VEGAS INC Magazine - Latest Las Vegas business news, features and commentaries about gaming, tourism, real estate and more
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D E C E M B E R 2 4 , 2 0 1 2 / Y O U R b u s i n e s s - t o - b u s i n e s s w e e k ly SPECIAL FOCUS THE YEAR IN REVIEW This month, VEGAS INC looks back at the news and newsmakers of 2012 and ahead to 2013. reinvention is key to success post-recession By Eli Segall staff writer LEILA NAVIDI (TOP PHOTOS), SAM MORRIS (BOTTOM LEFT), CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS (BOTTOM RIGHT) GRABBING HEADLINES: Clockwise from top left, Tony Hsieh found success with Zappos and now hopes to do the same downtown; the Harmon Hotel is slated for demolition; the Smith Center for the Performing Arts is bringing culture downtown, and a Nobu Hotel is set to open next year. TOP STORIES OF 2012 A look at the people, places and things making news this year By Vegas Inc Staff T he push for online gambling. Development on the Strip and downtown. An investigation into an attorney-builder scam that left homeowner associations in a lurch. �� There was no shortage of news in 2012. �� And many of the topics that dominated the discussion in boardrooms and lunch rooms across the valley will continue to make headlines in 2013. �� So in case you missed them, or to give you a heads up for next year, here���s a look at some of this year���s biggest business stories: see TOP STORIES, page 14 Making sure it���s secure.��� Jay Carrasco rode the real estate boom for years, and he rode it well. He worked for a home builder, earned a good salary and bought a $40,000 pickup truck. He moved around Florida and sold his homes for a profit. Later, he headed west to Las Vegas to open a satellite office for a flooring company. Then, like so many others in the valley, the recession hit him head on. He lost his job and his vehicle. Carrasco perservered by keeping a positive attitude and taking jobs he never expected. He now works for Mattress Firm as a store manager, a wellliked salesman whose tangle with the economy didn���t limit his boundless energy. He earns less money than he did during his construction days and goes without certain luxuries he once enjoyed. But Carrasco is proof that, for all the former contractors, brokers and developers out there, see CARRASCO, page 17 INSIDE TODAY BLACK GOLD | P. 6 Energy companies hope to tap Nevada���s oil reserves using hydraulic fracturing MAKING WAVES | P. 9 MGM Resorts International submits plans for a water park at Circus Circus THE LIST | P. 22 Nonprofit foundations, ranked by assets 702-25 SHRED 702-257-4733 www.shredit.com/LasVegas 20121224_VI01_F.indd 1 12/20/12 2:40:02 PM