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/41819
COVER STORY ED GUTHRIE Executive Director, Opportunity Village WHERE WERE YOU? Opportunity Village's executive committee was assembling to do my performance review (talk about bad timing). One member arrived late and said to turn on the TV. We all sat there stunned. HOW DID IT AFFECT US? September 11 forced Las Vegas (and the entire world) to "hit the reset button." Opportunity Village lost 20 percent of our contract revenue and had more people than ever asking for service. So, we had to work twice as hard to find other opportunities for people with disabilities and we have, thanks to the hard work of our board, volunteers and staff. I also think we've used this time to build more community spirit. We have a couple of contracts that support the servicemen at Nellis Air Force Base, and our folks who work there feel they're a part of the effort to curb terrorism. BRAD BEAL President and CEO, Nevada Federal Credit Union WHERE WERE YOU? I first heard the news on my car radio on my way to the office. Like almost everyone else, I spent most of the rest of the day in front of the television at the office. My first reaction was confusion. It was hard to conceive of our nation being attacked and so many innocent people killed. We also immediately turned our attention to our employees, who were also shocked and confused. We reassured them and suggested the best thing we could do as a credit union is continue to serve our members. HOW DID IT AFFECT US? Like most Americans, after a period of shock, grieving and anger, our members seemed to return to their normal day-to-day routines, including their day-to-day financial services needs. KIRK CLAUSEN Regional President, Wells Fargo Nevada WHERE WERE YOU? I was shaving, getting ready for work, when I heard the news that a plane struck the twin towers. I woke my wife up and the second plane hit as soon as we turned on the TV news—I thought I was watching a replay at first. I hurried off to work and immediately went into our Business Continuity Plan to understand what the impact might be to our operations. Wells Fargo did not have a presence on the East Coast yet (pre-Wachovia merger), but we still felt the business effect here in Nevada. HOW DID IT AFFECT US? There's no doubt that our travel and hospitality industry suffered from reduced tourism for 18 months after September 11. Thankfully our economy recovered after such a severe tourism hit. It was truly amazing to see the wave of grass-roots support by our customers and team members. Literally within two hours, we had mini US flags on display in our banking stores, and people flooded our stores asking how they could donate to the Red Cross. It was quite a sight to see the community come together like that. I'm still very proud of the patriotism our team displayed that day. CASS PALMER President and CEO, United Way of Southern Nevada WHERE WERE YOU? I was at home getting our kids ready for school and had to stop and try to explain to them what had just occurred. I was deeply saddened by the tremendous loss of lives and the fact that it was the first major terrorist activity on American soil. HOW DID IT AFFECT US? Giving to local organizations in Southern Nevada was directly affected by the tragedy, but it has rebounded since that time. When we are faced with a tragedy like September 11, it's amazing that the people of Las Vegas give more to help their fellow citizens. For the complete roster of interviews, please go to VEGASINC.com 24 | 12 SEPTEMBER 2011 | MONA SHIELD PAYNE