Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce chief Matt Crosson dies

By Rich Coleman

Friday, Dec. 24, 2010 | 1:19 p.m.

Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Matt Crosson died Thursday at MountainView Hospital in Las Vegas, chamber spokeswoman Cara Roberts said.

Crosson, 61, underwent open-heart surgery in late September and suffered a stroke several days later, which required several more weeks of rehabilitation. Crosson was expected to make a full recovery and return to his duties with the chamber early next year.

The cause of death is unknown, but it was likely due to complications from the stroke, Roberts said.

Crosson joined the chamber on April 26. Prior to that, he was president and CEO of the Long Island Association.

“Matt Crosson made an indelible mark on the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, as well as the business community,” Kristin McMillan, chairperson of the chamber’s board of trustees, said in a statement. “He was committed to finding ways for the Chamber to help businesses and the community recover from the devastating economy.”

His vision led to the Chamber’s “Viva Las Business” campaign and the distribution of 250,000 Chamber Membership Rewards Cards to encourage the support of local businesses as a way to enhance the local economy.

“Even though Matt has been here a short time, he was really beloved by the staff and had already built very strong relationships in the community. He’s truly going to be missed,” Roberts said.

Roberts said the chairman of the chamber’s board of trustees will continue to oversee the strategic direction of the chamber.

Funeral services have not been announced, but it is likely services will be held in both Las Vegas and Long Island, Roberts said. Crosson is survived by his wife, Elaine, and his 12-year-old son, Daniel.