Business Voice A Member Publication May 2009 | Volume 29 Number 5
Routing Slip Chamber pro-business agenda considered Please share The Business Voice with others by Legislature Several anti-business bills also pending ith one month to go before its June 1 scheduled Taxation adjournment, the 2009 Legislative session has The Economic Forum is meeting May 1, and it is likely W heated up, and there are many pending bills that to project even less revenue for the state than it projected What’s Inside pertain to business. The Chamber’s government in December. The Economic Forum is responsible for affairs team has been working full-time to ensure that the providing forecasts of the state’s general fund revenues and LVCVA celebrates 50 years interests of business are protected from onerous legislation, by law its projections must be used by the Legislature in 3 particularly from legislation that would harm businesses setting the state’s budget. Although there are no specific during these tough economic times. proposals for revenue enhancements as of April 23, revenues Business Expo 2009 may need to be increased in order 6 In addition, the Chamber has for the state to provide essential been advocating for its reform services. Member-to-Member agenda including making Marketing Expo significant changes to the public The Chamber has gone on 10 employees’ retirement system record countless times during the and benefits program. Here’s an Legislative session stating that “Green” powering update on pending legislation that considerable reform to PERS and economic recovery may affect your business and the PEBP must be addressed by the 12 fiscal health of our state. Legislature before the business community will consider May Calendar PERS/PEBP increasing the tax burden on an of Events The Chamber is proactively already struggling economy. 16 driving changes to the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and the Public Employees’ Benefits The Chamber is firmly opposed to a gross receipts tax, a www.lvchamber.com Program (PEBP). Combined, these programs currently business income tax and increased taxes on the gaming have an unfunded liability of more than $10 billion, industry. The Chamber remains committed to protecting and it is likely even higher because of declines in the the interests of businesses and ensuring that any additional investment market. Unless significant changes are made taxes be as broad-based as possible, thereby limiting the to PERS and PEBP, the cost of paying these benefits will impact on individual businesses. go up dramatically in the near future and will likely take dollars away from other priorities such as education General Business and transportation. There are several bills that would make it more costly for you to do business or would open your business up to more Senate Bill (SB) 367 makes various changes to the lawsuits or greater regulation. provisions governing the Public Employees’ Retirement System including many of the recommendations Assembly Bill (AB) 22 changes provisions related to trade proposed by the Chamber. practices and would make it harder for you to defend against continued on page 28 One day will make a difference.
One day a month. If every commuter—one day this month—took alternate transportation, we could remove nearly 200 tons of pollution from our air. We could take almost a million car trips off our roads. We could breathe easier, and get there faster. And then one day, we could see miraculous a month changes in our valley.
rtcsnv.com Quicker. Cleaner. Greener.
Energy-saving Save gas Two decks of Talk to your employer Carpool, walk or hybrid vehicles. and cash. total fun. about commuter benefi ts. ride your bike. (coming soon) From My Desk LVCVA celebrates 50 years of contributing to the success of Las Vegas By Rossi Ralenkotter, President and CEO, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority as Vegas has long been recognized as a destination Legislature, and in 1955 a visitor-paid room tax was that re-invents itself to continue to stay exciting for levied on all hotels and motels in Clark County to finance L its visitors. While Las Vegas has remained an ideal the construction and market the destination. With this city for gaming, entertainment and other leisure approach, visitors would fund construction of the center. activities, state and community leaders, including the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, in the 1950s decided On April 12, 1959, the Las Vegas Convention Center that Las Vegas needed a new market segment to combat opened its doors to welcome the World Congress of Flight the cyclical nature of tourism, which caused a significant with 7,500 attendees from 51 foreign nations. The show decline in the number of visitors on weekdays, throughout ushered in an era that would see the city become the the summer months and during the holiday season. leading convention destination in the nation.
