The Last Word - October 2008

What is the most important issue facing Nevada’s business community?

Charles Perry, executive director for Nevada Health Care Association
The most important issue facing Nevada’s business community today is the state of the economy nationally. Our principal business is still the tourism, resort and gaming industry and its ability to attract visitors to the state.

Patrick Wisman, vice chairman, president and CEO – Southwest USA Bank
The number one issue facing the Nevada business community will continue to be the growth in population. With so many hotel rooms coming on line in the near future, it is going to strain services, roads, etc.

Deric Hill, president of Las Vegas-based Holman’s of Nevada
The collapse of the housing industry, the rising price of oil and the weakness of the dollar are all factors affecting the public’s pocketbooks, their careers and even their confidence in the future.

Brian Rouff, managing partner of Imagine Marketing
Low consumer confidence brought about by tight money, falling real estate prices and the bad news coming out of Wall Street. Because of all the fear and uncertainty, individuals and businesses are deferring major buying decisions unless absolutely necessary. On the plus side, there are some great deals out there if people have the funds to take advantage of them.

Pete Atkinson, president of Black Mountain Community Bank
Surviving the current economic downturn is critical today and almost every business is affected. Two years ago we were looking for ways to fund growth. Today we need to fine tune our businesses to maintain positive cash flows with expense control and profitable activities. The economy is cyclical and we think Nevada will recover quicker than most states.

Robert J. Kolesar, managing shareholder for Kolesar & Leatham, Chtd.
The most important issue facing Nevada's business community involves the current and prospective direct and indirect effects of the local real estate market correction and the related unavailability of credit. It impacts individuals, suburban entrepreneurs and Strip giants. The unknown dynamic is how long this burden will last.