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s we celebrate July 4th, marking our our already struggling businesses, and that we don’t nation’s Declaration of Independence, lose sight of the priorities that will help rebuild and A our country is again embroiled in diversify our economy and create jobs. The Vegas protests and conversations about the Chamber will be in Carson City as your voice, making very subjects that document raised sure the interests of businesses and employers are more than 200 years ago: (to paraphrase) that all taken into consideration. are created equal, with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Like you, we at the Vegas Chamber continue to Happiness. monitor the latest with COVID-19, and how we can safely get back to “normal”. While most of our Vegas The tragic murder of George Floyd and too many Chamber events will continue to be virtual for the other African Americans has ignited protests and next two months, we are beginning to hold small in- passion about racism and equality in America. It person events for our members beginning later this is forcing a long overdue conversation about month. institutional racism and where positive change needs to take place in order to create a more perfect union. And the Vegas Chamber is continuing to be your best source of resources and information regarding help The Vegas Chamber put out a statement condemning for your business during COVID-19. We are doing all the brutal death of George Floyd and we have we can to support local businesses and encourage pledged to do all we can to end institutional racism in everyone to continue to practice social distancing our community. You can read the full statement here. and wear face coverings whenever they are in public. To create change and make this sentiment more Research shows that wearing face coverings works to than just words, the Vegas Chamber is joining keep the number of Coronavirus cases down. This is with the Urban Chamber and Las Vegas Global essential to reopening and reinvigorating the Nevada Economic Alliance to convene discussions on how economy. When you “mask up,” you are helping to we, as the business community, can improve our protect jobs and our businesses. So please, wear a policies and practices to make sure they are fair to mask for Vegas. everyone. I invite you to be part of these important conversations this month that we hope will help We appreciate your support of the Vegas Chamber. transform our community. Please reach out if there is anything we can do to help you. Also this month, the Nevada Legislature will meet in a special session to address the budget challenges brought on by the economic impact of COVID-19. While addressing the $1.3 billion shortfall is daunting, it is important that we don’t add more burden to

VEGAS CHAMBER JULY 2020 BUSINESS VOICE 3 Business Voice

VOLUME 41 NUMBER 07

Vegas Chamber Local journalism 575 Symphony Park Avenue, Ste. 100 Las Vegas, NV 89106 702.641.5822 • VegasChamber.com makes a difference. Mary Beth Sewald President & CEO The Oct. 1 shooting left 58 dead, and injured Vegas Chamber more than 700. For many, that meant losing 2020 Board of Trustees ﬁ nancial support in addition to a loved one. Trustees Emeritus Board Executive Committee For others, it meant temporarily losing Tom Burns Paul Anderson Jay Barrett the ability to work because of physical or Chairman Boyd Gaming The JABarrett Company Cragin & Pike emotional trauma, or both. The tragedy Joseph Asher Senator Richard Bryan Gina Bongiovi William Hill US Fennemore Craig, P.C. sparked a desire to help the a ected recover Chair-Elect Bongiovi Law Firm Brandon Barkhuff Fafie Moore from the ﬁ nancial impact. A GoFundMe NV Energy ERA Brokers Terrance Shirey Consolidated account was launched just hours after Immediate Past Chairman Lisa Beckley Nevada State Bank The Beckley Group Bill Noonan Nicole Raz the shooting. Local businesses announced Boyd Gaming Hugh Anderson Danielle Bisterfeldt Corporation (Retired) donations or plans to hold fundraising events. HighTower Las Vegas The Howard Hughes Corporation Jim Prather But in the days that followed, I discovered Michael Bolognini Michael Bonner Las Vegas Review- Cox Communications Greenberg Traurig, LLP Journal the fundraising e ort was disorganized and Betsy Fretwell Bob Brown Bruce Spotleson key questions about how the money would Switch Opportunity Village The Neon Museum be distributed had yet to be addressed. John Guedry Kerry Bubolz John Wilcox Within a week, more than $15 million had Bank of Nevada Vegas Golden Knights JDW Group LLC

been donated, but the money was spread Lisa Howfield Tyler Corder KLAS-TV Findlay Automotive Past Chairpersons over several accounts and it was unclear Lori Nelson-Kraft Alex Dixon how much would go directly to the intended Las Vegas Convention and Visitors PureStar Berlyn Miller 1979 Authority recipients. My reporting helped highlight the Michael Feder Phil Arce 1984 Ellen Schulhofer Dickinson-Wright, PLLC Elaina Blake 1985 lack of ﬁ nancial resources available to victims Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck Jeff Grace Dave Vlaming 1986 of crime, and helped hundreds of people Chris Wilcox Gartner Eide Bailly LLP Jeffrey A. Silver 1988 navigate the ﬁ nancial resources available. Mark Hutchison Peter Thomas 1989 Ryan Woodward Hutchison & Steffen, PLLC National Technical Institute William Martin 1991 Gregory Lee Eureka Casino Resort Bob Maxey 1992 Production Team Denny Weddle 1993 Sara Lindgren JPMorgan Chase David Smith 1994

Joyce Goedeke Ted Wiens, Jr. 1995 Publisher/Editor Rex Liu Las Vegas Review-Journal Family & Cosmetic Dentistry John O’Reilly 1996

Cara Clarke Diane Dickerson 1997 Editor Marta Meana University of Nevada, Las Vegas Digital-Only Subscriptions Edward Crispell 1998 Pomai Weall Production Coordinator/ Napoleon McCallum Bill Wells 2001 Unlimited Web, Mobile And E-Edition Access Contributor The Las Vegas Sands Corporation Jay Kornmayer 2002 Noel Gonzalez Bill Nelson Lou Emmert 2003 Graphic Designer Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern Tim Cashman 2004 Jacey Gonzalez Boyd Nelson Contributor Southwest Gas Corporation Hugh Anderson 2005 Introductory O er John Wilcox 2006 Brig. Gen. Robert Novotny Nellis Air Force Base Fafie Moore2008

99¢ Per Month For Karla Perez Steve Hill 2009 Valley Health System Kristin McMillan 2010

Teresa Di Loreto Michael Bonner 2011 The Business Voice Nevada Military Support Alliance First 2 Months Kevin Orrock 2012 (USPS #717-970) is published by Vegas Chamber Tina Quigley Jay Barrett 2013 575 Symphony Park Ave., Ste. 100 Cancel Anytime. Las Vegas, NV 89106 Bruce Spotleson 2014 Chase Rankin Bob Brown 2015 Annual Subscription $25 Las Vegas Review-Journal Periodical postage paid at John Guedry 2016 Las Vegas, NV Mark Shearer POSTMASTER: Raiders Bill Noonan 2017

