First Time in Las Vegas

Didn't We Do This Last Night, Too?

2009-10-17T16:00:00.001-07:00

Paramedics' guide to surviving Las Vegas

Older article. But still good info. Travel editor Peter Greenberg rides along with Las Vegas paramedics and describes the unique challenges of handling 200,000 tourists on a regular basis. (TodayShow.com & MSNBC.com, October 12, 2007)

When the Good Times JUST WON'T STOP !!

2009-10-17T16:00:00.000-07:00

Some things are fantastic once.

Enjoyable for a while.

Then out of nowhere, it all turns downward. And there seems like there's no escape.

Here's some options when it happens to a friend.

Alcoholics Anonymous

LVAA HOTLINE (702) 598-1888 (24/7)
Visitor & Meeting Information Email
(This is not a HOTLINE - replies usually within 24 hours)

Gamblers Anonymous

Las Vegas Hotline Number: 1-888-442-2110
Intergroup Mailing Address

Sexaholics Resources

Helpful Online Resources for Sex Addicts, provided by Las Vegas Channel 8, KLAS-TV.

Drug Rehab & Treatment Centers

Las Vegas Drug Rehab and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Information, call toll-free: 1-877-437-8422

Nevada Foreclosure Help

The Governor's Office and the Nevada Department of Business & Industry help consumers prevent a foreclosure, if possible.

Shade Tree Shelter

Shelter for Homeless & Abused Women & Children: (702) 385-0072

The Great ONE

2009-10-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

Nevada sponsors an ambitious online encyclopedia project called the Online Nevada Encyclopedia (ONE).

It's still in development. But what's available now covers a range of fascinating topics:
* Land and Water
* Peoples of Nevada
* Community and Society
* The Arts
* Business and Economy
* Mining
* Gaming and Tourism
* Politics and Government
* Nuclear Nevada
* Exploration and Transportation.

Includes 100s, maybe 1000s of old historical photos.

Ever wondered why something in Nevada is the way it is? It's probably because some miner or some mobster caused it.

Check out the old pictures of Virginia City and the discovery of the Comstock Lode, one of the richest gold & silver strikes in the west.

Or follow the story of organic crime that birthed modern-day Las Vegas.

If you love history, this could keep you fascinated for days or months. Or years.

PHOTO: courtesy of Las Vegas New Bureau / LVCVA

What's a Ballet Doing in Las Vegas?

2009-10-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

Quite well, actually.

Nevada Ballet Theatre was founded in 1972.

Today it's a leading force in the establishment of the live performing arts in southern Nevada.

Thirty-five dancers from around the world pursue an ambitious schedule of performances, local talent development, and a commitment to outreach and education.

How May I Help You?

2009-10-12T16:00:00.000-07:00

Living in Las Vegas, you quickly realize you need more than neon and glitter to make a life.

Fortunately, a lot of dedicated people really care about nurturing an extraordinary place to live and work. And they demonstrate this commitment through their great works with groups and organizations like these below.

It's a side of Las Vegas that most visitors never hear about.

Opportunity Village - Las Vegas' Favorite Charity

"...a not-for-profit organization that serves people with intellectual disabilities by providing them with vocational training, employment and social recreation services that make their lives more productive and interesting. Through Opportunity Village’s programs and services, hundreds of people with disabilities are learning vocational skills and being placed in jobs throughout the community."

The Shade Tree

...a not-for-profit organization that provides safe shelter to homeless and abused women and children in crisis. ...The Shade Tree is the largest shelter of it's kind in the state."

Susan G. Komen for the Cure -- A World Without Breast Cancer

The local chapter of the organization that "is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in our community. And part of the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting breast cancer."

KLVX PBS Television

With the financial and volunteer support of the local community, KLVX broadcasts innovative news, entertainment and educational programs.

Network for Good

A directory of nonprofit organizations requesting donations, recruiting volunteers and serving their community. Searchable by Keyword, Charity Name, Zip Code, Area of Interest and more.

Volunteer Match (for las vegas - 89109)

VolunteerMatch strengthens communities by making it easier for good people and good causes to connect. Find a group your believe in passionately and volunteer.

Las Vegas Challenges - Crime

2009-10-09T16:00:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas Review Journal

Las Vegas Sun

Google News

Las Vegas Challenges - Education

2009-10-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

The recession has hit southern Nevada hard. Residents and businesses large and small face a number of significant financial, environmental, social and structural challenges.

This post looks at Education.

Nevada Policy Research Institute
...a free-market think tank that looks for private solutions for public problems facing Nevada, the West and the nation. Reports available for downloading...

Nevada's Public Schools

Nevada Public School Rankings
Search for rankings by individual public school in state of Nevada. AND...similar service from CityRating.com

Here's the latest news about Education from...

Las Vegas Review Journal

Las Vegas Sun

Google News

Where's the Local Chamber of Commerce?

