Vegas Chamber, Washington D.C. 2023, Briefing Book

STAFF CONTACT & HOTEL INFORMATION

VEGAS CHAMBER

Mary Beth Sewald

President & CEO

mbsewald@vegaschamber.com

Cell Phone: 702.575.8020

Paul Moradkhan

Senior Vice President of Government Affairs pmoradkhan@vegaschamber.com

Cell Phone: 702.810.9124

Cara Clarke

Vice President of Communications cclarke@vegaschamber.com

Cell Phone: 702.743.9362

Rosemary Evans

Vice President of Marketing revans@vegaschamber.com

Cell Phone: 702.419.5723

Jose Valle

Vice President of Membership Development jvalle@vegaschamber.com

Cell Phone: 702.743.9354

Lauren Stuart Executive Business Director lstuart@vegaschamber.com

Cell Phone: 702.371.2134

Deborah Makiri

Director of Membership Development dmakiri@vegaschamber.com

Cell Phone: 702.366.6644

Dylan Keith

Director of Government Affairs dkeith@vegaschamber.com

Cell Phone: 702.833.0081

Erica Valdriz

Manager of Political Affairs and Fundraising evaldriz@vegaschamber.com

Cell Phone: 702.245.8465

Nick Schneider

Manager of Political Affairs nschneider@vegaschamber.com

Cell Phone: 702.343.8123

Trevor Parrish

Manager of Government Affairs TParrish@vegaschamber.com

Cell Phone: 702.205.7232

Abbie Johnson

Government Affairs Fundraising Coordinator ajohnson@vegaschamber.com

Cell Phone: 702.743.9354

Jessica Fama Marketing and Digital Strategist jfama@vegaschamber.com

Cell Phone: 702.343.7387

Jonathan Porras Communications Strategist jporras@vegaschamber.com

Cell Phone: 702.581.3836

PORTER GROUP

Federal Lobbying Team

The Honorable Jon C. Porter President & CEO

Chris Porter Executive Vice President

Stephanie Walker Senior Vice President

Ben Rosenbaum

Vice President

Rachel Layher

Director of Operations

Nathan Fiala Director, Defense Specialist

Haydyn Hendricks Government Affairs Coordinator

Marisa Pardinas Controller

Stan Olsen Advisor

BLACK & WADHAMS

ATTORNEYS AT LAW

State Lobbying Team

James Wadhams Partner

Jesse Wadhams Partner

Amy Shogren Director of Government Relations

Catherine Guild Paralegal

WELCOME to the Washington, D.C. Fly-In!

We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome as we gather for the highly anticipated 16th Annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In. This premier event represents all of our collective efforts to champion the interests of our business community and drive positive change in our region.

Throughout the duration of this distinguished event, we are committed to providing you with a comprehensive and engaging experience. As we convene in our nation’s capital, we will have the unique opportunity to engage with policymakers, thought leaders, and industry experts who shape the landscape of public policy. Through informative sessions, interactive discussions, and strategic networking, we will explore critical issues and emerging trends that directly impact our businesses and communities.

The Vegas Chamber has a long-standing tradition of advocacy and collaboration with government officials and key stakeholders. Our presence in Washington, D.C. allows us to amplify your voices and address the unique challenges and opportunities facing our state. We will engage in purposeful dialogue, sharing insights and perspectives to shape policies that foster economic growth, innovation, and job creation in Nevada.

In addition to our policy-focused discussions, we have curated a diverse range of engaging events to enhance your experience. From exclusive receptions to thought-provoking panel discussions, we provide ample opportunities for you to connect with fellow members and leaders from various industries. These networking opportunities are designed to foster meaningful connections, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas that will contribute to the continued success of our business community.

Your participation in the 16th Annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In is a testament to your commitment and dedication to shaping the future of Nevada’s business landscape. By joining us, you play an integral role in our collective efforts to enhance the economic vitality and resilience of our region. Your presence signifies the strength and unity of our Chamber as we advocate for policies that promote sustainable growth, economic diversification, and workforce development.

As we embark on this exciting journey together, we express our deepest appreciation for your unwavering support and commitment to our shared goals. The success of the Fly-In hinges on your active engagement, insights, and collaborative spirit. We are confident that through our collective efforts, we will navigate the challenges ahead and pave the way for a prosperous and thriving future.

Once again, we extend a heartfelt welcome to the 16th Annual Washington, D.C. Fly-In. We are excited to embark on this experience with you and look forward to the invaluable contributions you will make during our time together.

Sincerely,

Mary Beth Sewald President & CEO Vegas Chamber

Paul Anderson Chairman Board of Trustees Vegas Chamber

Hugh Anderson Chairman Government Affairs Committee Vegas Chamber

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Staff and Hotel Contact Information

Welcome

Sunday, September 17 Agenda

Vegas Chamber CEO Washington D.C. Tiki Reception

Monday, September 18 Agenda

Welcome Reception

Tuesday, September 19 Agenda

Policy Briefings

Hail to the Chiefs Luncheon

Vegas Night at the Capitol

Wednesday, September 20 Agenda

Meetings with Members of Congress

I-11 and I-15 Congressional Luncheon

Thursday, September 21 Agenda

Sunday, September 17, 2023

Sunday, September 17, 2023 Agenda

WASHINGTON FLY-IN EVENT

6:30 p.m.

EVENING PROGRAMMING

Vegas Chamber CEO Washington D.C.

Tiki Reception

Tiki TNT 1130 Maine Avenue, SW

Come Join Us

On behalf of the Vegas Chamber, thank you for joining this year's annual Washington D.C. Fly-In. Please join me as we celebrate our Business Community and kick-off a great week of activities.

Mary Beth Sewald President and CEO

Monday, September 18, 2023 Agenda

WELCOME EVENTS

9 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 5:15 p.m. 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Monday, September 18, 2023

MORNING & AFTERNOON SESSIONS:

Fly-in Check-in

JW Marriott Hotel, Congressional Room 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

EVENING PROGRAMMING:

Walk over to Welcome to Washington, D.C. Reception at Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Rooftop Terrace

815 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Welcome to Washington D.C. Reception at Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Rooftop Terrace

815 Connecticut Avenue, NW

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Tuesday, September 19, 2023 Agenda

WILLARD INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL

MORNING SESSION:

Walk over to the Willard Intercontinental Hotel 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Welcome Breakfast at the Grand Ballroom

Leveraging Tourism and Major Events for Economic Development at the Grand ballroom

The Changing Political and Media Landscape and its Impact on Nevada at the Grand Ballroom

An Aligned Vision for K-12 Education in Nevada at the Grand Ballroom

The State of Employer Labor Relations at the Grand Ballroom Break

AFTERNOON SESSIONS:

Hail to the Chiefs Luncheon at the Grand Ballroom

Option 1: Making the Economic Case for Infrastructure Investment at the Willard Room

Option 2: Why Employers Should Care about Higher Education at the Crystal Room

BREAK

Option 1: The Colorado River the Economic Engine of the West at the Willard Room

Option 2: Political Polling: An Art or a Science? at the Crystal Room

Option 1: The New Era of Public Lands Policy at the Willard Room

Option 2: What’s Next for the Workforce of the Future? Employers, Employees, and the Workplace at the Crystal Room

Option 1: U.S. Tourism Opportunities and Challenges at a Global Level at the Willard Room

Option 2: The State of Data Privacy, Security, and Artificial Intelligence at the Crystal Room

Return to JW Marriott Hotel

EVENING PROGRAMMING:

Buses Departs JW Marriott for Vegas Night at the Capitol Capitol View at 400, 444 North Capitol Street, NW

Vegas Night at the Capitol Capitol View at 400, 444 North Capitol Street, NW

Leveraging Tourism and Major Events for Economic Development

MEETING TOPICS:

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

8:30 a.m.

Willard Intercontinental Hotel Grand Ballroom

The panel will discuss how large entertainment and sporting events can leverage economic development and diversification efforts within the tourism industry. Tourism is a major economic drive and with the addition of major sporting events, special events, and large-scale concerts, these programs bring additional tourists to the Southern Nevada region. This includes utilizing sporting and infrastructure assets and the brand of Las Vegas, while building partnerships between governmental entities and the private sector. Additional tourism means increased economic revenue for businesses and for the local and state tax base, which support social services and programs for many Nevadans. Learn how “The Greatest Arena on Earth” is changing the face of tourism across the globe.

PANEL MEMBERS:

Tom Burns

Executive Director, Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development

Tom Burns was appointed as the Executive Director of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development in January 2023 by Governor Joseph Lombardo. Burns was previously with Cragin & Pike, an insurance company in Las Vegas. Burns joined Cragin & Pike in 1991, became a shareholder in 1998 and served as President from 2010 to 2022. He started his career as a Certified Public Accountant with Deloitte and subsequently was the Assistant Corporate Controller at United Gaming, the predecessor of Bally Gaming Technologies. A graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, he has also served as the Chair of the Vegas Chamber

Betsy Fretwel

Founder & Principal Consultant, C4ward Strategies

Betsy Fretwel has over 30 years of experience working in leadership roles in both the public and private sectors in Southern Nevada. Her wide-ranging experiences as a public-sector CEO/City Manager and as a private sector executive notably position her to provide valuable leadership in a variety of settings. She is widely recognized as a business, community and civic leader and has served in a variety of leadership roles on non-profit boards in Southern Nevada and on State appointed committees. Fretwell is a published author in several professional journals and is a sought-after speaker, moderator, and panel participant.

Most recently, Fretwell established C4WARD STRATEGIES LTD, an independent consulting firm, specializing in management, government, and technology consulting, executive development, business development, program management and strategic advisory services. She worked for Switch (an IT infrastructure ecosystem and data center company) for over 5 years. Fretwell served as Executive Vice President of Strategy leading efforts in government affairs, public sector business development, mergers and acquisitions, strategic initiatives, and emerging technologies. Prior to working for Switch, Fretwell retired from the City of Las Vegas, the nation’s 25th largest city, after 17 years and served as the second-longest serving City Manager in the city’s history, from 2009 to 2017. She also served as the Executive Director of the Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency charged with the economic revitalization of downtown Las Vegas. Under Fretwell’s leadership, the city built a new City Hall, attracted the corporate headquarters of Zappos. com, Inc. to downtown, completed The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, completed the MOB museum, and attracted the new UNLV Medical School to the City’s Medical District. As a change leader, Betsy developed the Innovation District in downtown Las Vegas to test game-changing technologies in a live environment, hosting the first real-time autonomous shuttle in the U.S.

a.m.

Leveraging Tourism and Major Events for Economic Development

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

8:30 a.m.

Willard Intercontinental Hotel Grand Ballroom continued...

Fretwell’s prior work experience includes providing government relations, lobbying, strategic planning, organizational development, process improvement and special projects management at both the City of Henderson from 1998-2000 and Clark County from 1991-1998.

Fretwell is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration. She completed the Harvard University Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program in 2007. She is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. Betsy serves on the Board of Directors for The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Nevada Grant Lab, MountainView Hospital, Desert Research Institute Foundation, Las Vegas Events and the Board of Directors and Executive Committees for both the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance and the Vegas Chamber. She is an emeritus board member of Nevada Public Radio.

Steve Hill

CEO & President, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority

Steve Hill is the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), the destination marketing organization that promotes and attracts tourism, conventions, meetings, and special events to Las Vegas and throughout Southern Nevada. The LVCVA also owns and operates the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the premier destination for meetings and conventions in the United States. Under Hill’s leadership, the LVCC debuted its $1 billion, 1.4 million-square-foot expansion in June 2021, growing the campus to 4.6 million square feet. He is currently leading the LVCVA through a $600 million renovation of the existing campus. In conjunction with the convention center expansion, Hill brought the Convention Center Loop to fruition. The underground transportation system, in partnership with The Boring Company.

An outspoken advocate for the economic and marketing benefits of hosting high-profile sporting events, Hill, together with resort partners and government leaders, has secured marquee events such as the NFL’s Pro Bowl and Draft in 2022, Super Bowl LVIII in 2024, the NCAA Final Four in 2028, and an annual Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix beginning in November 2023.

Hill owned Silver State Materials from 1987 until its purchase by CalPortland in 2008 where he served as Senior Vice President until 2011. He was then appointed director of the newly established Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) by Governor Brian Sandoval where during his tenure he lured numerous businesses to the state, including Tesla, Apple, and Hyperloop One.

Hill serves on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Travel Association, the national advocacy association that represents the travel and tourism industry. Hill also serves as chair of the Las Vegas Stadium Authority, the entity that owns and has oversight of the nearly $2 billion Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Mary Beth Sewald President & CEO, Vegas Chamber

As the chief executive of the largest and broadest-based business association in Nevada, Mary Beth Sewald sets the vision for the Vegas Chamber and leads its strategy of supporting local businesses and pursuing initiatives to boost job growth, a healthy economy, and a vibrant community.

Sewald represents the business community in a wide range of capacities. She serves on the board of directors for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. She also serves on the boards of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100, Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Western Association of Chamber Executives, the Nevada Military Support Alliance, the UNLV Lee Business School Dean’s Advisory Board, Workforce Connections, the Leadership Foundation of Greater Las Vegas, the Hope for Prisoners Advisory Board, the University of Nevada Reno College of Business Sports Management Executive Board and the National Championship Air Races in Reno, NV. She currently serves on the Super Bowl Host Committee for the 2024 Super Bowl that will be held in Las Vegas.

Sewald is engaged on several policy initiatives at the local, regional, national, international levels, and works with the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee and team to advocate on behalf Nevada’s business community.

She is the former President & CEO of the Nevada Broadcasters Association and served as General Manager of the NBC affiliate, KRNV TV in Reno, NV, where she managed and developed a staff of 110 broadcast professionals across all disciplines.

Sewald is the host of the Vegas Chamber’s television show, “Taking Care of Business” and is a 2017 graduate of the Leadership Las Vegas program. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, scuba diving, riding motorcycles, playing piano, and is a single-engine rated private pilot.

Tina Quigley

President & CEO, Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance

Tina Quigley joined the LVGEA in early 2022. Since that time, her priorities have included strengthening partnerships with regional economic development stakeholders and workforce training programs, to which success has already been realized. Now, only 18 months later, Quigley, her team, and together with the LVGEA50 board, the organization continues to expand its team, double-down on its out-of-market business attraction work to benefit the region, continues to reestablish in-market commercial real estate partnership and programs, while at the same time drastically increasing its federal, state, and regional engagement to support economic development’s vision to enhance and diversify the quality of life for Southern Nevadans.

Prior to the LVGEA, Quigley served as CEO for the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada where she oversaw the region’s public transportation, traffic management center, road construction and funding, and regional planning. During her tenure, Quigley embraced and fought for sweeping technological advances, advocated for comprehensive future planning, and built critical partnerships to position the Las Vegas Valley for ongoing and sustained economic vitality.

Source: C4ward Strategies, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, Las Vegs Global Economic Alliance, Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Vegas Chamber

9:15 a.m.

The Changing Political and Media Landscape and its Impact on Nevada

MEETING TOPICS:

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

9:15 a.m.

Willard Intercontinental Hotel Grand Ballroom

Does Nevada still matter to the national media? Is election coverage going to change due to the uncharted nature of the current political landscape? This session will give frank perspectives from all sides on upcoming election coverage from prominent contributors representing the top media outlets in the country including web based journalism, cable news and social media.

PANEL MEMBERS:

Matt Boyle

Washington Bureau Chief, Breitbart News

Formerly of the Daily Caller, Boyle rose to significant industry prominence during his coverage of the 2016 election and Trump White House and has been called “one of the most powerful media figures in the nation’s capital” by DC insiders including Washingtonian magazine.

Mitch Fox

CEO & President, Nevada Broadcasters Association

CEO of the Nevada Broadcasters Association, Mitch Fox has over 30 years of broadcasting experience and is known throughout Nevada as a political reporter and celebrated debate moderator. Fox has been on all sides of broadcasting including management, reporting and advocacy and is an expert on local media and journalism.

Congressman Jon Porter (Retired)

CEO, Porter Group

Congressman Jon Porter (ret.) is the founding member and CEO of PORTER GROUP, a bipartisan government relations, lobbying, public affairs, and business consulting firm with offices on Capitol Hill. Congressman Porter possesses a unique set of skills built upon 30-plus years of experience in business, public policy, and politics. In addition to PORTER GROUP, Jon has built and run a large and highly successful financial services company and has achieved multiple terms in elected office as a city councilman, mayor, state senator and, most recently, a three-term United States Congressman from Southern Nevada.

As a United States Congressman, Jon served on the Ways and Means Committee, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and its Subcommittees on Aviation and Rails, as well as the Committee on Education and the Workforce. He was the Chairman of the Federal Workforce Subcommittee and Co-chairman of the U.S. Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus where he was instrumental in the introduction and passage of the Travel Promotion Act of 2009 (later known as “Brand USA”) which created the Corporation for Travel Promotion.

Congressman Porter has an exceptional depth of understanding and empathy that enables him to find pathways for solutions to complex issues that are not always apparent. Through strong leadership, Congressman Porter has built a team of smart and experienced professionals at PORTER GROUP who handle an extensive portfolio of policy, legislative and regulatory matters. With wide versatility, PORTER GROUP handles all manner of consulting for domestic and international businesses, local and regional governments and government agencies, and business/trade associations and other non-profits, in areas such as technology, transportation, infrastructure, travel and tourism, defense, aviation, insurance, healthcare, energy, public lands, education, media and communications.

Michael LaRosa Partner, Ballard Group

Michael LaRosa is a partner at Ballard Group and the Former Press Secretary for First Lady Jill Biden. Prior to his time with the first lady, LaRosa worked as a producer and writer for Hardball with Chris Matthews as well as a communications professional for multiple democratic members of the United States Senate. LaRosa is a regular contributor and commentator for outlets including CNN and The Hill.

Source: Breitbart, The Porter Group

An Aligned Vision for K-12 Education in Nevada

MEETING TOPICS:

Tuesday, September 19, 2023 10:00 a.m.

National experts will explore the critical need for an aligned vision around K-12 education in Nevada, building a more responsive and inclusive system of providers, and how to adequately prepare students for the careers of the future. Panelists will probe how to increase equitable access for training and career-building opportunities, how it has been successfully done in peer states, and lessons learned along the way. This session will level-set the significance of how the business community plays a significant role in ensuring students have the skills necessary for a resilient future.

PANEL MEMBERS:

Emily Anne Gullickson

Deputy Secretary of Education, Commonwealth of Virginia

Emily Anne Gullickson serves as the Deputy Secretary of Education, Commonwealth of Virginia as appointee by Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Gullickson previously served as the CEO & Founder of A for Arizona with a unique background of executive, advocacy, legal, and teaching experience as a Teach For America – Phoenix alumna. She also led its sister organization Great Leaders Strong Schools as President and Founder.

Gullickson has been recognized by the Arizona Capitol community and Arizona Capitol Times for her leadership and advocacy skills, including the 2021 Best Activist in the State of Arizona, 2021 Leader of the Year in Education, 2020 Best Political Rising Star, Inaugural 2019 Women Achievers of Arizona – Nonprofit Leader, and 2019 Breakdown Breakout for being one of the sharpest political minds in Arizona under 40.

Gullickson has been an active member of PIE Network working groups and was a member of Leadership Institute Cohort 5. She also served on the governing boards of Every Kid Counts Oklahoma, notMYkid, Playworks Arizona, and executive board at Grand Canyon Council Scouting BSA. Gullickson has her Bachelor of Arts from St. Lawrence University, Master of Education and Leadership Development from Arizona State University, and Juris Doctor from the University of St. Thomas School of Law.

Jana Wilcox Lavin

Chief Executive Officer, Opportunity 180

Jana Wilcox Lavin came to Nevada to serve as the Superintendent-in-residence of the Nevada State Achievement School District. Prior to that, she split her time between Philadelphia, PA and Memphis, TN. She served as both the Chief Program Officer and the Executive Director for Memphis Scholars, for Charter Management Organization Scholar Academies (now DC Scholars Community Schools, Philly Scholars & Memphis Scholars).

As Memphis Executive Director, Wilcox Lavan designed, developed and executed Scholar Academies’ city-wide strategic plan to partner with the Tennessee Achievement School District to turnaround the lowest performing schools in the State.

During her tenure in Memphis, Wilcox Lavan served as a founding member of the Tennessee Achievement School District’s Operator Advisory Council collaborating with TNASD leadership

Willard Intercontinental Hotel Grand Ballroom

and Memphis charter leaders in developing District policies and informing District-wide practice. In her role as Chief Program Officer, Wilcox Lavan managed a national team whose goal was to codify school-based programs and build resources for schools to use to drive student achievement. Wilcox Lavan had previously served as Scholar Academies’ Chief Operating Officer where she led the organization’s strategy, operations and school launch teams, opening schools in Philadelphia, Washington, DC and Trenton, NJ.

Andy Rotherham

Co-Founder and External Relations Leader, Bellwether

Andrew J. Rotherham is a co-founder and External Relations leader at Bellwether, a national nonprofit that exists to transform education to ensure systemically marginalized young people achieve outcomes that lead to fulfilling lives and flourishing communities. Rotherham also works in Bellwether’s Policy and Evaluation practice area and serves on the Virginia Board of Education. He occupies a unique place in the U.S. education sector working across silos. He has been appointed to senior policymaking roles by Democrats and Republicans, works at the intersection of research and policy, media, and practice, and is a longtime champion of heterodoxy, empiricism, and pragmatism in education policy.

In addition to Bellwether, he founded or co-founded two other education organizations and served on the boards of several successful education startups. He served at the White House as special assistant to the president for domestic policy during the Clinton administration, as a member of the Virginia Board of Education appointed by then-Gov. Mark Warner and recently by Gov. Glenn Youngkin, as an education columnist for TIME magazine, and as a contributing editor at U.S. News & World Report. He also taught in traditional and experiential settings at the K-12 and college levels.

Jessica Sutter

Founder and President, EdPro Consulting, Chief of Civic Learning Initiatives, Institute for Citizens and Scholars

Jessica Sutter is President of EdPro Consulting. She has managed projects and authored research for organizations including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the DC Public Charter School Board, the Center for Reinventing Public Education, and the Center for American Progress. Sutter previously worked for both the Office of the State Superintendent of Education and Deputy Mayor for Education in Washington, DC. She began her career as a middle school teacher.

Sutter holds a BA from Loyola College in Maryland and an MA and PhD in Education Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park. Her research focuses on public charter school policy. She currently serves as the Ward 6 Member on the DC State Board of Education. When not representing the students, families and schools of Ward 6 or working with clients she can be found swimming, biking, and running her way around DC.

Source: American University, Bellwether, Commonwealth of Virginia, Institute for Citizens and Scholars, Opportunity 180

The State of Employer Labor Relations with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

OVERVIEW:

Tuesday, September 19, 2023 11:00 a.m.