Leaders identified the convention industry as a way to fill While these visionary leaders clearly understood the rooms, restaurants and lounges during the week. A group importance of expanding the tourism base in Southern of businessmen and elected officials came together and Nevada, it is doubtful they could have foreseen the Rossi Ralenkotter decided that the best way to attract this lucrative market incredible impact the convention industry would President and CEO segment would be to build a convention center. eventually have on Las Vegas. Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Local residents were opposed initially to committing any As we reflect upon our 50th anniversary and look forward tax dollars to such an effort, but the hotel community to the next 50 years, I am reminded how the Chamber could see the potential revenue these new visitors would has been an integral part of our history. Whether it is bring. So, the group appealed to the Nevada State Herb McDonald who had the vision for the old Las Vegas
continued on page 26
Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Member Services 2009 Board of Trustees Las Vegas Chamber Helpful Hints: Executive Committee: of Commerce Steve Hill Hugh Anderson Kevin Burke 702.641.5822 • Limit the number of releases you Chairman of the Board Vice Chair - Government Affairs Burke and Associates, Inc. send to the single most important CalPortland The ABD&F Group at Merrill Lynch Membership Sales 586.3855 happening in your organization. Richard S. Worthington Advertising Sales 586.3812 Fafie Moore Kevin Orrock The Molasky Group of Companies CSE 586.3839 • No advertisements will be printed Immediate Past Chairman & Vice Chair - Finance Government Affairs 586.3815 in the Member News section. Vice Chair - Member Services The Howard Hughes Corporation Kara Kelley InfoCenter 735.1616 Realty Executives of Nevada • No phone numbers will be listed in President & CEO Member Health Benefits 586.3887 the Member News section, with the Michael Bonner Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Public Relations 641.5822 exception of non-profit organizations. Kristin McMillan Kummer Kaempfer Bonner VYP 735.2196 Chairman-Elect & Renshaw & Ferrario • Outdated material will not be Vice Chair - Marketing Editorial Policy: published. EMBARQ The Las Vegas Chamber of Com- • Membership dues must be current Trustees: merce welcomes input, ideas and for submissions to be printed. Bob Ansara Robbie Graham Vicky VanMeetren suggestions from our members. Ricardo’s of Las Vegas, Inc. NTC Global Holding Group St. Rose Dominican Hospitals As with any periodical, we must • The Chamber reserves the right San Martín Campus adhere to strict deadlines and we to make the final edit on all Charles Atwood Corey Jenkins reserve the right to edit all mate- submissions. The Smith Center for the SAVMOR Rent a Car John Wilson rials submitted for publication. Performing Arts MedicWest Ambulance Commentaries that are marked as The Business Voice (USPS #717- Bart Jones such do not necessarily reflect the 970) is published by The Las Vegas Bob Brown Merlin Contracting Nancy Wong opinion or position of the Cham- Chamber of Commerce. Las Vegas Review-Journal & Developing Arcata Associates, Inc. ber, its trustees or employees. The 6671 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Ste. 300 Chamber cannot guarantee the Las Vegas, NV 89119-3290 Senator Richard Bryan Gina Polovina Michele Tell Woodrow Lionel Sawyer & Collins Boyd Gaming Corporation Preferred Public Relations, LLC validity or accuracy of the contents of paid advertisements. Questions Annual Subscription $25 Periodical postage paid at Las Vegas, NV Tim Cashman Kevin Rabbitt Michael Yackira or concerns about content of The Foghorn Consulting GES Exposition Services NV Energy Business Voice can be addressed to Vice President of Marketing, POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Doris Charles Larry Singer Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, Wells Fargo Bank Grubb & Ellis l Las Vegas 6671 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Suite 6671 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Ste. 300 300, Las Vegas, NV 89119. Las Vegas, NV 89119-3290 Cornelius Eason Bruce Spotleson Priority Staffing, USA Greenspun Media Group