2009-10-03T16:00:00.001-07:00

Which one ?!!

Las Vegas has something for every business.

American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Nevada
NO Website. -- Debra Sillik, President: (702) 693-6698
1785 E Sahara Ave., Suite 360B, Las Vegas, NV 89107

"...the group will have more of a holistic approach to providing opportunities to American Indians such as employment opportunities and educational opportunities." -- from an article by Alana Roberts, In Business Las Vegas.

Boulder City Chamber of Commerce

"...the only City in Nevada without gaming...a wholesome, family-oriented community, with a significant retirement sector."

Henderson Chamber of Commerce

Private, non-profit voluntary organization dedicated to the growth and progress of the community of Henderson since 1945.

Internet Chamber of Commerce

Encourages business, government and academic communities in Las Vegas to maximize the cross-business opportunities of Internet technology. Hosts networking and educational events.

Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce

One of the largest chambers in the country. A must for networking your business. Also: Chamber's official relocation guide.

Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce

Develops, advances and promotes Hispanics and small businesses, which enhances the economic, political, social, educational and cultural interests of Hispanics in Nevada.

Nevada Holistic Chamber of Commerce

"...supporting its members from all professions interested in a holistic approach to making the most of their business in running a thriving worthwhile business."

North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce

Since 1948, committed to seeking out and providing the services and programs necessary to keep your business on the cutting edge of every issue.

Sin City Chamber of Commerce

"...promotes the businesses that make Las Vegas the most exciting city in the world, a place 'Where Business is Pleasure.'"

Urban Chamber of Commerce

Originally founded as Nevada Black Chamber of Commerce (NBBC) to address economic discrimination in a coordinated and systematic manner. Changed name in 1996 to broaden its base of support and appeal. Facilitates mixers and networking events.

Women's Chamber of Nevada

"...created to identify, create and disseminate programs and services to educate businesswomen, and others, by providing the tools, resources, connections and skills to support the community's diversity and economic development of women in business."

Betting on Las Vegas

2009-08-15T21:46:00.000-07:00

I've written a few posts on the current economic conditions in Las Vegas and the state of Nevada.

This article in Time magazine sums up the real estate market better than any I've seen.

Less Vegas: The Casino Town Bets on a Comeback

Covers great deals on the Strip contrasted with record foreclosures and unemployment throughout the southland.

Allow Me to Introduce Myself...

2009-07-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

Business is about people. Meeting them. Building relationships. Serving each other. And making a difference.

Businesses old and new can nurture great friendships and strengthen business ties in Las Vegas through these networking groups.

The Link

Las Vegas Networking Calendar -- hundreds, perhaps thousands of business events online. "While networking for many people is about business, it is more about the social aspects of meeting people, offering advice, referrals, friendships and GROWING TOGETHER..." - Joel Jarvis, President.

B.U.S.E. Club

Billed as "The Ultimate in Business Networking" for business professionals, Up and Comers, Socialites & Entrepreneurs...located at Turnberry Place, inside the Stirling Club.

Social Register of Las Vegas

The Social Register is a private, professional business, social and philanthropic organization, boasting over 13 years in the Las Vegas community, with a membership that comprises over 2,300 professionals and distinguished residents.

Networking Calendar

Extensive Networking Calendar maintained by the Las Vegas Business Press.

Executive Calendar

Comprehensive Executive Calendar maintained by the Las Vegas Business Press

Las Vegas Challenges - Real Estate

2009-07-15T16:00:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas Review Journal

Las Vegas Sun

Google News

Licenses and Permits in Las Vegas?

2009-07-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas might seem like "Anything Goes."

But you sure need a lot of licenses and permits if you live and work here.

Start here @ the State Level

State of Nevada

Doing Business in Nevada, Directories, Technology, News and more.

State Department of Taxation

Publications page: studies, reports, manuals and their quarterly newsletter.

Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles

How to register your vehicle, get a driver's license and more.

County Level

Clark County

Links to: Public Records, Licenses and Permits, Online Services, Demographics, County Services and more.

City Level

All things local: business licenses, planning, zoning, etc.
Boulder City
Henderson
Las Vegas
North Las Vegas

General

The Nevada Index

Eclectic list of links for State and Local Governments as well as municipal codes, court rules, marriage info, planning agendas, records, educational institutions, etc.

You Ain't Never Heard Nuttin' like Dis

2009-07-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

Imagine if all the best players on The Strip got together and put on a concert.

Well -- they do.

It's called the Las Vegas Jazz Society.

Check website for upcoming concerts.

Las Vegas Challenges - Drought

2009-06-24T16:00:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas Review Journal

Las Vegas Sun

Google News

Who's Making News?

2009-06-17T16:00:00.000-07:00

Two sources influence much of the news flow and visitor commerce in Las Vegas.

