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Vegas Golden Knights left wing Brandon Saad (20) and goaltender Adin Hill (33) celebrate after their team defeated the Vancouver Canucks in an NHL game February 22, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
ON THE COVER
VEGAS INC celebrates Southern Nevada’s outstanding corporate leaders in its annual C-Suite Honors.
COVER ART C-Suite ( Photos and photo illustration by Christopher DeVargas/Staff)
HOME LIFE
Want to brew the perfect cup of co ee at home? We’ve filtered through some expert tips for you.
NEWS
Mondays Dark, long a champion of local charities and Vegas hospitality industry, is embarking on a bold expansion that could transform both.
SPORTS
Does VGK have what it takes to make the Stanley Cup playo s following the 4 Nations Face-O break? We think so.
MUSIC
Dark Black shines some light on their ambitious new album YAH and return to the stage.
FOOD & DRINK
Vegas’ 2025 Beard Award nominees is a rock-solid list of rising culinary talents.
Mary J. Blige brings “Real Love” to T-Mobile Arena, Rugby League Las Vegas tackles Allegiant Stadium, Palaye Royale plays to The Wall at Area15 and more.
SUPERGUIDE
THURSDAY FEB 27
VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS
7 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com.
RUGBY LEAGUE
LAS VEGAS NINES TOURNAMENT
Thru 2/28, times vary, Silver Bowl Park, nrl.com
SHEN YUN
Thru 3/2, times vary, Reynolds Hall, thesmithcenter.com
ANYMA Thru 3/2, 9 p.m., Sphere, ticketmaster.com
UNLV CHORAL ENSEMBLES: MADRIGALS PAST AND PRESENT
7:30 p.m., Lee and Thomas Beam Music Center, unlv.edu.
MALAA
10:30 p.m., Zouk Nightclub, zoukgrouplv.com
SOLOMUN 10:30 p.m., XS Nightclub, wynnsocial.com
HE$H With Sol, Praxis, Vegaduzit, 10 p.m., Substance, seetickets.us
DO IT ALL
FEB 28 DO IT ALL
GARTH BROOKS Thru 3/2, 8 p.m., the Colosseum, ticketmaster.com
MARY J. BLIGE With Ne-Yo, Mario, 7 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com
DECAPITATED
6 p.m., House of Blues, concerts.livenation.com
DONAVON
FRANKENREITER
7 p.m., the Wall at Area15, area15.com
ALLI WALKER
10 p.m., Stoney’s Rockin’ Country, tixr.com
UNLV MEN’S
BASKETBALL VS. UNR
8 p.m., Thomas & Mack Center, unlvtickets.com
KEVIN HART
9 p.m., & 3/1, Resorts World Theatre, axs.com
DAVID KOECHNER
7 & 9:30 p.m., & 3/1, Wiseguys Town Square, wiseguyscomedy.com
JOSH JOHNSON
8:30 p.m., Summit Showroom, ticketmaster.com
DAVID BLAINE
8 p.m., & 3/1, Encore Theater, ticketmaster.com
PEGGY GOU
10:30 p.m., LIV Nightclub, livnightclub.com
JAUZ
With Matt Faulk, Chuckii, Sam Van Decks, 10 p.m., Substance, seetickets.us
ILLENIUM
10:30 p.m., Zouk Nightclub, zoukgrouplv.com
SATURDAY MAR 1
ALEJANDRA GUZMÁN
8 p.m., Theater at Virgin, axs.com.
THE USUAL PLACE
5-YEAR ANNIVERSARY
7 p.m., the Usual Place, eventbrite.com.
STEPHANIE MILLS
7 p.m., Westgate International Theater, ticketmaster.com.
RIVETSKULL
8 p.m., the Space, thespacelv.com
SUPER FUTURE
With Slang Dogs, 9 p.m., the Wall at Area15, area15.com
DARK CHAPEL
With Don Lorina, 7:30 p.m., Count’s Vamp’d, eventbrite.com.
JUMAANE SMITH
5 & 8 p.m., Myron’s, thesmithcenter.com
TENNIS: MGM REWARDS SLAM
4 p.m., & 3/2, Michelob Ultra Arena, axs.com
PRESEASON:
LAS VEGAS LIGHTS VS. SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
7:30 p.m., Cashman Field, lasvegaslightsfc.com.
UNLV WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS. SAN JOSE STATE
2 p.m., Cox Pavilion, unlvtickets.com
LAS VEGAS DESERT
DOGS VS. HALIFAX
THUNDERBIRDS
7 p.m., Lee’s Family Forum, axs.com.
MXMTOON
It’s hard to describe Mxmtoon when she’s so many things to so many people. To the video gaming community, she’s a prominent Twitch streamer and the singing actor for Life Is Strange: True Colors video game protagonist Alex Chen. She’s also an indie folk-pop singer-songwriter and ukulelist who juggled that online presence with a budding music career that started with a slew of great singles and has evolved into three studio albums, the latest being 2024’s Liminal Space Soft-spoken and airy in studio, Mxmtoon’s music toes the line between campfire cozy and vividly anthemic. Tracks like “Elevator” feel poised and satiny, while “VHS” moves with cool excitement and sparkling arrangements. All this makes for one diverse and interesting night come March 1. 7 p.m., $30, House of Blues, concerts.livenation.com. –Amber Sampson
MARTIN GARRIX
With Justin Mylo, 11 a.m., Marquee Dayclub, taogroup.com
T-PAIN
10:30 p.m., Zouk Nightclub, zoukgrouplv.com
2 CHAINZ
10:30 p.m., Drai’s Nightclub, draisgroup.com.
MARSHMELLO
10:30 p.m., XS Nightclub, wynnsocial.com
STEVE AOKI
10:30 p.m., Hakkasan Nightclub, taogroup.com
DREZO
10 p.m., Discopussy, tixr.com.
DANCO & DJ AR
11:30 p.m., Club Ego, posh.vip.
RUGBY LEAGUE
LAS VEGAS 1:30 p.m., Allegiant Stadium, ticketmaster.com.
SUPERGUIDE
SUNDAY MAR 2
MONDAY MAR 3
MARQUEE’S ANNIVERSARY
WITH DJ PAULY D
10:30 p.m., Marquee Nightclub, taogroup.com
LAYTON GIORDANI
10:30 p.m., LIV Nightclub, livnightclub.com
LAS VEGAS EXCHANGE VINTAGE & STREETWEAR NIGHT MARKET
3 p.m., the A-Lot at Area15, area15.com
VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. NEW JERSEY DEVILS
5 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com
VEGAS THRILL VS. GRAND RAPIDS RISE
3 p.m., Lee’s Family Forum, axs.com
JERRY CANTRELL
7 p.m., House of Blues, concerts.livenation.com
PIMPINELA
8 p.m., Theater at Virgin, axs.com
FOUR STROKE BARON
EXHIBIT: SPILLING OUT OF THE UNCONSCIOUS BY DAVID MIVSHEK Thru 3/11, times vary, Spring Valley Library, thelibrarydistrict.org.
EXHIBIT: UNSHAKEABLE: ETCH A SKETCH ART AROUND THE WORLD Thru 4/15, times vary, West Las Vegas Library, thelibrarydistrict.org.
LOVE & STRANGERS
10 p.m., Sand Dollar Lounge, thesanddollarlv.com.
LANDRY
With Je Horste, thru 3/9, 8 p.m., LA Comedy Club, bestvegascomedy.com
EXHIBIT: DESERT OASIS BY VALENTIN YORDANOV
Valentin Yordanov has what some might call a vagabond spirit. The Bulgarian-born artist has taken his bold abstractions across the globe, exhibiting in Korea, Romania, and for more than 10 years, Las Vegas. Yordanov’s color-popping visuals are threaded with geometric shapes, playful in tone and winding in their complexity. His work has been seen at the Life Is Beautiful festival and Meow Wolf, and visibly links to his travels and globalization. In a statement about Desert Oasis: Passage of Time and Places, he said: “The very idea of this exhibition is that we live in a world with each other, in which it is possible to make connections, create communities, and experience the collision of human innovation and nature’s raw power.” Thru 3/26, Mon.-Fri. 1-5 p.m., free, Nevada Humanities Program Gallery, nevadahumanities.org. –Amber Sampson
With Exist, Newslang, Radio Cowboy, 8 p.m., the Gri n, dice.fm DO IT ALL
SUPERGUIDE
PALAYE ROYALE
With Johnnie Guilbert, 7 p.m., the Wall at Area15, area15.com.
