Chamber chief building local coalition

Matthew Crosson likes a challenge, and he has certainly found one in his new job as president of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. All he has to do is help businesses through the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

Crosson, former head of the 5,000-member Long Island Association, replaced longtime leader Kara Kelley in late April.

Crosson jumped into the new position with both feet.

The new leader's first 60 days included numerous visits with member businesses. In May, for example, a typical day involved a two-hour tour of four companies, followed by individual meetings with business leaders. Interspersed with that effort were numerous appointments with local politicians, educators and labor leaders.