Send address changes to: Michael Bolognini 2018 Vegas Chamber, Larry Singer Reviewjournal.com/Subscribe 575 Symphony Park Ave., Ste. 100 Newmark Knight Frank Terrance Shirey 2019 Las Vegas, NV 89106 Vicky VanMeetren Roseman University of Health Sciences

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EDITORIAL POLICY: The Business Voice is a member newsletter of the Vegas Chamber. The Vegas Chamber welcomes input, ideas and suggestions from our members. As with any periodical, we must adhere to strict deadlines and we reserve the right to edit all materials submitted for publication. Commentaries that are marked as such do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of the Chamber, its trustees or employees. The Chamber cannot guarantee the validity or accuracy of the content of paid advertisements. All content is subject to change. Questions or concerns about content of the Business Voice can be addressed to the Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy, Vegas Chamber, 575 Symphony Park Avenue, Ste. 100, Las Vegas, NV 89106. Table of Contents

JULY 2020

A Job to Come Back To 7 8 Chamber News 8

Welcome New Members 11

Trustee Danielle Bisterfeldt & President & CEO Mary Beth Sewald Named as 2020 Women Inspiring Nevada 13 The Reality of 13 Reopening Vegas 14

Working For You 19

Customer Service Excellence Found in Matthew Evans 21

What's Virtually Happening 23

President's Club Spotlights 24

Leadership Matters More Than Ever: Advance Your Skills NOWOPEN to Become a More Effective Leader 26

News You Can Use 28

Member News 29 14 21

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» For more information contact: Suzanne Domoracki | [email protected] A Positive Outlook A Job to Come Back To While as a state and nation we reopen our economy on octagon, albeit in a closed studio rather than the typical arena the long path to recovery, we face the everyday reality of with thousands of fans. UFC enacted a number of testing and a changed world. At our workplaces, the grocery store, isolation protocols for its fighters and their teams to hold live restaurants and schools, the signs of change are all around us events, first in Florida and most recently from its Apex studio -- constant reminders that COVID-19 remains a public health here at home, putting it at the leading edge for professional threat that can’t be taken lightly. Yet amid that threat, I can’t sports testing protocols that could serve as a model as other help but marvel at how far we’ve come in just a few months. leagues ramp up to resume their seasons.

The bustling shopping centers of today are a far cry from Businesses across the spectrum, from resort-casinos to banks, the virtual ghost towns they had become in late March. In doctor’s offices and office-based companies, have changed many ways, this speaks to the flexibility and determination operating procedures, transitioned to working from home, and of businesses that must be able to evolve to survive in the leaned on videoconferencing and other digital technologies modern world. Consumer habits change. Client needs evolve. to maintain productivity even as in-person contacts were Competing businesses emerge. Successful businesses know curtailed. Many of these changes may very well remain in place that to stay at the top, they must stay a step ahead and be able long after the pandemic is gone, whether out of necessity to react quickly to an ever-changing business environment. or because of new efficiencies due to greater integration of Since the COVID-19 crisis emerged, we have witnessed that business ethos at its best.

Restaurants were among the most impacted by coronavirus- related restrictions. Even before the first closure orders, would-be diners were already cutting back on eating out as infection counts climbed. In a matter of days, restaurant operators needed to reimagine and reconfigure their operations from dine-in to take-out only. Restrictions have been eased since then, but restaurants remain in a perpetual state of adaptation, reducing dining capacities, enacting strict cleaning procedures and taking other measures to provide a dining experience that is as familiar as possible while still remaining safe for patrons and employees. Jeremy Aguero, Principal Analyst Retailers faced their own set of challenges, as many were allowed to remain open as essential businesses but required extensive changes to operations. From plexiglass partitions, social distancing signage and limits on how many shoppers technologies. For example, growing reliance on telemedicine could be in a store at any time, retailers enacted a wide range due to public health concerns now may carry forward as of procedures to create a safer shopping environment. Behind more health professionals and patients become comfortable the scenes, retailers also had to adapt to massive disruptions with the technology, which will ultimately increase healthcare in the supply chains, as shifting demands and a certain amount access and reduce costs. of panic buying left many store shelves empty. But, as we look back, what consumers could not get paled in comparison to There is no silver lining to this COVID-19 crisis. That said, we what they could. Retailers kept stores open, and that kept have witnessed remarkable examples of innovation, creativity families and businesses going. and adaptation. Businesses have fought for their very existence. Many have begged and borrowed, burning through Professional sports leagues have been among the most high- reserves and making cuts that were previously unimaginable. profile businesses to be affected by COVID-19, with most As the economy rebounds, these are the very decisions that major leagues still working out details for eventually returning will ensure displaced workers will have a job to come back to. to play. Las Vegas-based UFC has been at the forefront of ® adopting public health measures to return fighters to the IT MATTERS WHO YOU BANK WITH

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Vegas Chamber Partners for Layoff Aversion Stay Safe, Stay Open: Free face coverings Pilot Program and posters to small businesses

The innovative Layoff Aversion Pilot program, In order to stay open, we need to do all we can to developed by Workforce Connections, Southern keep employees and customers safe. The Vegas Nevada’s local workforce development board, Chamber is working with Governor Sisolak to combines public and private funding help small distribute free Battle Born–branded face coverings businesses continue to pay employees. The to local small businesses. Additionally, the Chamber Vegas Chamber is proud to join with Workforce has a supply of Stay Safe, Stay Open posters to Connections, Bank of Nevada, the LVGEA, and remind employees and customers to encourage both chambers of commerce throughout Southern Nevada customers and employees to wear face coverings to offer this lifeline to small employers and non- and to maintain social distancing guidelines. These profits. More than 60 businesses have received posters can be posted on windows, doors, check- grants, which has sustained nearly 250 jobs in out stations, breakrooms, bathrooms, announcement Southern Nevada. boards, etc. To request face coverings or posters, visit VegasChamber.com. They are available on a first come, first served basis and supply is limited.

