Workforce Connections is partnering with several local Chambers of Commerce to host a series of paneled discussions intended for business owners, managers and professionals. The discussion will focus on issues important to the Southern Nevada business community. Included in each event is a panel of economic and business experts who will share their thoughts on the current state of affairs and future economic outlook of Southern Nevada followed by a dialogue with attendees to develop actionable projects intended to provide positive and enterprising benefits to local business.
NEXT ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION:
TBD
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
Hosted by: TBD
To register for the event: TBD or email us directly more information.
This event is free, but space is limited. Attendees must register for the event.
The discussion will focus on issues important to the Southern Nevada business community. 
Included will be a panel of economic and business experts who will share their thoughts on the current state of affairs and future economic outlook of Southern Nevada followed by a dialogue with attendees to develop actionable projects intended to provide positive and enterprising benefits to local business.
Past Discussions:
December 6, 2011 | Hosted by the Henderson Chamber of Commerce
Bob Cooper, Economic Development/Redevelopment Manager for the City of Henderson
Terri Janison, Regional Director for the Nevada Commission on Economic Development
Terry Johnson, Director of the Nevada Department of Business & Industry
The December 6 roundtable event focused on economic development efforts occurring at the state and regional level that are creating opportunities and resources for business owners. The Nevada Department of Business & Industry encourages business owners to contact them and use them as a resource for navigating the state’s regulatory maze. Similarly, the Nevada Commission on Economic Development is a facilitator of information and resources pertaining to business development and is open to collaboration and actively collects input from business owners. Specific to the City of Henderson, Bob Cooper, Economic Development/Redevelopment Manager for the City of Henderson, shared information on current development projects such as Union Village, and emphasized the message that both the City of Henderson and the Henderson Chamber of Commerce are here to help businesses succeed in order to support the economic health of our community. Click here for a valuable list of resources complied by the city.
November 8, 2011 | Hosted by the Henderson Chamber of Commerce
Larry Seedig, President and CEO of USAA Bank
Bob Hart, Vice President and SBA Relationship Manager for Nevada State Bank
Paul Rubino, Vice President and Sales Development Manager for Small Business at Wells Fargo Bank
Edward Brown, Chief of Finance for the Small Business Administration Nevada District Office
Olav Vangstad, Southern Nevada SCORE Business Counselor
The November 8 roundtable event focused on financial strategies for small business in the current economic climate. Our panel made up of representatives from banks, both large and small, and business adviser resources spoke to the challenges facing business owners in securing financing as well as those facing banks when making their investments. Paul Rubino described this dynamic as establishing a comfort level between banker and business owner –a partnership, because “it truly is both of us that are taking a chance.”
October 4, 2011 | Hosted by the Henderson Chamber of Commerce
Jamie Naughton, Speaker of the House at Zappos.com
Mayor Andy A. Hafen, City of Henderson
Tim Brooks, Downtown Henderson Business Association
Scott Muelrath, Executive Director and CEO of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce
The October 4 roundtable revolved around the concept of collaboration. Representatives from the City of Las Vegas, the Henderson Chamber of Commerce and other local business development initiatives shared examples and insights on opportunities present and upcoming in Henderson. “Everybody wins,” said Tim Brooks, president of the Water Street District Business Association, through partnerships with businesses they share successes, exposure, enterprises and innovation for the community. Also discussed were plans from the new leadership of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce to strategically develop a new direction for the Chamber in pursuit of their ongoing efforts to create an environment where businesses succeed.
September 15, 2011 | Hosted by the Urban Chamber of Commerce
Lance Garrick, Vice President of Finance for the retail division at MGM Resorts International
Carol West, Market Manager at Walmart Stores Inc.
Bryan Wachter, Director of Government Affairs for the Retail Association of Nevada
This discussion focused on the subject of retail. Industry panelists shared their observations on the local market, both on- and off-strip. The U.S. Consumer Confidence Index has started to rebound, visitation is up 5 percent YTD –anything up is good. Business owners in the retail sector were advised to focus on getting people into their stores using “eye appeal” and consider a social media strategy to turn friends into sales. Scrubbing out the vendor pool and getting aggressive in partnering with vendors whose products sell can maximize efforts and minimize risks. With regard to employment and training, owners should take a good look at their company culture, eliminate complacency and “we’ve never done it that way”-kinds of thinking to help them respond to changing times. With budgets tight, finding creative ways to supplement training, partnering with local community causes on marketing initiatives, and seeking unique concepts that tap into where consumers are spending their money can all help to support business success.
August 18, 2011 | Hosted by the Urban Chamber of Commerce
Rose McKinney-James, Principal of Energy Works Consulting LLC.
Alan Fitzhugh, Senior Vice President for Nevada State Bank
Bruce Ford, Vice President and Nevada Business Banking Manger for City National Bank
Terri Sheridan, Economic Development Coordinator for the City of North Las Vegas
Bill Arent, Director of the Office of Business Development for the City of Las Vegas
The second discussion in the series focused on opportunities to grow businesses in Southern Nevada. Representatives from Nevada State Bank and City National Bank shared with the group that there is a misconception today that banks are not lending. They are in fact eager to lend, but banking is different now then it was before. Increased demands from the federal government have added regulations to their lending practices, but businesses are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to sit down with a banker, explore their options and use them as a resource for developing their business. In addition to financial resources, business owners were encouraged to be very active; referencing Woody Allen’s famous quote “eighty percent of success is showing up.” Rather than sitting back and waiting for the next upturn, panelists advise that folks take part in local chambers of commerce, testify when called upon, and take advantage of resources such as the Urban Chamber’s Small Business Development Center or Henderson’s Business Resource Center that have been setup to help you grow your business.
July 14, 2011 | Hosted by the Urban Chamber of Commerce
Cedric Crear, President at One Marketing Group
Devin Moore, from the Vegas Black Think Tank
The first roundtable in the series was attended by over 100 business owners, managers and professionals. Projects generated from the discussion were acted upon by the Urban Chamber of Commerce staff within a few days. The first project developed and deployed a resource page on the Urban Chamber’s website containing links to support organizations for businesses including aid provided by state, local and federal governments. The second project is an initiative to form group discussions hosted by employment and business attorneys to aid small business owners in keeping up with changes to state and federal legislation that affects their businesses.