May 2009 | The Business Voice | Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce 3 Chamber News Leadership Las Vegas applications for prestigious program due June 5! Applications for the Leadership Las Vegas Class of 2010 standards and measurement systems into her customer are now available! Leadership Las Vegas is an intensive, service, sales, communication, leadership development and comprehensive 10-month program created to strengthen team-building programs. and educate community leaders while providing a unique look at the issues that impact Southern Nevada. This Special hourly rental rates now available for conference exclusive executive development program will accept only space 48 participants this year. Program participants represent Did you know you can hold your next meeting at the a diverse cross-section of the community, representing a Chamber? At the EMBARQ® Conference Center at the Las wide range of professions. Learn more by visiting www. Vegas Chamber of Commerce there are small conference lvchamber.com/programs/leadership. spaces perfect for most any business meeting. There is a featured space that accommodates up to eight people and is Business Survival Series - Building available for only $40/hr. A 12-person conference room is More Effective Relationships in a available at only $60/hr. Meetings are set up around a “v- Business Survival Series - Building tough economy shaped” conference table with the capability of using dual more effective relationships in a Are you running your business with 65” plasma displays for presentations. Video conferencing tough economy less people in these turbulent times? and audio/video recording are also available in this Is it more difficult to motivate your venue. Larger rooms and weekend rates are available as Date: Monday, May 11 team? Do conflicting priorities and well. For more information contact Business Services at Time: Check-in 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. preferences cause miscommunication 702.641.5822. 8:30 a.m. - Noon program and result in frustration, errors and poor Location: EMBARQ® Conference Center at the performance? Is your team struggling Chamber recognizes Circle of Excellence recipients Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce to connect with existing customers or Bob Orgill has been a very active Navigator and member 6671 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Ste. 300 at Town Square to generate new ones? Then don’t miss of the Business Council. His activity with the Chamber’s Cost: $20 for Chamber members only. Must register the next Business Survival Series session: Business Education Series and Business Expo has helped by Thursday, May 7. Contact Member Services at “Building more effective relationships in these programs flourish. For his outstanding leadership, 702.641.5822 for more information. a tough economy” on Monday, May 11. Orgill received the Circle of Excellence award in April 2009. This session focuses on your priorities, preferences, motivators and stressors in Joe Caldera of Caldera Wealth Management is the May 2009 your daily work life. You will discover recipient of the Circle of Excellence Award. Caldera was strategies to increase your effectiveness: an exemplary chairman of the Customer Service Excellence Committee in 2008, and continues to be active with the • When trying to connect and communicate to colleagues, committee. His participation on the Business Council has customers or employees been a great support to the Chamber. • When problems arise and need to be solved • When things get tense and conflict occurs Chamber Night at Spring Mountain Ranch features During the session, you will receive a personalized report West Side Story that harnesses the power of your individual assessment data Mark your calendar for to provide a wealth of information about your workplace Tuesday, July 21, and plan priorities and preferences. This knowledge will help you to attend an evening under work more effectively with all the people in your workplace. the stars at the beautiful The bottom line: An efficient, competent workplace that Spring Mountain Ranch generates results! A workplace where people can make the State Park. This year’s most of their talents and enjoy what they’re doing. This stage performance of West event is open exclusively to Chamber members. Side Story is sure to be a fast-selling event for everyone! Bring a picnic basket Sue Beyer, President of OSS/Beyer Training & Development, and the whole family! Win prizes, network and get a will conduct this interactive session. Beyer experienced a breathtaking view of Red Rock Canyon. Hosted by the variety of roles prior to founding her company in 1989. Chamber Prospectors, sponsorships for this event are now Her current role as a Performance Consultant is focusing available. Tickets are only $5.00 each! Contact Member on Operations & Professional Development incorporating Services for more information at 702.641.5822. process redesign, productivity analysis, performance continued on page 26
4 Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce | The Business Voice | May 2009
