We asked Las Vegas professionals, "Are you more optimistic about the economy this year?"
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“My business relies heavily on the conventions meetings volume and I had my best season in fourteen years of business in Fall 2010/Spring 2011. I feel optimistic that the next year will be better.”
John Madole, owner, Las Vegas Heater Rentals
“Yes! Working daily in the real estate trenches I get the sense that most companies made the difficult cost cutting decisions early on and are now sustainable in today’s economic climate.”
Greg Pancirov, vice president industrial division, Industrial Team of Delew & Pancirov
“There’s gradual improvement. For individuals who want it to be at the level of pre-recession, that’s not going to happen for awhile. The tourism industry continues to show signs that it’s in recovery.”
Vince Alberta, vice of public affairs, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
“I am more optimistic about the Las Vegas economy than last year because we are seeing gains in tourism.”
Stephen P. A. Brown, director, UNLV Center for Business and Economic Research
“We’re currently seeing signs of improvement this year, and I’m optimistic that it will continue.”
Travis Brady, CEO, Brady Industries
“No. Until the real estate problem is solved, we won’t have the economic certainty to lay out a foundation for a better Nevada.”
Carlos Gomez, business development and membership, Latin chamber of Commerce
“I am definitely more optimistic about our local economy. We’ve seen some promise lately with a number of successful events, visitor increases and new retail opportunities.”
Bree Witt, market development manager, CenturyLink
“Yes. We are one year closer to a recovery. It’s just a matter of recognizing the opportunities and taking action.”
Robyn Yates, broker/owner, Windermere Prestige Properties
“No. Home building and construction most often leads the economy out of recession. Building is next to dead. This government is only making things worse.”
John Olson, president, Olson Electric Inc.
“Not when it comes to the construction industry. There won’t be any new buildings built in the next 24 months.”
Victor Fuchs, president, Helix Electric
“As a small-business owner, I can’t afford not to be optimistic. A positive outlook is mandatory.”
Janie Lynn, president, Lighting and Electronic design, Inc.
“I’m cautiously optimistic. Our future may be in the hands of the federal government and I’m a little afraid of what they could do.”
Jay Nady, owner, A-Cab Co.
“I’m optimistic about the economy this year. Our customers are starting to spend a little more than they did last year.”
Paula Burr, owner, Custom Tan and Spa
“It’s not nearly as good as we had hoped for, but we’re no longer in economic freefall.”
Dean Fletcher, president, Las Vegas Firefighters Local 1285
“Yes, with the opening of new hotels and resorts, including Ravella at Lake Las Vegas, we are seeing a revitalization of the community.”
Mario Mazzini, general manager, Ravella at Lake Las Vegas
“Much more.”
Nick Hannon, Senior vice president, Territory Incorporated
“We’re very optimistic for 2012. Tropicana recently unveiled a major transformation.”
Fred Harmon, vice president of talent and image relations, Tropicana Las Vegas
“In comparison to where we were last year, yes. I am optimistic that Las Vegas is moving in the right direction.”
John Tippins senior vice president/Nevada director, St. Residential
“Thirteen exciting, new specialty shops and restaurants, five additional world-renowned shops and four remodels/expansions. It all adds up to optimism this year,”
Maureen Crampton, director of marketing, The Forum Shops at Caesars
“Cautiously optimistic, but not as positive as we had hoped.”
Chris Larson, president, Dekker/Perich/Sabatini Architects
“Yes, about the possibility of health care market growth. Unfortunately our providers and employers aren’t as optimistic. There are as many businesses closing this year as before.”
Carlos Padilla, sales and marketing manager, One Source Diagnostics
“I’m more optimistic about the economy, but this recent nonsense over the debt ceiling makes me nervous. That our elected representatives can’t put their differences aside for the betterment of our country is discouraging.”
Jeff Grace, president/CEO, Neteffect
“Generally, my clients are more optimistic today than they were this time last year. That said, feeling better is not the same thing as feeling good because of all the ground they have lost in the last 3 plus years.”
John Restrepo, RCG Economics
“I am cautiously optimistic. I feel there has been a slight uptick in some areas, but that we’re still far from where we need to be.”
Holly Silvestri, principal, The Ferraro Group
“I am. Rents and occupancy are starting to increase, and our investors are a little more aggressive in their acquisitions.”
Gary Banner, vice president of multi-family division, Colliers International Las Vegas
“Absolutely. This year has business’ phones ringing more often than last year, and I believe 2012 will require them hire someone to pick them up again.”
Randi Reed, owner, The Sixth Degree
“The economy seems to be picking up. We’re hearing from out of state investors, regional tenants and local tenants looking for opportunities here.”
Jason M. Simon, senior associate, nvestment sales & leasing, Gatski Commercial Real Estate Services
“We still have a long way to go, but I’m more optimistic than a year ago.”
Rod Martin, vice president, Majestic Realty
“Verizon Wireless is bullish on the economy, and we continue to invest heavily to expand our offerings to Nevada customers.”
Brian Danfield, president, Verizon Wireless Southwest Region