8 BUSINESS VOICE JULY 2020 VEGAS CHAMBER Chairman Tom Burns Featured on Fox News Morning Chamber Connections Going Virtual in Wake of COVID-19 Chamber Chairman Tom Burns was featured on Fox News with Ed Henry and Sandra Smith to Coffee and Connections, formerly the morning discuss the reopening of Las Vegas and how social version of Chamber Connections, is going virtual to distancing was going to impact the gaming industry. elicit the maximum involvement from community Chairman Burns discussed the precautions being members during this COVID-19 crisis. This event taken to protect both workers and patrons. Chairman is great for business professionals interested in Burns also discussed the range of social distancing expanding their network and optimizing their procedures different resorts and casinos are taking to Chamber membership. In addition to quality ensure the healthiest environment for guests. networking time, each event will feature two speakers: a member selected from the event prior, Last Chance: Leadership Advance Enrollment and a Vegas Chamber team member. If you have any Deadline this Month! questions or are interested in bringing a guest, email Lita Stein at [email protected]. Time is running out to enroll in the Fall 2020 class of Leadership Advance. Enrollment closes on July 24. Leadership Advance gives talented professionals the training necessary to be effective leaders and managers. The program is tailored specifically to those professionals wanting to enhance their leadership skills so they can transform themselves into more effective managers and leaders. For more information or to enroll visit leadership.vegas or call 702.641.5822.

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8985 S. Eastern Ave., #205 Las Vegas, NV 89123 Trustee Danielle Bisterfeldt & President & CEO Mary Beth Sewald Named as 2020 Women Inspiring Nevada Vegas Inc Debuts Full List in Las Vegas Weekly

Vegas Inc unveiled the highly-anticipated Women Inspiring Nevada accolades in a special edition of Las Vegas Weekly last month, which, among the 12 women, included Vegas Chamber Trustee and Howard Hughes Corporation Vice President of Marketing/Summerlin Danielle Bisterfeldt and Vegas Chamber President and CEO Mary Beth Sewald.

For these inspiring leaders from the Vegas Chamber, each had this to say upon learning of their recognition and what inspires them: “I was humbled and excited. There are so many talented women in Southern Nevada. It’s an honor and a privilege to receive such a notable award and be in their company,” said Danielle Bisterfeldt, vice president of marketing/Summerlin, Howard Hughes Corporation. “I draw inspiration from a variety of different people and places. University of Houston professor, author and thought leader, Brené Brown, is someone who inspires me daily. I appreciate her mantra that ‘it’s okay to fail if you just pick yourself back up.’ These are good words to live by and things I try to remind myself of both personally and professionally.” “I was so excited and honored when I learned about the recognition in being named one of the Women Inspiring Nevada,” said Mary Beth Sewald, president and chief executive officer, Vegas Chamber. “I’m just so inspired by the team that I work with at the Chamber, and all of these women, who are honorees, are powerful and engaging and strong individuals in their own right.” “My mom is the person who has inspired me the most in my life. She taught me that there’s nothing I couldn’t do, she was relentlessly supportive in all that we did together," Sewald added. Women Inspiring Nevada, formerly referred to as Women To Watch, marks Vegas Inc’s 13th annual women’s recognition list. The prestigious awards honor the most influential and inspirational females in business and philanthropy in Southern Nevada. A panel of past Women To Watch recipients carefully selected the 2020 Women Inspiring Nevada honorees based on their professional leadership, accomplishments and dedication to giving back to the Las Vegas community. The criteria for Women Inspiring Nevada remains steadfast in centering around powerhouse women who inspire a better tomorrow for our community while also pioneering their own individual industries. Photos: Wade Vandervort/Vegas Inc/Greenspun Media Group Type 2020 Women Inspiring Nevada are as follows: to • Cami Christensen – President & General Manager, Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino enter • Chelle Adams – Chief Financial Officer, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas text • Danielle Bisterfeldt – VP Marketing, Summerlin, Howard Hughes Corporation • Mayor Debra March – Mayor, City of Henderson • Jodi Tyson – VP, Strategic Initiatives, Three Square Food Bank • Linda Smith – Fundraising Consultant/Author/Speaker • Mary Beth Sewald – President & CEO, Vegas Chamber • Nikkole Liesse – Executive Director of Lee Business School Office of Online and Executive Education, UNLV • Nina Ridgeway – Director of Career Center Services, Goodwill Industries of Southern NevadaCommunication • Dr. Rebecca Edgeworth, MD – Medical Director of Physician Assistant Studies & Assistant Professor, Touro University Nevada • Shawn Willis – Founder & CEO, 5AM Global • Vanessa Portillo – Executive Director, Garden Farms Foundation

The Women Inspiring Nevada article includes personal features on each of the women, detailing their storylines, hurdles they have overcome on their path to success, accomplishments and philanthropic endeavors, advice to others, influence in the local community and what the future holds for them. For more information about the 2020 Women Inspiring Nevada awards, visit www.VegasInc.com. For the latest Vegas Inc news, follow the publication on Facebook or Twitter.

8985 S. Eastern Ave., #205 VEGAS CHAMBER JULY 2020 BUSINESS VOICE 13 Las Vegas, NV 89123 Photo Credit: Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA)

With Nevada settled in Phase 2 of Governor Steve state. From vendor contracts and suppliers to the Sisolak’s Roadmap to Recovery and chomping at the guests pouring their funds into all aspects of tourism, bit to move to Phase 3, the state is starting to awaken the gaming industry is a key factor to inflating Nevada from its never-before-seen, months-long slumber. The to where it once was, and furthermore, beyond where effects of the COVID-19 shutdown are like none other in it needs to be. American history and both businesses and consumers Positioning itself are eager to get their new ways of life back on the fast in a new world track. that requires social distancing is a Several business sectors including restaurants and critical milestone in retail are open with limitations and, at the very least, itself. attempting to rebound while welcoming back their customers. Among the employers in Nevada with the Sandra Douglass greatest impact on the economy lies the gaming and Morgan is the chair hospitality industries. of the Nevada Gaming Control “Tourism is to Las Vegas, even greater in Sandra Douglass Morgan, Board Chair, which Nevada Gaming Control Board Chair consists of three Las Vegas, [as] what auto manufacturing full-time members is in Detroit; what aerospace is in Seattle; appointed by the governor for four-year terms and or music or entertainment is in Nashville. is responsible for regulating all aspects of Nevada’s Thirty percent of our workforce is in gaming industry. Morgan and her two fellow Board leisure and hospitality. It’s roughly about members have worked tirelessly to develop policies and guidance supporting the reopening of gaming, focused half of our economy when you start to on the safety and well-being of casino employees and add up all of the supplier impacts.” guests.