HAUS OF MOUSE
With Ziggy Zeno, Indie Florentino, 8 p.m., Caspian’s, caspianslv.com
6 p.m., Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club, ticketmaster.com
VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
7 p.m., T-Mobile Arena, axs.com
VEGAS THRILL VS. INDY IGNITE
7 p.m., Lee’s Family Forum, axs.com
MARIO ADRION 7:30 p.m., Wiseguys Town Square, wiseguyscomedy.com
THE BROKEN VIEW With Split Persona, Nightfeen, 8 p.m., the Usual Place, dice.fm
JAZZ VEGAS ORCHESTRA
7:30 p.m., Notoriety, notorietylive.com
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Including: Aetna Medicare, Aetna HMO, Aetna Choice Plus, Aetna PPO, Champva/Champus, Cigna, First Health, Humana Gold Plus, GEHA, SCAN Medicare Advantage, Humana PPO, Medicare/Railroad Medicare, Tricare, United Healthcare PPO, United Healthcare POS, United AARP Medicare Advantage, Universal Health Network, Wellportal, Select Health, Prominence, MGM PPO
MEDICAL STAFF
Peter J. Licata, D.O.
George Gabriel Toldness, APRN-C Charmaine Coronado, APRN-C Donna Gould, M.S., R.D., L.D.
THE BEST BREW
How to prepare the perfect cup of drip co ee at home
BY JESSIE O’BRIEN
For many people, morning co ee is one of the best parts of the day. Fresh out of bed and still bleary-eyed, you get a few tranquil moments of staring into space, thinking about absolutely nothing, before taking that rst stimulating sip. With these moments being rare and eeting, it’s worth spending some time perfecting your brew. Kyle Porter eld, the owner of Dark Moon Co ee Roasters in Henderson, o ers some advice on making the most delicious, most consistent cup.
Pouring
The Method
“Method-wise, drip or pour-over are the most e cient, consistent way to showcase your co ee,” Porterfield said. But pour-overs give you a little more control. There are plenty of pour-over brewers, but Porterfield prefers the (stainless steel, so it doesn’t break) at Dark Moon because it get a better extraction with its wider bottom, as opposed to a narrower cone. And it’s an approachable, a ordable ($40) brewer that’s readily available.
The Filter Porterfield also uses Kalita paper filters because they are easier to clean up than reusable stainless steel filters. He suggests pre-wetting the filter with hot water before putting it in the device. That removes any papery fuzz, warms up the brewer, and keeps the filter from folding over.
First, start with a bloom: Pour 75 grams of water over a 15-second interval over the co ee. Give your cup a light swirl to level the co ee bed and wait 15 seconds. From 30 to 45 seconds, pour another 75 grams of water (up to 150). Rest another 15 seconds. Repeat pouring 75 grams or water over 15 seconds and resting 15 seconds two more times until you reach 300 grams. Give the co ee one last swirl for a perfect pour-over.
The Water
Porterfield says if you want to step your co ee up a notch, use better water. You can use filtered water, or buy distilled water from the grocery store. Mineral packets made specifically for co ee water, like Third Wave, are also available.
“[When people ask], ‘Why can’t I get my co ee anywhere near what the co ee shop tastes like?’ That’s probably one of the first culprits—the water,” he said. Before pouring, you’ll want to heat the water to an o -boil using a gooseneck kettle.
Shutterstock/Photo Illustration
The Beans
Porterfield suggests going to your local co ee shop and talking to baristas to find beans that suit your tastes. He uses the Nova Blend, Colombian and Ethiopian, at the shop because it’s not too unique and not too traditional, with chocolate notes and sweeter fruit flavors.
not too traditional, with chocolate notes and
If you buy co ee beans at the grocery store, Porterfield says look out for the roast date. Co ee on the shelf can be six months to over a year old, well past its prime.
The Grind Porterfield says pour-over co ee grinds should be about the size of table salt. He says you can ask baristas to show you what that looks like to help you get a better idea. Your local cafe will also grind your beans to the desired size, which will likely be more consistent because they typically have quality equipment.
“Ideally, you want to be drinking within a month of when it was roasted,” he said. “From two weeks to about 30 days is when it’ll taste the most optimal. Then, after that 30-day period, it’ll start to slowly degrade.”
The Amount
One pour-over requires 24.5 grams of co ee. Measuring by weight is important because di erent beans have di erent densities.
“That’s where that scale really comes into play for consistency because it takes that variable out,” he said. “Making the best cup of co ee means making a lot of the variables as consistent as you can.”
ESSENTIALS FOR THE HOME BARISTA
BY JESSIE O’BRIEN
Co ee can be a complex hobby requiring hours of researching machines and accessories. To relieve you of that burden, Kyle Porterfield of Dark Moon Co ee Roasters in Henderson shares recommendations on how to set up your at-home cafe.
Drip Co ee MOCCAMASTER
For a higher quality drip machine, Porterfield suggests the Moccamaster. The handmade brewers are well-built, aesthetically pleasing, and make a great cup of co ee, with a price tag around $350.
“In that price range, if you can splurge for it, that is the best bet for your dollar if you are trying to achieve a higher level of co ee from a Mr. Coffee maker,” he says.
Grinder CONICAL BURR
Espresso Machine BREVILLE
If it’s your first foray into shopping for espresso machines, you will quickly learn that it can get expensive fast. But the $100 and $200 espresso makers often use pressurized filters to make fake crema and produce sour, strange-tasting espresso. Porterfield recommends the Breville as a solid machine with an attached milk frother and grinder.
It costs around $700, but you save on not purchasing the extra tools.
“Once you get into the next tier of co ee equipment for espresso, you’re probably looking to spend three to five grand just on the espresso machine,” he said.
Cold Brew ALTO HOME FILTERS
If you do need a grinder, Porterfield says look for anything with the words “conical burr” in the description. They are the industry standard for creating consistent, well-ground co ee. Grind size and consistency are two essential components of brewing co ee because they a ect how quickly water can extract the flavor from the grounds.
The Fellow Ode ($345) is a higher-end model Porterfield likes.
People like drinking cold co ee in Las Vegas, but cold brewing can be a messy job. Usually, people have to fish out the grounds when they are done brewing, which can be a hassle. That’s why Porterfield is a fan of Alto home cold brew filters ($24-$30).
“It’s almost like a disposable teabag,” he says. “This filter bag is truly a godsend. You just squeeze out the remaining coffee concentrate that’s in there, and then you just throw that puppy in the trash,” he said.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS
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Business Phone
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Business TV
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Cox Innovations
• Managed Private Networks/CBRS
• Cox2M Smart Communities
• Cox Prosight Healthcare Solutions
• Smart Resources Outage Detection
A LETTER FROM OUR EDITOR
Congratulations to the 2025 class of C-Suite honorees!
Annually, VEGAS INC awards the prestigious C-Suite Honors to some of the community’s most engaged executives. From the Vegas Golden Knights to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, leaders of diverse organizations are recognized for their business acumen and contributions to the community.
The leaders honored here have made Southern Nevada home for not only themselves and their families, but also for the many people who are a ected by their work, whether that be through education, entertainment or employment. The value that they bring to our cities is immeasurable.
Thank you to our wonderful sponsors at Resorts World, who will host the C-Suite Honors awards ceremony at Zouk Nightclub for the fourth year in a row. We are ever grateful for their continued support of this program.
Congratulations again to this year’s honorees. Thank you for setting a standard of excellence in our community.
Sierra Smart Special Publications Editor
A LETTER FROM OUR SPONSOR
Dear Valued Partners, Cox Business is thrilled to partner with VEGAS INC as a sponsor of the 2025 C-Suite Honors, a prestigious event celebrating the remarkable achievements of top-level executives and influential business leaders from across the Valley. This event honors individuals whose dedication and vision drive success across public, private and nonprofit sectors. We are excited to join in recognizing these local innovators and applaud their continued contributions to our community.
Cox Business delivers tailored tech solutions that drive business success nationwide. From cloud and managed services to networking, security,
broadband, voice and video, we provide the tools companies need to grow. Committed to innovation, diversity and economic impact, we support businesses of all sizes—o ering private networks, cybersecurity and industry-specific solutions for gaming, sports and more.