Willard Intercontinental Hotel Grand Ballroom

U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Employment Policy Division focuses on advancing employer concerns and interests in a wide array of policy debates.

The United States economy is supported by a highly innovative, creative, productive, and industrious workforce. The jobs that make up the U.S. economy and the businesses that create those jobs, which in turn help workers provide for their families and lead healthy, comfortable, and fulfilling lives.

To keep the economy vibrant and to continue to create opportunity for workers, we must ensure that new businesses can be launched, and current ones can be expanded. The U.S. Chamber promotes workplace policies that will enhance, not inhibit, economic growth and job creation.

MEETING TOPICS:

Discussion will focus on national labor issues and policies being considered by the Biden Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, the National Labor Relations Board, and Congress. This includes policies such as work safety regulations, wage mandates, the expansion of collective bargaining, and additional requirements and mandates on employers.

Conversations will also focus on a variety of issues including worker shortages, , labor-management relations, union corporate/strategic campaigns, workplace privacy, work-family issues, non-compete covenants, and paid leave mandates.

PANEL MEMBERS:

Marc Freedman

Vice President, Employment Practices, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Marc Freedman is vice president of employment policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He is responsible for developing and advocating the Chamber’s response to OSHA matters, the Employee Free Choice Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act and mandated leave issues, and other labor and workplace issues.

Before joining the Chamber in October 2004, Freedman was the regulatory counsel for the Senate Small Business Committee under the chairmanships of Senators Kit Bond (R-MO) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME).

Prior to joining the Small Business Committee in July 1999, Freedman was director of government affairs for the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America. Before that, he worked on federal regulations for the Associated Builders and Contractors and the National Association of Home Builders. Freedman graduated cum laude from Amherst College and received his law degree from Case Western Reserve University.

Paul Moradkhan

Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Vegas Chamber

Paul Moradkhan serves as the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the Vegas Chamber. Moradkhan oversees the Vegas Chamber’s legislative advocacy and public policy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels of government. He is responsible for driving initiatives to protect and strengthen Southern Nevada’s economy, create jobs, and build a strong and competitive workforce for the future.

He previously served as Director of Government Affairs for the Vegas Chamber.. Prior to joining the Vegas Chamber in 2010, Moradkhan was the Senior Corps Project Director for Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada. He began his career in public policy by working for a Member of Congress from Southern Nevada.

A graduate of University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a Bachelor of Arts in English, Moradkhan received his master’s degree in Public Policy from Pepperdine University.

continued...

Sean Redmond

Vice President, Labor Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Sean Redmond is vice president of labor policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Redmond’s responsibilities include monitoring National Labor Relations Board and Department of Labor policy developments, advocating for legislative and regulatory reforms, and working with coalitions to develop strategies on labor and employment issues. He also comments frequently on these issues in blogs, opeds, and media interviews.

Before joining the Chamber, Redmond served as chief of staff and senior advisor for the Office of Labor-Management Standards, the federal agency charged with enforcing criminal and civil legal provisions ensuring the financial integrity, transparency, and democratic governance of labor unions. Redmond was appointed to the U.S. Department of Labor in January 2001 as part of the George W. Bush administration’s transition team and served until 2004 as special assistant to Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

Redmond graduated from Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service with a B.S.F.S. in international politics, where he earned membership in the Phi Alpha Theta history honor society. He received an M.A.L.S. in social and public policy from Georgetown and an M.B.A. in international business from Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business, where he earned membership in the Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society. He also is a graduate of the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Institute for Organization Management.

Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Hail to the Chiefs Luncheon

MEETING TOPICS:

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

12:00 p.m.

Willard Intercontinental Hotel Grand Ballroom

Several of the Chiefs of Staff from Nevada’s Congressional delegation will share their thoughts and perspective on policy issues affecting the business community. Chiefs of staff play a critical and unique role in the offices of Members of Congress. Part policy advisor, political strategist, chief financial officer, and personal confidant, they are integral to the political process and have rare insights into the ways that legislators come to their decisions and what policies they prioritize.

With panelists representing decades of political experience, the panel members will share their thoughts on the news of the day from the upcoming elections to major legislation as well as advice on engaging with Members of Congress, Senators, and their staffs with insight that only a true Washington-insider can provide.

PANEL MEMBERS:

Dara Cohen

Chief of Staff, Office of U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen

Dara Cohen currently serves as the Chief of Staff to Senator Jacky Rosen, a position she previously held in then Congresswoman Rosen’s House office. Cohen brings over a decade of political and government experience, most recently serving as Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35) and Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Bill Enyart (IL-12). Cohen is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis and received her Master’s in Public Policy from Georgetown University.

Molly Lowe Cutrona

Chief of Staff, Office of Congressman Mark Amodei, NV-2

Molly Lowe Cutrona currently serves as the Chief of Staff to Congressman Amodei, a position she has held since 2021. She previously served as Congressman Amodei’s Legislative Director from July 2018. Prior to joining Congressman Amodei’s office, Lowe Cutrona served as a Senior Legislative Assistant in the office of Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) where she focused on Energy, Homeland Security, and Tax policy. She is originally from Visalia, California and began working on Capitol Hill following her graduation from Pepperdine University in 2013 where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

Scott Fairchild

Chief of Staff, Office of U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto

Scott Fairchild currently serves as the Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto, a position he previously held from 2017 to 2018. From 2019 to December 2021, Scott served as the Executive Director of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. He also previously served as the campaign manager to Senator Cortez-Masto, Mayor Rahm Emanuel in 2011, and former Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA). He also served as former Congressman Murphy’s Chief of Staff.

Mitch Moonier

Legislative Director, Office of Congresswoman Dina Titus, NV-1

Mitch Moonier serves as the Legislative Director for Congresswoman Dina Titus who represents Nevada’s First Congressional District in the heart of Southern Nevada. While overseeing the Congresswoman’s legislative team, Moonier is the Congresswoman’s advisor in her role as Member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and on the many caucuses she Co-Chairs, including the House Travel and Tourism Caucus. In this capacity, Congresswoman Titus continues to focus on making the travel experience an enjoyable one that is built on the foundation of hospitality and starts the moment people leave their homes to make their journey. Moonier was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, and is a graduate of the Harry S Truman School of Public Affairs at the University of Missouri.

Tina Quigley

President & CEO, Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance

Tina Quigley joined the LVGEA in early 2022. Since that time, her priorities have included strengthening partnerships with regional economic development stakeholders and workforce training programs, to which success has already been realized. Now, only 18 months later, Quigley, her team, and together with the LVGEA50 board, the organization continues to expand its team, double-down on its out-of-market business attraction work to benefit the region, continues to reestablish in-market commercial real estate partnership and programs, while at the same time drastically increasing its federal, state, and regional engagement to support economic development’s vision to enhance and diversify the quality of life for Southern Nevadans.

Prior to the LVGEA, Quigley served as CEO for the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada where she oversaw the region’s public transportation, traffic management center, road construction and funding, and regional planning. During her tenure, Quigley embraced and fought for sweeping technological advances, advocated for comprehensive future planning, and built critical partnerships to position the Las Vegas Valley for ongoing and sustained economic vitality.

Source: U.S House of Representatives

Making the Economic Case for Infrastructure Investment

MEETING TOPICS:

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

1:00 p.m.

Option 1

Willard Intercontinental Hotel Willard Room

UNLV’s Brookings Mountain West, Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER), and Transportation Research Center at the request of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) are releasing a study this fall on a series of strategies for enhancing growth in manufacturing, transportation, and logistics in Clark County. With an anticipated $2 trillion dollars being spent over the next 10 years through three major federal pieces of legislation: IIJA, IRA, and CHIPs, Southern Nevada has a window of opportunity to make meaningful impacts in our industrial development by working through local, state, and federal partners. As part of the discussion, UNLV will also be providing a sneak peek of their findings along with a discussion and a question-andanswer period.

PANEL MEMBERS:

Tom Burns

Executive Director, Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development

Tom Burns was appointed as the Executive Director of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development in January 2023 by Governor Joseph Lombardo. Burns was previously with Cragin & Pike, an insurance company in Las Vegas. Burns joined Cragin & Pike in 1991, became a shareholder in 1998 and served as President from 2010 to 2022. He started his career as a Certified Public Accountant with Deloitte and subsequently was the Assistant Corporate Controller at United Gaming, the predecessor of Bally Gaming Technologies. A graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, he has also served as the Chair of the Vegas Chamber

David Damore, Ph.D.

Executive Director, Lincy Institute and Brookings Mountain West

David Damore is a Professor of Political Science and the Executive Director of The Lincy Institute and Brookings Mountain West. In addition to his positions at UNLV, Dr. Damore is a Brookings Institution Nonresident Senior Fellow in Governance Studies.

Dr. Damore’s research focuses on electoral politics and applied public policy and he teaches courses in American Politics and Research Methods. Dr. Damore earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Davis, his M.A. from the University of Georgia, and his B.A. from the University of California, San Diego, all in Political Science

Andrew Woods

Director, Center for Business and Economic Research

Andrew Woods brings more than 15 years of experience as a business and public affairs professional, complemented with a B.A. cum laude in Political Science and Economics from American University, scholarly work at University College London, and a M.A. in Public Policy from The University of Chicago.

Prior to joining UNLV’s CBER, Woods started and ran a successful economic analysis, financial management, and public affairs consulting firm, as CEO of Woods Strategies, in Las Vegas, Nevada. His expertise in applying data and research to strengthen organizations and communities has led him to hold many leadership positions both in the public and private sector. He is known for his financial acumen, vision, reliability, and integrity.

Source: State of Nevada, University of Nevada Las Vegas

Why Employers Should Care about Higher Education

MEETING TOPICS:

Tuesday, September 19, 2023 1:00 p.m.

Option 2

Willard Intercontinental Hotel Crystal Room

The panel will discuss the role of higher education and how it relates to the workforce and economic development efforts being undertaken across the nation. Higher education is important for economic growth. It serves as a key indicator to the quality of the workforce, while driving innovation and entrepreneurship. Higher education also provides the opportunity for employees to obtain new skills or upskills as technology continues to change the needs of the workplace. This has resulted in greater collaboration between education and business in the last decade. This collaboration continues to evolve because of the need to foster economic growth, research, and job creation.

PANEL MEMBERS:

Kathryn Gimborys

Government Relations Manager, American Association of Community Colleges

Kathryn Gimborys is the Government Relations Manager at the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). In this role, she supports federal advocacy efforts for the nation’s more than 1,000 community colleges. Gimborys previously served as the senior government affairs associate at the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP).

A native of Sparks, Nevada, Gimborys attended Houston Community College and earned her B.A. in political science from The George Washington University. She is currently an M.P.P. candidate at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University.

Luis Maldonado

Vice President, Government Relations and Policy Analysis, American Association of State Colleges and Universities

Luis Maldonado was appointed vice president for government relations and policy analysis at AASCU effective July 8, 2019. He aids the president of AASCU in this position by directing and coordinating activities that advance the mission of the association, serving as the direct liaison with government officials, federal agencies, and other educational organizations to develop policies and positions that support regional comprehensive state colleges and universities.

Maldonado has more than 25 years of combined experience in government relations and advocacy efforts with various organizations in the Washington, D.C., region. He has worked in advocacy for three nonprofit organizations, most recently with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, in two former positions from 2002–2005 that included serving in a legislative affairs capacity and as chief advocacy officer from 2014–2019, and in senior advocacy positions with the Council on Foundations and the American Diabetes Association.

Maldonado has a master’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Dr. DeRionne Pollard

President, Nevada State University

Dr. DeRionne Pollard is the current president of Nevada State University (NSU). Nevada State University is one of the fastest-growing colleges in the country and is designated as a Minority Serving Institute (MSI), Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Institution (AANAPI). NSC also advances phenomenal teaching and superb student support to expand and diversify an educated workforce, thereby protecting social justice and economic mobility. Dr. Pollard began her tenure at NSC on Aug. 16, 2021.

Pollard is the first Black female president of any NSHE institution. She has held previous roles at the College of Lake County and served as president of both Montgomery College and Las Positas College. Dr. Pollard is a member of the Ascend Postsecondary Leadership Circle for Parents and the Center for

First-generation Student Success Advisory Board for the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. She also served on the boards of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, Universities at Shady Grove, and the Capital Area Food Bank.

Pollard was named one of Washington’s 100 Most Powerful Women by Washingtonian Magazine, won a 2017 Academic Leadership Award from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, and a Visionary Award from the Washington Area Women’s Foundation. She holds a bachelor’s and a master’s of arts in English from Iowa State University and a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies in higher education from Loyola University Chicago.

Dr. Keith Whitfield President, University of Nevada Las Vegas

Keith E. Whitfield is a seasoned university administrator and prolific scholar in the fields of psychology, health, and aging. He became UNLV’s 11th president on August 24, 2020. Whitfield previously served as provost, senior vice president of academic affairs, and professor of psychology at Wayne State University in Michigan.

Prior to Wayne State, Whitfield served as vice provost for academic affairs at Duke University and held appointments as a professor in the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, a research professor in the Department of Geriatric Medicine at Duke University Medical Center, and a senior fellow at the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development. He also was the co-director of the Center on Biobehavioral Health Disparities Research.

Whitfield earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the College of Santa Fe, a Ph.D. in lifespan developmental psychology from Texas Tech University, and completed postdoctoral training in quantitative genetics from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Dr. Federico Zaragoza President, College of Southern Nevada

Dr. Federico Zaragoza is the President of the College of Southern Nevada (CSN), one of the largest multi-campus higher education institutions in the U.S., serving around 50,000 students across over 50 locations in Clark County. CSN offers a wide range of academic programs, with over 70 fields of study, 180 degrees and certificates, and over 20 baccalaureate degree programs, notably in healthcare. Under Zaragoza’s leadership, CSN’s Ralph and Betty Engelstad School of Health Sciences has become a leading healthcare education provider in Nevada, training a significant portion of the state’s nurses. The institution’s strong ties with over 350 local businesses and organizations facilitate student internships and job placements. Achieving the Dream recognized CSN as a national Leader College of Distinction in 2019.

Zaragoza is an active figure in national and state education committees and commissions, having previously served on the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI) and contributing to initiatives aimed at advancing racial equity in education and employment through workforce policies. He holds key positions in various education and economic development organizations, including the American Association of Community Colleges and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. Zaragoza’s dedication to workforce development has garnered him several awards and recognitions, including the Education Brillante Award from the National Society of Hispanic MBAs. His educational background includes degrees in sociology, adult and vocational education, industrial and technical education, and a Ph.D. in Urban Education, reflecting his commitment to advancing education and workforce development.

Source: American Association of State Colleges and Universities, Nevada State University, University of Nevada Las Vegas

The Colorado River the Economic Engine of the West

MEETING TOPICS:

Tuesday, September 19, 2023 2:00 p.m.

Option 1

Willard Intercontinental Hotel Willard Room

The availability and sustainability of water resources are essential to the seven states along the Colorado River and Mexico. The ongoing drought within the Colorado River Basin and the impact on Lake Mead are of great concern to the region’s economic stability and the two million residents in Southern Nevada. The panel will discuss the role of federal and state relationships with the drought management of water resources along the Colorado River, which includes prioritizing water conservation and drought mitigation initiatives as a result of the ongoing drought.

PANEL MEMBERS:

Dr. Kumud Acharya

President, Desert Research Institute

Kumud Acharya, Ph.D. serves as the ninth President of the Desert Research Institute (DRI). From two state-of-the-art research campuses in Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada, Acharya leads over 400 scientists, engineers, and research support staff who rank among the top in the world in their specialties.

As a research professor in ecological engineering, Acharya has led pioneering work in Nevada to help local and state water managers address aquatic invasive species threatening both Lake Mead and Lake Tahoe. Acharya began his career at the Desert Research Institute (DRI) in 2006 as an assistant research professor in hydrology. During his tenure at DRI, he has secured over $18 million in external research grants and contracts and helped spearhead some of DRIs largest international collaborations focused on water quality and management in China, Nepal, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, and Thailand.

He previously served as the executive director of DRIs Division of Hydrologic Sciences; senior director of the Center for Environmental Remediation and Monitoring, director of the Nevada Water Resources Research Institute; and Chief Technology Advisor for WaterStart. Prior to joining DRI, Acharya served five years combined as a postdoctoral and endowed research fellow at Arizona State University and the University of Louisville. He has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, M.S. in Environmental Engineering, and Ph.D. in Biology and Environmental Sciences.

Jessica Evans

Manager of Government Affairs and Sustainability Policy, Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies

At Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), an association representing the nation’s largest, publicly owned drinking water utilities, she leads the Association’s advocacy strategies related to climate change resilience, sustainable financing, environmental justice, water affordability, and more. She works with executives and leaders to bolster water utility climate change resilience by developing research partnerships, publications, and member networking webinars on best management practices in sustainability. Evans also works closely with the Water Utility Climate Alliance (WUCA), an alliance of twelve of the nation’s largest water utilities that work together to develop and share best climate adaptation practices.

Evans specializes in integrative issues affecting the water sector. She has worked at the American Water Works Association and at Indiana University’s School of Public Health overseeing various environmental health and policy projects, including developing a nationwide predictive model of perand polyfluoroalkyl substances in private drinking water wells and creating a plan to improve indoor air quality in the United Arab Emirates. Evans holds a Master of Public Affairs specializing in environmental policy and a Master of Science in environmental science from Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Zane Marshall

Director of Water Resources, Southern Nevada Water Authority

Zane Marshall is the Director of the Water Resources Department of the Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA), where he has worked for the past 27 years. A Las Vegas native, Marshall leads six divisions that oversee the management of water, land and environmental resources, and the implementation of environmental restoration and compliance, conservation, climate change and sustainability programs.

Marshall has a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, and a Master of Arts in Science in Biology and Statistics from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is a 2014 graduate of the Kenan-Flagler Business School’s Water and Waste Water Leadership Center, and a 2015 graduate of the Vegas Commerce’s Leadership Las Vegas Program.

Mitch Moonier

Legislative Director, Office of Congresswoman Dina Titus

Mitch Moonier is the Legislative Director for Congresswoman Dina Titus. Prior to his time with the Congresswoman, Mitch was with prominent consulting firm Miller/Wenhold strategies as Vice President of Public Policy. Moonier is a key policy leader for the Nevada delegation particularly on the issue of natural resources including the Colorado river and water scarcity. Moonier graduated from the University of Missouri, Columbia and has a masters degree in Public Affairs.

Mary Beth Sewald President & CEO, Vegas Chamber

As the chief executive of the largest and broadest-based business association in Nevada, Mary Beth Sewald sets the vision for the Vegas Chamber and leads its strategy of supporting local businesses and pursuing initiatives to boost job growth, a healthy economy, and a vibrant community.

Sewald represents the business community in a wide range of capacities. She serves on the board of directors for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. She also serves on the boards of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100, Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, Western Association of Chamber Executives, the Nevada Military Support Alliance, the UNLV Lee Business School Dean’s Advisory Board, Workforce Connections, the Leadership Foundation of Greater Las Vegas, the Hope for Prisoners Advisory Board, the University of Nevada Reno College of Business Sports Management Executive Board and the National Championship Air Races in Reno, NV. She currently serves on the Super Bowl Host Committee for the 2024 Super Bowl that will be held in Las Vegas. Sewald is engaged on several policy initiatives at the local, regional, national, international levels, and works with the Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee and team to advocate on behalf Nevada’s business community.

She is the former President & CEO of the Nevada Broadcasters Association and served as General Manager of the NBC affiliate, KRNV TV in Reno, NV, where she managed and developed a staff of 110 broadcast professionals across all disciplines.

Sewald is the host of the Vegas Chamber’s television show, “Taking Care of Business” and is a 2017 graduate of the Leadership Las Vegas program. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, scuba diving, riding motorcycles, playing piano, and is a single-engine rated private pilot.

Tuesday

2:00 p.m.

The Colorado River the Economic Engine of the West

continued...

Bella Sewall Wolitz Of Counsel, Brownstein

Tuesday, September 19, 2023 2:00 p.m. Option 1

Bella Sewall Wolitz has extensive experience working with federal agencies on interstate and tribal water resource issues and matters involving water law, federal Indian law, administrative law and the National Environmental Policy Act.

Sewall Wolitz brings expertise developed during 13 years with the Department of the Interior working in several roles. While there, she served as an attorney in the Solicitor’s Office advising the Bureau of Reclamation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the U.S. Geological Survey. As the assistant legislative counsel in the Office of the Secretary, she prepared officials for congressional hearings, drafted legislative proposals and worked with the White House, Congress and other federal agencies to accomplish the Secretary of the Interior’s legislative agenda.

She has taught as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center and the University of Tennessee College of Law and has given multiple trainings and lectures on topics in federal Indian law and water law.

Source: Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, Desert Research Institute, Southern Nevada Water Authority

Political Polling: An Art or Science?

MEETING TOPICS:

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

2:00 p.m.

Option 2

Willard Intercontinental Hotel

Crystal Room

Can you trust the polls at all? Is there a way to predict election outcomes at all? After the 2016 election the common wisdom on polling was that there is no common wisdom and the old models no longer hold. After the significant election turmoil of 2020, and in a lesser sense 2022, the panel will address where polling stands today and how methodologies have changed to fit new assumptions.

PANEL MEMBERS:

Jim Hobart Partner, Public Opinion Strategies

Jim Hobart has been a part of the polling team in some of the most competitive and important elections in the country and has received the prestigious Rising Star Award from Campaign and Elections Magazine.

During the most recent election cycle, Hobart polled for Governor Greg Abbott’s resounding victory over Beto O’Rourke. He also polled for the primary SuperPAC backing J.D. Vance in the Ohio Senate race. Hobart has now polled for the leading SuperPAC for four different U.S. Senators. Hobart was also a part of the research effort for Governor Mike Dunleavy in Alaska, as well as five winning local ballot initiatives in Illinois.

In 2020, Hobart polled for the largest independent expenditure effort backing Roger Marshall in the Kansas Senate primary and general elections, helping Marshall take both races from nail-biters to resounding victories.

He also polled for successful outside efforts in four winning Congressional campaigns and for the campaign on seven successful local ballot initiatives. Hobart was also involved in research efforts for major Senate races in Arizona, Georgia, and Michigan.

Matt Hogan Partner, Impact Research

Matt Hogan has worked for the Democratic nominee in the past four U.S. presidential elections, polling in both the primary and the general election for President Joe Biden, as well as for President Obama in his 2012 re-election campaign. In addition to his work at the presidential level, Matt has polled for candidates at all levels of government, from mayor to the U.S. Senate, and is proud to have been part of the teams that helped elect Ayanna Pressley (MA-7) and Tom O’Halleran (AZ-1) to Congress.

Hogan has worked with the Democratic Governors Association and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and has extensive experience polling on issues such as healthcare, education, tax policy, immigration, and election reform. Hogan holds a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and a B.A. in History from James Madison University.