~Jeremy Aguero, principal analyst, “I think the cleanliness and disinfecting is definitely Applied Analysis going to be something that [guests] become accustomed to…I don’t see that going away anytime soon,” said Sandra Douglass Morgan, chair, Nevada “Roughly about half of our economy…” That is not only Gaming Control Board. “[Some] properties [have] astonishing, but compelling in the notion that the need handwashing facilities now on the casino floor. You’re to diversify Nevada’s economy has never been more going to see hand sanitizing stations all throughout the evident than it is in 2020 and beyond. The reality of casino floor. I think that will naturally become something that diversification is, simply put, not a solution that will that we’ll all be accustomed to and will honestly expect.” happen quickly, but over time. The unfortunate reality is that time is not on our side when we are playing months Morgan added: “Now, the health and safety policies of catch-up at light speed. that we put into place will be in place for the extent of the governor’s emergency directive, but that soon may The financial ripple effect that casino properties have change…that may just become a regular way of doing on the economy becomes a lifeline throughout the

14 BUSINESS VOICE JULY 2020 VEGAS CHAMBER Vegas Chamber President & CEO Mary Beth Sewald hosts webinar with Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox. business and will no longer have to be a mandated residents, they suffer a loss of revenue and they suffer policy in place.” maybe even layoffs of their own people. It’s a domino effect that has a horrible effect on the economy, not COVID-19 has dictated the pace and ability to reopen only in Mesquite, but, as you well know, the economy of gaming properties, both small and large, in which several Nevada and in the United States.” opened last month. That domino effect that Tomasso references is not Mesquite Gaming, LLC owns and operates CasaBlanca isolated to the smaller properties. Looking south toward Resort and Virgin River Hotel & Casino in Mesquite, the larger Las Vegas Strip properties, the effect is Nevada. Located 77 miles north of Las Vegas, the Phase even more widespread. The larger gaming properties 2 reopening was exactly what the small town needed. are experiencing a rolling open as the weeks go on in Phase 2. The combination of all sized businesses being “Believe me, the people in Mesquite and the City of reinvigorated is a milestone for the economy, and a Mesquite itself is looking forward to [opening] because long-welcomed one, at that. as, you all know, we are the largest employer in the City of Mesquite,” said Dick Tomasso, vice president, Matt Maddox, chief executive officer for Wynn Resorts, Security & Government Relations, Mesquite Gaming. has been an exemplary leader from Day One of the “They depend on our taxes, their tax revenue from us, to pandemic in setting the standard and setting the bar continue their services to the people that live there.” high in how to handle the unknown. Maddox discussed the impact that COVID-19 has had on the tourism and In a city of gaming industry, the response by Wynn Resorts to the approximately pandemic and the development of the Wynn Las Vegas 21,000 Health and Sanitization Program and its meaning to residents guests and employees. (source: mesquitenv. Maddox recently opened up Wynn’s playbook and gov), the shared his perspective on its reopening strategy. He reality of the noted that much of the local actions and work during closures had this pandemic came from his experience living and significant working in Macau when Severe Acute Respiratory impact on the Syndrome (SARS) was a factor in the early 2000’s. residents who Dick Tomasso, Vice President Security & Government Relations call Mesquite “We went out in January [2020], which, back then Mequite Gaming “home.” no one in the United States was really thinking about COVID, and hired the director of global health security “Oh, it’s very tough, it’s very tough. Not only on and pandemic research for Georgetown University and Mesquite Gaming, but all the casinos. it’s tough to close two infectious disease fellows from Johns Hopkins, and because you’re laying people off,” said Tomasso. “You began a path of learning and education in the event have families here that depend on the casinos and when that this comes to the United States; what should we you lay off, it’s a domino effect. When you lay off a do and how should we do it,” said Matt Maddox, CEO, person, that affects all the businesses in, not only Las Wynn Resorts. “I think part of having so much of your Vegas, but in Mesquite, which is a small town, a small operations in China and realizing and living through retirement community.” SARS, the impact that it could have allowed us to hire the resources, really the best in the country…I would say Tomasso added: “It affects all their businesses. It living it earlier than people did in the United States and affects the services the City of Mesquite can perform then hiring the smartest people in advance, some of the from police to fire, the sanitation, the streets. All these smartest people, really helped us move forward.” other services that they have been performing for the

VEGAS CHAMBER JULY 2020 BUSINESS VOICE 15 STAY SAFE, STAY OPEN. President's Club Member Capability Health and Human Services is open & ready to serve the community. Your safety, the safety of others and the safety The Wynn Las Vegas Health and Sanitization Program The driving current remains steadfast in recovering was developed by the aforementioned leading public Nevada’s economy. Although tourism is showing of our economy depend on you. health and medical professionals. It became a reference upward trends in hotel guests coming back to Las Vegas for industries of all types such as airlines, amusement according to Maddox and Wynn’s recent room bookings, parks, large retailers and, according to Maddox, “… any other key elements such as conventions, concerts and business that was in the business of mass gatherings, we night clubs are yet to come back and start filling the were talking to and sharing the best practices.” loss.

When the state ordered the shutdown earlier this year, “For what it’s worth, everyone has their opinion…what Maddox committed to his employees that they would the shape of this recovery is going to be. My shape is continue to receive pay. He understood the criticality of square root, meaning I think it’s going to go up and then investing in company culture. I think it’s going to plateau. Because there’s so much stimulus in the market right now…there’s going to be a “The one thing that we were always firm lot of struggle, I think. Not a downward trajectory, but that’s how I’m thinking about planning for ’20 and into believers of [is that] only people make ’21. We have some work ahead of us,” said Maddox. people happy,” said Maddox. “It’s not the chandeliers, it’s not the brass, it’s not the As the business community continues carpets, it’s not the fancy fountains; it’s to uncoil itself and out from under the 6 Feet human-to-human interaction. That’s why shutdown’s wallop, Maddox, as a former the restaurants that you love you know small businessperson, imparts this advice the hostess, you know the waiters, that’s for Nevada’s small businesses: “Liquidity the feel…our 15,000 team members are is king. Make sure you have explored really the lifeblood of the organization.” every single potential government program; that you have really looked at Maddox made the bold decision to inform his shareholders of a significant investment to support team all PPP [Paycheck Protection Program]; members throughout the closure “because it was the that you take that time because there right thing to do to keep the 15,000 people on board, is money out there. Get it, if you can but it was also for us, I believe, the right investment in because liquidity is important and just the future,” added Maddox. try to hold on…preserve liquidity and get This trailblazing decision alone catapulted Wynn Resorts ready for, hopefully continued, slower to the forefront of prioritizing humanity and safety in the growth throughout this year.” greatest time of need that the city has ever experienced. Other gaming properties such as the Las Vegas Sands To view all interviews with Matt Maddox, Sandra took the same action in continuing to pay its employees Douglass Morgan and Dick Tomasso, visit Please wear protective face coverings and during the closure, yet, in reality, it was an action that VegasChamber.com. was not in the realm of possibility for most businesses. maintain 6 feet of distance from others. “The people will come back excited, they’ll help us to get a health plan in place and we will have trust and loyalty switch over the long term will pay off for sure,” said Maddox. “Clearly, it’s not sustainable forever; we made the commitment to get through closure here and we did, and, you know, if you walk around, there’s real pride, and I hope that that lasts and really strengthens our culture.”