As you explore the inspiring stories of the 2025 award recipients in this publication, we hope you find inspiration in their achievements. Their leadership and impact are a testament to the power of vision and dedication. We would also like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s nominees and award recipients. You are truly making a di erence.
Warm regards, Steve Westerman Vice
President Cox Business
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR HOST
Thank you to Michael Crome, Chief Financial O cer for the Las Vegas Raiders and Allegiant Stadium. An alumnus of the 2022 class of C-Suite Honorees, Crome hosts the annual C-Suite Honors at Resorts World Las Vegas.
An experienced executive with 10 years of experience in oncology and more than 30 years of experience as a premier business leader, Paul Dieter leads Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada in its mission to deliver the best available cancer care.
Dieter’s role encompasses administrative, leadership and organizational work on behalf of CCC, but the cornerstone of his work is patient advocacy. His overarching goal is to provide optimal care and protection for every person in the community. He does this not only by adopting leading technologies and attracting the best medical minds, but by encouraging proactive and preventive health measures.
Active engagement with community partners, including legislators, researchers and health care providers, allows Dieter and CCC to expand the resources available to Nevadans.
“I am hopeful and there is more that we can be doing in our state,” said Dieter. “We can make some great progress if we truly work together.”
Executive Director, Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada
Co-Owner, Pompey Entertainment
Born into entertainment, Damian Costa thrives on the fast-paced challenges of the industry. Following in the footsteps of his grandparents, who were deeply involved in Las Vegas’ entertainment scene, Costa’s career began in large-scale arena and stadium productions before transitioning to serve as Vice President of Entertainment Operations at Caesars Entertainment.
In 2021, he co-founded Pompey Entertainment, producing over 5,000 paid shows. His portfolio includes performances at renowned venues like Caesars Palace and The STRAT, along with innovative partnerships to promote Las Vegas as the Wedding Capital of the World. He is proud to have launched a business that gives artists platforms and provides memorable and vibrant entertainment experiences.
Costa holds the belief that building a strong, compassionate community starts with empowering children and families. His family- rst attitude seeps into the community as he advocates for better foster care resources. He also actively works to make the community one which his children can be proud of by revitalizing historic and cultural programs, all while at the forefront of the ever-changing entertainment industry.
Founder and Chief Executive Offi cer, Offi ce Dynamics International
O ce Dynamics International was the rst dedicated training company exclusively for administrative professionals. Over her 20 years of experience as an executive secretary, Burge recognized a gap in the training available for administrative professionals. She used her experience and the business acumen she learned from quality leaders and succeeded in lling that gap.
Thirty- ve years, ve books, and 12 annual conferences later, Burge is thriving in the industry she largely created. She has served an impressive roster of local and international clients including Walt Disney World, AT&T and Boeing. Burge calls herself an uno cial spokesperson for Nevada and draws in business professionals from all over the world to experience Las Vegas every year for O ce Dynamics’ Annual Conference for Administrative Excellence.
“My biggest inspiration has been my father, who ran his own company for 70 years and worked until he was 90,” said Burge. “He overcame signi cant tragedies and trauma yet maintained a positive attitude, living life to the fullest and welcoming everyone with open arms, both in business and personally. He taught me resilience, the value of hard work and the importance of focusing on the present.”
In the 10 years since its founding, the Veteran Bene ts Guide has secured $5.5 billion in lifetime disability bene ts for veterans. Using his experience in the military and the U.S. Department of Veterans A airs, Josh Smith created an organization that helps veterans navigate claims processing and disability bene ts, helping them receive the medical care they need.
Smith’s initial vision was a small organization to meet local needs. VBG now employs 200 professionals at o ces in Las Vegas and California to provide help for veterans in all 50 states and Guam. Smith’s once-small startup business has now helped more than 35,000 veterans.
Smith’s e orts to serve veterans are not just centered on his business. Smith and the VBG work closely with local nonpro ts that improve the lives of veterans, including the Veteran Social Club, Southern Nevada Veterans Chamber of Commerce, the Nevada State Veterans Home and the National Alliance on Mental Illness Southern Nevada.
President and Chief Executive Offi cer, National Technical Institute
Of his work, Ryan Woodward said, “I think the biggest challenges stem from the misperception of a career in the trades. The message is de nitely getting out that careers in the trades ‘can be’ a good option, but I look forward to the day when people realize the return on investment in educating yourself in the trades is very hard to beat.”
At National Technical Institute, Woodward has fostered an education system that ensures students are not just quali ed on paper but truly have all the skills they need to succeed in their vocations. He is committed to lling the skills gap created by the retirement of a large generation of skilled trade workers.
Woodward joined the education sector after many years as a corporate banker, an industry in which he gained signi cant business acumen and learned the leadership skills that help him implement successful strategies at NTI. The evidence of his success is in the success of his students. “My favorite part of my job is seeing our team members and our students succeed in their careers,” said Woodward. “I love when students come back and share how their lives have changed for the good because they chose to attend NTI.”
Woodward nds the most ful llment serving in the community which ranges from ministerial work in his church to service on boards, including those of the Goodie Two Shoes Foundation, the Vegas Chamber and the Governor’s Workforce Development Board.
President and Chief Executive Offi cer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada have been operational in the valley for more than 60 years. What started as a single club serving 50 members is now 13 clubhouses serving approximately 1,500 of Southern Nevada's youths—all under the direction of President and Chief Executive O cer Andy Bischel.
Bischel has worked in philanthropy for more than two decades. Before he entered his role as president and CEO at Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada in 2016, he was previously the coordinator of athletic development at UNLV and the director of development at the Animal Foundation.
In his current role, Bischel oversees the operation of all Southern Nevada clubhouses and has implemented education and mental health programs to aid young people and their families. He is especially proud of the work he and his team put in to make education more accessible and fruitful to the children of essential workers during the 2020 pandemic shutdown.
In addition to impacting the lives of local youths, Bischel loves his family and his community. He enjoys mountain biking and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren.
Elevating Excellence
YOUR LEGACY STARTS HERE
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On behalf of the entire organization, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jonathan Ullman!
We deeply appreciate his compassionate leadership and unwavering dedication to the Las Vegas community.
Since its inception, The Mob Museum has grown from a bold vision into an awardwinning, accredited, and thriving nonprofit institution. As the Museum enters its 14th year, Jonathan continues to lay the groundwork for longterm success, with ambitious plans to drive growth in the coming decade.
President and Chief Executive
Offi cer, Vegas Golden Knights
Kerry Bubolz has become a central gure in Las Vegas’ rise as the Sports and Entertainment Capital of the World. Under his leadership, the Golden Knights franchise has consistently exceeded nancial expectations, ranking among the top ve NHL teams in ticketing and sponsorship revenue, despite being in the country’s 43rd-largest market. Bubolz has worked closely with team owner Bill Foley to expand the Foley Entertainment Group, adding properties like the Premier League’s AFC Bournemouth and the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights. A strong advocate for community engagement, Bubolz ensures the Golden Knights remain deeply connected to Las Vegas, emphasizing the importance of giving back and fostering strong relationships.
“I preach to our organization that like hockey, community is a contact sport. That was a belief I brought to Vegas but have felt even more powerfully given the tight-knit nature of the Las Vegas Valley.”
In the community, Bubolz is involved in numerous local organizations, from the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance Policy Committee to the Henderson Police Foundation. His passion for sports, community and growth continues to drive both his professional and philanthropic e orts in Southern Nevada.
Partner and Chief Strategy Offi cer, The Abbi Agency
In her 12 years at the Abbi Agency, Connie Anderson has established herself as a dedicated community partner and a driven business leader. Her growth from intern to chief strategy o cer is evidence of her hard work and commitment to her company and her teams.
Anderson is largely responsible for the growth of the Southern Nevada o ce, which expanded from two to 14 employees, and is now the agency’s second largest o ce, contributing to nearly 20% of the agency’s overall growth in 2024. Anderson emphasizes promoting women and diverse employees to leadership roles and stood at the helm of the e ort to earn B Corp Certi cation. At the time it received the award, the Abbi Agency was one of only ve Nevada businesses to hold this distinction.
“I love the challenge of staying connected to our communities, understanding what truly matters to people, and building campaigns that are authentic, impactful and focused on helping individuals thrive,” said Anderson. She also actively gives back to the community through volunteer work, pro bono resources and education.