Congressman Jon Porter (Retired) CEO, Porter Group

Congressman Jon Porter (ret.) is the founding member and CEO of PORTER GROUP, a bipartisan government relations, lobbying, public affairs, and business consulting firm with offices on Capitol Hill. Congressman Porter possesses a unique set of skills built upon 30-plus years of experience in business, public policy, and politics. In addition to PORTER GROUP, Congressman Porter has built and run a large and highly successful financial services company and has achieved multiple terms in elected office as a city councilman, mayor, state senator and, most recently, a three-term United States Congressman from Southern Nevada.

As a United States Congressman, Congressman Porter served on the Ways and Means Committee, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and its Subcommittees on Aviation and Rails, as well as the Committee on Education and the Workforce. He was the Chairman of the Federal Workforce Subcommittee and Co-chairman of the U.S. Congressional Travel and Tourism Caucus where he was instrumental in the introduction and passage of the Travel Promotion Act of 2009 (later known as “Brand USA”) which created the Corporation for Travel Promotion.

p.m.

Tuesday Sept 19 2:00 p.m.

Option 2

Political Polling: An Art or Science?

continued...

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

2:00 p.m.

Option 2

Willard Intercontinental Hotel Crystal Room

Congressman Porter has an exceptional depth of understanding and empathy that enables him to find pathways for solutions to complex issues that are not always apparent. Through strong leadership, Congressman Porter has built a team of smart and experienced professionals at PORTER GROUP who handle an extensive portfolio of policy, legislative and regulatory matters. With wide versatility, PORTER GROUP handles all manner of consulting for domestic and international businesses, local and regional governments and government agencies, and business/trade associations and other non-profits, in areas such as technology, transportation, infrastructure, travel and tourism, defense, aviation, insurance, healthcare, energy, public lands, education, media and communications.

Source: Impact Research, Porter Group, Public Opinion Strategies

The New Era of Public Lands Policy

MEETING TOPICS:

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

2:45 p.m.

Option 1

Willard Intercontinental Hotel Willard Room

The discussion will focus on the importance of continuing to support efforts in Southern Nevada to update public land use to best reflect the population growth trajectories and the current environmental needs of the region. There will also be discussion about the challenges and opportunities that are involved with federal public land legislation and to effectively balance both economic development needs and conservation concerns in Southern Nevada.

PANEL MEMBERS:

Ken Brooke

Legislative Director, Office of Congressman Mark Amodei

Ken Brooke is the Legislative Director for Congressman Amodei. Brooke is considered one of the foremost policy leaders on Capitol Hill for public lands policy, particularly related to Nevada. Brooke has been with Congressman Amodei for over 10 years and is a feature of UNR as well as a Reno native.

Luke Johnson

Policy Director, Brownstein

Luke Johnson provides actionable insight into the permitting process of major natural resource projects and leverages his relationships with federal regulators and legislators to break the stickiest impasses, avoid costly delays and drive projects across the finish line. Johnson serves as the co-chair of the firm’s Energy, Environment & Resource Strategies (EERS) Group.

Johnson served in a variety of roles in the executive branch, most recently as former deputy director of policy and programs at BLM within the Department of the Interior. Prior, Johnson served as a senior policy advisor to U.S. Senator Robert Bennett (R-UT) and as professional staff on the House Natural Resources Committee. In addition to his tenure in government, Johnson served as vice president of policy and government affairs for the National Ocean Industries Association.

Brandon Miller

Professional Staff Member, House Committee on Natural Resources

Brandon Miller is a professional staff member for the House Committee on Natural. While he currently serves the Chair, Congressman Bruce Westerman he has been with the committee for almost seven years having served as both minority and majority staff. Prior to his time on the committee, Miller worked for 12 years for Rep. Doug Lamborn of Colorado. Miller himself hails from Colorado having begun his Congressional staff journey after graduating from Colorado State University.

Stephanie Walker

Senior Vice President, Porter Group

Stephanie Walker is a Senior Vice President at Porter Group where she specializes in Capitol Hill strategy and project management including advocacy for policy in the fields of natural resources, labor, health care/social services and banking. Prior to her time with Porter Group, Stephanie was the Legislative Director for Rep. Mark Amodei. She is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno and has an MBA from the Louisiana State University, Shreveport.

Source: Porter Group, U.S. House of Representatives

What’s Next for

the Workforce

of the Future? Employers, Employees, and the Workplace

MEETING TOPICS:

Tuesday, September 19, 2023 2:45 p.m.

Option 2

Willard Intercontinental Hotel Crystal Room

Economic development is essential to the success of any economy. The reality is an economy that competes effectively can attract investments and broaden the scope of supply chains, all while achieving sustainable expansion in employment opportunities. This leads to enhancements in salaries, economic activity, and an elevation in the overall quality of life. The panel will discuss the economic approaches that both the nation and Nevada are currently embracing to stimulate innovation and enhance productivity in a competitive national landscape, The panel will also highlight what Nevada is doing to be a leader in workforce development initiatives.

PANEL MEMBERS:

Mary Clagett

Senior Director of Workforce Policy, JFF

Mary Clagett works with workforce policy leaders and practitioners from around the country to shape effective policy recommendations to meet the skills needs of America’s workers and the US economy. She and her team work to identify best and promising practices, particularly for meeting the education, training, and placement needs of entry-level workers—translating practice into policy.

Few people in DC garner more respect on workforce development issues than Clagett, who has worked for both the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Senate Health/Education/ Labor/Pension (HELP) Committee. She has been instrumental in the passage of the Workforce Investment Act and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. She is a sought-after speaker and leads a network of Congressional staffers in site visits to better educate staff on the current status of Federal efforts, and possible legislative improvements.

Clagett has an undergraduate degree from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, and carried out her graduate work at George Washington University in Washington, DC.

Jaime Cruz

Executive Director, Workforce Connections

Jaime Cruz serves as Executive Director for Workforce Connections, Southern Nevada’s Local Workforce Development Board. Prior to his appointment as Executive Director in October 2017, Cruz served as Chief Strategy Officer for eight years and was instrumental in partnering with local libraries to expand WIOA driven workforce programs.

Cruz understands firsthand the barriers many face when trying to improve their careers. As a young man who immigrated to the United States, Cruz initially worked as a dish washer despite a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Escuela Nacional De Marina Mercante in Lima, Peru. By improving his command of the English language and capitalizing on the growth opportunities he was presented, Cruz was able to successfully return to the engineering field and later transition to the public sector.

Prior to his career at Workforce Connections, Cruz worked on sustainability initiatives for major hotel casino companies in Las Vegas, including overseeing the development and implementation of the energy management and building automation systems at MGM Resorts International’s CityCenter. He is recognized as a Certified Energy Manager and Certified Sustainable Development Professional by the Association of Energy Engineers, as well as a Certified Public Manager by the State of Nevada. Cruz became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1994 and has lived in Southern Nevada for thirty years.

Antwanye Ford

President & Chief Executive Officer, Enlightened, Inc

Enlightened, Inc. is a leading management and technology consulting firm dedicated to helping our clients achieve success in their most critical missions. Enlightened is focused on cyber security, systems integration, and management consulting. Enlightened is Hubzone certified, cleared, and certified as a CMMI level III Company.

Ford speaks across the U.S. on technology issues and brings a unique perspective from the many roles he plays in his business life. He is the Vice-Chair of the US Black Chambers, Inc, Chair of the DC Workforce Investment Council, Chair of Howard University’s Cyber Education and Research Center, and sits on the National Association of Workforce Boards.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from the George Washington University and a Master of Divinity from the Lancaster Bible College/Capital Seminary and Graduate School.

Clayton Lord

Director, Foundation Programs Director, Society for Human Resource Management

Clayton Lord assumed his role at Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) in October 2022. He oversees program strategy, planning, delivery, and evaluation and lead implementation and review of programmatic aspects of the $25m SHRM Foundation. Lord proactively provides direction, goals, and communications on key issue areas to drive results. In addition, Lord works to ensure that the Foundation remains a cutting-edge innovator and substantially impacts key constituencies. In his role he establishes, maintains, and expands relationships with both internal and external partners to drive mission-based goals, objectives, and metrics.

Lord holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English/Cognitive Psychology from Georgetown University.

Ron Painter Principal, Forbes Field Associates

Ron Painter served as CEO for the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) from July 2009, stepping aside in June 2023. In his capacity as CEO of NAWB, he traveled the country meeting with state and local workforce leaders in an effort to identify good organizational practices and programs and understand how best to spread innovative trends in human capital development throughout the nationwide job training system. Since leaving NAWB, Painter is providing consulting services in strategic planning, policy analysis and project management.

Previously, Painter was the founding CEO of the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board in Pittsburgh. He has taught as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh. He is a Board Member of the Manufacturing Skills Standards’ Council, the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute’s Workforce Advisory Committee, the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association, and is a Patron of Volition Community for the Manchester Cathedral in Manchester, England.

Painter holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science and a graduate degree in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School for Public & International Affairs.

Source: Enlightened Inc, National Association of Workforce Boards, Society for Human Resource Management, Workforce Connections

U.S. Tourism Opportunities and Challenges at a Global Level

MEETING TOPICS:

Tuesday, September 19, 2023 3:30 p.m.

Option 1

Willard Intercontinental Hotel Willard Room

The panel will discuss the economic impact that tourism has on the state and federal economies, which includes numerous benefits and advantages to Nevada and the United States. Tourism contributes to the creation of jobs, economic development, and brand recognition. The panel members will also discuss the important role that Nevada plays as a leader in the tourism industry nationally, and what that means to the industry’s economic recovery as it continually evolves, diversifies, invests, and strengthens its robust tourism sector. The conversation will also discuss opportunities and challenges facing the industry.

PANEL MEMBERS:

Paul Anderson

Senior Vice President of Industry and Government Affairs, Boyd Gaming

Paul Anderson is Senior Vice President of Industry and Government Affairs for Boyd Gaming, one of the nation’s largest casino entertainment companies. In this role, Anderson oversees Boyd Gaming’s government relations initiatives across the country. Anderson also has day-to-day oversight of Boyd’s industry affairs and corporate communications functions.

Prior to joining Boyd Gaming in 2019, Anderson had a distinguished career as an elected official in the state of Nevada. First elected to the Nevada State Assembly in 2012, Anderson served as Assembly Majority Leader and Chair of the Ways and Means Committee in the 2015-2016 session. In that role, Anderson worked with Gov. Brian Sandoval to pass critical educational and economic reform legislation. He later led legislative special sessions that secured funding for Raiders Stadium, the expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the Tesla Gigafactory.

After leaving the legislature in 2017, Anderson served as Executive Director of the Governor’s Office for Economic Development (Nevada GOED), the state agency tasked with diversifying Nevada’s economy through the recruitment of new companies and industries. Previous to joining GOED, Anderson was president and founder of AndersonPC, a multimillion-dollar IT services company with clients across the western United States.

In addition to his role at Boyd Gaming, Anderson currently serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Vegas Chamber of Commerce.

Chris Brown

Vice President, Government Affairs and Ultra Low-Cost Carrier Policy, National Air Carrier Association

Chris Brown joined NACA in March 2020 as Vice President of Government Affairs and Ultra Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC) Policy. Brown represents NACA’s ULCC and other member carriers before Congress and executive branch agencies.

Prior to joining NACA, Brown served as Assistant Administrator for Government and Industry Affairs at the Federal Aviation Administration from 2007-2009 and from 2017-2019.

In addition to Brown’s two tenures at the FAA, he held senior positions on the Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure, U.S. House of Representatives, including staff director and counsel on the Subcommittee on Aviation, and oversight counsel to the full committee, under the chairmanships of former Congressman Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) and Congressman Don Young (R-Alaska).

In the private sector, Brown was Vice President, Legislative and Regulatory Policy at Airlines for America (A4A). Most recently, he served as a government affairs and policy consultant to a major aviation trade association, and transportation software and drone services companies.

Brown began his legal and policy career as an associate at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld in Washington, D.C. He also staffed a member of the Future of Aviation Advisory Committee (FAAC), a federal advisory committee consisting of representatives of all segments of the U.S. aviation industry tasked by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to develop policy recommendations to ensure the economic viability and global competitiveness of the aviation industry, when he was senior counsel at the Washington, D.C. office of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips.

A native of Massachusetts, Brown received his bachelor’s degree from Boston College and his Juris Doctor degree from The George Washington University Law School. He is a member of the District of Columbia and Massachusetts bars.

Alex Costello

Vice President of Government Relations, American Gaming Association

Alex Costello serves as Vice President, government relations for the American Gaming Association (AGA). In this role, Costello advocates for AGA’s priorities on Capitol Hill and with federal policymakers. Costello brings with her nearly two decades of service in the legislative branch, executive branch, and advocacy community. Immediately prior to joining the AGA, Costello was the first-ever director of legislative affairs at the Center for Law and Social Policy, a 50-year-old anti-poverty nonprofit. Costello also served as the co-chair of Protecting Immigrant Families, an advocacy campaign with more than 350 organizations.

While at the U.S. Department of State, Costello was chief of staff of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL), a unit that included a Washington staff of 350 and more than 5,000 overseas employees and contractors, in addition to approximately $4 billion in foreign assistance programs in more than 90 countries and an air wing of nearly 200 aircraft. Alex also served as the director of senate affairs in the Bureau of Legislative Affairs.

Prior to her roles in the executive branch, Alex served in the United States Senate for more than a decade for then Senator John Kerry (D-MA). She also served as judiciary counsel, advising during two Supreme Court justice nominations. Costello briefly served as a senior advisor to Massachusetts Senator Mo Cowen before rejoining Secretary Kerry at the U.S. Department of State. Originally from Boston, Alex earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland and her master’s degree from Catholic University.

Pilar Harris

Senior Director - Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability & Government Relations

Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix

Pilar Harris has diverse work experience in various organizations and roles. From 2015 to 2016, they worked as a Project Lead for NYU Steinhardt Summer in South Africa and as a Digital Marketing Assistant for The Urbanization Project at NYU Stern School of Business. In 2016, they joined Tata Communications as a Project Coordinator, where they coordinated a CGI pilot project focused on empowering women through improved access to ICT/telecomms tools. From 2017 to 2018, Harris worked as a Project Coordinator for the Global Sales Organization at LinkedIn, supporting leaders in the Marketing Solutions line of business and driving diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Harris then transitioned to a role as a Strategic Partnerships Lead at The Female Quotient in 2018, managing relationships with Fortune 100 brands to fuel a global thought leadership program focused on gender equality. Harris joined Global Citizen in 2020, first as a Director of Global Partnerships and then as a Senior Director of Global Corporate Partnerships. In these roles, they led partnerships with major brands, overseeing the development of impactful corporate sponsorship programs to end extreme poverty. In 2022, Harris became

U.S. Tourism Opportunities and Challenges at a

Global Level

Head of Partnerships at Lean In, a position they held before joining Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc. as the Sr Director of Corporate Social Responsibility Partnerships for Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc.

Harris pursued their education by completing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Sociology from the University of California, Riverside, between the years 2006 and 2010. Later, from 2014 to 2016, they obtained a Master’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences with a focus on Liberal Studies from New York University.

Virginia Valentine President & CEO, Nevada Resort Association

The Nevada Resort Associations (NRA) is an industry trade association representing Nevada’s resort/ casino industry. The NRA is involved in state and local regulations, lawmaking, and policies affecting gaming.

Valentine was formerly the Chief Executive Officer for Clark County, Nevada. In her position as the County’s Chief Executive Officer, she was charged with carrying out the policies established by the seven-member Board of County Commissioners. She provided administrative oversight for 38 diverse and geographically dispersed departments and agencies (including Reid International Airport, University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, and the Clark County Water Reclamation District). She previously served as an Assistant County Manager and was the Las Vegas City Manager prior to joining the county.

Valentine is a registered professional civil engineer and spent several years of her career working on a variety of wastewater, flood control, and transportation projects for national engineering firms. She was the first Chief Engineer and General Manager of the Clark County Regional Flood Control District and developed all the District’s programs and managed the development of the first master flood control plan for Clark County.

Source: American Gaming Association, National Air Carrier Association, Nevada Resort Association

The State of Data Privacy, Cyber Security, and Artificial Intelligence

OVERVIEW:

Tuesday, September 19, 2023 3:30 p.m.

Option 2

Willard Intercontinental Hotel Crystal Room

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is a community of scholars and supporters committed to expanding liberty, increasing individual opportunity and strengthening free enterprise. AEI pursues these unchanging ideals through independent thinking, open debate, reasoned argument, facts and the highest standards of research and exposition. Without regard for politics or prevailing fashion, they dedicate their work to a more prosperous, safer and more democratic nation and world.

AEI is a private, nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution dedicated to research and education on issues of government, politics, economics and social welfare. AEI’s purpose is to serve leaders and the public through research and education on the most important issues of the day. AEI research is conducted through seven primary research divisions: Economics, Foreign and Defense Policy, Politics and Public Opinion, Education, Health, Energy and the Environment and Society and Culture.

MEETING TOPICS:

Discussion will focus on the growing impact that cyber security has on the national economy and how it is changing the way companies address raising concerns relating to internet security, protection of networks, and payment systems. The conversation will also discuss the impact of cyber security on national security and the role businesses must play in protecting themselves, their employees and clients from hackers that are seeking vulnerabilities in their information systems. Nevada’s employers are not exempt from these challenges associated with cyber security and must take a more active role against one of the largest threats facing businesses today.

Policy conversations will also focus on the growing importance of data privacy at the national level. As a result of Congress taking no action at the federal level, many states are seeing national influence to address data privacy through legislation. During Nevada’s 82nd Legislative Session, there were several bills like Assembly Bill 320 (AB 320) and Senate Bill 370 (SB 370) that sought to impact data privacy policy. AB 320 was an example of overreach to regulate data privacy, that would have required consumers to verify their identity and would hold businesses liable, as an attempt to increase data privacy and internet safety for children. SB 370 was well intentioned and sought to protect consumer health data, however the inclusion of protecting all biometric data, as has been enacted in states such as Illinois, would have exposed businesses across all sectors to massive liability. Data privacy will continue to be a priority for businesses and the Vegas Chamber supports a unified framework to ensure that consumers have their privacy protected, and businesses have the certainty that business can continue to operate unimpeded.

Artificial Intelligence and its role in business will be discussed as well. AI is an emerging tech sector that is seeing explosive growth, that has garnered much news attention and growing concern. Expect to hear about the benefits of generative AI in the workplace and why not to worry about its entrance into Nevada’s workplaces.

SPEAKER:

Shane Tews

Nonresident Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

Shane Tews is a nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where she focuses on cybersecurity issues, including privacy and data protection, next-generation networking (5G), the Internet of Things, international internet governance, digital economic policy, information and communications technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and the metaverse, cryptocurrency and nonfungible tokens, and emerging technologies.

Along with her work at AEI Tews runs Logan Circle Strategies working with her clients to create a coordinated public policy approach to Information Communications and Technology policies and cyber security and cyber governance strategies on a global scale. Additionally, Tew is on the board of directors of the Internet Education Foundation; chair of the Internet Society’s Washington DC chapter, and chair of the board of directors at TechFreedom.

Source: American Enterprise Institute

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

Wednesday, September 20, 2023 Agenda

CAPITOL HILL PHOTO AND CONGRESSIONAL MEETINGS AT THE WILLARD INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL

MORNING SESSION:

Buses depart from the JW Marriott Hotel for Capitol Hill Group Photo

Arrive at Capitol Hill for Photo

Depart for Willard Hotel

Breakfast and Keynote:

America’s New Place-based Industrial Policy and What it Should Mean for Nevada’s Economy and People Willard Intercontinental Hotel, Grand Ballroom 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Break

Meeting with Congresswoman Susie Lee, NV-3

Congressional Meeting

Meeting with Congressman Mark Amodei, NV-2

Meeting with U.S. Senator Cortez Masto, NV

AFTERNOON SESSIONS

I-11 and I-15 Congressional Caucus Luncheon

Meeting with U.S. Senator Rosen, NV

Meeting with Congresswoman Dina Titus, NV-1

Congressional Meeting

Meeting with U.S. Congressman Horsford, NV-4

Open Afternoon and Evening

America’s New Place-based Industrial Policy and What it Should Mean for Nevada’s Economy and People

MEETING TOPICS:

Wednesday, September 20, 2023 9:00 a.m. Willard Intercontinental Hotel Grand Ballroom

In the last several areas, Congress has taken the legislative approach to provide large-scale direct investments to cities and regions that are experiencing uneven economic progress or development. The goal of providing these investments is to strengthen and support the national goals of strengthening domestic supply chains, promoting international economic competitiveness, and mitigating the impacts of climate changes on the economy. It takes into consideration the local needs of employers, employees, and the overall need of the community. This panel will examine why this “place-based industrial policy matters and the economic impact it could have on Nevada.

PANEL MEMBERS:

Yvanna Cancela

Special Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

The White House

Yvanna Cancela is the Special Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor to the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs where she serves as President Biden’s primary liaison to state elected officials.

Previously, she served as the Chief of Staff to former Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, and as the Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the Department of Health and Human Services. She was also the first Latina to serve in the Nevada State Senate, elected to represent the 10th district. Earlier in her career, she served as the political director for the Culinary Workers Union and as executive director of the Immigrant Workers Citizenship Project.

She graduated from Northwestern University and earned her Juris Doctor from the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Miles Dickson

Founder and President, Nevada GrantLab

Miles Dickson is CEO of Nevada GrantLab, a nonprofit he founded in 2020 with a mission to support nonprofits and their government partners to successfully access and administer federal grants that benefit Nevadans and strengthen their organizations.

Prior to GrantLab, Miles was a go-to consultant for local government and nonprofit organizations for more than a decade, and also worked briefly as Chief of Staff to Nevada State Treasurer Zach Conine. Like many southern Nevadans, his first job was in the region’s world class hospitality and tourism sector. Dickson has a Juris Doctorate from the Boyd School of Law and bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs, both at UNLV, and is a graduate of UCLA Anderson School of Management’s Executive Program.

A fourth-generation Las Vegan, Dickson is deeply involved in the community, including serving as Chair of the Board of Directors of Opportunity 180 and previously on the advisory boards of Guinn Center for Policy Priorities, Teach for America Las Vegas Valley, and William S. Boyd School of Law. He is also a proud tribal member of Citizen Potawatomi Nation.

Mark Muro Senior Fellow, Brookings Metro

Mark Muro is a Senior Fellow at Brookings Metro, focusing on the interplay of technology, people, and place as they are altered by positive and negative disruptions.

Muro’s recent work has focused on the embrace by the U.S. federal government of what Muro calls “place-based industrial strategy,” including through the government’s Regional Tech Hubs initiative. This work has drawn on Muro’s work on regional “growth centers,” a strategy by which the nation seeks to unlock innovation and growth in new places across America. Muro’s work on these issues looks closely at the interplay of federal strategy and state and regional delivery. In addition to his national work, Muro’s work with states most recently entailed a reform agenda for Pennsylvania innovation policy.

