Dear Rotarians,

We were originally going to hear Steve Hill from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority speak at this week’s meeting. He cancelled due to the coronavirus directives. We will try to get him rescheduled in the future. This got me thinking. I wanted to discover how the Public Relations agency for our city is dealing these days.

Here is a 25-cent version of how the LVCVA evolved: From their website: “Visionary elected officials, convinced that convention business was crucial to the growth of the city, went before the Nevada State Legislature to ask for funding. In 1955, the State Legislature agreed to finance the Clark County Fair and Recreation Board (the precursor to the LVCVA) with money acquired from a room tax levied on hotel and motel properties in Clark County. This revenue paid for by tourists and not by local residents, allowed the Las Vegas Convention Center to be constructed and operate without any tax assessment on Clark County residents, and allowed the LVCVA to begin a program of destination marketing.”

I remember when I first moved here nearly 30 years ago, there was an office called the Las Vegas Sun Archives. It was closed down, which was a shame since it held so much of our city’s history along with old photos and newspaper articles that could be purchased. Yes, I know UNLV has extensive historical archives, it was still fun to browse the old office. Enjoy a sample: I think I see Dan Tanna!

So, what is going on today? We know our convention and tourism business has been severely damaged. All sorts of pundits are predicting everything from a v-shaped economic recovery to complete doom. So, what does our PR agency say? Since we don’t have Steve Hill to answer that question, here is what my research has uncovered. “LAS VEGAS – With social distancing and work from home regulations in place, more people are relying on video conferencing to stay connected. To take a break from the mundane while away from colleagues, family and friends, Las Vegas has created a series of virtual backgrounds for Zoom, one of the largest videoconferencing providers.” Tourists can take a tour of our city without leaving the comfort of their homes.

The Neon Museum, Mob Museum, Wynn, even the Cirque shows are virtual. What is the long-term impact of this? It seems as if we can virtually tour anything, real estate for sale, cruising, other famous cities such as Paris, London, Madrid, Vienna, and so on. So, this has been and continues to be the question, what happens when the directives are lifted? Will tourists return at the same levels? No one has a Crystal Ball. What we have is precedent in that our City survived 911 and 1 October. We will come through this as well.

Jackie Thornhill
President
Las Vegas Rotary Club

Las Vegas Rotary Club Meeting: April 23, 2020

• President Jackie Thornhill called the meeting to order via Facebook/Zoom Live Stream event.
• Arlene Sirois gave the invocation.
• Kirk Holmes was Sergeant at Arms.
• President Jackie Thornhill played the Marines’ Hymn and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
• President Jackie Thornhill announcements/reminders:
  • Your quarterly and monthly contributions help fund programs keep our projects moving. Please consider donating to the permanent fund. Consider becoming a Tiberti Fellow if you are not one already.
  • Please use the QR code in the green book to sign up for events online.
  • People of Action Campaign is still live. If you have photos, please continue to send them to President Jackie Thornhill.
  • Lawry’s will remain closed until April 30^th per mandate. They are do have pick up available. Order online and you can use your Lawry Bucks’
  • The First Responders Kits were delivered. They are still in need of hand sanitizer.
  • There is a spot or two in the upcoming Wheels for a virtual craft talk. Please send Jackie your headshot, logo and up to 250 words describing what you do professionally.
• Toni Kern inducted our newest member Bhavan Singh. Bhavan is second generation Rotary. He was formerly president of the Pico Rivera Club and looks forward to volunteering and participating with us.
• AG Michael Gordon will be reaching out for volunteers to assist with the wheelchair distribution. He will begin by contacting those that helped last year. PP Jim Hunt updated that wheelchairs have arrived in LA and should be here Monday or Tuesday.
• Keri Serrano Will be sure to take many photos at this distribution of the USO nature-based learning kits to families.
• Melanie Muldowney spoke briefly that the Foundation match is still available. I f she can assist you in reaching your next level please reach out.
• Marie Walsh gave an update on the Valedictorian Luncheon. They are in communication with the schools working to create a list of students nominated by the schools and expects that process to be complete mid-May
• Stuart Lipoff introduced our Guest Speaker Dr. Jesus Jara, Superintendent for Clark County School District. Dr. Jara shared with us that of the 320,000 students in Clark County SD 68% are on the free and reduced meal program and 30% do not have access to computers and/or broadband internet. As the Covid-19 closures began continuing the meals for the students was top of his list followed by distance learning. Online distance learning curriculum is in place and pencil to paper learning packets are now being distributed to students at meal sites as well. Additional learning devices will be deployed to students in need with a priority of seniors first. The district is additionally conducting wellness checks for students they cannot contact via email or phone.
• President Jackie Thornhill adjourned the meeting.