Thursday, July 6, 2000 | 10:52 a.m.
The Urban Chamber of Commerce today begins a national conference in Las Vegas on the impact of the gaming industry -- but thoughts of an alliance with the casino industry appear to be fading in the wake of several high-profile clashes between local black leaders and gaming industry officials.
"What we wanted to do is align ourselves with the gaming industry and its lobbying efforts," said Louis Overstreet, executive director of the Las Vegas area chapter of the Urban Chamber. "That's gone out the window with some of our experiences recently."
Nearly 200 people are expected to attend the three-day conference at the MGM Grand. The Urban Chamber is a national organization devoted to advancing business opportunities for the black community.
Initially, the conference was seen as a "watershed" effort by the Urban Chamber to increase black involvement in the gaming industry, and to educate black leaders across the country on the benefits and ramifications of introducing gaming to new markets. Scheduled speakers include Sen. Harry Reid, Rep. Shelley Berkley, Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman.
It's been backed by gaming industry sources as well -- MGM MIRAGE spokesman Alan Feldman said both MGM Grand Inc. and Mirage Resorts Inc. were involved in helping plan the event, and supplied both funds and in-kind services to organizers.
But the conference has taken on more of an edge following MGM MIRAGE's rejection of an NAACP proposal to establish a $100 million enterprise fund aimed at West Las Vegas -- a proposal backed by Overstreet and the Urban Chamber. Overstreet also said the chamber is incensed over televised comments by Desert Inn owner Steve Wynn that the NAACP is "a bogus organization."
"His comments were totally off-base and unfortunate," Overstreet said. "We want this conference to be constructive and positive, but it has to be challenging (of recent events). It has to be talked about."
Feldman, however, said his company's involvement wasn't related to the NAACP proposals.
"Both Mirage and MGM agreed to help sponsor a part of the convention, and post-merger, we've kept those commitments," Feldman said. "This is another opportunity to reinforce our long-standing commitment to minority communities throughout Las Vegas."
Planned events include examinations of the economic and social impacts of gaming, alliances between gaming and community organizations, regulatory issues, Internet gaming and the role of blacks on gaming regulatory bodies.
But the conference will also challenge recent events at a "town hall" session, scheduled for this evening, that will include state Sen. Joe Neal, state Assemblyman Wendell Williams and Jim Thomas, president of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators.
Rep. James Clyburn, D-S.C., the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, will also attend -- and Overstreet said discussions with him will include how to take the local campaign for more investment by the gaming industry in the black community to a national level.
"One thing we'll tell (new gaming jurisdictions) is that if they're coming your way, you'd better get (promises of minority investment) in writing," Overstreet said. "Don't take their word for it."
archive