More broadly, Muro’s research has revolved around the geography of the digital economy, including as it involves the diverging fortunes of “superstar” cities and “places left behind.”

Current work from Muro explores the geography of the AI economy and inclusive tech, building on earlier reports such as: “What jobs are affected by AI?,” “Automation and Artificial Intelligence: How machines are affecting people and places,” and “Digitalization and the American workforce.” Muro has a Master’s of American Studies from University of California, Berkley and a bachelor of arts from Harvard College.

Source: Brookings Metro, Nevada GrantLab, The White House

U.S. Congresswoman Susie Lee (D)

Nevada’s Third Congressional District

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:

• House Committee on Appropriations

• House Committee on Natural Resources

SUBCOMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:

• Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies

• Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

• Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources

• Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations

• Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies

PUBLIC SERVICE:

• Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018

• Superintendent’s Educational Opportunities Advisory Committee

• Guinn Center Board of Directors

• Lincy Institute Education Committee Advisory Board

EDUCATION/ALMA MATER:

• Carnegie-Mellon University

CHILDREN:

• One son

• One daughter

CONGRESSIONAL MEETING TOPICS:

FEDERAL GRANT ALLOCATIONS

• The Vegas Chamber urges federal leadership to increase the equity of competitive and formulaic federal grant allocations, particularly in acute areas of need in Southern Nevada such as education, transportation, tourism, and affordable housing.

PUBLIC LANDS

• The Vegas Chamber is supportive of efforts by Southern Nevada’s local governments to have land transferred from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to Clark County and cities for economic development, education, and transportation projects in our community.

• The Vegas Chamber supports federal legislation that will help with both economic development and conservation efforts in Southern Nevada.

SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

• Along with other states, Nevada saw enormous benefits from federal assistance during the COVID-19 Pandemic recovery. The Vegas Chamber supports further assistance to employers as many continue to adjust their businesses operations with the ongoing challenges associated with the labor shortage, rising prices, supply chain disruptions, and access to capital.

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

• The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA are advocating for Congressional support to secure federal funds for the construction of local and regional transportation projects. These priorities include the completion of I-11 from Las Vegas to Phoenix along with funding enhancements for I-15 between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

• The funding of I-11 is a critical transportation infrastructure component for the further development of the nation’s transportation system. The construction of I-11 would allow for a fully integrated federal highway system in the Southwest.

WATER POLICY

• The ongoing draught conditions within the Colorado River Basin and the impact on Lake Mead is a great concern to economic stability to Southern Nevada.

• Nevada’s allocation of water from the Colorado River of 300,000 acrefeet was reduced by 21,000 acre-feet, but because of the above average precipitation it will remain at “Tier 1” cuts for 2024. This means that 279,000 acre-feet of water will be available from the river in 2024 for Nevada.

• The Vegas Chamber is urging federal leadership to help address the availability and sustainability of the water resources needs of the seven states including Nevada that rely on the Colorado River.

WORKFORCE PRIORITIES

• The Vegas Chamber recognizes that the economy is rapidly changing — as are the needs of employers — and support the delegation’s collective efforts to foster innovative workforce development programs.

YUCCA MOUNTAIN

• The Vegas Chamber continues to oppose the transportation and storage of any nuclear waste in the state because of the potential negative effects it could have on the safety and health of residents and visitors in Southern Nevada.

• To successfully compete for federal resources Nevada needs to build capacity and coordination among local leaders within the public and private sector.

U.S. Congressman Mark Amodei (R)

Nevada’s Second Congressional District

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:

• House Committee on Appropriations

SUBCOMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:

• Subcommittee on Legislative Branch

• Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies

• Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government

PUBLIC SERVICE:

• Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in September 2011 in a special election

• Nevada State Senate from 1998 to 2010

• Nevada State Assembly from 1996 to 1998

EDUCATION/ALMA MATER:

• Carson City High School, Carson City, Nevada

• University of Nevada Reno

• McGeorge Law School

CHILDREN:

• Two daughters

CONGRESSIONAL MEETING TOPICS:

FEDERAL GRANT ALLOCATIONS

• The Vegas Chamber urges federal leadership to increase the equity of competitive and formulaic federal grant allocations, particularly in acute areas of need in Southern Nevada such as education, transportation, tourism, and affordable housing.

PUBLIC LANDS

• The Vegas Chamber is supportive of efforts by Southern Nevada’s local governments to have land transferred from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to Clark County and cities for economic development, education, and transportation projects in our community.

• The Vegas Chamber supports federal legislation that will help with both economic development and conservation efforts in Southern Nevada.

SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

• Along with other states, Nevada saw enormous benefits from federal assistance during the COVID-19 Pandemic recovery. The Vegas Chamber supports further assistance to employers as many continue to adjust their businesses operations with the ongoing challenges associated with the labor shortage, rising prices, supply chain disruptions, and access to capital.

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

• The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA are advocating for Congressional support to secure federal funds for the construction of local and regional transportation projects. These priorities include the completion of I-11 from Las Vegas to Phoenix along with funding enhancements for I-15 between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

• The funding of I-11 is a critical transportation infrastructure component for the further development of the nation’s transportation system. The construction of I-11 would allow for a fully integrated federal highway system in the Southwest.

WATER POLICY

• The ongoing draught conditions within the Colorado River Basin and the impact on Lake Mead is a great concern to economic stability to Southern Nevada.

• Nevada’s allocation of water from the Colorado River of 300,000 acrefeet was reduced by 21,000 acre-feet, but because of the above average precipitation it will remain at “Tier 1” cuts for 2024. This means that 279,000 acre-feet of water will be available from the river in 2024 for Nevada.

• The Vegas Chamber is urging federal leadership to help address the availability and sustainability of the water resources needs of the seven states including Nevada that rely on the Colorado River.

WORKFORCE PRIORITIES

• The Vegas Chamber recognizes that the economy is rapidly changing — as are the needs of employers — and support the delegation’s collective efforts to foster innovative workforce development programs.

YUCCA MOUNTAIN

• The Vegas Chamber continues to oppose the transportation and storage of any nuclear waste in the state because of the potential negative effects it could have on the safety and health of residents and visitors in Southern Nevada.

• To successfully compete for federal resources Nevada needs to build capacity and coordination among local leaders within the public and private sector.

U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D)

Nevada

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:

• Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

• Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

• Committee on Finance

• Committee on Indian Affairs

SUBCOMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:

• Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection

• Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development

• Subcommittee on National Security and International Trade and Finance

• Subcommittee on Energy

• Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining (Chairman)

• Subcommittee on Water and Power

• Subcommittee on Health Care

• Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness

• Subcommittee on Energy, Natural Resources, and Infrastructure

PUBLIC SERVICE:

• Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016

• Served as Attorney General of Nevada from 2007 to 2015

EDUCATION:

• University of Nevada, Reno

• Gonzaga University School of Law

SPOUSE:

• Paul Masto

CONGRESSIONAL MEETING TOPICS:

FEDERAL GRANT ALLOCATIONS

• The Vegas Chamber urges federal leadership to increase the equity of competitive and formulaic federal grant allocations, particularly in acute areas of need in Southern Nevada such as education, transportation, tourism, and affordable housing.

PUBLIC LANDS

• The Vegas Chamber is supportive of efforts by Southern Nevada’s local governments to have land transferred from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to Clark County and cities for economic development, education, and transportation projects in our community.

• The Vegas Chamber supports federal legislation that will help with both economic development and conservation efforts in Southern Nevada.

SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

• Along with other states, Nevada saw enormous benefits from federal assistance during the COVID-19 Pandemic recovery. The Vegas Chamber supports further assistance to employers as many continue to adjust their businesses operations with the ongoing challenges associated with the labor shortage, rising prices, supply chain disruptions, and access to capital.

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

• The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA are advocating for Congressional support to secure federal funds for the construction of local and regional transportation projects. These priorities include the completion of I-11 from Las Vegas to Phoenix along with funding enhancements for I-15 between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

• The funding of I-11 is a critical transportation infrastructure component for the further development of the nation’s transportation system. The construction of I-11 would allow for a fully integrated federal highway system in the Southwest.

WATER POLICY

• The ongoing draught conditions within the Colorado River Basin and the impact on Lake Mead is a great concern to economic stability to Southern Nevada.

• Nevada’s allocation of water from the Colorado River of 300,000 acrefeet was reduced by 21,000 acre-feet, but because of the above average precipitation it will remain at “Tier 1” cuts for 2024. This means that 279,000 acre-feet of water will be available from the river in 2024 for Nevada.

• The Vegas Chamber is urging federal leadership to help address the availability and sustainability of the water resources needs of the seven states including Nevada that rely on the Colorado River.

WORKFORCE PRIORITIES

• The Vegas Chamber recognizes that the economy is rapidly changing — as are the needs of employers — and support the delegation’s collective efforts to foster innovative workforce development programs.

YUCCA MOUNTAIN

• The Vegas Chamber continues to oppose the transportation and storage of any nuclear waste in the state because of the potential negative effects it could have on the safety and health of residents and visitors in Southern Nevada.

• To successfully compete for federal resources Nevada needs to build capacity and coordination among local leaders within the public and private sector.

I-11 and I-15 Congressional Caucus Luncheon

MEETING TOPICS:

Wednesday, September 20, 2023 12:00 p.m.

Willard Intercontinental Hotel Grand Ballroom

Transportation infrastructure is one of the most important factors to consider in effective economic development and job creation. During this panel discussion, representatives from federal, state, and local transportation entities will discuss the importance of multi-state transportation infrastructure and corridor management along with priorities and needs within Nevada. This includes how federal transportation initiatives can impact transportation major routes in Southern Nevada such as Interstate 11 (I-11) and Interstate 15 (I-15).

PANEL MEMBERS:

Trevor Dean

Senior Policy Advisor for Transportation and Technology and Director of Government Investment, Office of United States Senator Catherine Cortez Masto

Dean has more than ten years of experience developing legislative and political strategies on campaigns, Capitol Hill, and within the Federal Government and has deep experience in transportation policy. Before joining Senator Cortez Masto’s staff, Trevor served the Obama Administration’s Department of Transportation in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Federal Railroad Administration.

Tracy Larkin Thomason Director, Nevada Department of Transportation

Tracy Larkin Thomason was appointed in January as the Director of the Nevada Department of Transportation by the Transportation Board of Directors. Retiring in 2021 as Deputy Director, Director Larkin Thomason brings over 30 years of extensive knowledge of the Department of Transportation’s operations through administration, management, and technical roles throughout the agency.

Larkin Thomason also brings a national perspective and has a deep understanding of the federal funding process as well as proven leadership capability. For the past two years, Larkin Thomason has been working for the Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITSA), developing a national nonprofit organization program department, and initiating a growing statewide smart and connected infrastructure applications. She is a transportation innovator, applying her unique and diverse experience in visionary leadership, industry collaboration, and strategic planning to advance a future transportation network that benefits all.

Larkin Thomason received her MBA and her B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno. She is a Certified Public Manager, a Professional Traffic Operations Engineer, and holds a license as a Registered Professional Engineer in Nevada.

MJ Maynard

CEO, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada

As Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC), M.J. Maynard is a master of connectivity – connecting 2.2 million Nevadans to economic, educational, and recreational opportunities and more than 43 million tourists to one-of-a-kind attractions in the entertainment capital of the world. She leads the only agency nationwide that is responsible for a region’s public transit system, traffic management, roadway design and construction funding, and transportation and overall planning efforts – all under one roof.

Maynard joined the RTC in February 2007 and served as Assistant General Manager of Administrative

continued...

Services and later as Deputy Chief Executive Officer prior to leading the agency. In these roles, M.J. and her extensive team managed a budget of more than $367 million annually and oversaw one of the nation’s most efficient bus mode-only transit service operations. During her history with agency, she has launched several groundbreaking initiatives including on-demand mobility options; the rideRTC smartphone app; and a massive transit safety expansion project.

Maynard worked in Las Vegas’ bustling hospitality industry for more than 25 years prior to joining the RTC, where she served as Vice President for Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for more than a decade.

Sarah Watterson President, Brightline West

As President of Brightline West, Sarah Watterson is responsible for all aspects of business development and delivery for Brightline West, including the transit-oriented development and rail infrastructure strategy, design and execution. She was most recently the Head of Development at Florida East Coast Industries, a multi-faceted real estate and transportation company headquartered in South Florida. Sarah has been employed by Fortress Investment Group or its affiliates in various leadership capacities since 2011.

Previously, Watterson was the CEO of Drive Shack (NYSE:DS), an owner and operator of 75+ golf courses. During her time at Drive Shack, she internalized the management of the company, converted the company from a REIT to an operating company and built out a new business line, called Drive Shack, which nationally develops and operates 10+ acre technology driven entertainment driving range facilities. Watterson helped lead the acquisition, ownership syndication and restructuring of the Milwaukee Bucks for Fortress owner, Wes Edens, and co-owner, Marc Lasry. Following the acquisition of the team, Watterson moved to Milwaukee to work on the development of a 725,000 SF arena and 20 acres of surrounding mixed-use development.

Prior to her time in Milwaukee, Watterson was on the Private Equity team at Fortress Investment Group. She began her career at Goldman Sachs in the Sales & Trading Division. Watterson graduated summa cum laude from Cornell University with a degree in Applied Economics and Management.

Source: Brightline West, Nevada Department of Transportation, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, United States Senate, U.S. Department of Transportation

U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D) Nevada

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:

• Committee on Armed Services

• Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation

• Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

• Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship

SUBCOMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:

• Subcommittee on Cybersecurity

• Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities

• Subcommittee on Strategic Forces

• Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation

• Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband

• Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Promotion (Chairman)

• Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Spending Oversight

PUBLIC SERVICE:

• Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2018

• Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2016

EDUCATION/ALMA MATER:

• University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

• College of Southern Nevada

CHILDREN:

• One daughter

CONGRESSIONAL MEETING TOPICS:

FEDERAL GRANT ALLOCATIONS

• The Vegas Chamber urges federal leadership to increase the equity of competitive and formulaic federal grant allocations, particularly in acute areas of need in Southern Nevada such as education, transportation, tourism, and affordable housing.

PUBLIC LANDS

• The Vegas Chamber is supportive of efforts by Southern Nevada’s local governments to have land transferred from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to Clark County and cities for economic development, education, and transportation projects in our community.

• The Vegas Chamber supports federal legislation that will help with both economic development and conservation efforts in Southern Nevada.

SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

• Along with other states, Nevada saw enormous benefits from federal assistance during the COVID-19 Pandemic recovery. The Vegas Chamber supports further assistance to employers as many continue to adjust their businesses operations with the ongoing challenges associated with the labor shortage, rising prices, supply chain disruptions, and access to capital.

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

• The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA are advocating for Congressional support to secure federal funds for the construction of local and regional transportation projects. These priorities include the completion of I-11 from Las Vegas to Phoenix along with funding enhancements for I-15 between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

• The funding of I-11 is a critical transportation infrastructure component for the further development of the nation’s transportation system. The construction of I-11 would allow for a fully integrated federal highway system in the Southwest.

WATER POLICY

• The ongoing draught conditions within the Colorado River Basin and the impact on Lake Mead is a great concern to economic stability to Southern Nevada.

• Nevada’s allocation of water from the Colorado River of 300,000 acrefeet was reduced by 21,000 acre-feet, but because of the above average precipitation it will remain at “Tier 1” cuts for 2024. This means that 279,000 acre-feet of water will be available from the river in 2024 for Nevada.

• The Vegas Chamber is urging federal leadership to help address the availability and sustainability of the water resources needs of the seven states including Nevada that rely on the Colorado River.

WORKFORCE PRIORITIES

• The Vegas Chamber recognizes that the economy is rapidly changing — as are the needs of employers — and support the delegation’s collective efforts to foster innovative workforce development programs.

YUCCA MOUNTAIN

• The Vegas Chamber continues to oppose the transportation and storage of any nuclear waste in the state because of the potential negative effects it could have on the safety and health of residents and visitors in Southern Nevada.

• To successfully compete for federal resources Nevada needs to build capacity and coordination among local leaders within the public and private sector.

U.S. Congresswoman Dina Titus (D)

Nevada’s First Congressional District

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:

• House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

• House Committee on Foreign Affairs

• House Committee on Homeland Security

SUBCOMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:

• Subcommittee on Europe

• Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability

• Subcommittee on Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence

• Subcommittee on Aviation

• Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management

• Subcommittee on Highways and Transit

PUBLIC SERVICE:

• Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 to represent Nevada’s First Congressional District

• Previously elected to the House Representatives in 2008 representing Nevada’s Third Congressional District for one-term

• Nevada State Senate from 1988 to 2008

• Minority Leader, Nevada State Senate from 1993 to 2008

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor of Science from the College of William and Mary Master’s degree from the University of Georgia

• Doctorate degree at Florida State University Gonzaga University School of Law

SPOUSE:

• Dr. Tom Wright

CONGRESSIONAL MEETING TOPICS:

FEDERAL GRANT ALLOCATIONS

• The Vegas Chamber urges federal leadership to increase the equity of competitive and formulaic federal grant allocations, particularly in acute areas of need in Southern Nevada such as education, transportation, tourism, and affordable housing.

PUBLIC LANDS

• The Vegas Chamber is supportive of efforts by Southern Nevada’s local governments to have land transferred from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to Clark County and cities for economic development, education, and transportation projects in our community.

• The Vegas Chamber supports federal legislation that will help with both economic development and conservation efforts in Southern Nevada.

SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

• Along with other states, Nevada saw enormous benefits from federal assistance during the COVID-19 Pandemic recovery. The Vegas Chamber supports further assistance to employers as many continue to adjust their businesses operations with the ongoing challenges associated with the labor shortage, rising prices, supply chain disruptions, and access to capital.

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

• The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA are advocating for Congressional support to secure federal funds for the construction of local and regional transportation projects. These priorities include the completion of I-11 from Las Vegas to Phoenix along with funding enhancements for I-15 between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

• The funding of I-11 is a critical transportation infrastructure component for the further development of the nation’s transportation system. The construction of I-11 would allow for a fully integrated federal highway system in the Southwest.

WATER POLICY

• The ongoing draught conditions within the Colorado River Basin and the impact on Lake Mead is a great concern to economic stability to Southern Nevada.

• Nevada’s allocation of water from the Colorado River of 300,000 acrefeet was reduced by 21,000 acre-feet, but because of the above average precipitation it will remain at “Tier 1” cuts for 2024. This means that 279,000 acre-feet of water will be available from the river in 2024 for Nevada.

• The Vegas Chamber is urging federal leadership to help address the availability and sustainability of the water resources needs of the seven states including Nevada that rely on the Colorado River.

WORKFORCE PRIORITIES

• The Vegas Chamber recognizes that the economy is rapidly changing — as are the needs of employers — and support the delegation’s collective efforts to foster innovative workforce development programs.

YUCCA MOUNTAIN

• The Vegas Chamber continues to oppose the transportation and storage of any nuclear waste in the state because of the potential negative effects it could have on the safety and health of residents and visitors in Southern Nevada.

• To successfully compete for federal resources Nevada needs to build capacity and coordination among local leaders within the public and private sector.

U.S. Congressman Steve Horsford (D)

Nevada’s Fourth Congressional District

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:

• House Committee on Financial Services

• House Committee on Armed Services

SUBCOMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS:

• Subcommittee on Military Personnel

• Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance

• Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations

• Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces

PUBLIC SERVICE:

• Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and 2018

• Majority Leader, Nevada State Senate from 2009 to 2013

• Nevada State Senate from 2004 to 2013

EDUCATION/ALMA MATER:

• Ed W. Clark High School, Las Vegas

• University of Nevada, Reno

CHILDREN:

• Two daughters

CONGRESSIONAL MEETING TOPICS

FEDERAL GRANT ALLOCATIONS

• The Vegas Chamber urges federal leadership to increase the equity of competitive and formulaic federal grant allocations, particularly in acute areas of need in Southern Nevada such as education, transportation, tourism, and affordable housing.

PUBLIC LANDS

• The Vegas Chamber is supportive of efforts by Southern Nevada’s local governments to have land transferred from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to Clark County and cities for economic development, education, and transportation projects in our community.

• The Vegas Chamber supports federal legislation that will help with both economic development and conservation efforts in Southern Nevada.

SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

• Along with other states, Nevada saw enormous benefits from federal assistance during the COVID-19 Pandemic recovery. The Vegas Chamber supports further assistance to employers as many continue to adjust their businesses operations with the ongoing challenges associated with the labor shortage, rising prices, supply chain disruptions, and access to capital.

TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

• The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA are advocating for Congressional support to secure federal funds for the construction of local and regional transportation projects. These priorities include the completion of I-11 from Las Vegas to Phoenix along with funding enhancements for I-15 between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

• The funding of I-11 is a critical transportation infrastructure component for the further development of the nation’s transportation system. The construction of I-11 would allow for a fully integrated federal highway system in the Southwest.

WATER POLICY

• The ongoing draught conditions within the Colorado River Basin and the impact on Lake Mead is a great concern to economic stability to Southern Nevada.

• Nevada’s allocation of water from the Colorado River of 300,000 acrefeet was reduced by 21,000 acre-feet, but because of the above average precipitation it will remain at “Tier 1” cuts for 2024. This means that 279,000 acre-feet of water will be available from the river in 2024 for Nevada.

• The Vegas Chamber is urging federal leadership to help address the availability and sustainability of the water resources needs of the seven states including Nevada that rely on the Colorado River.

WORKFORCE PRIORITIES

• The Vegas Chamber recognizes that the economy is rapidly changing — as are the needs of employers — and support the delegation’s collective efforts to foster innovative workforce development programs.

YUCCA MOUNTAIN

• The Vegas Chamber continues to oppose the transportation and storage of any nuclear waste in the state because of the potential negative effects it could have on the safety and health of residents and visitors in Southern Nevada.

• To successfully compete for federal resources Nevada needs to build capacity and coordination among local leaders within the public and private sector.

Thursday, September 21, 2023 Agenda

POLICY MEETINGS AT THE JW MARRIOT HOTEL AND NEVADA STATE DINNER GALA AT THE CONRAD HOTEL

MORNING SESSION:

Breakfast and Keynote: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Political Affairs Perspective with Sarah Armstrong, Vice President and Managing Director, Federation Relations and Grassroots Advocacy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce at the Ballroom

JW Marriott Salons III & IV 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Bridging the Housing Gap: Affordable Housing Solutions

10:30 a.m.