Business News Business Expo 2009 key to surviving a slow economy ne of the biggest, most popular networking and services and amenities to make their tradeshow business-building events in the city, Business Expo experience even more valuable. For more information Oon June 24, is shaping up to be the best marketing regarding venue details or additional services visit resource for business owners in a slow economy. www.lvchamber.com/expo. Business Expo, a combination tradeshow and networking event, that offers cost This half day event is designed to help exhibitors and effective marketing opportunities for any attendees maximize their networking efforts by providing size business. a diverse audience. Business Expo can help generate leads, make key business contacts and be instrumental “Obviously, one of the leading concerns in finding suppliers vital for your business growth. of business owners right now is building Business Expo 2009 will be held Wednesday, June 24 and keeping a solid customer base,” in its new location, the Las Vegas Convention Center says John Molchon of Faith Community South Hall I. Parking is free for attendees! Business Lutheran Church & School and Business Expo is from Noon to 6 p.m. Mark your calendars and Expo 2009 chair. “You won’t find a better explore the possibilities! place than Business Expo to really jump- “Business Expo start those efforts and give your business Booth and sponsorship reservations are now available a push ahead of the competition.” Now and are going fast! is also a very well- more than ever it is vital that businesses get out in front of potential customers To learn more about how you can be involved with known and popular event and with an expected 2,000 attendees, Business Expo 2009, call 702.641.5822 or visit Business Expo is a low cost marketing www.lvchamber.com/expo. with solid, consistent option for members. Pre-planning a highly-successful trade show attendance numbers. It’s What makes Business Expo such an important venue for Chamber members Staffing the show to market their companies? Consider which of your staff members will work your an event with a proven booth, and which will work the exhibit floor. Why? In “Business Expo is unique in several addition to attracting attendees to your booth, you’ll track record” aspects,” says Molchon. “Exhibiting also want to take advantage of Business Expo’s business- opportunities are open exclusively to to-business networking opportunities by visiting other Chamber members, yet attendance is exhibitors and introducing yourself. Complimentary Business Expo open to the entire business community, 2009 Exhibitor Workshop so that really gives Chamber members In the booth an advantage. Business Expo is also a Make your booth “interactive” by engaging attendees as Date: Monday, May 18 very well-known and popular event with they walk the aisles. Consider offering a complimentary Time: 8:30 a.m. Check-in 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Program solid, consistent attendance numbers. It’s promotional item or other small give-away or invite people ® Location: EMBARQ Conference Center at the an event with a proven track record. Last to place their business card into a prize drawing. You can Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce but not least,” explains Molchon, “The also distribute your company literature with a smile and 6671 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Ste. 300 Chamber has really stepped up efforts an engaging question that encourages the attendee to stop Details: Get the inside scoop on having a successful this year to connect small businesses with and chat. For example: “Would you like to learn more Business Expo exhibit! This free “insider’s the specific resources they need to survive about our free small business checking programs?” event” is open exclusively to registered and compete during this economic Business Expo exhibitors. Topics will slowdown. This year’s Business Expo Tracking your prospects include pre-show planning and marketing, will be an extension of those efforts.” Come to Business Expo with a system for tracking attracting attendees to your booth, Las Vegas professionals who visit your booth. Have a planner Convention Center rules and regulations, To make Business Expo even more handy for setting on-the-spot appointments, and make effective booth layout, use of graphics, booth valuable, there will be free Wi-Fi notes on the backs of business cards about who you need set-up, booth staffing, use of giveaways and access sponsored by Smart City for all to follow up with, and why. You can also hold a drawing drawings and much, much more. exhibitors as part of a basic booth set to encourage attendees to give you their cards. up. “Green” business efforts will also be showcased at Business Expo and In the next issue of The Business Voice, we’ll offer tips on member businesses can stand out and show their green how to run a flawless exhibit and make the most of your side. GES Exposition Services, the Chamber’s partner Business Expo 2009 investment! n in Business Expo, is offering exhibitors additional