16 BUSINESS VOICE JULY 2020 VEGAS CHAMBER STAY SAFE, STAY OPEN. Your safety, the safety of others and the safety of our economy depend on you.

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In response to the challenges that businesses are Business Stabilization Grant, restrictions and experiencing because of COVID-19, Clark County requirements for application can be found in the link and the City of Las Vegas have made several grants provided above. available to small businesses located within their jurisdiction. The City of Las Vegas recently expanded the scope of eligibility of those small businesses that can apply The Clark County Commission recently approved for the Business Preparedness Grant. The categories $19 million in federal relief funding for small business of eligible businesses have been expanded and support grants. These grants will be available for several of the restrictions on the use of grant dollars application in the near future and can be found have been removed. City Grants are available to on the Clark County website under the Economic businesses already receiving EIDL or PPP funding. Development page at ClarkCountyNV.gov. The grant is for small businesses with between 3 The grants available have been broken into three and 25 full time employees. The grant will award up to $4,000 for economically troubled businesses categories as follows: to assist with reopening costs such as purchases of PPE, cleaning supplies, facility retrofits or other Small Business Stabilization Grant health and safety measures. The grants are now • being awarded at the discretion of the City, on a • Small Business Rental Assistance first come, first-served basis. This grant is funded • Small Business Protective Retrofit Grant by $4 million of the federal CARES Act relief dollars allocated to the City of Las Vegas. These grants are available to small businesses with 20 or fewer employees which have not received To be eligible, a business must meet the following any other form of federal assistance (such as EIDL requirements: or PPP) or assistance from any of the local city governments. These grants will be selected on a • have an active business license within the City lottery basis from applicant pools. and original license issuance date must have occurred on or before Dec. 1, 2019. The Small Business Stabilization grant provides up to $10,000 for working capital expenditures such as • employ no less than three and no more than 25 rent, payroll, utilities, inventory, licensing fees and full-time equivalent (FTE) employees as of Feb. other similar expenses. 28, 2020.

Certain businesses are ineligible, whether by receipt • have been either required to close or have of other relief funding sources or business model. experienced economic hardship due to the For more details, see the link above for the County’s COVID-19 pandemic. requirements. • not have engaged or currently be engaged in The Small Business Rental Assistance program is any illegal activity per local, state or federal laws designed specifically to pay up to $10,000 of rent or regulations. for small businesses in actual rent arrears. Businesses that receive the Small Business stabilization grant, • commit to uphold all of the recommendations or relief funds from federal or local sources are and/or comply with any mandates for re- ineligible. As with the Small Business Stabilization opening from the State of Nevada and the Grant, restrictions and requirements for application Southern Nevada Health District. can be found in the link provided above. Businesses that are NOT eligible to request or The Small Business Protective Retrofit Grant is receive Grant funds are: designed to award up to $5,000 to reimburse businesses for the cost of additional safety • Business whose principal place of business is not equipment and training to help prevent the spread within the City limits of COVID-19. These costs may include, but are not limited to, one time purchases of PPE, one time • Home-based businesses or businesses without a purchases of screening tools, one time purchases physical location of training for employees and facility modifications such as plexiglass, hand washing stations, no touch • Marijuana (cannabis) related businesses. doors or walk up windows. More grant applications for the City of Las Vegas can Businesses that receive the Small Business be found at lasvegasnevada.gov and search Business stabilization grant, or relief funds from federal Preparedness Grant. or local sources are ineligible. As with the Small

VEGAS CHAMBER JULY 2020 BUSINESS VOICE 19 HOW DO YOU REWARD GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE?

Customer Service Excellence is a free turnkey program that helps you recognize the customer service all-stars in your business.

• Easy ways to nominate • Recognition programs and ceremonies • Customer and staff engagement materials provided

NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY AT VEGASCHAMBER.COM/CSE

For more information on enrolling your company in the program, visit VegasChamber.com or call 702.641.5822.

20 BUSINESS VOICE JULY 2020 VEGAS CHAMBER Customer Service Excellence Found in Matthew Evans

“We Got Your Back.” Four words that most people need to hear especially during an extreme time of despair. Thankfully, Las Vegas’ Matthew Evans recognized that need in his local community over the last several months during the pandemic. Whether it was food, clothing or basic everyday needs, Evans put together a Facebook Group called “We Got Your Back”, a public group of approximately 2,000 followers where community members can post requests, share resources and have the opportunity to help anyone who might “have extra.” The page description says: “…We are Vegas Folks helping Vegas Folks Period. Not a charity, not a company, a community of helping hands connecting our brothers and sisters in times of need. Borne out of the COVID-19 Crisis, and we will conquer it together.”

Because of Evans's extraordinary efforts to support those in need, he was named the Customer Service Excellence (CSE) Five Star Award winner for the second quarter. What does that mean? The Five Star Award is given to a community member who has truly gone above-and-beyond in delivering excellent service.

The Customer Service Excellence Committee evaluates nominations for the Five Star Award and selects awardees who have truly embraced the spirit of giving. Each Five Star Award recipient will be a finalist for the Customer Service Excellence Person of the Year Award, which will be announced at the end of this year.

Evans was featured on the first-ever virtual CSE recognition event, thanks to and aired on Vegas Chamber President’s Club Member KTNV Channel 13’s Facebook Live with hosts J.J. Snyder and Shawn Tempesta. Evans was awarded his recognition in a 20-minute segment, honoring his incredible work, and getting insight from Evans on how he mobilized this campaign efficiently and successfully.

“I said, ‘wait a minute, what can we do to help people?’” said Matthew Evans, Customer Service Excellence Five Star Award recipient. “We’re all caught in this, we all need some help and how can I use the weapons that I have and the things I do that I do every day instead of sitting at my house and feeling sorry for the situation. I decided to get into action, put those tools into action.”

Each quarter, the Vegas Chamber, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), and a host of dedicated sponsors recognize amazing employees in Las Vegas who provided stellar service to customers and coworkers, ensuring that Las Vegas continues to be a great place to live, work and visit.