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Positioning Nevada at the National Level for Economic Development Success

Break

Sustainability of Recycling: Enabling Circularity at Scale

AFTERNOON SESSIONS

The Future of American Politics and the 2024 Election Luncheon

Open Afternoon

EVENING PROGRAMME

Shuttle departs from the JW Marriott to the Conrad Hotel 950 New York Ave, NW

Nevada State Dinner Gala Cocktail Reception at the Conrad Washington, D.C. Hotel, Gallery 950 New York Ave, NW

Nevada State Dinner Gala at the Conrad Washington, D.C. Hotel, Grand Ballroom 950 New York Ave, NW

Breakfast and Keynote: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Political Affairs Perspective

OVERVIEW:

Thursday, September 21, 2023

9:00 a.m.

JW Marriott Hotel Salon III & IV

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization, representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions. Members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce range from mom-and-pop shops and local chambers to leading industry associations and large corporations.

The fundamental activity of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is to develop and implement policy on major issues affecting business. The U.S Chamber advocates for pro-business policies that create jobs and grow the economy. Key issues range from smart tax policy and regulatory relief to legal reform and trade promotion.

The U.S. Chamber works with more than 1,500 volunteers from member corporations, organizations and the academic community who serve on committees, subcommittees, task forces and councils to develop and implement policy on major issues affecting business.

MEETING TOPICS:

Attendees will receive an overview of policy priorities and political objectives with the Biden Administration and Congress, the upcoming 2022 Midterm Election and the emerging issues that will impact the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives races.

Discussion will also focus on the overall federal political strategy of the US Chamber, developing and implementing policy on major issues affecting business, and how to manage effective advocacy initiatives and programs.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

Sarah Armstrong

Vice President and Managing Director, Federation Relations and Grassroots Advocacy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Sara Armstrong serves as the Vice President and Managing Director, Federation Relations and Grassroots Advocacy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She guides the Chamber’s national political efforts and election- related activities and directs outreach efforts to the grassroots and the federation of trade associations and chambers across the country.

Previously, Armstrong served as chief of staff at the Republican National Committee (RNC) after leading the 58th Presidential Inaugural Committee as chief executive officer. Before that, she was vice president of the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Armstrong served at the RNC as chief operating officer for the 2014 election cycle and as deputy chief of staff during the 2012 presidential election cycle.

She is also a former RNC director of member services. Armstrong was a special assistant to President George W. Bush and deputy chief of staff to first lady Laura Bush and served in the Bush administration as director of the White House Visitors Office.

Armstrong resides in Alexandria, Virginia, with her husband, David. She was raised in Texas and South Carolina and received both her B.S. and M.B.A. degrees from the University of South Carolina.

Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Bridging the Housing Gap: Affordable Housing Solutions

MEETING TOPICS:

Thursday, September 21, 2023

10:00 a.m.

JW Marriott Hotel Salon III & IV

Panel members will talk about why affordable housing is essential to maintaining a healthy and robust economy and the efforts by the private sector and governmental entities to address this growing policy concern across the nation. The discussion will also focus on national trends as it relates to affordability, access, and challenges in today’s housing marketing and how employers can play an important role in developing workforce housing solutions. These panel members will also examine policy solutions that best address challenges and barriers to affordable housing options such as employers’ ability to attract employees, affect employee’s productivity, and quality of life.

PANEL MEMBERS:

Zach Conine

Treasurer, State of Nevada

Zach Conine currently serves as Nevada’s 23rd State Treasurer. Elected on November 6th, 2018, As Treasurer, Conine leads a team of more than 45 professionals that are responsible for investing the State’s and many local governments’ money, financing community assets and facilities, processing payments for public agencies and collecting and returning unclaimed property.

Additionally, Conine is responsible for Nevada College Savings Plans and administration of numerous scholarship programs and other services. Conine serves as a member of the State Board of Finance and the Executive Branch Audit Committee. Conine serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the College Savings Plans of Nevada and the Nevada State Infrastructure Bank.

Prior to serving as State Treasurer, Conine built a successful business career in the gaming, finance, and consulting sectors. As co-founder of a consulting business, he has helped dozens of small and medium sized businesses expand, increase efficiencies, and decrease expenses. In doing so, he assisted in the creation and preservation of more than 3,000 jobs in Nevada. Conine graduated with a B.A. from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and holds a J.D. from the from UNLV’s William S. Boyd School of Law. He and his wife Layke are happily raising their daughter Ruby, twin sons Rutherford and Theodore, and two dogs, Democracy and Liberty.

Richard Monocchio

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Public and Indian Housing, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Appointed to serve as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of HUD’s Office of Public and Indian Housing, Richard J. Monocchio has dedicated his professional career to public service. Known for his ability to get things done, he has served in several city government capacities for the City of Chicago as Buildings Commissioner, Aviation Chief of Staff, and First Deputy Housing Commissioner. He has also worked on the federal level, serving in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under the Clinton Administration. Prior to that, he served as senior advisor to the late U.S. Rep. George E. Sangmeister.

In 2011, Monocchio was appointed Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC), where he continued to advocate for safe, affordable housing. The Housing Authority of Cook County is the second largest housing authority in Illinois with more than 2,100 HACC-owned units and over 17,000 households served through its rental assistance programs. Monocchio is affiliated with numerous civic and community organizations. He is a vice-chair to the non-profit Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County (CEDA) and serves on the Cook County Workforce and Cook County Land Bank Boards.

He has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and has two sons, Nathaniel and Nicholas.

Audra Hamernik

President & CEO, Nevada HAND

Audra Hamernik is the President and CEO of Nevada HAND in Las Vegas, NV. Over the past 30 years, she has been an industry leader in real estate, financial services, social impact investing and lending, and business leadership in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. She came to Nevada HAND from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) where she served as Executive Director, leading a 300-person team that financed over $18 billion in asset-based loans leading to the creation of over 250,000 units of affordable housing.

Prior to her time at IHDA, Audra founded and served as Principal of A. Hamernik & Associates, Inc., leading the company’s development in affordable housing finance. Audra has also served as Executive Director of Bluestem Housing Partners, a nonprofit housing developer. She is a member of the CEO Exchange, an appointee for the Nevada Housing Advisory Committee, an appointee for the Advisory Council of Federal Assistance, serves on the Legislative Committee of the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition, a member of the Vegas Chamber’s Executive Women’s Council, a member of the National Association of Homebuilders Affordable Housing Steering Committee, a Board Member of the Nevada Housing Coalition, and a Board Member of the Southern Nevada Homelessness Continuum of Care.

Stockton Williams

Executive Director, National Council for State Housing Agencies

Stockton Williams was appointed Executive Director in March 2018. He leads NCSHA’s wide-ranging efforts to advocate and strengthen the central role of state housing finance agencies in the nation’s housing system. Stockton has held senior leadership positions in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors throughout a career dedicated to expanding housing opportunities. He has been an advisor to local communities across the U.S., an author of original research, and a commentator in the media on real estate and economic development issues.

Stockton was previously Executive Vice President of Content and Executive Director of the Terwilliger Center for Housing at the Urban Land Institute (ULI). Before that he was Managing Principal of HR&A Advisors’ Washington, D.C., office. Stockton previously served as Senior Advisor in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Energy. He has also held senior leadership positions at Enterprise Community Partners, Living Cities, and with an affordable housing developer.

Stockton earned a master’s degree in real estate development from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in religion from Princeton University.

Source: National Council of State Housing Agencies, Nevada HAND, Nevada State Treasurer, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Positioning Nevada at the National Level for Economic Development Success

MEETING TOPICS:

Thursday, September 21, 2023

10:30 a.m.

JW Marriott Hotel Salon III & IV

Economic development is essential to the success of any economy. The reality is an economy that competes effectively can attract investments and broaden the scope of supply chains, all while achieving sustainable expansion in employment opportunities. This leads to enhancements in wages and an elevation in the overall quality of life. The panel will discuss the economic approaches that both the nation and Nevada are currently embracing to stimulate innovation and enhance productivity.

PANEL MEMBERS:

Paul Anderson

Senior Vice President of Industry and Government Affairs for Boyd Gaming

Paul Anderson is Senior Vice President of Industry and Government Affairs for Boyd Gaming, one of the nation’s largest casino entertainment companies. In this role, Anderson oversees Boyd Gaming’s government relations initiatives across the country. Anderson also has day-to-day oversight of Boyd’s industry affairs and corporate communications functions.

Prior to joining Boyd Gaming in 2019, Anderson had a distinguished career as an elected official in the state of Nevada. First elected to the Nevada State Assembly in 2012, Anderson served as Assembly Majority Leader and Chair of the Ways and Means Committee in the 2015-2016 session. In that role, Anderson worked with Governor Brian Sandoval to pass critical educational and economic reform legislation. He later led legislative special sessions that secured funding for Raiders Stadium, the expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center, and the Tesla Gigafactory.

After leaving the legislature in 2017, Anderson served as Executive Director of the Governor’s Office for Economic Development (Nevada GOED), the state agency tasked with diversifying Nevada’s economy through the recruitment of new companies and industries. Previous to joining GOED, Paul was president and founder of AndersonPC, a multimillion-dollar IT services company with clients across the western United States.

In addition to his role at Boyd Gaming, Anderson currently serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Vegas Chamber of Commerce.

Tom Burns

Executive Director, Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development

Tom Burns was appointed as the Executive Director of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development in January 2023 by Governor Joseph Lombardo. Burns was previously with Cragin & Pike, an insurance company in Las Vegas. Burns joined Cragin & Pike in 1991, became a shareholder in 1998 and served as President from 2010 to 2022. He started his career as a Certified Public Accountant with Deloitte and subsequently was the Assistant Corporate Controller at United Gaming, the predecessor of Bally Gaming Technologies. A graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, he has also served as the Chair of the Vegas Chamber

Michael Brown

Fellow, The Lincy Institute, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Michael Brown is an American business leader and public policy specialist with four decades of experience in Washington, DC, and various states, notably Nevada. He is the former President of Barrick Gold of North America and served in two state cabinet posts in the Administration of Governor Steve Sisolak of Nevada. Brown is currently a Fellow at The Lincy Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he is focused on issues in Government Modernization, Economic Development, and implementing UNLV’s Top Tier 2.0 strategic plan.

From 2019 to 2023, Brown held two cabinet posts in the Administration of Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak: leading regulatory and housing programs as Director of the Department of Business & Industry and later coordinating the economic policy agenda as the Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. Brown was a principal leader in Nevada’s response to the Covid pandemic. Brown began a career at Canadian-based Barrick Gold Corporation in 1994, where he held various positions in the United States with special assignments in Argentina, Peru, and Tanzania.

Brown is deeply engaged in civic affairs in Nevada, where his board service has included the Council for a Better Nevada, Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, Public Education Foundation, the Nature Conservancy, Opportunity Village, Three Square Food Bank, and Nevada Ballet Theatre. In Virginia, he is a past president of the Del Ray Citizens Association of Alexandria and a former officer with the Capital Rowing Club. He is a Steward of the San Diego Crew Classic.

Brown holds a Bachelor of Science from Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University and a Master of Business Administration from George Washington University. He has an Associate of Arts degree from the Lorain County Community College, where he sponsors a leadership program for first-generation college students. Mr. Brown lives in Alexandria, VA, and Henderson, NV.

Betsy Fretwel

Founder & Principal Consultant, C4ward Strategies

Betsy Fretwel has over 30 years of experience working in leadership roles in both the public and private sectors in Southern Nevada. Her wide-ranging experiences as a public-sector CEO/City Manager and as a private sector executive notably position her to provide valuable leadership in a variety of settings. She is widely recognized as a business, community and civic leader and has served in a variety of leadership roles on non-profit boards in Southern Nevada and on State appointed committees. Fretwell is a published author in several professional journals and is a sought-after speaker, moderator, and panel participant.

Most recently, Fretwell established C4WARD STRATEGIES LTD, an independent consulting firm, specializing in management, government, and technology consulting, executive development, business development, program management and strategic advisory services.

She worked for Switch (an IT infrastructure ecosystem and data center company) for over 5 years. Fretwell served as Executive Vice President of Strategy leading efforts in government affairs, public sector business development, mergers and acquisitions, strategic initiatives, and emerging technologies. Prior to working for Switch, Fretwell retired from the City of Las Vegas, the nation’s 25th largest city, after 17 years and served as the second-longest serving City Manager in the city’s history, from 2009 to 2017. She also served as the Executive Director of the Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency charged with the economic revitalization of downtown Las Vegas. Under Fretwell’s leadership, the city built a new City Hall, attracted the corporate headquarters of Zappos.com, Inc. to downtown, completed The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, completed the MOB museum, and attracted the new UNLV Medical School to the City’s Medical District. As a change leader, Betsy developed the Innovation District in downtown Las Vegas to test game-changing technologies in a live environment, hosting the first real-time autonomous shuttle in the U.S.

Fretwell’s prior work experience includes providing government relations, lobbying, strategic planning, organizational development, process improvement and special projects management at both the City of Henderson from 1998-2000 and Clark County from 1991-1998.

Fretwell is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration. She completed the Harvard University Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program in 2007. She is a fellow of the National Academy of Public Administration. Betsy serves on the Board of Directors for The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Nevada Grant Lab, MountainView Hospital, Desert Research Institute Foundation, Las Vegas Events and the Board of Directors and Executive Committees for both the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance and the Vegas Chamber. She is an emeritus board member of Nevada Public Radio.

Source: Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, U.S. Economic Development Administration

Sustainability of Recycling: Enabling Circularity at Scale

MEETING TOPICS:

Thursday, September 21, 2023

11:30 a.m.

JW Marriott Hotel Salon III & IV

This panel will focus on the importance of environmental sustainability and how it relates to national initiatives towards plastics, recycling, and circularity as it relates to the business community. The panel will also discuss how regulatory policy impacts recycling and Minimum Content Standards for items such as plastic and paper goods and the requirements to increase postconsumer recycled content. It will explore how environmental services can support a business’ goal to mean the environmental and recycling goals.

PANEL MEMBERS:

Anne Germain

Chief Operating Officer & Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, National Waste & Recycling Association

Anne Germain is the Chief Operating Officer & Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs for the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) responsible for establishing and implementing strategies for recycling, landfilling, and sustainability. She has over 30 years in the industry that includes extensive background in analysis of industry trends, contracting, engineering, operations and compliance.

Prior to joining NWRA, Germain was Chief Engineer with the Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA). Anne is a Past President of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) and is a trusteeat-large for the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists (AAEES). She is a professional engineer and a Board Certified Environmental Engineer with a Master in Civil Engineering from the University of Delaware and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech. In 2020, she was recognized by MSW Management with their legacy award and in 2023, she was named to the inaugural class of Waste360’s 2023 Women Who Inspire.

Pete Keller

Vice President, Recycling and Sustainability, Republic Services

Pete Keller is Vice President of Recycling and Sustainability at Republic Services, a leader in the environmental services industry. Keller oversees the company’s sustainability platform, which includes implementation of initiatives and solutions that support circularity and decarbonization and help customers meet their own sustainability goals. During Keller’s tenure, Republic Services has been recognized on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for seven consecutive years and consistently listed among Barron’s Most Sustainable Companies. Keller has worked for Republic Services for nearly 25 years and holds a degree in civil engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Tim Oudman

Vice President, Innovation and Business Development, Republic Services

Tim Oudman is Vice President of Innovation and Business Development for Republic Services, a leader in the environmental services industry. Oudman is responsible for the development of the company’s renewable energy business, development and operation of the company’s plastics circularity businesses, and the company’s emerging business growth platform. Oudman leads Republic’s joint ventures, including one with BP to develop the nation’s largest Renewable Natural Gas portfolio build-out to date, and another with Ravago called Blue Polymers, which produces post-consumer resin for sustainable packaging.

Oudman joined Republic Services in 1997 and has previously served in corporate strategy roles and field operating roles such Area President, Market Vice President and General Manager. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Indiana University and an MBA from Purdue University. Oudman sits on the Board of Directors for SmarterX, a product data and intelligence company that empowers sustainable decision making for retailers.

Bryant Thornton

Market Vice President Southwest Area, Republic Services

Bryant Thornton is the Market Vice President for Republic Services in Las Vegas, NV, responsible for driving daily business operations and developing future talent while helping the communities he serves to create a more sustainable environment in Southern Nevada.

Thornton joined the industry in 1997 as a residential driver and has held positions of increasing responsibility. After a long, successful career with Waste Management, Mr. Thornton joined Republic Services in 2009. Since joining Republic Services, Mr. Thornton has held numerous roles of increasing responsibility.

Thornton is committed to serving his community by volunteering as a Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary State Trooper for more than 29 years. Mr. Thornton enjoys giving back to the community and is an active Southern Nevada Red Cross Board Member. In addition, Mr. Thornton serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Las Vegas Economic Alliance, the Board of Trustees with the Vegas Chamber, the Board of Directors with the Nevada Trucking Association, and a member of the Volunteer Law Enforcement Alliance. Thornton is a University of Phoenix Bachelor of Science in Business Management graduate.

Source: National Waste & Recycling Association, Republic Services

The Future of American Politics and the 2024 Election Luncheon

OVERVIEW:

Thursday, September 21, 2023 12:00 p.m.

Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck is a full-service lobbying, public policy and legal representation practice that helps companies, associations, nonprofits, and other organizations interpret federal government actions, solve challenges, and seize opportunities through interaction with government officials.

Their work includes legislative consulting, lobbying, policy development, public relations strategy, political messaging, and representation in front of the Congress, federal agencies, and regulatory bodies. With seasoned government relations professionals in every office, Brownstein provides comprehensive service at the federal, state, and local levels throughout the country.

MEETING TOPICS:

A bipartisan and bicameral panel of DC insiders from Brownstein will discuss the upcoming mid-term elections, the impact on Nevada and the country and their own crystal ball projections. This panel will discuss many of today’s political topics and share their perspective ahead of the 2024 Presidential Elections. How much sway does former President Donald Trump still have on the elections, do the recent legislative victories of President Jospeh Biden bolster his re-election, or is this an election driven by local and regional issues? What will Congress look like next year, and what issues are most likely to be debated in 2024?

PANEL MEMBERS:

Mark Begich

Strategic Advisor and Counsel, Brownstein

Mark Begich brings a distinguished career in public service with decades of experience as an entrepreneur to provide strategic counsel that impacts business growth. Begich represented Alaska in the U.S. Senate from 2009 to 2015 after serving as mayor of Anchorage for six years. He was regarded by colleagues on Capitol Hill for his collegiality and solutions-oriented approach to governing. It is those qualities that built his vast bipartisan network, which spans from senior leaders in Congress to highranking officials in the Biden administration.

Now, Begich provides Brownstein clients with insight into what makes local, state and federal policymakers “tick,” and he develops messaging that tracks closely with policymakers’ thinking. Begich was a fierce advocate for the priorities of Alaskans during his time in office, and he knows how to balance competing interests in Washington, D.C. and in state capitals to build consensus on policy issues related to natural resources, energy, climate, trade, transportation, tourism, education, health care and housing. When clients find themselves at the center of unwanted attention, Begich devises strategies that neutralize crisis situations.

A business owner by age 14, Begich currently employees approximately 200 people from his ventures across the United States. His passion for entrepreneurship is evident to his clients; Begich enjoys learning about their technologies and brands so that he can best advise on how government can advance their growth.

Will Dunham

Policy Director, Brownstein

Will Dunham served for seven years as Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy’s (R-CA) top policy director and liaison to House committees, the Senate and executive branch, through every type of political terrain—House majority and minority, and Democrat and Republican administrations.

JW Marriott Hotel Salon III & IV

As the lead House Republican staffer in bipartisan, bicameral negotiations, Dunham developed a deep understanding of the legislative process. His negotiating experience spans from perennial NDAA and appropriations endgames, to crisis legislation including emergency COVID packages, to more granular issues like international sanctions and California water issues. Drawing from these case studies, his intuition and expertise helps clients sort between advocacy strategies that just make noise and those that make law.

During his more than 13 years in Congress, Dunham also served as executive director to now-House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) at the Republican Study Committee, where he worked to provide tools to over 160 Republican House members to craft, analyze and advance policy. This is in addition to his time working in the office of Congressman Tom McClintock (R-CA) where he handled budgetary issues. Dunham’s first job in Washington was as a staff writer for the Heritage Foundation.

Nadeam Elshami

Policy Director, Brownstein

Formerly chief of staff for then-House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Nadeam Elshami’s 25-year career on the Hill is punctuated by a collection of achievements fueled by his expertise in negotiating policy on behalf of Democratic leadership and in forming the bipartisan relationships that helped move key pieces of legislation through a gridlocked Congress.

During his time with Leader Pelosi, Elshami oversaw every aspect of policy, communications, operations, and member relations. He previously served as her communications director and senior advisor working on messaging around the successful passage of the Affordable Care Act, Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act and other historic legislation.

Prior to joining Brownstein, Elshami was an executive vice president at a D.C.-based public affairs firm. He was named a spring 2018 fellow at the Georgetown Institute of Politics and Public Service, is included in Politico’s Playbook Power List of the 30 most powerful people and groups in Trump’s Washington and is a regular CNN contributor.

Greta Joynes

Policy Director, Brownstein

Greta Joynes is co-chair of the firm’s technology and telecommunications practice. As federal policymakers consider industry-altering laws and regulations on data privacy, supply chain security, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, energy, infrastructure and transportation, Joynes positions companies for success. Her technical understanding of clients’ businesses and political intuition on when and how to engage the government on their behalf has resulted in market-changing outcomes for small business coalitions, Series-A startups and Fortune 15 corporations.

Joynes leverages her experience as a senior congressional aide to frame issues and pitch policy solutions in ways that resonate with key Republican decision-makers to forge enduring relationships between her clients, the administration and Congress. Whether she is navigating a high-profile antitrust review by the FCC, advocating on a regulatory policy under consideration by the Department of Commerce and the White House, or achieving appropriations wins that propel business growth, Joynes works hard to both protect and promote her clients.

Before joining Brownstein, Joynes served as deputy chief of staff and legislative director for Congressman John Shimkus (R-IL), where she advised the congressman on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology and worked closely with the Energy, Health, Environment and Economy subcommittees.

The Future of American Politics and the 2024 Election Luncheon

Al Mottur Shareholder, Brownstein

Al Mottur is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and a senior Democratic strategist who solves the most complex and thorny political issues clients face in Washington, D.C. He connects organizations with leaders at the highest levels of Democratic politics, in both Congress and the Biden administration, and uses his legal and policy intellect to build consensus around solutions. When Fortune 50 corporations or sovereign governments face a major crisis, Mottur is often the person they turn to. He is at his best in high-pressure, high-stakes scenarios. Al has successfully protected high-profile mergers and acquisitions, defended companies from contentious oversight battles, and delivered legislative victories that saved clients billions of dollars.

As co-chair of the firm’s technology and telecommunication practice, Mottur engages federal policymakers as they develop legislation and regulations to address emerging technologies, data privacy, Big Tech, competition law and infrastructure. He has strong relationships with political and career officials at the Department of Commerce, FTC and FCC, as well as with Democratic leadership in Congress, including senior members of the House and Senate commerce committees. Mottur formerly served as senior communications counsel for the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

In addition to his advocacy, Mottur is a prolific fundraiser for the Democratic Party. He spearheaded the firm’s bundling efforts during the last presidential election, raising more money for the DNC than any other D.C. lobbying firm.