Greenspun Media Group (GMG)	Stephens Media Group (SMG)
Newspaper	Newspaper
Las Vegas Sun The Las Vegas Sun (ex-afternoon newspaper) is now a section in the LVRJ. And an multimedia news source designed specifically for the internet.	Las Vegas Review-Journal (LVRJ) Nevada's largest newspaper serving Las Vegas and southern Nevada. Incredible amount of information stored here.
Local Business Paper	Local Business Paper
In Business Las Vegas	Las Vegas Business Press
Weekly Alternative Paper	Weekly Alternative Paper
Las Vegas Weekly Fairly mainstream alternative arts & entertainment paper with probably the best coverage of events throughout the valley.	Las Vegas CityLife A Las Vegas Weekly with Attitude.
Website for Visitors	Website for Visitors
Vegas.com Huge directory of shows, resorts, restaurants, activities, visitor guides and much more. As well as related e-commerce transactions. Shares content with LasVegas.com	LasVegas.com Huge directory of shows, resorts, restaurants, activities, visitor guides and much more. As well as related e-commerce transactions. Shares content with Vegas.com

Whirlygig -- the Bohemian Side of Las Vegas?

2009-06-10T16:00:00.000-07:00

Not-for-profit Whirlygig helps educate and develop art and artists in Las Vegas.

First Friday is a monthly celebration in the arts district.

Features: displays of original artwork, live music, theater, parties, shopping, tattoos, new friends, food and fun.

Plan to party at the next one.

Need Help with your Small or New Business?

2009-06-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

Check out these southern Nevada resources.

Nevada Development Authority

Primary source of information on Southern Nevada's business climate for companies seeking to relocate. Maintains an extensive array of current informational pieces covering a wide range of business topics.

Nevada Small Business Development Center

Statewide business assistance outreach program of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).

Applied Analysis

A Nevada-based advisory services firm that provides information and analysis to the public and private sectors. They publish an annual report called the Las Vegas Perspective -- a compilation of all sorts of economics statistics for southern Nevada.

Center for Business and Economic Research

Collects, analyzes, and disseminates information on the economy and businesses of Nevada. Also provides research and analysis services on a contract basis.

Las Vegas Review-Journal

Pretty comprehensive Relocation Guide maintained by the major newspaper in town. Excellent resource.

The Website You're Not Supposed to Know About

2009-05-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

If you're coming to Las Vegas for a convention, conference or trade show, you need to know about this website.

The Las Vegas Conventions & Visitors Authority (LVCVA) hosts two completely different websites.

For Tourists: VisitLasVegas.com.

For Event Planners & Travel Professionals: LVCVA.com

This second one is great for the average Las Vegas convention go-er and exhibitor, too.

The Convention Calendar can search for any event in the valley by keyword, date and/or venue, all the way out to 2017.

It's essential you know what other conventions will be here when you're gonna be in town.

Why?

When 1 or 2 big shows come to town, the traffic and crowds WILL sabotage your plans. No exceptions!

Here's some things to keep in mind...

leave an hour earlier.
carry more food bars and water.
allow twice as much time to do things.
bring an extra cell phone battery, make calls waiting in lines.
plan to network more with people in line (bring more promos to hand out).
bring chart of 'stretching exercises' to reduce muscle tightness.
bring notes for 'breathing exercises' to reduce stress.
bring work suitable to do in car/shuttle, while stuck in traffic.

Las Vegas Challenges - Nevada State Budget

2009-05-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

tourism numbers are way down.
convention numbers are way down.
mortgage defaults & bankruptcies are way up. So...
state revenues have fallen off a cliff, leaving a huge budget shortfall.

In other words, Nevada has a severe budget crisis. And instead of addressing the problem with long-term solutions, legislators in Reno will probably rely on more of the same short-term band-aid approaches that just postpone the pain.

Look for an increase in some existing taxes. As well as drastic budget cuts to government services, education, health care, etc.

Read the current news stories from...

Las Vegas Review Journal

Las Vegas Sun

Google News

For tourists and convention visitors, this is a great time for deals and discounts.

Las Vegas Challenges - Energy

2009-05-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

The recession has hit southern Nevada hard. Residents and businesses large and small face a number of significant financial, environmental, social and structural challenges.

This post looks at the Energy.

The real opportunities for Las Vegas and the state appear to rest with solar and geothermal, rather than the typical choices of nuclear, coal, etc. Can we do it fast enough?

Las Vegas Weekly put together an excellent overview of current energy issues facing Nevada: Sun and Heat Everywhere! (May 14, 2009)

More current news stories from...

Las Vegas Review Journal

Las Vegas Sun

Google News

Nevada's Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology

2009-05-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

If you're moving here with the idea of starting a new business in Las Vegas (or anywhere in Nevada), check out Nevada's Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology (NCET).