President and Chief Executive Offi cer , The Mob Museum
As a child, Jonathan Ullman never imagined working in a museum. After receiving his undergraduate degree, Ullman took a part-time internship at Liberty Science Center, a museum in New Jersey, while he studied for the MCAT. Ultimately, he loved being part of such unique educational experiences that he continued working at LSC for 14 years, earning an MBA during that time to expand his skills and embrace larger challenges.
Ullman joined The Mob Museum in 2010, two years before its o cial opening. Under his leadership, the museum has welcomed over 4 million visitors from 35 countries and has become a cornerstone of Downtown Las Vegas's revitalization. A leader with a deep passion for both history and service, Ullman’s work at The Mob Museum has made it a cultural hub, blending history with impactful, immersive storytelling.
A big believer in using your gifts to give back, Ullman is directly involved on local nonpro t boards and has graduated from the Las Vegas Metro Police Department Citizens’ Police Academy, the FBI Citizens Academy and Vegas Chamber’s Leadership Las Vegas program.
As the only top-tier research university in Southern Nevada, UNLV is building an unstoppable workforce. We’re engineering ways to harvest water and combat drought. We’re training educators and health professionals to fill the gaps in our systems. We’re partnering with businesses to expand and diversify our economy. It all adds up to a $2 billion impact in Southern Nevada.
We’re Rebels and Rebels Make It Happen.
Owner and Broker , Commercial Professionals, Inc.
Galit Ventura-Rozen is a product of the American Dream. Her parents, who she considers mentors as well as her biggest cheerleaders, moved to America to shape that dream. Not only were they her models for success, but Ventura-Rozen’s parents also taught her that she could be and do whatever she wanted.
A woman of many accomplishments, Ventura-Rozen prizes two above the rest: building a successful business with a trusted reputation and being a present mother to her three children. Over the course of her career, she has sold more than $700 million in commercial property in Las Vegas and never missed a single sports game or performance for her kids.
Her passion for her work is palpable. Ventura-Rozen mentors UNLV students in the real estate department and hosts initiatives that introduce girls to career opportunities in the real estate sector. During the pandemic, she co-founded Everyday Woman, a business that provides resources to women entrepreneurs.
Ventura-Rozen is deeply invested in local nonpro ts and community events, especially those that champion children and women. Her 15-year legacy of involvement with The Shade Tree women’s and children’s shelter recently earned her a Woman of Impact award. She is the former president of the Collaboration Center Foundation and serves on the board of Commercial Real Estate Women.
President and Chief Executive Offi cer, Rio Las Vegas
Patrick Miller is a Las Vegas local who has worked in the gaming and hospitality industries for nearly 30 years. His career highlights include overseeing the $750 million transformation of Monte Carlo into Park MGM, which earned recognition for its innovative employee culture and guest services approach. Drawing on this experience, he’s spearheading Rio’s multi-year transformation to restore its status as a top Las Vegas destination.
“For decades, Rio has been a unique and special part of the city’s history, and there is widespread support and anticipation for its revival,” said Miller. “I look forward to unveiling the remarkable enhancements we’ve made and introducing innovative features that honor its legacy while attracting a new generation of visitors.”
As Miller leads the Rio renaissance, he’s committed to building from the bottom up. He is invested in the property’s growth and the growth of the teams he leads. He fosters strong relationships with Rio sta and prioritizes knowing employees by name.
Outside of his professional achievements, Miller is a passionate philanthropist, serving on the boards of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, MountainView Hospital and Cristo Rey St. Viator.
Building Careers. Changing Lives.
SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE
Mondays Dark announces plans to build the Space 2.0, a nonprofi t community center focused on taking care of the Las Vegas entertainment industry
BY AMBER SAMPSON
Mondays Dark, the acclaimed variety bene t show that’s raised more than $1.8 million for local nonpro ts since its 2013 debut, has long been the crown jewel of the Space. Located just west of the Strip, the entertainment venue was speci cally designed to house the twice-monthly charitable extravaganza, says venue and show founder Mark Shunock.
“But over the last eight or nine years that we’ve now been open, the Space has become much more popular than Mondays Dark,” says Shunock. “The Space is home to three to ve events a week. It’s home to Alzheimer’s support group meetings, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, kids classes, veterans learning how to play music.”
Community-focused programs like these have turned this building into
something more than a place to have fun during a live performance.
On February 24, Shunock and the Mondays Dark team revealed plans to build the Space 2.0. In front of community members and o cials including Nevada First Lady Donna Lombardo and Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft, they announced the rst details of a $50 million community center which will house seven nonpro ts dedicated to serving the needs of rst responders, veterans, public educators, students, hospitality workers and entertainers.
“It’s a pretty broad-stroke facility, but it’s the rst of its kind in the country where very speci c nonprofits will call the Space home, and they will provide services in the mental health space,” Shunock says. “In a nutshell, the Space will serve those
who serve. … We get 40 to 50 million visitors a year to Las Vegas, and we do an incredible job at serving them. When those visitors go home, who serves those who serve? That is the mission of the Space.”
A call to action comes with the announcement. Shunock seeks to raise the $50 million capital to get the project o the ground. He shared that $2 million has already been donated. The facility is slated to open in 2028 at the corner of Polaris and Harmon, with the groundbreaking scheduled for one year from now.
As ambitious as it sounds, the project has been in the works for nearly ve years. Two years ago, Shunock partnered with Clark County to acquire the acre-and-a-quarter parcel of land, located behind Aria and the Cosmopolitan. That land will soon
become something of a “rockstar facility,” clocking in at 80,000 square feet, radically surpassing the original Space in size and resources.
“The business will operate in the same regard the Space has for the last nine years, just on steroids,” Shunock says.
The Space 2.0 will o er 10 therapy o ces, four multi-purpose classrooms for everything from group therapy and yoga to rehearsals and seminars, TV and podcast studios, and two event spaces, one being sizably similar to the Space and the other expanding by 17,000-squarefeet for weddings, concerts, fashion shows and other diverse forms of programming. The new building will have a 9,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor terrace and a 6,000-square-foot commercial kitchen.
“THE BUSINESS WILL OPERATE IN THE SAME REGARD THE
Mark Shunock and Annette Bening at the announcement of the Space 2.0 on February 24.
(Brian Ramos/Sta )
of the Space 2.0 (Courtesy/ the Space)
More signi cantly, the Space 2.0 aims to transform itself into a onestop shop communal hub. Mondays Dark will move into the new facility, along with Community Counseling Center; the Fire ghter Behavioral Health Alliance; Life By Music, a nonpro t that provides music education programs to underprivileged children and veterans; CORE Academy, Powered by the Rogers Foundation, which helps students to achieve their potential; Public Education Foundation, which supports local teachers; and in keeping with the Space’s multifaceted mission,
the national nonpro t the Entertainment Community Fund (ECF), which will support Vegas’ entertainers.
Bringing the 143-year-old charitable organization to Las Vegas is an absolute triumph for the Space. During the announcement Monday, actress
Annette Bening, who serves as the chair of the board for the ECF, said a partnership with the Space 2.0 presents an “ideal opportunity to bring the fund to one of the entertainment capitals of the world ... to entertainment professionals with a unique understanding of the challenges that a life in the arts brings.”
“They are the nation’s premier nonpro t providing services to everyone in entertainment, so actors, dancers, singers, but also carpenters, wardrobe, hair and makeup, ticket takers, ushers, directors, agents ... you name it,” Shunock says.
In 2020, Mondays Dark livestreamed a six-hour telethon to raise money for crew workers and entertainers a ected by the pandemic. The charity show raised $122,000, which the ECF stepped in to disperse. Word got out about what the organization was doing, and in the next eight months, more than $1
million was fed back into the local entertainment community.
Bening said that experience became the impetus for bringing the ECF to Las Vegas. Local industry workers have real needs, and the ECF aims to address them.
“We’ve got a team of people who are there dedicated to trying to make sure that people can get and maintain their health insurance. We also have a full curriculum of nancial wellness classes that are available online, mental health support groups and resources, a nity groups, disaster assistance and much more,” she said. “We are looking forward to bringing these programs and services to a physical space, the Space 2.0, in a few years, and it would not be possible without the dedication of so many.”
During her speech, Bening expressed her gratitude to Shunock, who appeared choked up onstage. She also re ected fondly on her last gig on the Strip.