Evans added: “That’s what I’m about. I have a heart of contribution; I always have. I knew that helping these people in this time of need was just what had to be done right then…our Vegas family helping Vegas family get through this time of need was really at the root cause of why I did this.”

The Customer Service Excellence program has been honoring outstanding employees for more than 30 years. This year’s sponsors include KTNV Channel 13, LVCVA, NV Energy, Smart City Network and Vegas Golden Knights.

Congratulations and thank you for your service to the Las Vegas community, Matthew Evans – Customer Service Excellence Five Star Award winner!

To nominate someone for the Customer Service Excellence Award, visit VegasChamber.com.

VEGAS CHAMBER JULY 2020 BUSINESS VOICE 21 Help a Business Thank a Hero

Vegas Chamber Launches Switch to Kindness! Gift Card Program Supporting Local Businesses & First Responders

Partnership with Switch, LVMPD Foundation & ItsOnMe® will infuse much-needed cash to help small businesses

Switch to Kindness! offers a one-stop shop platform to purchase* electronic gift cards from local businesses, which will then be distributed to Southern Nevada first responders by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) Foundation.

Buy gift cards & get details at VegasChamber.com

*Five percent processing fee applies What’s Happening APRIL What’s Happening JULY 6 MONDAY, APRIL 6 VEGAS CHAMBER PRESENTS: WEBINAR WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING & REHABILITATION (DETR) REGARDING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS Nevada’s Director of DETR will discuss unemployment guidelines, applications, benefits, and resources available to employers 7 TUESDAY, JULY 7 and employees. This webinar will provide Nevada’s businesses CHAMBER CONNECTIONS guidance on how their employees can access federal and state Chamber Connections is a dedicated leads group of professionals unemployment benefits due to COVID-19. from a variety of industries. This is a place for professionals to 11 a.m. – Noon grow their network and their businesses by sharing contacts, Webinar referrals and ideas. 5:30 – 7 p.m. 7 TUESDAY, APRIL 7 Virtual CHAMBER CONNECTIONS Chamber Connections is a dedicated leads group comprised CHAMBER VOICES TOASTMASTERS of professionals from a variety of industries. This is a place for Looking for a way to improve your communication skills in both professionals to grow their network and their businesses by To attend your personal and professional life? The Vegas Chamber is home sharing contacts, referrals and ideas. to a Toastmasters club, Chamber Voices, open exclusively to 5:30 – 7 p.m. Virtual any of our Vegas Chamber members. 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. 8 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 online events, Virtual VYP BIGWIG LUNCH TIME: MARY BETH SEWALD, PRESIDENT AND CEO VEGAS CHAMBER 8 WEDNESDAY, JULY 8 Please join us for our very first virtual Bigwig Lunch Time please visit COFFEE AND CONNECTIONS featuring the Vegas Chamber's very own CEO, Mary Beth Sewald. This event is great for business professionals interested Mary Beth will share crucial information about resources available VegasChamber.com in expanding their network and optimizing their chamber to help businesses, 1099 contract workers, and employees, as well membership. In addition to quality networking time, each event as share what the Vegas Chamber, along with leaders throughout will feature two speakers: a member selected from the event Nevada, are doing to respond to the Coronavirus and minimize its to register. prior, and a Vegas Chamber team member. economic impact on our state. 7:30 – 9 a.m. 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Virtual Virtual 21 TUESDAY, JULY 21 SOUTHERN NEVADA FORUM - ECONOMIC CHAMBER CONNECTIONS DEVELOPMENT AND WORKFORCE Chamber Connections is a dedicated leads group of professionals The third meeting of the Southern Nevada Forum Committee on from a variety of industries. This is a place for professionals to Economic Development and Workforce grow their network and their businesses by sharing contacts, 2 – 3:30 p.m. referrals and ideas. Webinar 5:30 – 7 p.m. Virtual

17 FRIDAY, APRIL 17 CHAMBER VOICES TOASTMASTERS EGGS & ISSUES FEATURING U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN Looking for a way to improve your communication skills in both SUSIE LEE your personal and professional life? The Vegas Chamber is home Eggs & Issues, a program designed to connect members with to a Toastmasters club, Chamber Voices, open exclusively to key federal policymakers, is an affordable way to engage elected Vegas Chamber members. officials on the subjects that impact the Southern Nevada 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. business community. The information imparted at these sessions Virtual gives members a better understanding about the federal issues that affect the business community and the health of the economy in Nevada. 22 WEDNESDAY, JULY 22 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Teleconference Join the Vegas Chamber for our popular virtual networking event. Presenting Sponsor: Cox Communications Chamber staff and ambassadors curate the virtual attendees to Sponsors: Allegiant Travel Company, America Medical Response, make introductions in a natural way and ensure all members meet GC Garcia Inc., The Howard Hughes Corporation, Nevada the type of people they’re looking to meet. Broadcasters Association, NV Energy, Porter Group, Southwest 4:30 - 6 p.m. Gas Corporation, Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center, Switch, Touro Virtual University Nevada.

TUESDAY, APRIL 21 21 CHAMBER CONNECTIONS Chamber Connections is a dedicated leads group comprised of professionals from a variety of industries. This is a place for professionals to grow their network and their businesses by sharing contacts, referrals and ideas. 5:30 – 7 p.m. Virtual

27 BUSINESS VOICE APRIL 2020 VEGAS CHAMBER VEGAS CHAMBER JULY 2020 BUSINESS VOICE 23 President’s Club

(B) Allison Wax Director – Coldwell Banker Premier Realty Originally from California, Allison Wax began her real estate career by supporting the needs of companies moving their most valuable asset, their employees, in and out of the Las Vegas Valley. As director of business development and client services at Coldwell Banker Premier Realty, Wax builds valuable relationships with corporations, assisting them with different real estate needs to include general real estate, corporate moves and affinity programs. She is thrilled to be part of a growing, dynamic and thicale company that is a leader in the real estate industry.

