Incoming chairman challenges Chamber members

Las Vegas is making great strides at improving its education system and recruiting new business and preparing leaders for the future, moves that will help the community recover from the worst of economic times, the incoming chairman of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce said Wednesday.

The biggest challenge in the new year is to stay focused and keep up the energy to drive through obstacles that come up, said Jay Barrett, principal of JABarrett Co. financial advisers.

"Businesses succeeding create communities that succeed," the former Rio president told more than 600 Chamber members and guests at Four Seasons. "We have a very strong foundation to help businesses, and what we need to do is keep our eyes on the goal, which is to improve the quality of life and prosperity for everyone."

Barrett recapped some of the Chamber's achievements in 2012, including its small-business health care program, merging with the North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and helping to form the Las Vegas Regional Economic Development Council.

He commended outgoing Chamber chairman Kevin Orrock for his work in government affairs and efforts to boost interstate commerce with the proposed Interstate 11 route from Phoenix to Las Vegas.

The Chamber will advocate common sense approaches to strengthening K-12 education and greater transparency at all economic levels, Barrett said.

"The Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce will serve as a partner with other Chambers to create a cohesive business voice," he said.

Using the analogy of a three-act play, Barrett said the first act starts with doing things differently to improve the community.

"Are we willing to act in a new role, or will it be the same old play?" he asked.

The second act is building the next level. The only way for Las Vegas to get "rave reviews" is to invigorate the Strip, he said. Las Vegas is an iconic city, but we need to "wake up" and realize our gaming and casino model is being copied around the globe, he said.

It's incumbent upon everyone to make the economic development council successful at recruiting new business to Nevada, and to attract innovative entrepreneurs such as Rob Roy of Switch and Tony Hsieh of Zappos, Barrett said.

"The final act ... that's up to all of us to write," the chairman said. "The stage is set; we rehearsed it enough. Participate and get involved. Activate and spread the word so we're all working in the same direction. I ask you, my fellow members and citizens, to participate in all we offer at the Chamber, to invigorate others to join in this play and return next year to celebrate our success. Let's raise the curtain and get on with the show. This is it. Are you with me?"

Elaina Blake, Las Vegas Chamber's first chairwoman in 1985, said she liked Barrett's message of marrying business with education.

"We've done a few things in the past, but not enough," Blake said.

"We've partnered with schools and businesses, getting all businesses involved. Whatever they excel in is what they give back to the schools. The bottom line is our kids. They're the future."

Barrett also talked about "tough decisions" made by the North Las Vegas City Council to balance the budget by changing terms of the contract with firefighters.

The city of Las Vegas streamlined its business licensing so that 5,500 businesses don't have to worry about multiple jurisdictional licenses. Henderson brought transparency to its collective bargaining process. And the Las Vegas Valley Water District worked with the business community to reduce the burden of rate increases.

Contact reporter Hubble Smith at hsmith@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0491.