“I only worked in Las Vegas once,” she said. “We were shooting a movie called Mars Attacks. I was running across elds in the middle of the night with Jim Brown, Tom Jones, Danny DeVito, and we were also in the casinos. It was quite an experience.”
With the ECF now in place, our city’s most crucial industries will start to see the e ects.
“The Space will now be an easy support mechanism for anybody in hospitality or entertainment,” says Shunock. “If you now own a restaurant, a nightclub, a venue, a theater, a publication, whatever you own, we want a back-of-house thing on your bulletin board that says, ‘If you’re not feeling well today, go to the Space.’”
As Las Vegas looks toward Sony Pictures building a billion-dollar studio in Summerlin, Shunock says the Space could check a big box for those workers, should they need assistance as well.
“Everybody needs access,” Shunock says. “Access is the key, and it has to be a ordable and it has to be easy.”
HAS FOR THE LAST NINE YEARS, JUST ON STEROIDS.”
-Mark Shunock
Representatives of local nonprofits and other community members take the stage during the announcement of the Space 2.0. (Brian Ramos/Sta )
Rendering
IN THE NEWS
“Today’s preliminary injunction is a victory for the rule of law and for Nevadans. Our country has systems in place to ensure our government runs smoothly and our citizens are protected, and I will fight back against any effort to unlawfully skirt those protections or dismantle our system of checks and balances. By allowing DOGE staff to access Department of Treasury data, President Trump broke the law and endangered the private, personal information of Nevadans and Americans.”
FRESH STORE
Volunteer Tanya Mitchell (left), helps out during the grand opening of the Obodo Greengrocer on C Street on February 22. The produce store is a partnership between the Southern Nevada Health District and the nonprofit Obodo Collective to improve access to healthy food for residents in the underserved area.
(Steve Marcus/Staff)
—Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford’s statement in response to a preliminary injunction being granted February 21 by a federal judge in the case State of New York v. Donald J. Trump, in which AG Ford and 18 other attorney generals sued to stop the so-called Department of Government Efficiency from accessing personal information at the Department of the Treasury.
Red Rock Canyon shoots for the stars
LEGISLATURE
Save Red Rock, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, has partnered with the Bureau of Land Management to protect the area from the impacts of light pollution by pushing for it to be recognized as an Urban Night Sky Place. The designation, determined by the International Dark Sky Places Program (IDSP), would hinge on those groups successfully crafting a lighting management plan for the site and launching a robust public outreach campaign around the effort. As part of their application, Save Red Rock is raising $7,000 to purchase an in-house telescope. (Donations can be made at saveredrock.com/dark-sky.) If the Red Rock Canyon NCA does earn the status, it would adopt IDSP guidelines to “ensure that each certified place participates in actions and stewardship that improve the quality of the nightscape environment,” according to a joint press release from Save Red Rock and Brett Torino Foundation, the project’s sponsor. —Tyler Schneider
Nevada legislation aims to hold food-delivery apps accountable for restaurant impersonators
Christina Martin has been on a crusade against fraudulent business practices on food-delivery apps since April 2024 when she found out her Las Vegas pizza shop was being impersonated by another restaurant.
While customers thought they were ordering from Manizza’s Pizza on UberEats, they were getting food from another establishment, Martin discovered. She found more than a dozen other businesses being impersonated on the app by the restaurant, she said.
That led to the food-delivery platform temporarily suspending applications for “ghost kitchens” in Las Vegas and a class-action lawsuit with other local businesses against the app.
Martin’s work is continuing at the Nevada Legislature, where she spoke in favor of Assembly Bill 116 proposed by Assemblymember Selena Torres-Fossett, D-Las Vegas, that would force delivery apps to verify the busi-
ness license and health permit of a restaurant.
“We want protections in place not just for our small businesses ... but also for our consumers, who deserve to know where their food is coming from,” Martin told the Assembly Committee on Commerce and Labor.
Torres-Fossett said food-delivery apps had a responsibility to ensure companies on their platforms are licensed and not purporting to be another shop. If the bill is passed into law, failure to comply would be a misdemeanor resulting in up to six months of jail time and a $1,000 fine.
The committee took no action on the bill in a February 17 hearing.
After Martin shared her experience with Uber, Torres-Fossett said the pizza shop owner was offered credits to use on the company’s apps.
“That’s not a fair exchange for someone replicating or
TedXLasVegas speaker announcedlineup
duplicating your business online and tarnishing your reputation,” Torres-Fossett said. “The intent of this legislation really is to hold food-delivery apps accountable.”
Representatives from Uber, Grubhub and TechNet, a lobbying organization that has the two companies as members, testified against the bill. Proposed amendments from Uber included waiving the health permit requirement, arguing that the business license would suffice in proving a business’s legitimacy. Uber’s proposal also would bring the maximum penalty down from a misdemeanor to a $500 civil penalty per violation.
Uber also asked that the bill only require verification for new restaurants on the platform, not ones that are already delivering through the app, and wants further clarity on who would enforce the legislation.
—Kyle Chouinard
TEDxLasVegas, a locally organized program licensed by media nonprofit TED, has announced the lineup for its inaugural Vegas event, “At the Crossroads,” on April 5 at the Keep Memory Alive Center. More than 20 speakers will take the stage and explore the intricate layers of hospitality, the arts, sports and health. Speakers include Las-Vegas based artist and musician Sonia Barcelona, former member of the Las Vegas Raiders Alec Ingold and Nobel prize-winning climate scientist Kristen Averyt. The full lineup and tickets are available at TEDxLasVegas.org —Staff
EDUCATION
CCSD braces for effects of Trump tariffs
Tariffs on imported goods are the known unknown in the Clark County School District’s offices of construction and facilities management.
Those are the offices responsible for the upkeep, repair, remodeling and construction of CCSD’s hundreds of buildings. They expect the cost of structural steel, aluminum and some electrical components needed to do their work to go up if President Donald Trump institutes the tariffs that he threatened—then delayed—earlier this month on Mexico and Canada, or expands his existing tariffs on China, said Brandon McLaughlin, CCSD’s assistant superintendent of construction and development.
Heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems—critical in Southern Nevada’s extreme climate—especially rely on components containing aluminum and steel.
McLaughlin doesn’t know what those impacts will be, but he expects they will happen. He said vendors and contractors are still trying to get a handle on them.
“With the threat of these things, we’re just going to see additional contingencies and some what-ifs,” he said. “We do take a hard line on our contracting practices, (in) that we agree to lump-sum pricing. We don’t compensate for escalation.”
McLaughlin said he could see a few projects become unachievable given the threat of tariffs.
Inflation had added tens of millions of dollars to the recent projects, meaning that if the district doesn’t tap the brakes on its current construction campaign, it could run out of money before completing every project it has mapped out in its plan — a $7 billion-plus bond program launched in 2015 and plotted out through 2035.
CCSD had about $15 billion in capital improvement needs, about twice what it has the money for, McLaughlin said.
—Hillary Davis
FINAL PUSH
Vegas Golden Knights return from 4 Nations Face-Off break with much to accomplish over last stretch of the regular season
BY JACK WILLIAMS
Positive momentum accompanies the Golden Knights as they return for their first stretch of games off a two-week break for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
Vegas won back-to-back games right before the season paused for the first time in a month, defeating the New Jersey Devils 3-1 and the Boston Bruins 4-1. Both were on the road for the Golden Knights’ first winning streak away from home since November and helped leave behind the frustration for having previously lost 10 of their last 13 games. Now the tricky part comes with maintaining the form for the final third of the season and not falling into the habits that had them slipping in the standings.
Here are five reasons to believe Vegas could do it and reach its potential as a bona fide threat to notch its fourth Pacific Division title and third Stanley Cup Final appearance in franchise history.
PETRO FUEL
The 4 Nations Face-Off drew rave reviews far and wide. Some of the only people who may not have enjoyed the “best-on-best” international event might have been Golden Knights’ fans and front-office employees.
That’s because the tournament came at the cost of top defenseman Shea Theodore, who hurt his arm in Team Canada’s first game against Sweden. The injury has since been described as leaving him out on a “week-to-week” basis.
The biggest saving grace is that fellow Vegas blue-liner Alex Pietrangelo was the only player out of more than 90 selected to participate in the 4 Nations Face-Off to voluntarily withdraw. Pietrangelo had an undisclosed ailment, and said he needed the time off.
