Friday, June 17, 2005 | 11:03 a.m.
The former chief executive of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority has formed a political and business consulting firm.
Manny Cortez ran the agency for 13 years and presided over a period of explosive tourism growth for Las Vegas. He guided the city thorough its slump after Sept. 11 as well as its resurgence with the help of the LVCVA's popular "what happens here, stays here" advertising campaign.
Prior to his executive position, Cortez was a four-term Clark County commissioner who served as LVCVA board chairman.
Cortez, a Las Vegas resident since 1944 said he formed a limited liability company after getting calls from colleagues asking for advice in politics and business. The Cortez Group is located at 2340 Paseo Del Prado.
"I thought it might be fun to keep my hand in things," he said. "I've been working so long in this town. And you can only play so much golf."
Cortez said he doesn't intend to lobby in Carson City and would instead focus on business planning and public relations, such as helping local businesses that are newer to Las Vegas navigate the licensing and development process.
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