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Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013 | 2:03 a.m.
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Clyde Dinkins
Las Vegas 2013. Something is in the air! All one has to do is breathe in the abundant aroma of hope, vibrancy and opportunity.
The Sun editorial Sunday, “Seeing opportunity,” will go down in Nevada history as the prescient, progressive, clarion call to all Nevadans (I’ve cut it out and framed it). The editorial’s main theme, “Nevada has a chance to change — and improve — for the future” will prove prophetic. Something is in the air!
The Sun rightly lauds last week’s Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce annual kickoff event, which asked the poignant question, “What next?” for Las Vegas — Nevada — and we the people. This gathering of Southern Nevada businesses was one of enthusiastic vitality. Las Vegas economic analyst Jeremy Aguero opened the session with an overview of our business climate, concluding, “Opportunity is everywhere.” There’s something in the air!
The closing speaker, Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, received a rousing, standing ovation from the attendees. He spoke of a new business philosophy — not of just working hard but enjoying it and becoming a wealthy success while simultaneously enhancing the quality of life of Las Vegas and Nevada. Hsieh’s goal is to bring culture, art and business ventures to our progressing downtown. He stressed devoting market budgets to customer service to be successful. He encourages the “collisions” of residents, visitors and tourists to get to know one another — sharing experiences, ideas and a philosophy of happiness. Something is in the air!
Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kristin McMillan urged Southern Nevada businesses and people to work together to improve our economy. She said, “Step up and show leadership. ... Think bigger (and) more boldly than we ever have before.” I agree.
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority President and CEO Rossi Ralenkotter spoke of the Convention Center’s development plans over the next 20 years, including adding a transportation facility.
And Tom Skancke, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Regional Economic Development Council, emphasized Las Vegas’ role in the global economy and the importance of a superior transportation infrastructure for future growth, success and prosperity.
There’s something in the air! The Sun editorial and Chamber of Commerce event are the proof. Our future is bright; all roads lead to it — Rome, Las Vegas, the Crystal City — our emerging downtown renaissance. And that something in the air is “The Sweet Smell of Success!”
Clyde Dinkins is a freelance writer who lives in Las Vegas.
Could it be Governor Brian Sandoval has done a yeoman's job to date to turn the economy of Las Vegas and Nevada around? As have 30 Republican governors in other states around that country that have brought balanced budgets and lower unemployment [than the national average] to their states. Or, is it just a coincidence that the US states with democratic governors are still economically lagging behind and deprived? Two words: Mid-term elections.
CarmineD
Yeah, I'll tell you what is in the air downtown. There is the overwhelming stench of nasty people who have not bathed in months; for they have used the sidewalks as their commode, and their place to spew out their over-indulgence to alcohol, and as well, the sidewalks and alley ways have been their hazardous waste container for their heroin syringes and used condoms.
Yeah, I'll tell you what else in the air down there. A bunch of beggars who are panhandling at every corner security is not present. Hookers and their pimps casing their prey getting ready to infect and smack down any bombed out John looking for a quickie. Yes, but improvements are being made to the lavatory; says the Chamber of Commerce.
You might be able to fool some tourists and the local pot / crack- smoking, girl renting delusional mutants into believing your rhetoric, but downtown, in reality is slum-town, and always will be.
Wow, BChap, please feel free to move to another city, or preferably, another country, you negative, poisonous, armchair quarterback.
I think Clyde Dinkins and his optimistic Chamber friends might be leaning a little too heavily on the exclamation point. Did they happen to read this morning's report? Here are some points worth emphasis: Most Nevadans are on the edge of financial disaster(!) Forty-four percent are overwhelmed by debt(!) Nevadans have the second worst credit scores in the US(!) The number of Las Vegas households in possession of a bank account dropped by over 10% in two years(!) Nevada has the worst education stats and graduation rate in the nation(!), and the highest rate of uninsured children(!) Wages are down(!) Schools are crumbling(!) Per capita income has dropped 16%(!) Yet for Mr. Dinkins and the Chamber, there is nothing but good news(!)
Ummmmm, even a basement dwelling football team has cheerleaders.
Bradley, do you think they will rent out the converted metal storage units to the homeless, et al?
Or will the city do a sweep and move them elsewhere? Perhaps they will move to Henderson's District strip mall. ;-)
I am all for vision and making the effort, but realizing a vision is not easy. I hope it is successful, and also that those who are displaced will get some help, not just a swift kick.