“It worked out well,” he said. “I got some good dad time, too. It was more important (to stay in Vegas). We were on the road, so it was nice to spend some time with family, take a little break and reset.”
Theodore had overtaken Pietrangelo as Vegas’ most relied-upon defender, leading the team in ice time, this season but it hasn’t always been that way. Pietrangelo largely carried the Golden Knights through stretches of the last two seasons when Theodore was out with other injuries and now will have to do so again. The 35-year-old, two-time Stanley Cup champion should be more than capable, especially with the rest and recovery he opted to take.
DEPTH PIECES
Theodore was in the midst of a career season with 48 points in 55 games to draw some darkhorse buzz for the Norris Trophy, the award given to the league’s best defenseman. But the Golden Knights are still in a decent position to absorb his absence because of the depth the organization has built throughout the blue line.
They’ve been carrying eight defenseman all year with Kaeden Korczak and Ben Hutton having only played in a combined 23 games but now more than ready to plug into the active lineup.
“It’s been kind of unfortunate (so far) as a coach because you have to tell two guys they can’t play,” Golden Knights assistant coach John Stevens said. “I can tell you firsthand that Kaedan Korczak and Ben Hutton have been unbelievable in terms of attitude, work ethic and trying to stay ready, so we have the full confidence that those guys can step in and help us.”
Theodore had been playing in the second pairing alongside Brayden McNabb. Zach Whitecloud will likely move up into that spot, with Korczak or Hutton filling the void left by him with Nicolas Hague on the third pairing. Expect to see both of them at different times while Theodore is out, and perhaps even a new face. Theodore’s injury increases the chances of Vegas living up to its reputation as a trade-deadline buyer.
It already had more than $3 million in cap space but that could increase if Theodore is moved to long-term injured reserve.
Vegas has already technically been active in adding to the team, acquiring veteran Brandon Saad from the St. Louis Blues on waivers in late January.
BEN HUTTON
EICHEL’S TIME
Three Golden Knights picked up gold medals as members of Team Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off—Theodore, forward Mark Stone and goalie Adin Hill. But to no surprise, it was Team USA’s Jack Eichel who had the best individual showing.
The 28-year-old rated as the 12th best player in the tournament by net rating with four assists in four games. The Tkachuk brothers—the Florida Panthers’ Matthew and the Ottawa Senators’ Brady—were considered the mainstream American breakout stars of the tournament, but Eichel set them both up for goals.
That’s not a surprise to anyone who’s watched Vegas closely this year as the center’s playmaking has been among the best in the NHL. He was fourth in the league at the break with 50 assists.
There’s no reason to think that should slow now, as Vegas is healthy in the forward group. Theodore might have been the Golden Knights’ second most valuable player, but Eichel stands alone at the top with the season he’s putting together.
DECEMBER FORM
The Golden Knights transcending into one of the best teams in the league isn’t a far-fetched pipe dream; there’s proof of concept from this season.
Vegas emerged as a primary contender for the President’s Trophy, given to the team with the highest regular-season point total, next to the Winnipeg Jets and Washington Capitals in December when it went 10-2 with a six-game win streak.
The tear fell apart from there with a .500 January and poor start to February that included two four-game losing streaks and a 1-5-1 record against the Eastern Conference.
But confidence never waned. Coach Bruce Cassidy described the Golden Knights as “close” to getting back to their top level before the break, and has expressed a belief in his “veteran group” working through their issues.
All seasons contain ebbs and flows, and the Golden Knights believe their true level is closer to what they showed at the end of 2024.
UNDERDOG MENTALITY
The Golden Knights are around 10-to-1 to win the Stanley Cup Final at most sports books, ranking as high as the seventh-likeliest team. They prefer being perceived as more in the middle of the pack than at the top.
Defying the odds is ingrained in the franchise’s identity, dating all the way back to its inaugural season when it reached the Stanley Cup Final after being as high as 100-to-1 to get there.
The Golden Knights had been at the top of the Pacific for most of the season, but entered the break behind the Edmonton Oilers in terms of points percentage. They were also nine points behind the Jets for the top seed in the Western Conference.
But Vegas isn’t running from any challenge.
(AP Photo/Photo Illustration)
JACK EICHEL
ALEX PIETRANGELO
MUSIC
EVOLVING SOUND
Dark Black unveils their expansive album YAH and first live show
in a year
BY GABRIELA RODRIGUEZ
Time was a cruel mistress for the local post-punk outfit Dark Black.
The five-piece’s latest full-length LP, YAH (an acronym for “You Are Here”), finally came out on January 10, marking a triumph for a band that seemed locked in an eternal limbo of delays. After years of recording stops and starts, it’s finally here, and it’s nothing short of monumental.
“It’s exciting and bittersweet to have it out, because it took so long. We could have been 80 years old and been like, ‘It’s coming out someday!’” says drummer George Foskaris inside their rehearsal space at The Alamo.
YAH is a snapshot of a journey. It bears witness to the band’s evolution since its start in 2015, both musically and personally. Through pandemics, job changes, recording pauses and even a marriage, Dark Black persevered to get the damn thing done.
In an effort to fully commit themselves to the recording process, Foskaris, Dillon Shines (vocals, guitar, synthesizer), Matthew Frantom (vocals, guitar), Rocky Stevenson (keyboards, acoustic guitar, percussion) and Kevin Oakley (bass) took a firm approach.
“We did a lock-in style where everyone took a week off of work and we showed up and did consecutive 12hour sessions,” says Shines. The process revealed itself to be
rewarding. Starting in 2019, sessions were held at National Southwestern Recording, Naked City Audio and Shines’ home studio, Center Street Studios, with the band relying on the help of multiple friends to engineer. It took a year for the project to finish mixing and mastering.
Clocking in at 39 minutes, the 10-track album covers a lot of ground, shifting between a variety of moods. From the jangly, upbeat vibe of “Son of Mine” to the almost western yet surf-forward riffage of “Ray of Light,” the record is a whirlwind. The lead single, “My Morning Mood,” trudges steadily, glimmering with the touch of a synth keyboard. Shines’ and Frantom’s vocals come at you in somber tones, while the upbeat tempos contract in unexpected ways.
Each track tells a story of growing up, human nature and relationships, woven together by mere minutes of ear-catching melodies, layered guitars and driving rhythms.
For all its sonic experimentation, YAH represents the band’s biggest project to date—one made possible by the help of a large crew made up
of musically inclined friends of the band.
“We started a thank you list and I was just like f**king baking it for a week,” recalls Foskaris. “People just kept popping up in my head…it turned out pretty long.”
To prime the public’s ear, Dark Black recorded a live session at Half Way Home, a recording studio in Solana Beach, California. The session captured renditions of four tracks from YAH, and yielded a YouTube video to promote the album.
Dark Black’s roots run deep in the local music scene, with Frantom, Shines and Foskaris all having played together in the locally acclaimed post-hardcore band Caravels. But their bond stretches even further back. “George and I even played in bands together in middle school,” says Frantom, remembering that he and
Foskaris’ musical friendship began long before the days of Caravels.
When it comes to songwriting, Dark Black’s evolution is striking. YAH is a record that reveals the band’s transformation from heavily post-punk influenced to a fusion of shoegaze, indie-pop and even gothic elements.
As the band prepares for its February 28 show at The Usual Place, Shines admits that time and their absence in the live music scene might have shifted perceptions. He adds that people can expect something new.
“When we first started, we wanted to sound more like Wire and maybe like Total Control and just square post-punk,” says Shines. “But we don’t really sound like those bands anymore. We’re kind of, I think, a lot dreamier now. Our songs are more linear than they were back then.”
February 28, 8:30 p.m., 21+, $10, The Usual Place, theusualplace.vegas.
(Courtesy/ George Foskaris)
DARK BLACK VINYL RELEASE SHOW
DOUBLE UP
Explore new permanent exhibits at two Las Vegas learning institutions
BY BROCK RADKE
THE FIRST PUBLIC ENEMY
AT THE MOB MUSEUM
You can’t really talk about organized crime in America without mentioning Al Capone, and this new permanent exhibit explores the life and empire of the infamous gangster who anchored the Chicago Out t in the era of Prohibition.
“Al Capone’s story exempli es the depths of corruption and extreme violence that de ned organized crime during its heyday,” Mob Museum vice president of exhibits and programs Geo Schumacher said in a statement. “These artifacts serve as a tangible link to the man whose criminal empire thrived on bribery, intimidation
and ruthless ambition.”