6 Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce | The Business Voice | May 2009 May 2009 | The Business Voice | Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce 7 Chamber Programs Learn the “Three Essentials of Superior Leadership” during tough times eing an effective Series (BES) session. Zulli will help you fine-tune your leader has always leadership skills so you can achieve exceptional results Business Education Series Bbeen a challenging in your workplace. Some of the topics will include: undertaking; leading Date: Wednesday, May 13 others during recessionary • The “three C’s” of exceptional leadership and Time: 7:00 - 7:30 a.m. Registration, times can be an even more avoiding costly mistakes networking & continental breakfast daunting prospect. Do • The single most important communication skill 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Program you have what it takes? • The three techniques of motivating anyone Location: EMBARQ® Conference Center at the Remember that employees • Effectively confronting unwanted behavior and Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce John Zulli rarely quit jobs, they often managing different personalities 6671 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Ste. 300 quit bosses! Now more • How to give instructions that get the job done Speaker: John Zulli than ever it is vital to and how to inspire team work Program: “Power in the Workplace: The Three Essentials of Superior motivate and keep talent so • One technique for keeping your composure Leadership” that your business can stay under pressure Details: Cost is $35 for Chamber members, $50 for non-members, competitive and deliver $55 for all walk-ins. Any reservation made the week of an excellent service. The Chamber is currently looking for speakers for its 2010 event will be subject to a $5 surcharge. BES Series. Contact Member Services at 702.641.5822 or John Zulli will be the visit www.lvchamber.com/programs/bes.html. n Sponsored by Nevada Public Radio/KNPR and Payroll Solutions Group featured speaker at the May 13 Business Education
“Be a Better Speaker” and build your leadership skills oastmasters International, a world-wide organization, This “program” best known for helping professionals develop effective Chamber Voices Toastmasters T communication and presentation skills, is stepping up “Be a Better Speaker” Series is for anyone in its efforts to help its members weather a slow economy by giving them top-notch business skills in the form of the Date: Friday, May 15 & Friday, May 29 (5-part series continues June 5 & 19 and July 10) a management “Be a Better Speaker” series. “It’s not just about being able Time: 8:00 a.m. Check-in position where they to talk in front of people,” says Kay Collis, Distinguished 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Program Toastmaster and District Three Governor. “It’s about Location: Executive Conference Room at the lead a group. It’s for conveying messages effectively.” Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce 6671 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Ste. 300 Details: Chamber members pay $50 per single sales and marketing Collis is a long-time advocate of Toastmasters and is heavily session/$200 for the five-part series; cost for professionals, and involved in Chamber Voices Toastmasters, the Chamber’s non-members is $65 per single session or member-exclusive Toastmasters club. Chamber Voices $275 for the series. Contact Member Service those who make meets at the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Town to RSVP at 702.641.5822 or register on line at Square offices twice each month (see pages 16 & 17 for www.lvchamber.com presentations to May meeting dates). boards or speak ‘wing it’ you can miss making valuable connections with “This program is for anyone in a management position those you’re speaking to.” before government where they lead a group,” explains Collis. “It’s for sales and marketing professionals, and those who make presentations The “Be a Better Speaker” series will focus on topics ranging agencies. to boards or speak before government agencies.” Collis from how to start and end an effective presentation, speech emphasizes the value of having solid, persuasive and effective preparation, and keeping an audience engaged. Sessions will communication skills when conducting negotiations, be hosted by leaders in the industry who are Toastmasters presenting a case, pitching a product, asking for a loan or experts. Participants will receive feedback and constructive during a job interview. critiques on their performances.
“Communication skills and leadership skills are life skills,” Membership in Chamber Voices Toastmasters is just $45 explains Collis. The “Be a Better Speaker” series will help every six months. There is no charge for guests. For more business professionals step up and prepare themselves to information contact David Entler at 702.586.3802. n take on new and effective leadership roles. “When you just 8 Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce | The Business Voice | Mayl 2009 “Be a Better Speaker” and build your leadership skills
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May 2009 | The Business Voice | Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce 9
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to attendees. Table displays are Member-to-Member Marketing Expo: available to members for only $100. To secure your table top, register at Low cost marketing option for members www.lvchamber.com or call 702.641.5822 and ask for Member Services.