NCET is a nonprofit that provides access to resources. And enables Nevada residents to start and grow businesses.

Their programs include the NCET Entrepreneur Expos, the Silver & Gold Venture Capital Conference, the Donald W. Reynolds Governor’s Cup Collegiate Business Plan Competition, the NCET Technology Awards and eWeek Nevada. As well as a recent Green Technology Entrepreneurship Academy.

Stay current with their activities by subscribing to their blog, which they post to frequently.

What's Happening in Sin City?

2008-05-29T20:17:00.000-07:00

The best sources for local news: the two valley newspapers:

Las Vegas Review-Journal

The largest newspaper in Nevada. Incredibly complete resource for 'everything Las Vegas'. Check out columnist Norm Clarke's 'Vegas Confidential' online. (No registration required.)

Las Vegas Sun

The Las Vegas Sun (ex-afternoon paper) recently became a section in the Review-Journal (morning paper). Their website -- designed and optimized as a web-based newspaper -- features breaking news and analysis in multimedia. (No registration required.)

Topix.net

News stories about The Las Vegas Strip: Paradise, NV, pulled from a variety of sources. (No registration required.)

NOTE: A couple of the early casinos located themselves just outside the city limits, so they could avoid paying city taxes. The Las Vegas Strip grew up from there and the area took on the name Paradise, NV.

What's the Weather Like in Vegas?

2008-05-29T20:08:00.000-07:00

All displays referenced to McCarran International Airport, 89119, located at the south end of Las Vegas Blvd, (The Strip).

Visit Weather Underground for practically everything you could ever want to know about Las Vegas weather. Includes five-day weather forecast, three-day air quality forecast, and moon phases for all you howlers. (No registration required.)

Average Temperatures, Rainfall and Snowfall (by month)

How to Get VIP Service in Sin City

2008-05-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

The top hospitality people in the world work at Las Vegas resorts. They have to hustle and give great service, or they don't work here very long.

And everyday, they deal with world-class a$$holes, who have giant egos (aka: huge inferiority complexes) and more money than brains. So it's very unlikely that you're going to impress anyone by acting like a big shot. Most likely, you'll just look like another a$$hole.

On the other hand, the hospitality people usually know the latest about a lot of local stuff. So here's 4 simple ways to get them on your side:

Greet them with a warm, sincere smile. A smile goes a long way.

'Ask' instead of 'Order' or 'Demand'.

Look them in the eye and say 'Thank You' like you mean it.

And oh, yeah. A good tip doesn't hurt, either. It's not uncommon that hourly wages are relatively low. Tips are how these folks make a living.

Finding "The Best" in Sin City

2008-05-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

When I travel, I want the best vacation memories for the best price.

But always trying to save a couple of bucks or find 'the absolute best' increases the worry factor. ("Did I REALLY get the best deal?" etc.) And the worry kills all the fun.

In fact, I think there's '8 Idiot-Proof Ways to Screw Up your Las Vegas Adventure.' And too many Sin City tourists seem to try very hard to complete the list.

Anyway...here's my general Rules of Thumb for a First-Time-in-Las-Vegas Adventure.

BEST DISCOUNTS & BARGAINS

'$15 rooms' '$3 all-you-can-eat buffets' Gone. But there's still a lot of discounts and FREE-bies around in Las Vegas. Just use them wisely.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Almost everything operates 24/7/365 in Las Vegas. So other factors determine when to visit.

Weather -- We're in THE DESERT! Our seasons are: Kinda Cool; Summer; Hell on a Stove Top; and Summer. If you visit from June-September, brush up on the power of heat (100-115 degrees Fahrenheit), low humidity, and sun.

Conventions and Special Events -- Over 22,000 conventions in 2008. They drive the Las Vegas economy. You do NOT want to share the city with 1 or 2 big ones.

BEST PLACE TO STAY

The newer resort hotels (Palazzo, Wynn, Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, Palms, etc.) around The Strip provide the true, Las Vegas vacation experience. IMHO, the 'right one' depends on what you wanna do. And how you feel when you're standing in the lobby.

Las Vegas Hotel Discount Codes has several links to sites that suggest how to save money on hotel rooms.

For people on a really tight travel budget, Las Vegas has a hostel near The Strip: Tod Motor Hotel. (Las Vegas Weekly, May 22, 2008)

BEST PLACE(S) TO EAT

Be serious. Vegas has hundreds -- perhaps thousands -- of excellent restaurants. The trick is finding the perfect match for how you feel and what you crave once you're here in this unique dry-desert, high-energy environment.

Lastly...if you're the kind that likes to hear "I TOLD YOU SO" --- here's...

Best of Vegas for 2009 -- Las Vegas Weekly

Best of Las Vegas -- Las Vegas Review Journal

Ten Things You Should NOT Do In Las Vegas -- VegasChatter.com

UPDATED: June 10, 2009