The main attraction is Capone’s “Sweetheart” pistol, a Colt 1911 rearm displayed for the rst time anywhere. The mobster reportedly referred to the weapon with a ection because it saved his life on multiple occasions. After his death, it was passed on to his son and then his daughters, and eventually sold at auction in 2021 for $1 million.
The exhibit also includes a home movie shot by Capone at his Miami mansion in 1929 featuring rare footage of fellow mob gures Charles “Lucky” Luciano and Frank Costello. Mob Museum, 300 Stewart Ave., daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m., admission starting at $35 ($20 for Nevada residents), themobmuseum.org.
ATOMIC ODYSSEY
AT THE ATOMIC MUSEUM
On January 9, the always scienti cally rich Atomic Museum took a big step in a new, interactive direction with the unveiling of Atomic Odyssey. Truly an immersive educational experience, it takes guests on a journey through three thematic labs: Atomic Structure, Nuclear Reactions and Radiation, each exploring a di erent aspect of the atomic world through hands-on challenges.
(Courtesy/The Atomic Museum)
“Museum audiences are constantly evolving and we wanted this exhibit to have appeal for a wide range of audiences,” says director of education Matt Malinowski. “We went in with the lens of designing for those middle school and high school students, but also as an entry point to the science behind atomic structure. We want it to appeal to almost anyone and allow you to encounter science in a digestible way.”
The Atomic Structure lab, for example, is loaded with touch panels
guests can engage with, exploring the building blocks of atoms and relating it all to elements recognized from the Periodic Table. And the museum spiced up the science with art in the form of inspiring works from James Stanford, featured in the new book The Atomic Kid: An Aesthetic Formed in the Nuclear Landscape. Stanford grew up in Vegas during the Atomic Age and worked as a technical artist in Nevada’s nuclear industry in the 1970s. His lenticular compositions shift
as guests walk through the exhibit, adding a unique visual layer to the experience.
“Having art there gives you a moment to think about these scienti c topics in a di erent light and adds this great element of life to the exhibit,” Malinowski says.
“And James’ work is absolutely stunning.” Atomic Museum, 755 E. Flamingo Road, daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m., admission starting at $29 ($25 for Nevada residents), atomic museum.vegas.
(Left) Nuclear Color by James Stanford. (Right) Atomic Odyssey exhibit at the Atomic Museum.
The First Public Enemy exhibit at the Mob Museum. (Courtesy/The Mob Museum)
Atomic Museum.
FOOD & DRINK
NOTHING BUT THE
BEST
Where to go and what to eat to get a taste of this year’s Beard Award semifinalists
BY BROCK RADKE
In January, the James Beard Foundation announced the 2025 Restaurant and Chef Award semifinalists for the 35th annual James Beard Awards. Part of marking this significant milestone for these culinary championships are an expansion of boozy categories; new awards were added for Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service and Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.
Sort of shockingly, Las Vegas tallied only one semifinalist in these new categories—Cristie Norman from Delilah at Wynn for Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service. But let’s not get petty about it. Instead, let’s go order a drink at Delilah to celebrate, and also at your favorite new Vegas bar and the cocktail spot where your mixologist takes the best care of you.
Las Vegas notched a handful of semifinalists in the Best Chef Southwest category, as usual, so let’s go eat their food by the time the finalists are announced on April 2, and well before the award winners are announced on June 16. Then if one of these talented local chefs brings it home, you can say you knew their food before they hit the big time.
DJ Flores MILPA
Flores’s dedication to heirloom ingredients and Mesoamerican traditions continue to garner acclaim for Milpa. Regulars love the coffee program too, so head over for breakfast or brunch and enjoy blue corn pinole pancakes, crispy chilaquiles or yellow corn tetelas stuffed with black beans and topped with avocado, scrambled eggs and queso fresco. 4226 S. Durango Dr. #101A, 702-247-4147, milpalv.com.
Playa’s squash tamale, whole
Sarah Thompson CASA PLAYA
The coastal-themed Casa Playa is a truly unique offering among the Strip’s many Mexican restaurants, where Thompson and her team wow diners with splashy, shareable dishes like whole fried snapper with mole amarillo, crispy skin carnitas with charred cucumber salsa, and over-the-top surf and turf with Wagyu carne asada, pork belly al pastor, lobster and shrimp. Encore, 702-770-5340, wynnlasvegas.com.
Casa
snapper tempura and tuna tartare (Wade Vandervort); Sara Thompson (Courtesy/Eric Jamison, Wynn Las Vegas)
Michael Vakneen
DOUBLE ZERO PIE & PUB
He’s already a World Pizza Champion and Las Vegas has been feasting on Vakneen’s creations at Pop Up Pizza Downtown for years, so this new honor is not a surprise. At his edgy Chinatown pub, start with the Wagyu carpaccio along with a dram of fine Japanese whisky, then move onto one of the “neo-Neapolitan” pies. We love the pepperoni, not so classic with vodka sauce, Fior Di Latte, basil and chili crunch, or the vegetarian funghi pizza with white sauce, mozzarella, garlic butter mushrooms and charred green onion.
3853 Spring Mountain Road, 702-463-0755, doublezeropie.com.
Eleazar Villanueva
JOËL ROBUCHON
One of the most respected dining rooms in Las Vegas and the world, Joël Robuchon has always been a place to indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime epicurean experience, and current tasting menu options start at $235. And you’ll get to choose your own dishes from the kitchen governed by Villanueva, who started his Vegas career at the equally epic Le Cirque at Bellagio before climbing to the top rung of the top ladder on the Strip. If we’re invited, we want to try the potato and foie gras carpaccio with shaved black truffles, the candele pasta stuffed with eggplant and braised lamb, and the fig-chocolate cremeaux for dessert. MGM Grand, 702-891-7925, mgmgrand.mgmresorts.com.
Double Zero Pie & Pub’s Funghi Pizza and Chef Michael Vakneen (Courtesy/ Eugene Dela Cruz, OneSeven Agency)
LAS VEGAS
TRANSPARENT PRICING LEVELS PLAYING FIELD FOR RENTERS, HOSTS
BY KATIE ANN MCCARVER VEGAS INC STAFF
Mark Tremblay, an assistant professor of economics at UNLV, is analyzing how fee transparency in short-term rentals may influence consumer and host behavior in pricing.
The research, prompted by a European Union edict that fees become more transparent and focusing primarily on the London market, hypothesized that cleaning fees would decrease as a result, and listing prices would go up a tad to compensate. The study was done with colleagues from the CESifo International Research Network.
“What we found is that the reaction on the host side is a bit different depending on the type of host,” Tremblay said. “So some hosts are reducing their cleaning fees, as you would expect, but we’re seeing some hosts are actually increasing their prices by a lot.”
The Federal Trade Commission’s “Junk Fees Rule” prohibits hidden fees in various industries, including short-term lodging. The commission, when announcing the rule late last year, said “unfair and deceptive pricing” put forth by those businesses harmed consumers.
Millions of Airbnb users are utilizing the site’s total-price toggle since its implementation a few years ago. The company has also been outspoken in its support for pricing transparency—endorsing various pieces of legislation aimed at undoing hidden and hotel fees, per a news release.
Airbnb hosts set their prices by comparing their listings to similar ones, Tremblay said. That means the hosts could have been “tricked” by hidden cleaning fees just like consumers and set their listing at a lower price to compete with what they thought were cheap rates among their competitors. But when total prices become available, those hosts realize they have been charging too little
and raise their price, Tremblay and his co-researchers argue.
“This was a result we weren’t expecting,” he said. “And it differs from how we think about how certain other large firms might react to hidden fees. So if you think of the Las Vegas Strip, how they’re reacting to resort-fee transparency, they probably know what prices to set. A random host in a small neighborhood—they have a couple bookings a month. They’re not a big corporation, and so they might be a little bit less aware of what prices they should set, and this impacts them as well.”
Listings that were priced too low initially have increased their price by up to 6%, a dramatic bump relative to the average decrease in cleaning fees, Tremblay said, which was 4%.
Researchers found that consumers were purchasing listings with lower cleaning fees, on average, he said.
Airbnb has proven that it sees the value in transparency by listening to consumers and providing total-price views, Tremblay said. If consumers are the clear winners, he said, then the “losing” side is the hosts who were trying to hit them with high cleaning fees.