(A) John Wynn President & CEO – The Wynn Network Dr. John Wynn is the president and CEO of a 24-hour Television Network and Video On Demand platform called The Wynn Network where inspiration meets entertainment. Dr. Wynn has has produced three inspirational music CD’s, written two noteworthy books, produced T.V. Shows and a feature film titled “John Wynn’s Mirror Mirror” that was released in theaters October 2019. He is an author, producer, writer and musician with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Wynn is an empowerment speaker who shares inspiration across the world, effectively transcending racial and cultural barriers. A B

(D) Jason Bruckman Regional Vice President – Eastridge Workforce Solutions Jason Bruckman is a sales leader that has extensive operations experience across multiple lines of business, including 19 years of staffing and recruiting experience. He currently oversees the day-to-day success of the Administrative, Convention, Healthcare, Manufacturing & Distribution, Legal, Technology & Engineering, and Finance & Accounting Divisions at Eastridge Workforce Solutions in Las Vegas. Bruckman holds an undergraduate degree in public management from Indiana University and a MBA in entrepreneurship and finance from Keller Graduate. He sits on the board of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance.

C D

(C) Steven M. Albright Vice President Nevada Market – Intermountain Healthcare Steven M. Albright is vice president of market development Nevada for Intermountain Healthcare, an integrated, not-for-profit health system. Through established relationships with community, political, and healthcare leaders, he has accountability for the deployment of an asset-light growth strategy and a vision of establishing a value- based health service delivery network in the Nevada market. Albright received his MBA in Business Administration. He is married with four children, one of which has special needs that drives his passion for improving the access and quality of healthcare for everyone.

24 BUSINESS VOICE JULY 2020 VEGAS CHAMBER Spotlights

(E) John Johnson Founder and Executive Director – Educating, Training and Empowering John Johnson is the founder and executive director for Educating Training and Empowering, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) in Las Vegas. Johnson moved here in 0122 from Oakland, California and immediately started to get involved in the community to learn about the issues facing the populations most in need. He got involved in politics and created the United Democratic Club of Clark County working to improve policy affecting low-income consumers and people of color. He hosts the radio program Empowerment through Training and Education discussing politics and local issues in order to bring solutions.

(F) Chris Schlaffman VP of Commercial Lending, Clark County Credit Union Chris Schlaffman has spent his entire professional career in banking, starting out as an intern in high school 38 years ago. He graduated from UNLV with a degree in Financial Services and went on to graduate from the Pacific Coast Banker’s School through the University of Washington. As the vice president of Commercial Lending at Clark County Credit Union, he provides personal consulting and guidance for business members seeking lines of credit, investment properties or new build outs. His volunteer work includes acting as Treasurer of Green Valley United Methodist Church and Swain’s Creek Pines Lot Owners Association. E F

(G) Sharon Christ President & CEO – S&B Christ Consulting Sharon Christ is president and CEO of S&B Christ Consulting and has 20 years of experience as a Department of Defense scientific analyst and project manager. Christ is extremely experienced in project management of technically challenging and high-profile projects. Christ earned a Bachelor of Science from the U.S. Air Force Academy in Operations Research and a Master of Science in Industrial Management and Systems Engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She achieved the rank of Major in the Air Force and after pinning took a consultant job as a scientific analyst. G H

(H) Ed Domanico Director – AET Environmental Edward J. Domanico is director of Environmental Affairs for AET Environmental, a leading and highly credentialed provider of environmental and industrial services, hazardous waste handling and remediation in Nevada. Responsible for strategic marketing policies, as well as expanding the company’s operating capability throughout the state and region, he brings nearly 30 years of environmental experience to this role as an industry leader. AET provides environmental services to many of the Strip Properties. AET provides service to several Medical and Industrial facilities, as well as the Nevada Test Site.

VEGAS CHAMBER JULY 2020 BUSINESS VOICE 25 Leadership Matters More Than Ever: Advance Your Skills to Become a More Effective Leader

As businesses and organizations strive to operate as normally as possible during these challenging times, leadership matters more than ever. How do you continue to motivate teams remotely? How can you inspire teams to meet goals? When the stakes are high, how do you instill the drive to keep your teams focused and moving forward? Great organizational leadership doesn’t just happen; it comes from investing in training to develop the skills that make great leaders. Research shows that companies that invest in quality leadership training are more likely to have a positive company culture that motivates employees at all levels to achieve greater results. In fact, investing in leadership training puts your company ahead of your competition. Leadership Advance is a 5-month leadership skills training program that is tailored specifically to professionals wanting to enhance their leadership abilities and advance their careers. The leadership training is facilitated by Aegis Learning, a Las Vegas-based company with more than 25 years of experience in creating and delivering learning solutions and leadership training for organizations of all sizes, including Fortune 500 companies. “Leadership Advance has given me the tools to be a better leader, both in and out of the office. After this program, I have become more engaged with clients, office teammates, and in personal relationships. Because of Leadership Advance I’m a better listener and collaborator, and that self-realization has made me ready to conquer 2020,” said Chad Kaercher, Commercial Insurance Broker at Kaercher Insurance. “Joining Leadership Advance has been one of the best experiences of my career,” aid Nicole Shelton, loan administrator of Nevada State Bank. “I highly recommend this program whether you are new to leadership or have been in a leadership role for some time. The past five months have seemed to fly by, but in this short amount of time I’ve seen great changes within myself not only professionally, but personally, too. It’s been great to network and build relationships with other professionals that I hope continue beyond the program.” During the program, class members gain extensive experience and insights into their own leadership strengths, and grow in understanding effective leadership, communication, and organizational management.

Topics include: • Strategic decision-making • Problem solving • Accountability • Managing vs. leading • Building a vision • Setting and achieving goals • Relationship building • Motivating teams • Emotional intelligence • Talent pipeline management • Communication * Productive conflict vs. fruitless conflict * Influencing at all levels of a company with impact * How to conduct difficult conversations * Collaboration * Delegation

Because of COVID-19, class will meet twice per month via Zoom. Sessions will be from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Class begins Friday, Aug. 7, and concludes in December. The program will be offered again February through June 2021. The cost for the program is $795 for Vegas Chamber members; $895 for non-members.

For more information or to enroll: https://bit.ly/36SeHgy

26 BUSINESS VOICE JULY 2020 VEGAS CHAMBER LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION VEGAS YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

VYP+ is an enhanced membership level for new and active VYP members that maximizes the VYP experience. VYP+ members have access to:

Special pricing at all VYP events

Advanced invitations to Bigwig Lunch Times and Community Conversations

VYP Excursions, to go behind-the-scenes to see some of Las Vegas’ most interesting businesses

A members-only database that you can use to update your information and connect with other VYP+ members

Added exposure, with a listing in the VYP+ member directory

Sitting on a VYP committee to help expand your leadership capacity and grow your network

VYP+ MEMBERSHIP IS $50 ANNUALLY. JOIN VYP+ BY CONTACTING [email protected].