FEDERAL PRIORITIES

• Comprehensive Immigration Reform

• Homeland Security Funding

• Increasing Federal Grant Funding in Nevada

• Interstate 11 & Interstate 15

• Mexico-Nevada Trade Partnership

• National Labor Relations Board

• Protecting the Right to Organize Act

• Public Land Management, Development, and Conservation

• Small Business Administration

• Southern Nevada Water Resources

• The Role of the Modern Gaming Industry

• Workforce Priorities

• Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository

COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM

ISSUE POSITION:

• The Vegas Chamber believes that comprehensive immigration reform is vital to the economy, workforce, and overall prosperity for the region. A well-balanced and modernized immigration policy will foster economic growth, create jobs, and provide essential protections for workers across all industries. The Vegas Chamber advocates for federal, state, and local cooperation to implement a comprehensive legislative plan that addresses the following elements:

• Modernization of the immigration system, offering a clear, cohesive, and fair process for those seeking legal entry into the country.

• Creation of an efficient and manageable employment eligibility verification system.

• Establishment of a Temporary Guest Worker Program with robust screening measures for foreign workers.

• Provision of reasonable funding commitments for additional border security personnel and equipment.

• Consistent enforcement of federal immigration laws applied uniformly and fairly.

REQUESTED ACTION:

The Vegas Chamber urges members of Congress to support efforts to pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation. A modernized system will address labor shortages, provide a broad range of economic benefits for Nevada’s employers, employees, and their families, and contribute to the growth and diversification of the economy.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

• Nevada’s ongoing economic recovery and diversification require attracting skilled workers to fill critical gaps in sectors like engineering and healthcare.Approximately 19% of Nevada’s population consists of immigrants, with Hispanic and Latino immigrants forming the largest segment at 39%.

• The Las Vegas area is becoming increasingly ethnically diverse, with Hispanic or Latino residents comprising about 33.2% of the population.

• The Clark County School District serves a diverse student population, with about 47.7% identifying as Hispanic or Latino and over 111 languages spoken in classrooms.

• UNLV and Nevada State University are recognized for their diverse student populations, contributing to the state’s economic and cultural vibrancy.

ECONOMIC IMPACTS:

• It is estimated that there are 10 million open positions nationally with 6 million unemployed workers. There is more demand for workers than there are currently available both nationally and in Nevada.

• Immigrant workers play a critical role in industries such as tourism, leisure, and construction, particularly in tourism-based cities like Las Vegas.

• The failure to modernize outdated immigration policies exacerbates labor shortages, affecting multiple industries, and consumers.

• Immigrant entrepreneurs have historically driven small business creation in Nevada, with immigrants being nearly twice as likely to become entrepreneurs compared to native-born citizens.

COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM

• Startup visas for immigrant entrepreneurs are essential for economic growth, community cohesion, and attracting investment for new products and services.

• The utilization of several nonimmigrant visa programs would assist employers, which include Treaty Trader (E-1), Treaty Trader (E-2) Visas, Seasonal Workers – H-2A and H-2B Visas. E-1 and E-2 visas are designed to encourage international trade and foreign direct investment between the U.S. and countries that have entered into treaties with the U.S.

• H-2 visa programs are available for companies seeking to fill temporary, seasonal labor needs, while the H-2A program is for agricultural employment, the H-2B program is available for non-agricultural employment.

• Immigrant workers have successfully established businesses in various sectors, such as restaurants, hospitality, service-based, and construction operations.

• The shortage of workers spans across all industries, skill levels, and business sizes, underscoring the urgency of comprehensive immigration reform. The current labor shortage highlights the economic barriers that employers are experiencing, which is hindering their economic recovery.

• Immigration reform not only impacts domestic production and services but also addresses workforce shortfalls as the current labor force shrinks.

• Talented immigrants foster entrepreneurship and innovation, driving investment for new products and services through visa programs.

• Considering these factors, the Vegas Chamber strongly advocates for comprehensive immigration reform as it will have a profound and positive impact on Nevada’s economy and workforce. It is essential to seize this opportunity to drive economic growth, attract skilled workers, and ensure the prosperity of the community.

Sources: Business Roundtable, Clark County School District, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

HOMELAND SECURITY FUNDING

ISSUE POSITION:

• The Vegas Chamber has been a staunch advocate for securing Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) funding for Southern Nevada to bolster homeland security efforts and ensure the safety of our region’s approximately 2 million residents and 42.1 million annual visitors. We strongly support revising the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) methodology for risk assessments, which currently hinders Southern Nevada from receiving adequate funding despite its unique challenges and contributions to the nation’s economy.

REQUESTED ACTION:

The Vegas Chamber calls upon Congress to take action and revise the DHS methodology for developing risk assessments associated with the UASI program. By doing so, this can ensure that Southern Nevada receives a fair share of funding that aligns with its security needs and vital role in contributing to the nation’s economic prosperity.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

• The Homeland Security Act of 2002 mandates an annual assessment of the 100 most populous Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) based on factors like threat, vulnerability, consequence, economic index, and Gross Domestic Product.

• Current DHS methodology considers casinos and hotels as one facility, overlooking their status as independent buildings with thousands of visitors and workers. This misrepresentation neglects their attractiveness as potential targets for terrorist activities.

• DHS assumes that a single incident at a casino/hotel would halt the region’s economy for a year, while the reality is that the impact could be far more detrimental and long-term.

• The Las Vegas Urban Area’s Relative Risk Profile ranking improved from 22 in 2021 to 19 in 2023.

• Although Southern Nevada’s economy heavily relies on tourism, UASI funding has remained stagnant, creating challenges in meeting our community’s security needs.

CHALLENGES:

• The UASI funding stream’s singular focus within the broader Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) exacerbates Southern Nevada’s dependence on this funding source.

• Cities without official ports or international borders receive lower priority rankings in DHS’ Relative Risk Profile formulas, creating a disadvantage for areas like Las Vegas.

ECONOMIC IMPACTS:

• Securing UASI funding is essential for the local and state economy, as terrorism threats could severely affect Southern Nevada’s vital tourism industry.

• With major federal assets like Hoover Dam, Harry Reid International Airport, and numerous worldclass hotels, Southern Nevada is critical to the nation’s economic prosperity.

• Tourism accounts for nearly half of all revenue in Nevada’s general fund, generating an estimated economic impact of $67.6 billion in Southern Nevada in 2019.

• A perception of safety, both from a public health and traditional security standpoint, is crucial for the recovery of Las Vegas’ tourism industry post-COVID-19.

Source: City of Las Vegas, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

INCREASING FEDERAL GRANT FUNDING IN NEVADA

ISSUE POSITION:

• Every year the federal government awards hundreds of billions of dollars to state, local, and tribal governments, along with nonprofits, to fund a wide range of services, including health care, education, social services, economic and workforce development, infrastructure, public safety and justice, and the arts.

• Federal grants became even more important and prominent in the past four years as the federal government deployed nearly $5 trillion to respond to the COVID 19 public health and economic crisis.

• Now, the federal government is on track to spend $4 trillion more to bolster regional economic activity and expand the nation’s supply chains, strengthen global economic competitiveness and combat climate change. Funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is poised to fundamentally shape and accelerate local economies in ways never before seen.

• Grant funds pay for local program implementation and construction, including hiring personnel and vendors, buying materials and supplies, and even covering a share of administrative costs. These federal dollars also play a critical in balancing the costs of community programs with local and state governments partners.

• For decades Nevada has consistently underperformed in securing its fair share of federal grants (measured on a per capita basis, excluding Medicaid) despite having some of the highest need in the country.

o According to the Guinn Center for Policy Priorities, Nevada ranked 45th in the nation in FFY 2020, receiving nearly $800 less per person in grant funding than the national average.

o According to Federal Funds Information for the States, Nevada ranked at or near the bottom in six of the 10 largest federal grant funding categories in FFY 2019, including 54th in education, 55th in health (non-Medicaid), 54th in income security and social services, and 46th in community and regional development.

o According to a 2015 study by the Lincy Institute at UNLV, Nevada is forgoing an estimated $526 million in annual grant revenue as compared with our intermountain west neighbor states.

• Insufficient organizational capacity such as limited access to skilled grants professionals and training, information technology systems, tight cash flow, and antiquated grant processes, along with a lack of coordination and collaboration are often cited as the chief causes of Nevada’s underperformance.

Nevadans have a lot to gain by getting their fair share of federal grant funding, including:

o Investing in economic development and diversification, strengthening our workforce development systems and increasing the availability of good jobs.

o Increasing and sustaining funding for community services, program, and projects without adding tax burden to residents and businesses.

o Getting Nevadans their hard-earned federal tax dollars back to benefit them.

o Stimulating the local economy by spending tens or hundreds of millions of dollars in additional federal grant funding through hiring, purchasing goods and services, etc.

REQUESTED ACTION:

The Vegas Chamber is asking Nevada’s Congressional Delegation to proactively help identify, steward, and advocate for grant opportunities and best practices to secure additional grants for the betterment of all Nevadans. The Vegas Chamber is also asking that members of the federal delegation direct organizations and policy makers who solicit them for assistance with federal grant funding to join the Vegas Chamber, LVGEA, Council for a Better Nevada, Nevada GrantLab, and others in advocating for and supporting improvements/updates to policies and processes within Nevada that continue to inhibit federal grant awards in the state.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

• The Nevada State Legislature has made many improvements to the why how the state handles federal grants, including investing in grants infrastructure and beginning to streamline grant processes.

• The Vegas Chamber, working alongside numerous partners, successfully advocated for several key improvements to the State’s grants system during the 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023 Legislative sessions. The bills were focused on improving processes, removing staffing limits and restrictions to what type of grants the state would be able to apply for at the federal level.

• During the 2023 Legislative Session, Assembly Bill (AB) 361 was passed and signed into law by Governor Jospeh Lombardo. AB 361 is designed to improve Nevada’s federal grants process by matching the state application standards with the federal grant application standards. The Chamber supported this bill as it will increase Nevada’s ability to bring in more federal dollars that will benefit Nevada’s greatest needs.

• Building on its recent momentum and successes, Nevada should further expand its grants infrastructure and reduce grants-related bureaucracy, while significantly expanding collaboration with local governments, nonprofits, and leaders in the philanthropic and business community.

• In 2020, Nevada GrantLab, a nonprofit, was formed to assist nonprofits and the public in identifying, applying for, and administering federal grants that will benefit Nevadans. To date, the organization has helped community partners secure more than $60 million in new funding to benefit Nevadans.

• As part of the ongoing economic recovery from the Pandemic, securing available federal grants must be a priority for both governments and the private sector. Stakeholders will need to continue to advocate for a fair distribution of Federal grant monies to and within Nevada.

Sources: Obtaining and Maximizing Federal Grants in Nevada, the Nevada Advisory Council on Federal Assistance’s Report to the Governor and Nevada State Legislature; The Pew Charitable Trust; The Guinn Center for Policy Priorities; The Lincy Institute at UNLV; and Nevada GrantLab.

INTERSTATE 11 AND INTERSTATE 15

ISSUE POSITION:

• Nevada’s business community has a legacy of supporting the construction and long-term funding of a regional multimodal and intermodal federal transportation system that promotes connectivity, increases productivity, reduces congestion, and improves safety.

• A strong and reliable federal transportation system means economic stability, job creation and business growth for Southern Nevada.

• The Vegas Chamber supports efforts to secure federal funding for the construction of local and regional projects such as Interstate 11 (I-11) and congestion relief of Interstate 15 (I-15). The funding of I-11 is a critical transportation infrastructure component for the further development of the nation’s transportation system. The construction of I-11 would allow for a fully integrated federal highway system in the Southwest.

• Congestion relief of I-15 along critical points will not only increase the easy flow of tourist traffic to and from Las Vegas but will continue to provide a critical artery to logistics facilities throughout Clark County.

• The Vegas Chamber supports the use of a variety of funding and financing options for I-11, such as reinvesting transportation taxes, grants, financing, and user fees. As a priority for the region, efforts must continue to secure funding for the initial construction to occur between Las Vegas and Phoenix.

• n addition to the initial funding of I-11 construction between Las Vegas and Phoenix, Nevada’s Congressional delegation has been supportive of legislation that would extend the future I-11 through Nevada to Interstate 80 (I-80) and south toward Arizona’s southern border.

• Construction on the I-15, between Tropicana and Spring Mountain, began earlier this year, with more developments scheduled to begin soon.

• Just north of Las Vegas, Phase 3 of NDOT’S I-15 construction initiative also began earlier this year. Motorists traveling from Las Vegas to Utah have seen the progress being made on the $71.5 million lane widening project.

REQUESTED ACTION:

The Vegas Chamber is requesting the funding for I-11 be accelerated because of the economic needs of the region. A regional priority is to fund the construction of the initial segment of I-11 between Las Vegas and Phoenix. The funding of this first segment is vital to the overall success of the project by connecting these two cities. The Vegas Chamber also supports the designation and funding for the Northern Nevada Corridor, which is part of the overall I-11 project to connect the region by an integrated highway system.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND STATUS OF THE I-15 WIDENING PROJECT:

• Over 40 million people visit Las Vegas annually, with about 25 percent of those traveling between Southern California and Nevada.

• During busy holiday weekends and peak travel times, travel time can exceed the four and half hours to almost ten hours between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

• In December 2021, California Governor Gavin Newson and Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak announced a $12 million allocation to widen 5-miles of I-15 by the California-Nevada Border.

• The funds are being used to repave and restripe the right shoulder for use as a third lane between the border and the California Department of Food and Agriculture station during peak traffic periods between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

• The project started on August 22, 2022, and is still undergoing construction.

• While this 5-mile stretch will help alleviate some of the bottlenecks that drivers experience, it is not a long-term solution to address the ongoing mobility and congestion issues along I-15.

• To further help with traffic flow, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) also installed a ramp meter and directional signage at the Primm Boulevard onramp to I-15 southbound.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND STATUS OF THE I-11 PROJECT:

• The original designation of I-11 between Las Vegas and Phoenix was approved by the 113th Congress and signed by President Obama on July 6, 2012. I-11 is part of Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP- 21).

• This new north-south transcontinental corridor through the region will connect communities, enhance economic diversification efforts, increase capacity, improve safety, travel time, and strengthen commercial capabilities.

• The corridor as proposed will include an upgraded highway facility but could be expanded to include other modes of transportation, such as rail.

Source: Maricopa Association of Governments, Nevada Department of Transportation.

• In July of 2020, NDOT opened a 30-day comment period on the environmental impact statement offered on the various alternative routes for I-11.

• The I-11 Las Vegas Metropolitan Area PEL Study began in early 2021, utilizing information and analysis already underway from the Tier 1 EIS process.

• An Alternatives Development Report completed in May 2021 determined that western and central corridor alternatives for I-11 will need further study as part of the planning and construction process. As part of the analysis study process, an eastern corridor alternative was eliminated for any further analysis in the PEL study.

• In June 2022, NDOT announced that the central corridor alternative was selected as the preferred choice. This option would utilize U.S. Highway 95 through Clark County. The central alternative was chosen over a western corridor alternative that would have used the 215 Beltway from the Henderson Interchange to U.S. 95 in the northwest.

• ADOT is simultaneously working on the components of I-11 that would go through Arizona. They have broken the project into two parts.

• Part one is the 280-mile section that would run between Nogales and Wickenburg. The final environmental impact statement for the proposed route was completed and approved in November 2021. The proposed corridor would include a combination of both new and existing roadways for this portion of I-11.

• The other is a 200-mile stretch from Wickenburg north to the Arizona border, which would use U.S. Highway 93. As part of the plan, U.S. 93 would be brought to interstate highway standards.

ECONOMIC IMPACTS:

• The Federal Highway Administration estimates that $170 billion in capital investments are needed to address the road infrastructure needs of the nation.

• I-11 could lead to dramatic, positive changes for Nevada, including new job creation and a significant means for diversifying and strengthening the local economy. It is expected that I-11 will create more than 240,000 jobs, an economic impact between $4-24 billion, and travel benefits of $26-39 billion.

• I-11 could help expand freight trucking, trade, and manufacturing and distribution centers in Nevada. The state has manufacturing strengths in areas such as gaming, metals, agriculture, and plastics. The geographical location of Las Vegas is ideal in establishing and/or expanding ground and air transportation distribution centers.

• I-11 would connect communities, enhance economic diversification efforts, increase capacity, improve safety, travel time, and strengthen commercial capabilities throughout the region. It would provide greater connectivity in Arizona through areas such as Maricopa County, Wickenburg, Phoenix, and Tucson, as well as to the United States/Mexico Border.

• In addition to the initial segment from Las Vegas to Phoenix, the Vegas Chamber also supports the expansion of the Northern Nevada Corridor that would link Las Vegas and Reno and stretch I-11 to the United States/Canadian border. While the project is still in the early phases, regional and federal partners must work together to address issues and concerns that other vested groups may have to move forward to make I-11 a reality.

• Also, this project is important to international trade. I-11 would be a very important segment to the CANAMEX Corridor, as this project has the potential to connect the world’s fastest emerging economies in Latin America and Asia.

• Southern Nevada is part of the Southwest Triangle Region, which includes Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for Las Vegas is $96 billion, Phoenix-MesaScottsdale is $202 billion and Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana is $796 billion. This region is expected to be the strongest and most robust region in the United States.

• I-11 would also support economic growth with land ports of entry as such Otay Mesa, California; Nogales, Arizona; El Paso, Texas; Laredo, Texas; and Hidalgo, Texas and provide additional needed corridors for water ports in both the Western United States and Mexico including Port of Guaymas, Port of Long Beach, Port of Los Angeles, Port of Oakland, Port of Tacoma, Port of Seattle, and the Port of Vancouver.

• I-11 would improve travel safety and time management by providing relief for congestion along the already at capacity I-5 corridor and the 1-15 corridor.

• I-11 would provide an opportunity to leverage existing resources to stimulate job growth and expansion, not only in the crucial area of tourism and travel, but also in the development of other industry sectors such as healthcare and technology. Priority targeted industries of both Nevada and Arizona include advanced manufacturing, aerospace, agriculture, healthcare, information and computer technology, mining and materials, renewable energy, tourism, and transportation.

Sources: Arizona Department of Transportation, Nevada Department of Transportation, Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, U.S. Senate

MEXICO AND NEVADA TRADE PARTNERSHIP

ISSUE POSITION:

• The Vegas Chamber has continually supported efforts to improve Nevada’s trade opportunities between Mexico and the U.S.

• Nevada annually exports billions of dollars in computers, electronic equipment, semiconductors, and raw ores to Mexico.

• Nevada hosts significant investments from major Mexican companies including Bimbo, Cemex, Sigma and Grupo Salinas.

• Trade between Nevada and Mexico currently supports more than 46,000 jobs throughout the state.

• United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) provisions will allow for easier trade of remanufactured and refurbished industrial and computer equipment, opening new opportunities for both jobs and cost savings to businesses.

REQUESTED ACTION:

It is a federal priority of the Vegas Chamber to continue to support the utilization of the USMCA and development and implementation of other agreements that promote increased trade for Nevada businesses. The Vegas Chamber also supports the allocation of funds to the expansion of the physical infrastructure supporting trade, including the Interstate 11 (I-11) corridor, which when completed will go from Mexico to Canada.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

• In 2020, then President Trump signed the USMCA, which created a free-trade framework between the United States, Mexico, and Canada by addressing trade issues that have emerged since the adoption of NAFTA such as e-commerce, digital trade and intellectual property.

• Nevada has a long history of seeking closer ties with Mexico for trade, education, and research partnerships.

• In 2020, these efforts began to pay off with a dramatic increase in exports from Nevada to Mexico.

ECONOMIC IMPACTS:

• Total trade between Nevada and Mexico in 2021 was $2.8 billion, which consisted of $1.6 billion in exports and $1.2 billion in imports. Mexico is Nevada’s #3 trade partner, #3 supplier, and #2 export market.

• Nevada’s exports to Mexico include semiconductors, electronic components, computer equipment, magnetic and optical media.

• Mexico’s imports to Nevada include electrical equipment and components.

• The importance of Nevada’s trade relationship is highlighted by the fact that over 46,000 jobs depend on trade with Mexico, which benefit many Nevada workers and their families.

• In 2020, Mexico also surpassed Canada, taking the place as the 2nd largest destination for Nevada exports. This is an increase from 4th largest in 2019.

Source: International Trade Administration, Mexico

Source: Mexico Secretary of Exterior

NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD

ISSUE POSITION:

• The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) was created in 1935 to be a neutral arbiter in the field of labor law. However, over the course of the last several presidential administrations that focus has changed from being one of a neutral arbiter to one that is supportive of growing the national labor movement.

REQUESTED ACTION:

• The Vegas Chamber believes that employers, regardless of size or industry, need predictability so they can plan, and operate. No employer or employee wants uncertainty. Instability arises when the government enacts constant changes, additional costs, and burdensome mandates that hamper employers’ ability to operate, hire, and survive. The Vegas Chamber believes that federal labor should be predictable, steady, and fair as it relates to the regulatory environment. This is important to creating a healthy and stable business climate.

• That is why it is imperative that policies from the NLRB are balanced and fair for both employers and organized labor. The Vegas Chamber will continue to advocate for the Biden Administration appointment of members to the board who understand the complexities of business ownership and allow job creators to rebuild the economy.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

• Under the Biden Administration, NLRB has undertaken an approach that many employers and business organizations consider to be onerous and burdensome to employers, while primarily benefiting organized labor.

• It is expected that this focus will only continue under the direction of Jennifer Abruzzo, General Counsel to the NLRB. In July 2021, Jennifer Abruzzo was appointed as the general Counsel to the NLRB. The General Counsel serves as the NLRB’s prosecutor. In August 2021, Abruzzo issued a 10-page guidance memo that outlines her priorities by highlighting what types of cases must be presented to the Office of General Counsel’s Division of Advice.

• President Biden’s two appointees to the NLRB are Gwynne Wilcox, a former union attorney, and David Prouty, former general counsel for Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ. Their confirmation restored a 3-2 Democratic majority to the NLRB after approximately four years of Republican control.

• There is growing concern that the NLRB is becoming aggressive in undoing reforms that were adopted over the last several years in favor of policies that are geared more towards organized labor.

• This includes the NLRB reconsidering prior rulings. These actions are being perceived as creating unbalanced approaches to national labor policy that will impact both small and large employers across the nation, including those in Nevada.

• The General Counsel recently announced a proposal to how workers cast their votes to unionize or not. Currently, when workers decide to join a union, they typically do so by secret ballot, where no one knows how they vote. The General Counsel, however, wants to change this process and mandate a “card check” process. This would allow union organizers to publicly solicit workers to sign a card indicating their choice to unionize or not. National business organizations believe that the adoption of a “card check” will remove the privacy that currently exists with the secret ballot process.