Las Vegas is one of the top Airbnb markets because it’s a year-round tourist destination.
Hosts will need to pay attention to competitor prices and how cleaning fees may affect bookings, he said. Regarding the latter, he said, a high clean-
ing fee may be more congruous with a long-term stay versus short-term, and vice versa, he added.
“That’s been the main lesson we’ve tried to push, is on the host side of like, look—you need to think about this as a pricing tool that’s going to impact how consumers perceive your listing and what kind of bookings you actually get,” Tremblay said.
The FTC rule also requires that hotels be up front with consumers on hidden fees, and Tremblay said the impact of pricing transparency on Las Vegas’ hospitality market would make for an interesting study.
“Our members were already clearly and prominently disclosing resort fees during the transaction before the FTC’s recent ruling,” said Virginia Valentine, president and CEO of the Nevada Resort Association in a written statement to Vegas Inc. “We believe in a level playing field across the lodging and travel industry as it pertains to disclosing fees to allow guests to make informed decisions.”
With total prices available for both Airbnbs and resorts up front, Tremblay said, consumers will have a much easier time comparing prices.
“The markets are quite different,” he said. “Tourists who are coming to Vegas, they’re often coming because of the Strip, and they’re not thinking about Airbnb. And there really aren’t Airbnbs close to the Strip. So, in some ways, they’re serving different types of tourists.”
VEGAS INC NOTES
Resorts World Las Vegas appointed Carlos Castro as chief operating officer and chief financial officer. He will lead the resort’s financial strategy, operational execution and long-term growth initiatives. Castro has extensive experience in hospitality finance and operations, having held senior leadership positions at Hilton Hotels Corporation, Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International.
MountainView Hospital hired Dr. Carolyn Mulroney as medical director of its Sarah Cannon Transplant & Cellular Therapy Program. She is a board-cer-
tified hematologist with more than 30 years of experience in oncology and hematology, including cellular therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
The Nevada Resort Association’s board of directors unanimously elected its incoming slate of officers. John Maddox, senior vice president of government relations and development for Caesars Entertainment, was elected chair for the 2025–2026 term. Red Rock Resorts’ senior vice president of public policy and communications, Michael Britt, was elected vice chair. Paul Anderson, senior vice president of industry and government affairs for Boyd Gaming, was reelected as treasurer and NRA president and CEO Virginia Valentine was reelected to serve as secretary.
Henderson hosted its annual fivestar schools recognition event, where Mayor Michelle Romero recognized 19
Henderson public schools that obtained a five-star rating as determined by the Nevada Department of Education They are: College of Southern Nevada South High School, Coral Academy of Science Sandy Ridge High School, Coral Academy of Science Windmill Middle School, Coronado High School, Estes McDoniel Elementary School, Gordon McCaw STEAM Academy, James E. & A. Rae Smalley Elementary School, Nevada State High School
Canyon Middle School, Pinecrest Sloan Canyon High School, Pinecrest St. Rose Elementary School, Pinecrest St. Rose Middle School, Slam Nevada Middle School, Somerset Stephanie Middle School
definition process for complex projects & multi-year strategic initiatives. Reqs: BS (or foreign equiv.) in Comp. Info. Sys., Comp. Apps, Comp. Sci., Comp. Eng., or related + 5 yrs exp. as Bus. Consultant, Bus. Analyst, QA, or related. Alt: Employer accepts 7 yrs exp. in lieu of degree & 5 yrs exp. Will accept any suitable combo of edu., exp., or training. Salary: $140K/yr. Std. benefits.
Email resume to Victoria Harris at vharris@pacificspecialty.com. Must ref. job #SSP37996.0077.
Carlos Castro
BY STEVE HILL
Southern Nevada is built on ambition. We are a community of dreamers and doers, risk-takers and visionaries who see opportunity where others see obstacles.
Over the past two decades, we have rewritten what is possible in pretty remarkable ways. We have become a global leader in hospitality, entertainment, sports, technology and innovation, all of which have been instrumental in transforming Las Vegas into a Category of One. From the relocation of the Raiders and the A’s to the construction of Allegiant Stadium, from hosting the Super Bowl in 2024 and securing the 2027 College Football Playoff National Championship and the 2028 NCAA Final Four, to welcoming new industries and corporate headquarters, our region has continually proven that with collaboration and determination, the extraordinary can become reality. These milestones are not isolated victories; they are the result of decades of strategic investment, collaboration and an unshakable belief in what is possible. No economic development deal guarantees success—only the opportunity for growth if the conditions are right, and often times billions of dollars or even the business itself is put on the line. Business leaders took calculated risks, committing significant resources to Nevada’s future. Their choices demanded foresight, adaptability and
Thanks to the vision of local businesspeople and legislators, possibilities are endless in Las Vegas
perseverance.
Nevada’s governors and legislative leaders set aside partisan differences, demonstrating the all-too-rare political courage necessary to invest in the state’s future. They navigated complex negotiations, balancing the immediate demands of their constituents with a long-term vision for Nevada’s prosperity. Their leadership forged the path for transformational industries, modernized critical infrastructure and elevated Nevada’s standing on the global economic stage. Through thoughtful policymaking, strategic incentives and a steadfast commitment to progress, Nevada’s elected leaders created an environment where business and community interests aligned, proving that economic growth and responsible governance are not mutually exclusive.
Local government officials, from the Clark County Commission and city councils to dedicated city planners and public works teams, have worked tirelessly to navigate complex regulatory and planning challenges. Their role extended beyond policies and permits— they were the backbone of ensuring that Southern Nevada was prepared to host world-class events. Whether it was ensuring seamless transportation networks, managing public services or keeping up with the demands of an ever-growing visitor base, their commitment meant that capacity was never the story—only the flawless execution of
each event.
Southern Nevada’s resort industry and business community had the foresight to see that incremental investments were not a threat to what they had built but rather an opportunity to enhance and expand the region’s appeal. Their willingness to embrace progress ensured that Southern Nevada remained competitive, strengthening the visitor experience and fostering broader economic sustainability. It is this momentum that drives us forward, and this vision that provides a path to get to a place of yes. We work together to navigate and overcome obstacles, making Las Vegas uniquely positioned to continue on this growth trajectory; as we recognize that progress does not come at the expense of tradition but rather enhances it, business leaders help shape a more vibrant and resilient community.
Public safety officials—our police officers, firefighters, emergency responders and security personnel—played a critical role in shaping Las Vegas into the safe and welcoming destination it is today. They designed and implemented security frameworks that protected both residents and visitors, established emergency response protocols for largescale events and coordinated disaster preparedness efforts to ensure resilience in times of crisis. Their vigilance and commitment to safety helped cement the region’s reputation as a destination of choice, enabling growth and pros-
perity to flourish. And the impossible became a little more possible.
The people of Southern Nevada have always been the foundation of its success. This is the community they have chosen, and they have chosen to make it great—not just for themselves, but for generations to come. This community’s resilience and determination have been tested time and time again, proving that Southern Nevada’s success is not the result of chance—it is the outcome of people who believed in its potential and worked to make it a reality.
The realization of what is possible has also brought our community together in meaningful ways. As we’ve seen with our hometown teams, the Las Vegas Raiders, the 2023 Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights, and back-to-back WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces, sporting events create shared moments of pride. These events unite us as a city that can host the world’s biggest spectacles while showcasing the hospitality and service that is the heart of who we are.
Building a future worth inheriting is never easy. There are always skeptics, always obstacles that appear too large to overcome. But Southern Nevada has never been a place that waits for permission to succeed. We took a stretch of desert and built it into a monument to ambition, resilience and the relentless pursuit of possibility. We attracted the best, welcomed the bold and proved that our success is not defined by what we have, but by what we create.
But progress does not rest. The challenges ahead will demand the same vision, the same determination and the same spirit of collaboration that have carried us this far. The community is home to builders, leaders and visionaries who refuse to accept limits on what is possible. And as we continue forward, we do so with the same commitment that has always defined us. Because in Southern Nevada, we do not just rise to meet the future—we build it. And the impossible becomes possible.
Steve Hill is CEO and president of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
APRIL 5 | 1PM – 4PM
Join us for a delightful boozy tea party to celebrate the arrival of spring! As flowers bloom, enjoy tea-inspired cocktails, champagne, live music, brunch style bites, and more!
