Stan Saito

Friday, Sept. 25, 2009 | 4:31 p.m.

Stan Saito

Occupation: President, Las Vegas Asian

Chamber of Commerce

Diversity outreach and beyond:

After recently completing a 30-year public relations career with Embarq, Stan Saito knows something about longevity. Transferring to Southern Nevada with then-Sprint from Texas more than two decades ago, Saito also has been a strong supporter of the local Asian community and disadvantaged Clark County residents. Saito has served on Congresswoman Shelley Berkley’s Asian Advisory Committee, is a member of the Metro Arts Council of Southern Nevada, and also serves on the board of trustees for the Hispanic Museum of Southern Nevada. In 1997, he received the Humanitarian Award from the Help Them Walk Again Foundation.

What are the key ingredients to a successful diversity initiative?

Communication — having a clearly written mission statement that is understandable

and attainable.

Explain the importance of having a diverse work force in your industry.

Having a diverse work force brings with it the richness of many cultures, and their individual ideas (combined) together (work) toward a common goal. It enriches the flow of ideas and gives relevancy to any employee who wants to contribute.

How has the recession impacted diversity efforts?

It has affected our ability to reach out to more of the business community. A decline in membership and sponsorship means we can’t touch as many people with our programs and events.

Who is your mentor or hero?

I have two: Robert Young, chairman, Asian Chamber of Commerce and Wayne Tanaka, educator.