Join us each month at the Chamber office in Town Square and learn more about member services, money- saving and discount programs and meet Chamber members ready to do business with you. Meet prospective customers, connect with experienced Chamber members and jump-start your Chamber experience, ensuring you maximize the benefits of membership. The Member-to-Member Marketing Expo is hosted by the Chamber Navigators and they are on site to help uring these challenging economic times, it answer your questions about getting is vital to find unique and effective ways to the most of your Chamber membership. RSVP for the D market your business and services to potential next Member-to-Member Marketing Expo by calling customers. What better way than at the 702.641.5822. n Member-to-Member Marketing Expo--a high-energy “mini tradeshow.” If you’re a new member, existing member or want to learn more about becoming a Member-to-Member Marketing Expo member of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, our Date: Thursday, May 14 Member-to-Member Marketing Expo is a great way Time: 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Program to get started. Location: EMBARQ® Conference Center at the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce at Town Square, Member-to-Member Marketing Expo is always 6671 Las Vegas Blvd., South, Suite 300 complimentary to attend and you can attend as many Details: Sponsored by Chamber Insurance & Benefits as you like. At this monthly event there are “table- (CIB), LLC and Health Plan of Nevada top display” opportunities that allow Chamber members to showcase their products and services
Support the local economy - spread the word n April 16, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Mesquite. With the Stay and Play Here campaign, the Link to and the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors only VIP card you need is your Nevada driver’s license Stay and Play O Authority (LVCVA) launched a or ID Local ID’s will give residents access to all of the new campaign called “Stay and world-class amenities for which the Las Vegas area is Here on the Play Here” to encourage our local famous, at affordable rates. There is no better time Chamber website community to take a break and stay for locals to take a break in their own backyards, locally. While individual properties while at the same time support our local economy. have been marketing to locals, the www.stayandplayhere.com website gives locals a convenient one-stop location for special offers.
The Stay and Play Here campaign encourages our local community to There is a link to the Stay and Play Here website stay and play right here in Southern on the front page of the Chamber’s website Nevada, including Las Vegas, www.lvchamber.com. n Laughlin, Boulder City, Primm and
10 Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce | The Business Voice | May 2009 Technology Business Alliance Business Education Series 2010: of Nevada (TBAN) connects Chamber members to Call for Speakers technology Deadline June 12 id you know your membership in the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce entitles you to a free membership in TBAN – the D Technology Business Alliance of Nevada? The Chamber formed this partnership in recognition of the growing importance of technology to the future of business in Southern The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce is Nevada. TBAN and the Chamber remain committed to exposing all seeking professional speakers for the 2010 business to the exploding and ever- changing technology environment. Business Education Series (BES).
TBAN is an established non-profit organization with a proven program BES is a collection of interactive learning seminars of work in Southern Nevada. that present practical strategies to business owners The organization concentrates on developing entrepreneurship and to help them survive and succeed in challenging fostering the growth of existing high-tech companies and is establishing economic times. itself as the premier conduit linking technology-based companies throughout the Valley. TBAN hosts monthly information luncheons at Cili and hosts the Tech Nevada Honors in October. Visit www.tban.us for Suggested topics include, but are not limited to: more information on events and program details.
Rich Lopez of Teksystems serves as the 2009 TBAN chair and he shares • Sales • Marketing some insights on this evolving and growing niche organization: • Public Relations • Advertising Q: What is the primary mission of TBAN? • Customer Service • Human Resources
“The core purpose of TBAN is two-fold: 1) TBAN is committed • Time Management • Technology to increasing the awareness of the ever-growing, diverse technology • Networking • Finance community in Nevada; and 2) connecting the technology and business communities to the resources necessary for continued growth and • Change Management • Social Media success.”
Q: What type of opportunities exist for Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce The deadline for submissions is Friday, June 12. members interested in getting more involved with TBAN? To learn about BES visit www.lvchamber.com and “TBAN is constantly growing, and offers Chamber members the click on Chamber Programs. opportunity to network with a diverse group of business leaders and gain exposure to the latest trends in technology and innovation.”
Q: Are there TBAN programs/events on the horizon that would be of Contact Jessica Jusino at 702.641.5822 particular interest to small business owners? or [email protected]. “Our June luncheon will feature a discussion of IBM’s “A Smarter Planet” initiative. The initiative demonstrates ways in which the inter-connectivity of the world’s economic, social and technical systems can be utilized for global good. More information can be found at www.ibm.com.