VEGAS CHAMBER JULY 2020 BUSINESS VOICE 27 News You Can Use

Las Vegas: Open for Business By the time you see this article, Phase II of Governor sharing detailed videos outlining the safety precautions Sisolak’s plan to open the state should have been in each had set into motion on their properties. If a picture full effect for more than a month. As I pen this piece, is worth a thousand words, a video is worth that much our fair city waits for the gaming industry to reopen more. Think back to some of the messages over the past amidst protests due to the death of George Floyd in two months: which made you feel safer and ready to Minneapolis. Black Lives Matter. And Vegas is absolutely support that business? strong. Our community is hurting, but our businesses are open. How we communicate our reopening—and Communicate with Confidence possibly rebirth—and our response to the country’s Roughly two months later, the emails started en masse unrest in an uncertain landscape will show the world again for reopening. Some of the best this author saw who we are. were from our local casino and resort organizations sharing detailed videos outlining the safety precautions Consumer Confidence The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, Value Proposition: which is conducted by Nielson, is a monthly survey What is your organization’s value proposition? What are based on a probability-design random sample. The the one or two things that you do better than any other organization reported that the Consumer Confidence competitor that truly sets you apart? Be crystal clear in Index stabilized in May after a deep decline the prior articulating your value proposition in your messaging. month. “The Expectations Index—based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor Audience: Who are you targeting? Your audience market conditions—improved from 94.3 in April to 96.9 may comprise multiple groups, yet make sure your in May.” (Source: The Conference Board) communications are tailored for each one.

I believe the Expectations Index can be directly Specifics: These are the nuts and bolts of your message. correlated with how people view a brand. What are an Using the five Ws and one H might come in handy here: organization’s values, how do they communicate (both who, what, when, where, why, and how. externally and within), and are they forthcoming with accurate, valuable information? When we look out in this Action: After someone reads your communication, what uncertain economy, brand values and communication do you want them to do? A good rule of thumb is the will be so important to set a company apart and grow “Know, Feel, Do” concept. What should your audience customers’ confidence. know, feel, and/or do after encountering your message?

Yes, We Are Open! The only certainty in these uncertain times is change. Remember in March when every company that you had And the best way to cope through significant change ever interacted with sent an email detailing its response is with an open mind, positive attitude, and clear to COVID-19? Memes popped up in the social media communication. I send my best to all Las Vegans as sphere, and people made jokes, but the communications we continue to weather major change together as a were critical for setting the stage for organizational community. operation during the global pandemic. Throughout our state’s shelter in place order, essential businesses shared their procedures. Many of these businesses provided Shan Bates-Bundick is a Las Vegas Metro helpful information on how to buy groceries, order food, Chamber of Commerce member with nearly two and other steps to take care of their families. decades of global marketing and communications expertise. She collaborates with businesses and Roughly two months later, the emails started en masse non-profit organizations to create strong value again for reopening. Some of the best this author saw proposition messaging and elevated brand stories were from our local casino and resort organizations in both traditional and digital channels. Learn more at www.shanbates.com.

28 BUSINESS VOICE JULY 2020 VEGAS CHAMBER Member News

RED - PRESIDENT’S CLUB MEMBER In the Community

City National Bank donated $10,000 to the Nevada COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to support the state’s recovery efforts. Additionally, the bank made a $5,000 donation to Three Square and its Bag Childhood Hunger campaign. The funds from City National will be matched by the Bennett Family Foundation, up to $10,000, which will provide 60,000 meals to Southern Nevada’s food-insecure families and children.

Bank of Nevada committed more than $415,000 to help mitigate the impact of the pandemic on communities across Nevada and strengthen those regions as they work to emerge from the crisis. The donation encompasses all support given to organizations within Nevada on behalf of Bank of Nevada and First Independent Bank. In Southern Nevada, funded organizations include: the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, Workforce Connections - Layoff Aversion Pilot Program, United Way of Southern Nevada, the Public Education Foundation and Delivering with Dignity.

Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada donated 10,000 sunscreen packets to the Cashman Isolation-Quarantine Complex (ISO-Q), which houses and treats the Valley’s homeless population who have contracted the Coronavirus. The donation, secured through the Mayor’s Fund for Las Vegas LIFE, is the result of the organization’s efforts to coordinate and secure donations of cash and items needed to combat COVID-19. The sunscreen packets will be used at the ISO-Q, a partially outdoor facility.

Las Vegas Sands partnered with Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada to provide 1,000 boxed meals a day from May 1 to May 14. The meals were used for homeless outreach while the organization’s dining facility was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each boxed meal included a “Message of LOVE,” a note that shares words of encouragement submitted online by Venetian team members, and others from around the world. In addition, each box was distributed with a Venetian hygiene kit containing body wash and lotion.

The Salvation Army Southern Nevada was awarded a grant from the MGM Resorts Foundation for its anti-human trafficking program, SEEDS of Hope, which provides case management to identified victims of human trafficking. With this funding, the program, led by Erin Kauffman, plans to provide services to 40 or more victims of trafficking.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas, along with McDonald’s and its community partners, awarded $141,250 to 90 high school seniors and 43 returning college students through the organization’s scholarship program for 2020. Since 1999, RMHC and its partners have awarded more than $4.4 million in scholarships to eligible students and alumni in Clark and Nye counties. New Additions

Las Vegas Natural History Museum is featuring a new exhibit entitled “In the Dark” from the beginning of July to October. Since prehistoric times, humans have sought to find utility in darkness, and have invented ways to acclimate to dark conditions. In “In the Dark”, guests experience and explore these mysteries via electronic, mechanical and computer interactives, immersive dioramas, and lifelike models. VEGAS CHAMBER JULY 2020 BUSINESS VOICE 29 Washington, D.C. Comes to Vegas - It’s D.C. at VC!

Virtual Fly-in 2020 JULY 2020 Sept. 14 to 17 Virtual Business Join the Vegas Chamber and the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) for a new twist to their popular Washington, D.C. Fly-in. After Hours Ensuring safety and wellness, Washington, D.C. is coming to Vegas in an all-virtual format – we bring you D.C. at VC!

Why attend? Open to all dues-paying Vegas Chamber & LVGEA members

Easier-than-ever to participate

Special Pricing for a limited time that includes a new daily rate and 2021 registration

Be a part of history by experiencing the first-ever virtual Fly-in Wednesday, July 22 One-time special pricing offered to members who register for the 2020 4:30 to 6 p.m. and 2021 Fly-ins, with the expectation that we will resume our regular Free travel plans back to Washington, D.C. in 2021. Join us for the popular virtual networking event. We ensure all members make the right connections.