Henderson chamber’s new director step into new role

If Scott Muelrath had his way, he would have made a living from fly-fishing .

His office walls are covered with fishing memorabilia, photos and the cover of a fishing book he and his dad wrote called "The Hunt: Flyfishing's Greatest Adventures."

"Fly-fishing is a total release," Muelrath said. "It's not even about catching fish anymore."

Muelrath spent many summers escaping into the wilderness, and fly-fishing was the only thing he wanted to do since he was 13.

But his ambitions have changed as Muelrath, 41, embarks on a new career path as the executive director of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce. For the last eight years, Muelrath had worked for Forest City Enterprises as the general manager of the Galleria at Sunset mall.

On Sept. 6, Muelrath hit the ground running, not catching fish but catching the attention of old and new businesses.

"It is more out of the office than in it right now," Muelrath said. "I'm meeting with businesses , listening and finding out our strengths and weaknesses."

Muelrath hopes to use his time at the chamber to help it move forward.

"The chamber has a lot of potential," Muelrath said. "I see great things for it. I wouldn't have left Forest City if I didn't."

Even though he is new to the position, Muelrath has been a part of the chamber for several years.

First, he served on its foundation board.

"I worked with the Henderson Business Resource Center and Leadership Henderson," Muelrath said.

In 2008, Muelrath was named Henderson Chamber of Commerce member of the year.

Wanting to get more involved, he joined the board of directors.

When former CEO and chamber president Alice Martz decided to retire in June , Muelrath threw his name into the running to replace her.

"I thought it would be a good challenge," Muelrath said.

Muelrath grew up in Napa, Calif., and attended the University of California, Davis.

"That is where I met my wife," Muelrath said.

Ten years ago, Muelrath and his wife moved to Las Vegas.

"It was for my wife to pursue an opportunity," Muelrath said.

During his time, Muelrath has learned what he loves most about the community.

"Henderson still has that small-town feel," Muelrath said. "I like that you're only an arm's-reach distance away from many decision-makers."

Because of that, Muelrath thinks anyone can get involved with helping the community.

Heather Valera, the marketing director for the Galleria at Sunset mall who worked with Muelrath for the last five years, said the news was good and bad.

"Myself and the management team had mixed emotions," Valera said. "We didn't want to see Scott leave, but at the same time, we knew he would have a great opportunity to help the Henderson community and chamber."

Valera said Muelrath's leadership helped retain occupancy levels at the mall despite the economic downturn.

"Scott knows how to work with businesses whether they are national businesses or local Mom-and-Pop businesses," Valera said.

Under Muelrath's direction, the mall formed partnerships with Henderson Libraries, opening a branch inside the mall, and the Henderson Space and Science Center, which hosted its first two traveling exhibits at the mall.

"Opening 'Ends of the Earth' was a highlight for him and all the management team," Valera said, referring to the first exhibit.

Valera said she is glad that she still gets to work with Muelrath in the community.

Even though the days get a little chaotic for Muelrath, he makes sure to take time and recharge.

"I'm a firm believer that you need to check out from your work life and daily routine," Muelrath said. "That is why I like to get away or go fly-fishing."

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.