Not ‘getting over’ Obama’s remark

Friday, Aug. 21, 2009 | 3 a.m.

Regarding Jon Ralston’s column in the July 31-Aug. 6 edition, “Quit whining about federal travel rules,” I’m not sure you really comprehend what President Barack Obama’s comment did to small businesses like mine.

I own a small franchise of a destination management company. I am the epitome of a small business. When a company books meetings in Las Vegas, the planner first books the hotel, hires a production company and may source other venues and attractions directly. We are hired to handle the logistics of the event such as airport and ground transportation, dinners, parties and tours.

My business had seen a slowdown last fall; however, the first quarter of this year was great for us. While most of my competitors were feeling the strain of the recession, we were humming along. As soon as the president commented on meeting in Las Vegas, my company experienced a significant decrease in business. I confidently think that I can make a direct correlation between his comment and the negative effect on my business.

I somewhat agree with your statements regarding our city promoting sinful behavior “while asserting that this is a great place to hunker down and do serious business.” However, in every major convention city there are pleasures for attendees. All work and no play make attendees dull people. What we have to offer as a city to planners is unparalleled: from the quality of our hotels and restaurants to the ease of getting around to the proximity of the airport to the still affordable expenses, Las Vegas is the best there is.

I am glad that our representatives have not gotten over it. They are the people that I rely on to represent me. I can’t say “get over it” to my three children, or the rest of my family, employees or vendors who rely on me. Small businesses like mine are the true victims here. We don’t have the capital behind us like the major hotels do. We can’t just claim bankruptcy and regroup, and no one is going to be bailing us out when we collapse. In my opinion, your “get over it” comment was insensitive to business owners like me and the people we employ.

— Francine McKanna, president, PRA Destination Management Las Vegas