and possibly sign them as members.

Now called the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce, the business association on Wednesday unveiled the new name and its “JumpStart Vegas” initiative.

Chamber officials will try to connect local tech entrepreneurs with lawyers, accountants and other chamber members who can help them with their business plans.

Member to Member: Open Social Collaboration: A Must-Have for Business in 2013

Submitted by The Chamber on Fri, December 7, 2012
Written By:

Sarah Evans, Chief Evangelist, Tracky

Here's a brutal fact and a tough pill to swallow: The majority of businesses aren't run efficiently due to lack of priorities, poor communication and ineffective meetings. Studies show that employees are increasingly emotionally disconnected at work, lacking the tools and strategies necessary to communicate well, be productive and work towards clear-cut priorities. Why? Many times it's because leadership lacks a fundamental commitment to launch an entire culture overhaul. But delaying the shift will only serve to encourage employee disengagement and slow the company's success.

POLITICAL EYE: Business leaders fear consequences of 'fiscal cliff'

Submitted by gseidman on Mon, November 26, 2012

Executives from the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce make their annual trip to Washington, D.C., this week to meet with Nevada lawmakers and federal officials.

Their message: Do whatever it takes to avoid sequestration, the automatic, across-the-board federal budget cuts that would take effect early next year if Congress fails to strike a deal on the federal debt.

Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce honored for education advocacy

Submitted by gseidman on Sun, November 25, 2012
Written By:

Trevon Milliard

The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce has received the Nevada Association of School Boards' executive committee friend of education award for being a vocal advocate for public school students.

Chamber President and CEO Kristin McMillan received the award Nov. 17 at the association's annual conference in Reno. It is the first time the association presented the award to an organization.

Who's got clout? A look at 10 movers and shakers who shape business in the valley

Submitted by gseidman on Tue, November 20, 2012
Written By:

Business Press Staff

Clout can be fleeting.

Especially in Las Vegas.

Times change quickly in Southern Nevada. During the boom period, gaming ruled as new megaresorts on the Strip fueled a booming economy.

The recession altered the status quo.

Gaming, in some sense, has taken a backseat to other types of development and job creation.

David G. Schwartz, director of the Center for Gaming Research at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, said there are two dimensions to clout: overall influence and the "what have you done for me lately" aspect.

Former Chicago mayor says government cooperation, transportation, environment key to Las Vegas’ success

Submitted by gseidman on Fri, November 16, 2012
Written By:

Eli Segall

The Las Vegas Valley can learn a lot from Richard M. Daley.

Daley was mayor of Chicago for more than two decades, turning it into one of the top cities in the world with strong businesses, culture and tourism. On Thursday, he flew to Las Vegas to explain how he did it and to offer advice about how Las Vegas can become more than just a destination for gamblers and conventioneers.

Ex-Chicago Mayor Daley offers economic development tips to Las Vegas

Submitted by gseidman on Thu, November 15, 2012
Written By:

Benjamin Spillman

Savvy politicians know politics is a game of addition, not subtraction.

And on Thursday in Las Vegas a member of one of America's savviest political families said the same holds true for economic development.

Former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley said if Las Vegas wants to expand its global reach beyond the gambling and partying business, then political leaders need to forge alliances, not rivalries, with other cities, nations and even each other.

Customer Service Excellence - The Morning Blend

Submitted by The Chamber on Wed, November 7, 2012

Cara Roberts and Shanda Alcantara of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce are here to discuss the 22nd Annual Customer Service Excellence Luncheon and awards ceremony. The Customer Service Excellence program is a city wide effort that encourages and rewards superior customer service.

How Nevada is trying to grow its tech sector — and succeeding slowly

Submitted by The Chamber on Mon, November 5, 2012
Written By:

Richard N. Velotta

Downturns prove time and again how important it is for Nevada to diversify its economy. The state must protect itself from the effects of relying too much on one industry.

But economic diversification has been an unattainable goal for decades. The Great Recession hammered the point home again.

When Brian Sandoval ran for governor in 2010 and took office in 2011, he made diversification a key piece of his platform. The cornerstone of his effort is broadening technology.

Young Executives: Nevada’s Future

Submitted by admin on Fri, November 2, 2012
Written By:

Doresa Banning

After finishing graduate school, Nevada resident, Adam Kramer, launched his own business, I Am America, which provided online video content for companies. Four years later, his wife landed an opportunity in Las Vegas, and the couple relocated to the city from Los Angeles. Kramer sold his business and found a job with the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce as the director of its Vegas Young Professionals group. Today, one and a half years later, at age 27, he remains in that role, which has expanded to include an additional component, assisting business startups.

Former NDA hires transit guru to forge new direction

Submitted by gseidman on Wed, October 31, 2012
Written By:

Jennifer Robison

The former Nevada Development Authority has hired a transportation guru to pave a new road toward economic development.

Local government affairs consultant Tom Skancke will take over Thursday as president and CEO of the nonprofit, now called the Las Vegas Regional Economic Development Council. Former president and CEO Somer Hollingsworth will oversee the council's new-business arm.