• For example, the National Labor Relations Act does not require employers to recognize a union based on signature cards. However, the NLRB General Counsel is seeking to revive a longdiscredited case known as Joy Silk.

• Under this Joy Silk doctrine, if an employer refused to recognize a union based solely on signature cards, the NLRB could seek an order forcing the business to the bargaining table without any secret ballot election. This would allow unions to organize workplaces faster and easier but would also move the protections that are provided under the NLRA.

• In addition, the definition of an employee was redefined as a result of Razak vs. Uber Technologies Inc. During this case Uber drivers sued to demand wages and overtime as written in the Fair Labor Standards Act. During the case it was defined that drivers under the agreement are not employees of Uber but are independent contractors. This will have a national impact and affect the several business models that are currently in place.

Sources: American Association Bar, National Labor Relations Board, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

March 8, 2023

To the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly opposes H.R. 20, the “Protecting the Right to Organize Act.” Members who do not cosponsor this bill will receive credit for the Leadership component of their “How They Voted” rating.

Numerous elements of the PRO Act by themselves would be objectionable to the business community; taken as a whole they would result in exceedingly negative consequences for employers and employees alike.

The PRO Act would abolish any sense of balance between union rights and employer rights in labor organizing and negotiations by explicitly eliminating employers as a party in elections to determine if a union would represent that employer’s workforce. Moreover, a secret ballot election through which the employees chose not to be represented by a union could be overturned if enough employees signed cards saying they supported that union.

H.R. 20 would also potentially take away workers’ traditional opportunity to ratify a first contract. If the newly recognized union and the employer cannot agree to a first contract through negotiation and mediation, an arbitration process would result in a contract without employees’ being able to vote on that contract.

This bill would also effectively repeal the Taft-Hartley Act, labor law reforms enacted 75 years ago to rein in some of the most abusive union organizing tactics of that era. Unions could once again engage in secondary boycotts and picketing, meaning that they could target any employer doing business with a targeted company even if those employers have no connection with the union. This would allow for the disruption of entire segments of the economy, a phenomenon that was common in 1947 when the law was passed.

Another key provision of the Taft-Hartley Act allowed states to pass right-to-work laws, meaning that workers could no longer be fired for not paying union dues. Twenty-eight states have enacted rightto-work laws. By repealing the Taft-Hartley Act, H.R. 20 would invalidate all states’ right-to-work laws currently in place.

Moreover, the PRO Act would codify the National Labor Relations Board’s unworkable definition of joint-employer liability as prescribed in its 2015 Browning-Ferris decision, which was based on “indirect” or “potential” control of another company’s employees. It would also codify and nationalize the restrictive definition of independent contractors as defined in California’s deeply flawed statute known as AB 5 that has made using or operating as an independent contractor extremely difficult in that state. In addition, this bill would reinstate the Department of Labor’s “persuader” rule, which was intended to deprive employers of legal representation during union campaigns, a rule that a court found “defective to its core.”

H.R. 20 would codify bad labor policy and failed efforts at reform. The Chamber strongly urges Members of Congress not to cosponsor this bill.

Sincerely,

Neil L. Bradley Executive Vice President, Chief Policy Officer and Head of Strategic Advocacy U.S. Chamber of Commerce

PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT

ISSUE POSITION:

• Organized labor has proposed a conglomeration of their top priorities from the past 30 years with the recent reintroduction of the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO) Act of 2023 (PRO) Act (S. 567/H.R. 20).

• This piece of legislation would require employees to pay union dues regardless of their personal preference, exacerbate labor disagreements between employers and employees, and disrupt the economy. For these reasons, the Vegas Chamber is in opposition to passage of the PRO Act.

REQUESTED ACTION:

The Vegas Chamber has a long history of supporting balanced, fair, and practical labor policies at both the state and federal levels of government. However, the Chamber does not believe that the PRO Act follows those principles and opposes the bill as it would negatively affect Nevada’s employers and employees’ relations.

The Chamber’s priority is to ensure predictability, stability, fairness, and transparency in the workplace. The Chamber will continue to work with the Nevada Delegation and other congressional members to demonstrate the PRO Act will negatively impact employees by removing their choice to whether to join unions and being required to pay union dues, along with other factors that will impact Nevada’s job creators and employees. The Chamber believes that it is the individual’s right to decide on joining membership and not be mandated by legislative action.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

• This legislation would impact employees’ rights in many ways. It would require employees to pay union dues regardless of affiliation or participation, it would change the private ballot system, and impose California’s system of when determining status of independent contractors. It would also expand joint-employer liability, prohibit mandatory arbitration agreements, and allow secondary picketing and strikes.

• Labor groups have advocated for the passage of this legislation as organized labor has been seeing declining membership levels for the past 65 years. Union membership has fallen to a new low of 10.1 percent in 2022 at the national level.

• The PRO Act is being presented to Americans as a positive change in favor of workers, however, it would override 27 states’ right-to-work law. Nevada has been a right-to-work state since enacted in 1953.

• The PRO Act has many concerning provisions that would fundamentally change the structure of Nevada’s labor laws.

• Along with many of the concerning components for employees under the PRO Act, it is believed that the employers will be placed at a significant disadvantage as the union contracts will carry more weight during negotiations if the provisions of the PRO Act are passed by Congress and signed into law by the President.

• Per the PRO Act, employers would be required to provide unions with additional information about employees, which many would argue is a violation of an employee’s privacy.

• Another provision of the PRO Act is that it would require employers to make their equipment available to employees for union business. This would include the use of their computers, email systems, phone lines, and other equipment at the workplace.

• The PRO Act would also subject employers to heavy civil penalties, ranging from $500 to $100,000. These fines could be imposed on either the business or individuals that work at the company.

• In June 2023, the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions advanced the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act with party line vote of 11-10 party-line vote. The House of Representatives has not taken any legislative action on the bill.

• There has been significant pressure by national special groups onto the White House to pass this legislation as soon as possible.

Source: NFIB, U.S Chamber of Commerce

PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT, DEVELOPMENT, AND CONSERVATION

ISSUE POSITION:

• Nevada’s public lands are of immense economic benefit to our state, enriching the quality of life for residents through various recreational activities like hunting, fishing, hiking, and biking. Over 80 percent of Nevada’s land is federally owned and managed, offering abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. However, this unique situation also presents challenges for economic development in urban areas.

• To strike a balance, Nevada’s Congressional delegation and stakeholders have a remarkable history of collaborating on public lands bills. These measures allow for sensible economic development while preserving critical areas for hunting, hiking, camping, and wildlife habitats. Federal legislation can address affordable housing needs in Southern Nevada and designate land for conservation and recreation.

• Numerous other legislative considerations are in progress throughout the state, particularly in the Vegas valley, to address the region’s distinct land use requirements. Local management and conservation efforts are vital to safeguarding natural landscapes and fostering sustainable growth for Nevada’s business community.

REQUESTED ACTION:

The Vegas Chamber urges members of Congress and the Nevada community to continue supporting efforts across the state to update public land use to align with population growth trajectories and current environmental needs. We seek support for federal public land legislation that thoughtfully balances economic development and conservation concerns in Southern Nevada.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

• Notably, the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act (SNPLMA), passed with bipartisan support in 1998, serves as a successful model for Southern Nevada.

• The legislation permits the sale of Bureau of Land Management-owned public lands in the Las Vegas Valley for development, with proceeds primarily dedicated to conservation and public parks throughout Clark County and the entire State of Nevada.

Source: Porter Group

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

ISSUE POSITION:

• Along with other states, Nevada saw enormous benefits from federal assistance during the COVID-19 Pandemic recovery. The Vegas Chamber supports further assistance to employers as many continue to adjust their businesses operations with the ongoing challenges associated with the labor shortage, rising prices, and supply chain disruptions.

• The Vegas Chamber has identified workforce shortages as one of the top issues concerning small businesses in Nevada. It is imperative to support initiatives by the Small Business Administration, which can assist business owners with the connectivity to relevant workforce needs including technical assistance and training.

• The Vegas Chamber has long worked to empower minority, women, and veteran businesses owners to thrive as entrepreneurs. Both organizations support efforts by the Small Business Administration to empower these individuals and provide financial and technical assistance where necessary to encourage thriving entrepreneurial culture in Southern Nevada.

REQUESTED ACTION:

The Vegas Chamber supports further federal assistance in increasing capital to Nevada’s employers as many continue to pivot and adjust their business plans because of the ongoing supply chain challenges, and the compounding labor shortages. There is also a need to support the expediting PPP loan forgiveness as well as providing forgiveness for Economic Injury Disaster Loans under $100,000.

The Vegas Chamber supports the Small Business Administration in their efforts to modernize and align programing with the other federal agencies to ensure seamless assistance is provided to small businesses when it comes to addressing workforce needs and shortages. We continue to support Small Business Administration programs which empower women, veterans, and minority members of the Southern Nevada community to open and operate their small businesses.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

• Nevada was one of the top states in receiving Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) funds, averaging $12,200 per business. This loan amount was nearly double the national average.

• According to Yelp’s economic impact report from September 2020, 60 percent of businesses that shut their doors are now closed permanently nationwide. Las Vegas was at the top of this list as the hardest hit by business closures.

• Small businesses need loan forgiveness from small EIDL loans under $100,000 as these were to small businesses that are still not seeing a recovery and facing repayment. They also need access to capital and a more options by the federal government to secure loans, especially in the first two years of operations.

• Minority owned businesses suffered greater losses and received less aid which must be studied by the SBA to determine how much minority businesses missed out on.

Source: Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Porter Group, Reno Gazette Journal, Small Business Administration, Small Business Majority, Washington Post, Yelp.

SOUTHERN NEVADA WATER RESOURCES

ISSUE POSITION:

• The availability and sustainability of water resources are essential to Clark County residents. The ongoing drought within the Colorado River Basin and the impact to Lake Mead are of great concern to the region’s economic stability.

• Southern Nevada’s business community relies on adequate and stable supplies of water for operations and development to support a vital economy.

• Impending water shortages underscores the critical need for more water conservation among all water users, including businesses, industries, and residents.

• The Vegas Chamber supports conservation initiatives, maintaining water delivery systems and sources, and planning anticipated future water needs of the Las Vegas Valley to mitigate drought impacts.

• The Vegas Chamber supports federal assistance for large scale water recycling projects, drought contingency planning, and collaboration with other basin states to address declining water levels in Lake Mead.

REQUESTED ACTION:

The Vegas Chamber is requesting that federal leadership prioritize water conservation and effects from drought mitigation and make federal funding available for projects that mitigate the impacts of drought or conserve water in the Colorado River Basin.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

• The Colorado River Basin spans approximately 246,000 square miles, through the seven “Basin States” of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming, as well as into the country of Mexico.

• The Colorado River Basin is the world’s fifth largest economy and generates $1.4 trillion in economic benefits annually. The river serves some of the country’s largest population centers: Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego, Denver, and Las Vegas.

• Nearly 5.5 million acres of irrigated land, 40 million municipals users and a quarter million jobs rely on water from the Colorado River.

• Another issue that correlates with the declining water levels along the Colorado River and Lake Mead is the impact it would have on hydroelectric power for nearly 15 million people in 15 states and Tribes.

• Nevada is entitled to 300,000 acre-feet of water annually. In years of shortage, Nevada and Arizona are required to take less water from the river under several river agreements, while California does not need to take any reductions in the first round of cuts, which is referred to as “Tier 1”.

• Since 2000, the Colorado River region has been experiencing a historic, prolonged drought that has impacted storage basins, inflows, and other environmental resources. While the wet winter does help ease some constraints along the Colorado River, it does not address more than 20 years of drought conditions.

• Lake Mead, the reservoir where Nevada accesses its Colorado River allocation, has been reduced to 33 percent of capacity because of drought conditions and reduced inflows. Water levels have fallen more than 170 feet since the onset of the drought.

• The water level at Lake Mead as of August 2023 is 1,063 ft. Lake Mead reached its lowest level of 1,040 ft. in July 2022, which was its lowest since the lake was first filled following the construction of Hoover Dam in the 1930s.

• Much of the West is experiencing drought in some form, and Nevada is often in a situation where the majority of its land is experiencing “severe” to “exceptional” levels.

• In 2021, the federal government declared a shortage on the Colorado River for the first time in its history, triggering cutbacks in water deliveries to Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico. These first round of cuts took effect in 2022.

• Nevada’s allocation of water from the Colorado River was reduced by 25,000 acre-feet in the first shortage, but because of the above average precipitation this winter it will scale back to a “Tier 1” cut for 2024. This means that 279,000 acre-feet of water will be available from the river for Nevada.

• The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation had previously asked impacted states along the Colorado River to conserve 2 to 4 million acre-feet of water. These reductions would help slow the dropping water levels of Lake Powell and Lake Mead.

• In May 2023, Nevada, California, and Arizona, which make up the lower basin states, voluntarily agreed to reduce their collective use from the Colorado River by 3 million acre-feet through 2026. This agreement would require California to reduce its usage by 400,000 acre-feet a year, or about 9 percent of the state’s annual allocation. As part of the agreement, Nevada will leave 285,000 acre-feet of water in Lake Mead for storage purposes over the four-year period, starting with 75,000 acre-feet this year. The federal government is supporting this and other Colorado River conservation measures with more than $12 billion in funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.

Source: Adobe Stock, Guinn Center.

THE ROLE OF THE MODERN GAMING INDUSTRY

ISSUE POSITION:

• The Vegas Chamber supports and recognizes the vital role played by the modern casino gaming industry in Nevada’s economy and community. As one of the driving forces behind Nevada’s prosperity, the gaming industry generates substantial economic benefits, provides numerous employment opportunities, and contributes significantly to the community. Embracing innovation and fostering growth, the gaming industry continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of entertainment and leisure.

• The casino gaming industry remains a cornerstone of the region’s tourism sector, attracting visitors from across the globe to experience the world-renowned hospitality and entertainment that only Las Vegas can offer. The dynamic blend of gaming, hospitality, dining, and live entertainment creates a unique and unforgettable experience that keeps visitors returning year after year. Moreover, the revenue generated from gaming helps fund essential public services, infrastructure projects, and educational initiatives, bolstering the overall well-being of Nevada residents.

REQUESTED ACTION:

In light of the gaming industry’s substantial contributions to our state’s economy, the Chamber urges Congress to take specific actions to enhance the gaming landscape in Nevada. The Vegas Chamber advocates for the following measures:

• Streamlined Regulation: Encourage the development of sensible and streamlined regulatory processes to ensure compliance while fostering innovation and investment in the gaming industry. By reducing unnecessary bureaucratic burdens, the industry’s competitiveness can be enhanced on a global scale.

• ncreasing Economic Diversity: Nevada’s tourism economy and gaming thrive as Nevada continues to grow. New local restaurants, experiences and events attract travelers who stay and game in Las Vegas Casinos.

• Tax Policy: Continue to support fair and equitable tax policies that strike a balance between generating essential public revenue and fostering a business-friendly environment for the gaming industry to thrive.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

• Nevada’s legislators understand the importance of gaming for our state’s economy. For instance, gaming was originally excluded from access to the Paycheck Protection Program benefits in regulation from the Small Business Administration despite the legislation having no such requirement. Later after pressure on the administration from the Nevada Congressional Delegation, that decision was revised so casinos and gaming operators could access benefits. Adjustments like these allowed for Nevada’s economy to rebuild and protected thousands of jobs.

Source: American Gaming Association, Nevada Resort Association

WORKFORCE PRIORITIES

ISSUE POSITION:

• The Vegas Chamber recognizes that the ongoing workforce shortages in today’s labor marketing is impending business growth for both small and large businesses. number one operational issues of benefit of their members. This is regardless of size or industry of the business throughout Nevada.

• Shortages abound across all industries including gaming, manufacturing, education, childcare and health care. Shortages in one industry compound shortages in another. For example, where children and home-health workers are in short supply, Nevadans are forced to stay out of the workforce to care for families.

• Health care worker shortages have exacerbated the already challenging issue of access to health care in Southern Nevada. Organizations across the region have looked to innovative staffing and training solutions to recruit and retain health care workers who can not only care for the health needs of Nevada but keep employees healthy enough to work.

REQUESTED ACTION:

The Vegas Chamber requests that the U.S. Department of Labor continue to modernize and expand access to programs such as the federal apprenticeship program, which helps to appropriately train workers to join new job markets.

Many employer organizations in Nevada support initiatives to support the employment of traditionally underrepresented working populations such as immigrants, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and the formerly incarcerated.

The Vegas Chamber asks that Congress and the Biden Administration to work with business chambers and economic development organizations like the Vegas Chamber and the LVGEA to seek creative solutions to help encourage a healthy, well trained, and motivated workforce to support today’s economic demands and tomorrow’s growth.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

• According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 100,000 job vacancies in Nevada. Many businesses are operating with a smaller labor force than pre-pandemic because of the lack of employees and ongoing open positions that they cannot fill.

• The workforce shortage has yet to slow demand. Gaming revenue has broken records all of 2023.

• 2 million Nevadans live in areas without adequate access to primary care. Nevada would need to recruit 4,000 more nurses to meet the national average. But the acceptance rate for prospective nursing students in Nevada is around 33 percent due to lack of staffing and lack of program availability to extend those training to more students.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

YUCCA MOUNTAIN NUCLEAR WASTE REPOSITORY

ISSUE POSITION:

• The Vegas Chamber continues to oppose the transportation and storage of any nuclear waste in Nevada because of the potential negative effect it could have on the safety and health of the residents and visitors of Southern Nevada.

• The Vegas Chamber believes that storing nuclear waste at the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository site could pose a national security threat and hurt the tourism-based economy of Southern Nevada, which supports approximately 407,000 jobs and has an estimated annual economic activity impact of $59.6 billion.

• The Vegas Chamber is also opposed to the temporary storage of any nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain, which includes reprocessed fuel.

• As proposed, public roads and railroads would be used to transport nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository, as nuclear waste because of its weight can only be transported by rail or truck. Project plans indicate that as many as three trains and two trucks a week would pass through Clark County as they transport nuclear waste for storage at Yucca Mountain.

REQUESTED ACTION:

The Vegas Chamber supports continued efforts by Nevada’s Governor and Congressional delegation to ensure that no nuclear waste is stored at Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository. The Vegas Chamber is also opposed to any transport of nuclear waste in Nevada, regardless of the radioactive level of the nuclear waste because of security, safety, and health concerns.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

• The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 designates Yucca Mountain as the nation’s only waste disposal site. It has not been updated since 1987.

• Previously, the Obama Administration had effectively terminated the funding for the development of Yucca Mountain by amending the Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, which was passed in 2011.

• The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) had followed President Obama’s plan to close Yucca Mountain by discontinuing its review of the application to begin construction at Yucca Mountain.

• The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Yucca Mountain project office has been closed since the defunding of the project.

• In August 2013, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia rendered a 2-1 decision requiring the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to restart the licensing application for Yucca Mountain. The lawsuit was originally brought forth in part by the States of South Carolina and Washington and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.

• The Court ruled that the NRC must either approve or deny the application that had been submitted by the DOE for the storage of nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain.

• As a result of the Court’s ruling, the first phase of the application by the NRC is underway, which includes developing a Safety Evaluation Report.

• To comply with the court order, the NRC is using limited carry over funds to review the DOE’s Yucca Mountain license application. It is likely that those funds will be used just to complete Phase I and no new dollars are expected to be allocated by the federal government

• At the time, U.S. Senator Reid had stated that the Court of Appeal’s ruling had no impact on the status of Yucca Mountain and that the facility would remain closed, as he would not support any additional funding for the NRC to continue the licensing application for Yucca Mountain and no additional funds were made available by the 114th Congress.

YUCCA MOUNTAIN NUCLEAR WASTE REPOSITORY

ISSUE POSITION:

• The Vegas Chamber continues to oppose the transportation and storage of any nuclear waste in Nevada because of the potential negative effect it could have on the safety and health of the residents and visitors of Southern Nevada.

• The Vegas Chamber believes that storing nuclear waste at the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository site could pose a national security threat and hurt the tourism-based economy of Southern Nevada, which supports approximately 407,000 jobs and has an estimated annual economic activity impact of $59.6 billion.

• The Vegas Chamber is also opposed to the temporary storage of any nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain, which includes reprocessed fuel.

• As proposed, public roads and railroads would be used to transport nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository, as nuclear waste because of its weight can only be transported by rail or truck. Project plans indicate that as many as three trains and two trucks a week would pass through Clark County as they transport nuclear waste for storage at Yucca Mountain.

REQUESTED ACTION:

The Vegas Chamber supports continued efforts by Nevada’s Governor and Congressional delegation to ensure that no nuclear waste is stored at Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository. The Vegas Chamber is also opposed to any transport of nuclear waste in Nevada, regardless of the radioactive level of the nuclear waste because of security, safety, and health concerns.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

• The Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 designates Yucca Mountain as the nation’s only waste disposal site. It has not been updated since 1987.

• Previously, the Obama Administration had effectively terminated the funding for the development of Yucca Mountain by amending the Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, which was passed in 2011.

• The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) had followed President Obama’s plan to close Yucca Mountain by discontinuing its review of the application to begin construction at Yucca Mountain.

• The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Yucca Mountain project office has been closed since the defunding of the project.

• In August 2013, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia rendered a 2-1 decision requiring the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to restart the licensing application for Yucca Mountain. The lawsuit was originally brought forth in part by the States of South Carolina and Washington and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.

• The Court ruled that the NRC must either approve or deny the application that had been submitted by the DOE for the storage of nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain.

• As a result of the Court’s ruling, the first phase of the application by the NRC is underway, which includes developing a Safety Evaluation Report.

• To comply with the court order, the NRC is using limited carry over funds to review the DOE’s Yucca Mountain license application. It is likely that those funds will be used just to complete Phase I and no new dollars are expected to be allocated by the federal government

• At the time, U.S. Senator Reid had stated that the Court of Appeal’s ruling had no impact on the status of Yucca Mountain and that the facility would remain closed, as he would not support any additional funding for the NRC to continue the licensing application for Yucca Mountain and no

additional funds were made available by the 114th Congress.

• On September 15, 2015, the NRC held a public meeting in Las Vegas and presented the Draft Supplement to the DOE’s Environmental Impact Statement for a Geologic Repository for the Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste at Yucca Mountain, Nye County, Nevada and took public comment. The Chamber along with other interested stakeholders, business groups, and local governments attended that public meeting.

• In May 2016, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staff issued its final “Supplement to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Environmental Impact Statement for a Geologic Repository for the Disposal of Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste at Yucca Mountain, Nye County, Nevada,” NUREG-2184.

