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/34897
WHY HAVEN’T WE DIVERSIFIED OUR ECONOMY? “ Prior to the collapse, we led the country in growth for 20 years so there were few resources devoted to economic development.” Glenn Christenson chairman, nda “ The good thing about Vegas is that it’s always been great at evolving with the times, even when you think it won’t. There are too many smart entrepreneurs in town for it not to.” Steve Rosen cmo, plaza resort “We used to not have to react as quickly. I think the technology industry is a way for us to diversify and so is alternative energy.” Tony Santo president/ceo, playlv “Infrastructure. We have no master plan to support specific, forward- thinking industries.” Rico Scott i internet sales manager, gaudin jaguar “We hamstring education, making it impossible to create a workforce that supports tech-oriented growth industries.” Chris Smith owner, the smith company “Shift the focus. Cutting resources to stay afloat eliminates why you’re cutting in the first place. ” Justin Micatrott o partner/cmo, raising cane’s chicken fingers “Las Vegas operates on the ‘build it and they will come’ theory. Tourism is sustainable but it doesn’t create new job opportunities outside of the industry.” Lisa Jacobe director of marketing, gns electric llc “ There are many legitimate entities working hard to diversify to bring Las Vegas’ true potential as an industrial icon to fruition. ” “Tourism as the main attraction was enough to sustain the success of this desert empire.” Anita Mann producer, fantasy Fara Karr marketing representative, american technologies inc. “We’ve been blinded by activity in gaming and construction. We just didn’t see the need.” Beth Ranieri manager, eastridge personnel of las vegas “We’ve concentrated too many years on the casino industry and haven’t thought outside of the box.” Harriet Bernard owner, ladies day out 34 “In many ways our economy is already diversified. The key is to further expand on what we do so well.” Ellie Hirschfeld vp business development, friedmutter group “ Because we have yet to realize the potential of Las Vegas as a technology hub and invest in the infrastructure needed to attract that industry. Our moment is now.” Mehmet Erdem professor, unlv hotel college “I think we’re just comfortable with the way things are.” Anabel Castro executive assistant, scenic airlines “I do think we’ve diversified our economy. I think we’re less dependent on the tourism sector than we were five or ten years ago.” Jeremy Aguero principal analyst, applied analysis “In the good times, it was a lack of qualified employees because of the competition from casinos. I’m hoping that changes now that we have 14 percent unemployment.” Christopher Bentley principal, ara “Easier said than done. For many years the gaming and tourism industry was so strong that there was no compelling reason to do so.” Jayne Cayton vp, cb richard ellis “Diversification just doesn’t happen by chance. It requires strong leadership and a shared long-term vision that capitalizes on our city’s strengths and resources.” Dean Kaufman senior vp, jones lang lasalle “In Southern Nevada, we don’t put enough emphasis on building an educated workforce.” Erika Pope partner, vox solid communications “When companies locate their national hubs in communities, they’re staffed with the brightest executives. These executives demand the same education for their children they received. Nevada’s lack of commitment to education makes it impossible to diversify.” Mark Fierro president, fierro communications inc. | 27 JUNE 2011 | STEPHANIE KLEINMAN