Contact TBAN at 702.586.5889 or visit www.tban.us for more information. n
May 2009 | The Business Voice | Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce 11 Green Initiative
“Green” powering economic recovery
he federal government recently passed a $787 energy law to provide support to states, localities, and tribal billion economic recovery plan designed to put governments for energy efficiency and conservation programs T millions of Americans back to work. The recovery and projects. Under the Act, $2.8 billion will be distributed bill emphasizes investment in projects that can be by formula, and $400 million will be administered through deployed quickly and create jobs, thus fueling the economy’s competitive grants. growth. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes billions of dollars that may be used for green Public Housing: The Act provides $4 billion for the Public building, retrofitting, energy efficiency and renewable energy Housing Capital Fund, which provides funds to public projects, including those in federal facilities, states, localities, housing agencies nationwide for the development, funding, and tribal areas; schools and housing. As a small business and modernization of public housing developments. Under you may be able to benefit from stimulus projects and tax the Act, $3 billion of the funds will be distributed by credits that are part of this recovery plan. formula, and $1 billion will be made available as competitive grants “for priority investments, including investments that Central to the American Recovery Act is energy efficiency. leverage private sector funding or financing for renovations Some experts estimate that energy efficiency in existing and energy conservation retrofit investments.” buildings can generate $160 billion in savings by 2030. Green Jobs: The Act provides $3.95 billion for training and employment services under the Workforce Investment Act, including $500 million “for research, labor exchange and job training projects to prepare workers for careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.” Additionally, the bill provides $250 million for building, rehabilitating, and acquiring Job Corps Centers, of which up to 15 percent ($37.5 million) Included are some selected highlights of the American may be directed “to meet the operational needs of such Recovery Act and other tips to help you benefit from energy centers, which may include training for careers in the energy efficient practices. efficiency, renewable energy, and environmental protection industries.” Green Federal Facilities: The law provides $5.55 billion to the federal General Services Administration (GSA) for federal Tax Incentives for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: buildings, including $4.5 billion for measures to make GSA Energy-Efficient Existing Homes: Existing federal law facilities “high-performance green buildings,” as defined by provides an individual tax credit of 10 percent of expenses the 2007 energy law. The law also requires that $4 million for certain energy-efficient improvements to existing homes. of funds provided be directed for GSA’s Office of Federal Previously, the tax credit offered specific, capped amounts High-Performance Green Buildings, which was created by for qualified property. Under the bill, the amount of the the 2007 energy law. credit has been raised to 30 percent for 2009 and 2010, and these technology-specific caps have been lifted and replaced Home Weatherization: The Act provides $5 billion for the with a $1,500 total cap on installations that may qualify for federal Weatherization Assistance Program, which provides credit. Referenced efficiency levels have also been updated. assistance to low-income families in weatherizing and improving the energy efficiency of their homes. To broaden Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit: The bill extends the program’s reach, the Act increases the income levels the production tax credit for wind facilities by three years to covered by the program (from 150 percent of the federal 2013, and for solar, biomass, geothermal, landfill gas, trash poverty level to 200 percent) and the amount of assistance combustion, hydropower, and marine and hydrokinetic to available for each housing unit (from $2,500 to $6,500). 2014. The Act also increases the percentage of funding that may be used for training and technical assistance (from 10 percent Temporary Election of Investment Tax Credit: Recognizing to up to 20 percent). the uncertainty of investor tax liability owing to the economic downturn, the new law temporarily permits eligible taxpayers Energy Efficiency in States and Localities: The Act provides to elect the investment tax credit instead of the tax credit for $3.2 billion for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation production of renewable energy for facilities placed in service Block Grant program, which was established by the 2007 after December 31, 2008. Additionally, the bill modifies the continued on page 28 12 Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce | The Business Voice | May 2009 A FAMILY OF PUBLICATIONS FOR EVERYINTEREST
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