We asked 20 Las Vegas professionals, "How do we attract businesses to Las Vegas?"
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“It’s really the education system. I hesitated coming here. People want to know: ‘Am I going to get a good education for my kids?'"
-Aaron Cupps, retail manager
“By creating more networking events for business owners to meet prospective clients.”
-Mack Jackson, founder of M.J. Computer Concepts, Inc.
“We need a more educated workforce. A diversified economy requires a diversified labor pool and that’s challenging with our current education system.”
-Art Greene, director of marketing for Cashman Photo Enterprises
“Improve our failing education system, build a culture that encourages our students to stay in school and continue their education through college or trade school.”
-Nancy Smith, marketing manager of Datanamics
“Maintaining our business friendly tax environment and investing in education.”
-Cathy Jones, president of Sun Commercial Real Estate, Inc
“We can attract new business by showing that we have a very high quality of life.”
-Christine Girardin, business development manager for Securitas Security Services, USA
“We need to have a strong education system. People won’t come here if their children can’t get a good education.”
-Lisa Davis, MBA recruitment director for UNLV
“Education. Having the best K-12 system in the country.”
-Mark Whitehead, director of promotions for News 3
“We already attract a number of retirees because of our environment. We need to expand on education and our strengths to attract businesses.”
-Deborah M. Jaquith, director of communications for AARP Nevada State Office
“When office and retail spaces drop as much as residential prices.”
-John Tippins, regional director for ST Residential
“Giving tax breaks to attract people in the film business to Las Vegas. And a better school system.”
-Lauren Schugar, wardrobe stylist
“The two things we must do are strengthen and improve our educational system and build world-class medical facilities.”
-Jim Villela, account executive for Lamar
“Tell them about our tax structure in Nevada, where we have no inventory tax, no corporate income tax, no state income tax.”
-Vic Salerno, CEO of American Wagering Inc.
“We need to promote our great community and focus on the positive aspects of Southern Nevada. As a pro-business state, there are many opportunities for businesses to thrive and grow here.”
-Sallie Doebler, president of NAIOP Southern Nevada
“An educated and trained workforce is key to attracting new industries.”
-Juergen Barbusca, manager of communications for Cox Communications
“Eliminate the governmental red-tape that is required of new businesses.”
-Dr. James Beckwith, owner of Vision Source Las Vegas
“I think one of the best things is letting people know that both commercial and residential real estate are more affordable.”
-Frank Nason, president of Residential Resources
“A lot of people don’t know we have great sense of culture. I think we should hold more community events.”
-Amara Collins, sales executive at Shapiro & Sher Group
“We need to flaunt some of our best assets—low taxes, business diversity and reputation for being the number one tourism capital of the world.”
-Cherryl Kaopua, public relations manager for N9NE Group