VEGAS INC Magazine - Latest Las Vegas business news, features and commentaries about gaming, tourism, real estate and more
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/104236
J A N U A R Y 2 1 , 2 0 1 3 / 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 WHat's coming in The new year This month, VEGAS INC looks ahead to 2013 and the intersection of business and politics. mandalay bay in midst of major facelift, its first in 14 years christopher devargas LONG TIMER: Sam McMullen, a partner at Snell & Wilmer, has lobbied at the Nevada Legislature since 1983. He represents the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce. THE POWER BROKERS Lobbyists play key role in making deals, protecting business interests By David McGrath Schwartz staff writer I By Ron Sylvester staff writer By most measures, Mandalay Bay had a banner year in 2012. It sold out its convention center. The Shark Reef aquarium set an attendance record with 900,000 visitors. Carlos Santana signed a residency at the House of Blues. That wasn't good enough. Owner MGM Resorts International embarked on a massive renovation of the 3,000-room resort, the first since it opened in 1999. Construction began late last year and is expected to be completed by summer. "I've got more construction walls than I have real walls," Mandalay Bay President Chuck Bowling said. Many of the resort's original venues haven't changed in 14 years. A second phase of construction, slated to start this summer, will rebrand The Hotel as the Delano Las Vegas, with a projected 2014 opening date. MGM see MANDALAY, page 17 f the press is sometimes referred to as the 4th branch of government, the 5th branch surely would be lobbyists – the paid professionals who advocate on behalf of industries, business owners, labor unions and causes large and small. ¶ In Carson City, lobbyists play a key role, serving as power brokers in the Nevada Legislature. ¶ They act as confidants and de-facto staff to part-time lawmak- ers who meet only once every other year. Many are attorneys and have been known to help write bills and direct policy. They broker deals between elected leaders and are vital go-betweens between policy makers and industry and labor leaders, both during political campaigns, when lawmakers need money, and during the legislative session, when lawmakers need votes. see LOBBYISTS, page 14 INSIDE TODAY CAUSE TO CELEBRATE | P. 6 Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman paints a rosy picture of the city in 2013 GOOD GIVING | P. 20 Despite the still-shaky economy, United Way on track to meet fundraising goals THE LIST | P. 22 Taxicab companies, by revenue Quality, Quick & Convenient Medical Care No appointments are needed and we accept most insurance plans. YOUR OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE ONE-STOP VENUE. OFFERING ON-SITE LABS AND X-RAYS. ABLE TO CONSTRUCT AND CUSTOMIZE HEALTH INCENTIVE PROGRAMS FOR ANY SIZE BUSINESS/CORPORATION TO DIMINISH RISING HEALTH PLAN COSTS FOR EMPLOYERS. 655 S. Green Valley Parkway, Ste 100 | Henderson, NV 89052 | Open 7 days a week 7am to 7pm | 702-431-7337 | www.doctorsexpresslasvegas.com 20130121_VI01_F.indd 1 1/17/13 3:33:17 PM