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/211512
N O V E M B E R 1 8 , 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 TECHNOLOGY AT WORK This month, VEGAS INC examines the local tech industry and its impact on the economy. NO SAFETY NET TO CATCH NEVADA'S MENTALLY ILL By Andrew Doughman staff writer AT WORK: Scott Allison, right, started tech company Teamly to create social networks for companies and help employees and managers track progress. L.E. BASKOW Eight Las Vegas tech companies you probably haven't heard of By Ed Komenda staff writer L Missy McLean's frantic pleas over the telephone went unheeded. Some 2,200 miles away in Toronto, Canada, she could do nothing as doctors at a Las Vegas hospital discharged her mentally ill brother. "The doctor said they could get him a bus ticket to get him to the airport," she said. "I asked if somebody could accompany him to the airport since he was alone and not well. She (the doctor) said, 'No, we don't do that.'" Her brother, a 29-year-old tourist whose bipolar disorder had flared up during a Labor Day vacation, had gone missing, spent a stint in jail and rested for several days in Valley Hospital. But his story was just beginning. "I said to the nurse that my brother is not well enough to be released, and he is alone down there and has nowhere to go and has very little money," McLean said. "I knew he was not in the right see MENTALLY ILL,page 16 as Vegas isn't Silicon Valley, but a number of startups have chosen the city to put down roots and launch companies. ¶ Even better, most plan to stay. Why? ¶ Tony Hsieh's INSIDE TODAY Downtown Project and the Las Vegas Tech Fund have helped fuel a tech boom. The Zap- LAGGING BEHIND | P. 6 pos bigwigs have financed startups, invested in real estate and generated buzz about downtown. ¶ But Las Vegas' appeal goes beyond their involvement. With a low cost of living, a Southern Nevada has lots of work to do to become a medical tourism hub LAND AVAILABLE | P. 7 24-hour economy, a hearty convention industry and easy access to international travel, the valley Henderson desert has untapped potential for large-scale developments is an ideal launching pad for tech junkies and entrepreneurs. Credit unions, by assets | 18 NOVEMBER 2013 20131118_VI01_F.indd 1 | see STARTUPS, page 14 THE LIST | P. 22 1 11/14/13 12:45:24 PM