• This supplement evaluates the potential environmental impacts on groundwater, and impacts associated with the discharge of potentially contaminated groundwater to the ground surface due to potential releases from a geologic repository for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain, Nye County, Nevada. A decision on whether to authorize construction of the proposed repository can be made only after a hearing has been conducted on contested issues and the Commission has completed its review of contested and uncontested issues under 10 CFR 2.1023(c).

• The 2017 Nevada State Legislature passed Assembly Joint Resolution 10, which expresses opposition to the development of a repository for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain in the State of Nevada. The Chamber supported this resolution because the risk of potential terrorist threats, environmental impacts, transportation challenges, and the safety of storing nuclear waste material are too great of a risk on the region’s economy.

• Governor Sisolak had also reiterated his continued opposition to Yucca Mountain and the State’s commitment to block such efforts to revive the project by the federal government and had meetings with then President Trump’s Administration including Energy Secretary Rick Perry on the issue.

• In June 2017, the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted 49-4 to advance a bill that would restart Yucca Mountain. The proposed legislation would set a time limit for the NRC to approve the project and allow for the necessary land transfer for the project. The legislation would also allow the DOE to permit an interim nuclear waste storage site before the licensing process completed for Yucca Mountain.

• In January of 2019, news reports revealed that the DOE had been shipping nuclear waste to the Nevada National Security Site (formerly the Nevada Test Site) without notifying state and local governments. Later investigation revealed that several shipments of nuclear waste had been improperly classified as “low level radioactive waste” instead of the more accurate “mixed lowlevel radioactive waste”, a designation that includes the presence of various toxic metals. Later measurements found chromium levels at the Nevada National Security site to be at a toxicity level higher than is allowed under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

• In July of 2019, the funding authorization for Yucca Mountain was defeated in House Committee on Appropriations.

• U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm has, in various hearings and press statements, taken the position that current Yucca Mountain plans will not move forward, and that the Biden Administration will work to “engage in some consensus-based strategies that allow us to determine where that waste should go.” While alternative plans have yet to be offered or vetted, it seems likely that the Yucca Mountain issue will remain tabled for the duration of the Biden Administration.

YUCCA MOUNTAIN NUCLEAR WASTE REPOSITORY

• President Biden himself has stated, during an editorial board interview with the Las Vegas Sun during the 2020 election, “I assure you as president there will be no storage at Yucca Mountain, period, And it’s not just because of the instability and possibility of earthquakes, but because of the transportation to Yucca Mountain.”

YUCCA MOUNTAIN:

• Most recently, there has been increasing opposition to proposed nuclear waste storage sites in Texas and New Mexico. As a result, this has kept Yucca Mountain as the leading option for the growing stockpile of radioactive material scattered around the country.

• n 2021, Congresswoman Dina Titus, Congresswoman Susie Lee, and Congressman Steven Horsford introduced the Nuclear Waste Informed Consent Act, H.R. 1524 in the House of Representatives. U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen introduced S. 541, which is the companion legislation in the U.S. Senate. The legislation allows the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to authorize construction of a nuclear waste repository only if the Secretary of Energy has secured written consent from the governor of the host state, affected units of local government, and affected Indian tribes.

• The Infrastructure Reduction Act has created incentives for nuclear power which could increase the amount of nuclear waste that is being produced. The Act provides a production tax credit for existing nuclear energy units, similar to the ones received by wind and solar farms.

• The 2022 midterm elections could result in changes to partisan control of one or both houses of congress, and by extension open opportunities for new iterations of authorizing and funding bills for Yucca Mountain. Despite this, it seems unlikely that this would be either a top priority for new leadership, or an area where the administration would be likely to compromise.

SAFETY CONCERNS:

• Any incident with the transport or storage of nuclear waste could have a severe and negative economic impact on Southern Nevada’s economy and the safety of more than 2 million residents within 100 miles of the Yucca Mountain Site and the almost 43 million annual visitors.

• The storing of 77,000 tons of nuclear waste less than 90 miles from Las Vegas is a concern to the business community and residents because of potential terrorist threats, environmental impact, transportation challenges and the safety of storing nuclear waste material.

• As of 2019, approximately 86,000 metric tons of spent nuclear fuel was being stored at 119 sites, according to the DOE.

• There are about 95 power plants operating in 29 states, currently, generating 2,900 metric tons a year. Additionally, there are 38 reactors in 30 states in various stages of decommissioning across the country.

• Regarding the transportation and storage infrastructure at Yucca Mountain, there has been no construction of waste disposal tunnels, receiving and handling facilities. Also, the appropriate waste containers and transportation casks have yet to be developed and are not available to use. In addition, the railroad lines to transport the nuclear waste to the storage site have not been constructed. It is expected that nuclear waste shipments from across the country will cross 42 states and approximately 700 counties to be stored at Yucca Mountain.

• The reprocessing of nuclear waste requires a large amount of water, which is a concern since the region is in a severe drought. This is a concern to businesses, local governments, residents, and regional water agencies. The State of Nevada has refused to issue those water rates for the project.

• There are concerns about the seismic activity in the region, which questions the logic of storing nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain. Nevada ranks as the fourth highest in seismic activity in the United States by the U.S. Geological Survey.

• Concerns also exist for improper implementation of outlined safety procedures by the DOE and their contractors. In 2014 the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in Carlsbad, New Mexico experienced a radiological accident in which one facility employee was hospitalized due to the release of stored radioactive waste materials.

• The cause of the accident was later determined to be use of improper materials by DOE contractors on several radioactive waste containers. More recently, as mentioned above, the DOE has admitted to improper labeling of radioactive waste shipments to the Nevada National Security Site, leading to concerns of increased presence of toxic metals such as chromium.

POLITICAL FACTORS:

• Advocates for Yucca Mountain to be a nuclear waste storage site include U.S. Senators and members of Congress whose states have numerous nuclear power plants, such as Illinois, Washington, and South Carolina. Other supporters include the Nuclear Energy Institute, Nye County Commissioners, and Former Nevada Governor Bob List.

• Opponents to Yucca Mountain include the Nevada State Legislature, several members of Nevada’s Congressional delegation, Vegas Chamber, several Nevada business associations, and the majority of Nevadans.

Source: United States Nuclear Regulatory CommissionTourism accounts for nearly half of all revenue in Nevada’s general fund, generating an estimated economic impact of $67.6 billion in Southern Nevada in 2019

Source: US Infrastructure

FEDERAL LEADERSHIP

President of United States

Joseph R. Biden

The Cabinet

The tradition of the Cabinet dates back to the beginnings of the Presidencyitself. Established in Article II, Section 2, of the Constitution, the Cabinet’s role isto advise the President on any subject he may require relating to the duties ofeach member’s respective office. The Cabinet includes the Vice President and the heads of 15 executive departments —the Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense, Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, State, Transportation, Treasury, and Veterans Affairs, as well as the Attorney General.

In order of succession to the Presidency:

Kamala Harris

Vice President of the United State

Antony Blinken

Secretary of State

Dr. Janet Yellen

Secretary of the Treasury

Lloyd Austin

Secretary of Defense

Merrick Garland

Attorney General

Deb Haaland

Secretary of the Interior

Tom Vilsack

Secretary of Agriculture

Gina Raimondo

Secretary of Commerce

Julie Su

Acting Secretary of Labor

Xavier Becerra

Secretary of Health and Human Services

Marcia Fudge

Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

Pete Buttigieg

Secretary of Transportation

Jennifer Granholm

Secretary of Energy

Dr. Miguel Cardona

Secretary of Education

Denis Mcdonough

Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Alejandro Mayorkas

Secretary of Homeland Security

Michael Regan

Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency

Avril Haines

Director of National Intelligence

Katherine Tai

United States Trade Representative

Linda Thomas-Greenfield

United States Ambassador to The United Nations

Jared Bernstein

Chair of The Council of Economic Advisers

Isabel Guzman

Administrator of the Small Business Administration

Shalanda Young

Director of the Office of Management and Budget

Dr. Arati Prabhakar

Presidential Science Advisor and Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy

Jeff Zients

Chief of Staff

118th Congress, 1st Session

118th Congress, 1st Session

118th Congress, 1st Session

Senate Leadership:

The floor leaders and whips of each party are elected by a majority vote of all the senators of their party assembled in a conference or, as it sometimes is called, a caucus. The practice has been to choose the leader for a two-year term at the beginning of each Congress. The majority and minority leaders are the elected spokespersons on the Senate floor for their respective political parties.

United States Senate Majority Leadership StructureDemocrats

United States Senate Minority Leadership StructureRepublicans

Vice President of the United States Kamala D. Harris

President Pro Tempore Senator Patrick Leahy, D-VT

Majority Leader Senator Charles Schumer, D-NY

Minority Leader Senator Mitch McConnell, R-KY

Minority Whip Senator John Thune, R-SD

President of the Senate

Majority Whip Senator Richard Durbin, D-IL

118th Congress, 1st Session

United States House of Representatives Majority Leadership StructureRepublicans

118th Congress, 1st Session

United States House of Representatives Minority Leadership StructureDemocrats

118th Congress, 1st Session

Elected by the whole of the House of Representatives, the Speaker acts as leader of the House and combines several roles: the institutional role of presiding officer and administrative head of the House, the role of leader of the majority party in the House, and the representative role of an elected member of the House. The Speaker of the House is second in line to succeed the President, after the Vice President.

House Leadership:

The majority party members and the minority party members meet separately to select their leaders. Third parties rarely have had enough members to elect their own leadership, and independents will generally join one of the larger party organizations to receive committee assignments. A party caucus or conference is the name given to a meeting of or organization of all party members in the House.

Republican Policy Committee Chairman Rep.

Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise, LA-1st Represents Republicans on the House floor.

Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, NY-8th

Assistant Democratic Leader Rep. James Clyburn, SC-6th Assists leadership in managing party’s legislative program.

Majority Whip Rep. Tom Emmer, MN-6th Assists leadership in managing party’s legislative program.

Minority Whip Rep. Katherine Clark, MA-5th Assists the Majority Leader.

Republican Conference Chairman Rep. Elise Stefanik, NY-21st Heads organization of all Republican Party members in the House.

Democratic Caucus Chairman Rep. Pete Aguilar, CA-33rd Heads organization of all Democratic Party members in the House.

Gary Palmer, AL-6th Heads Conference forum

Rep. Kevin McCarthy, CA-23rd

Speaker of the House

RESOURCES & INFORMATION

RECOMMENDED DRESS CODES

Sunday, September 17 Vegas Chamber CEO Washington D.C. Reception Casual.

Monday, September 18

Welcome Reception at the LVCVA Rooftop Business Casual.

Tuesday, September 19

Policy Meetings at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel Business Attire.

Vegas Night at the Capitol at Capitol View at 400 Business Casual.

Wednesday, September 20

Congressional Meetings at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel Business Attire.

Thursday, September 21

Policy Meetings at the JW Marriott Hotel Business Attire.

Nevada State Dinner at the Conrad Hotel Black Tie.

HEALTH & WELLNESS GUIDE

Guide CVS Pharmacy

717 14th St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20005 202.737-9525

Hours vary

CVS Pharmacy

1275 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20004 202.638.4583

Hours vary

Walgreens

1155 F St., NW Ste. 975, Washington, D.C. 20004 202.969.8814

Hours vary

Urgent Care MedStar PromptCare - Capitol Hill 228 7th St., SE, Washington, D.C. 20003 202.698.0795

Open 24-hours

Minute Clinic

1275 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20004 202.638.4583

Hours vary

George Washington University Hospital 900 23rd St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20037 202.715.4000

Open 24-hours

Washington, D.C. Health Department 899 North Capitol Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20002

Main Number: 202.442.5955

COVID Hotline: 202.576.1117

Fax: 202.442-4795

TTY: 711

Website: https://dchealth.dc.gov/

Email: doh@dc.gov

Processing Center: Mon-Fri 8:30 am-3:30 pm

Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:15 am-4:45 pm, except holidays

Provided as a courtesy

MUSEUM GUIDE

Smithsonian Museums

Admission is free of charge at all museums and the zoo. Timed-entry passes are only required at the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Zoo.

Community Museum

Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

1901 Fort Place, SE, Washington, D.C. 20020 202.633.4820

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sculpture Garden open daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Independence Ave and 7th St., Washington, D.C. 20560

202.633.4674

National Air and Space Museum

Thursday through Monday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 655 Jefferson Drive, SW, Washington, D.C. 20560

202.633.2214

National Air and Space Museum

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly, Virginia

Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway

Chantilly, VA 20151

703.572.4118

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 1400 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20560

1844.750.3012

National Museum of African Art

Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 950 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C. 20560

202.633.4600

National Museum of American History

Friday through Tuesday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20560 202.633.1000

National Museum of the American Indian

Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fourth Street & Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20560

202.633.1000

Museum Guide National Museum of Asian Art Freer Gallery

Friday through Tuesday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 1050 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C. 20560 202.633.1000

National Museum of Natural History

Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20560 202.633.1000

National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum

Wednesday through Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. F St., NW &, 8th St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20004 202.633.1000

National Postal Museum

Friday to Tuesday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 2 Massachusetts Ave., N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 202.633.5555

Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum

Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 1661 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20006 202.633.7970

Smithsonian Institution Building (Castle) Open daily 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 1000 Jefferson Drive, SW Washington, D.C. 20560 202.633.1000

Smithsonian’s National Zoo 3001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20008 Open daily 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 202.633.4888

Provided as a courtesy.

RESTAURANT GUIDE

1789

A luxe scene for refined seasonal American fare. It is the quintessential dining experience.

1226 36th St., NW

Washington, D.C. 20007

1789restaurant.com

202.965.1789

Fig & Olive

Upscale restaurant and bar serving seasonal Mediterranean fare.

934 Palmer Alley, NW

Washington, D.C. 20001 figandolive.com

202.559.5004

HipCityVeg

Vegan take on burgers and chicken wraps offered in a counter-serve setting.

712 7th St., NW

Washington, D.C. 20001 hipcityveg.com

202.621-8057

Le Diplomate

Bustling brasserie serves classic French fare and drinks amid a zinc bar, tile floors and sidewalk cafe.

1601 14th St., NW

Washington, D.C. 20009

lediplomatedc.com

202.332.3333

Old Ebbit Grill

Iconic tavern offering American meals, including popular oyster specials, in Victorian-style digs.

675 15th St., NW

Washington, D.C. 20005

ebbitt.com

202.347.4800

Reren Lamen and Bar

A low-key choice for Chinese-style ramen made with fresh noodles, plus dumplings and Asian entrees.

817 7th St, NW

Washington, D.C. 20001

rerenlamen.com

202.290.3677

Sfoglina

Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Italian restaurant providing elevated fare at a good price

1099 New York Ave NW

Washington, D.C. 20001

Sfoglinapasta.com

202.628.1099

Succotash

Star chef Lee’s classy eatery melds Dixie & Asian flavors in curry succotash, fried chicken, and ribs.

915 F St, NW

Washington, D.C. 20004

succotashrestaurant.com

202.849-6933

The Smith

NYC offshoot for upscale American eats, specialty drinks and brunch in hip, upbeat surrounds. 901 F St., NW

Washington, D.C. 20004

thesmithrestaurant.com

202.868.4900

Provided as a courtesy

Source: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

Presenting Sponsors

As proud Nevadans we are driven to bring innovation, technology and affordable connectivity to our communities.

You’re invited to the colors gala

LEADERSHIP | INNOVATION | JOB CREATION | PARTNERSHIP

Dress to the nines and celebrate our core values as we celebrate members of our community working to advance economic development.

OCTOBER 19, 2023

ARIA RESORT & CASINO

Tickets at $395

Sponsorships Available LVGEA.ORG

PROJECTS AS HOT AS

The Vegas Golden Knights are igniting the ice and Martin-Harris is building an electrifying future for Nevada. From groundbreaking concepts to game-changing triumphs, we're in it for the win, together.

When your vision demands construction excellence in Nevada, trust Martin-Harris to be your playbook, guiding your project to a championship-worthy finish.

Affordable health plans

Lower premiums, predictable costs

You get large-plan advantages for your small business when you enroll in one of our Vegas Chamber Association Health Plans (AHP).

Choose from our Anthem PPO; Choice PPO; Anthem HMO; Anthem HSA; and Convenient Care, our most popular HMO.

Switch for savings

Whether you have a different plan or are looking for a new plan, you can enroll today!

AHPs are available to small groups across Nevada with 2–50 employees.*

Contact your Anthem or Vegas Chamber representative to learn more.

For more than 100 years, AT&T has invested in Las Vegas' communications networks and local communities including millions in our wired and wireless networks to connect more people to possibility.

attconnects.com/nevada

Shaping the future of Nevada.

CSN identifies industry trends and future employment opportunities for our workforce. Our mission is to prepare each student and our overall community to achieve, succeed and prosper.

Thank you, Vegas Chamber for the DC Fly-In. This is such a great opportunity to interact with the congressional delegation on pressing southern Nevada issues.

Holland & Hart proudly partners with the Vegas Chamber to strengthen relationships with all who cultivate growth and prosperity in Nevada.

THE GREATEST ARENA VISITS THE NATION’S CAPITAL

Great communities are made by people bold enough to make a difference. NSB is proud to support the Vegas Chamber and its work to shape our future.

Southwest Airlines® is proud to be the official airline of the Las Vegas Chamber’s DC Fly-in 2023.

USELESS GRASS IS ILLEGAL

Nevada law requires the removal of useless, decorative grass at businesses, HOAs, medians, roundabouts and more. Replace

© 2023 Southwest Airlines Co.

We are more than a 5-star resort. We are a 12,243-star resort.

We are proud to represent the thriving hospitality industry in our great state and the 12,243 Nevada constituents who are the Wynn Las Vegas team.

Thank you, Vegas Chamber for hosting this important event.

Your Friends at

BOARD OF TRUSTEES & EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

MARY BETH SEWALD

President & CEO - Vegas Chamber

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PAUL ANDERSON Chairman

Senior Vice President of Industry and Government Affairs

Boyd Gaming

HUGH ANDERSON Chairman – Government Affairs

Managing Director, Partner Hightower Las Vegas

MICHAEL BOLOGNINI Principal MFB Enterprise

GINA BONGIOVI Managing Partner Bongiovi Law Firm, LLC

MICHAEL FEDER

Immediate Past Chairman Member/Partner, Las Vegas Dickinson Wright

BETSY FRETWELL Chair- Elect C4WARD Strategies

LORI NELSON-KRAFT

Senior Vice President of Communications

Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

GENERAL ROB NOVOTNY (RET.)

P-8 Training Systems Test Engineer Boeing

CHASE RANKIN

Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing

Las Vegas Review-Journal

ELLEN SCHULHOFER

Shareholder Office Managing Partner Brownstein

TERRY SHIREY

President & Chief Executive Officer Nevada State Bank

CHRIS WILCOX

Partner Tax Practice Leader

Pacific Northwest Region

Las Vegas Nevada Office Market Leader Vice Chair of Finance & Audit Partner Eide Bailly, LLP

RYAN A. WOODWARD Owner National Technical Institute

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

JEREMY AGUERO Principal

Applied Analysis

BRANDON BARKHUFF

Senior Vice President - General Counsel

Secretary, Chief Compliance Officer NV Energy

MAJOR GENERAL ONDRA BERRY

Major General  Nevada National Guard

JUSTIN BROWN

President

Southwest Gas

DANIELLE BISTERFELDT

Senior Vice President of Marketing - Summerlin

The Howard Hughes Corporation

JAN JONES BLACKHURST

Executive Director UNLV

Black Fire Board Member

Caesars Entertainment Board of Directors

Chief Executive in Residence UNLV International Gaming Institute

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

MARY BETH SEWALD

President & CEO - Vegas Chamber

KERRY BUBOLZ

President and Chief Executive Officer Vegas Golden Knights

VINCENT CIMINISE

Senior Vice President, Commercial Loan Manager Valley Bank of Nevada

TYLER CORDER

Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer Findlay Automotive

MICHAEL CROME Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Las Vegas Raiders & Allegiant Stadium

JAIME CRUZ Executive Director Workforce Connections

TERESA DI LORETO Executive Director Nevada Military Support Alliance

VICTOR FUCHS

President, Founding Partner, Managing Member Helix Electric

RICHARD A. GOODMAN Brigadier General Nellis AFB

CHUCK LEY President/CEO Cornerstone Merchants

DR. REX LIU, D.D.S. Owner Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, Inc.

NAPOLEON MCCALLUM

Director of Community Development Las Vegas Sands Corporation

BILL NELSON Assurance Partner BDO

SHAUNDELL NEWSOME Founder Sumnu Marketing

KARLA PEREZ Vice President Valley Health System

EMILY PRAZER Chief Commercial Officer FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN

SILVER LAS VEGAS GRAND PRIX

TINA QUIGLEY President & CEO LVGEA

LARRY SINGER Senior Managing Director Newmark

Bryant Thornton Market Vice President Republic Services

DR. KEITH E. WHITFIELD President

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

MICHAEL WOODFIELD Executive Director & Market Executive

J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.

JANET UTHMAN Market Leader & Vice President Cox Las Vegas

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

MARY BETH SEWALD

President & CEO - Vegas Chamber

HUGH ANDERSON

Chairman of the Government Affairs Committee

Past Chair of the Board of Trustees

Hightower Las Vegas

PAUL ANDERSON

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Boyd Gaming

MICHAEL FEDER

Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Trustees

Dickinson Wright

BETSY FRETWELL

Chair-Elect of the Board of Trustees

C4ward Strategies

GINA BONGIOVI

Past Chair of the Board of Trustees

Bongiovi Law Firm

MICHAEL BRITT

Red Rock Resorts, Inc.

MARK BROWN

Miracle Flights

MARYKAYE CASHMAN

MC Squared Consulting

TIM CASHMAN

Past Chair of the Board of Trustees

The Cashman Companies

LISA DE MARIGNY

Terra West Management Services

J.T. FOLEY

Las Vegas Sands Corp.

CRAIG GALATI

LGA Architecture, Inc.

JASON GRAY

MGM Resorts International

DAVE HOWELL

Wells Fargo

KARLOS LASANE

Caesars Entertainment Corporation

CHAD LEAVITT

Findlay Automotive Group

SCOTT LEEDOM

Southwest Gas

TODD MASON

Wynn Resorts

MEGHAN MCLEAN

Fair, Anderson & Langerman

ERIN MCMULLEN MIDBY

Vice Chair of the Government Affairs Committee

Boyd Gaming

GEORGE F. OGILVIE III, ESQ.

McDonald Carano

JOHN O’REILLY

Past Chair of the Board of Trustees

O’Reilly Law Group

DAMON SCHILLING

AMR/Medic West

GRETA SEIDMAN

Opportunity 180

JENNIFER SIMICH

Republic Services

TODD SKLAMBERG

Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center

CRAIG STEVENS

Cox Communications

JUDY STOKEY

NV Energy

TED WIENS, JR.

Past Chair of the Board of Trustees

Ted Wiens Tire & Auto