Friday, October 08, 2004
Copyright @ Las Vegas Review-Journal

GLOBAL GAMING EXPO 2004: Show ends with fistful of records
Trade convention sets marks for attendance, space used, exhibitors
By ROD SMITH
GAMING WIRE

Frank Fahrenkopf
American Gaming Association president devoted to enforcing code of conduct

The American Gaming Association will concentrate on enforcing the trade group's new code of conduct for dealing with problem gaming in the coming year, the trade group's president said Thursday at a news conference wrapping up this year's Global Gaming Expo.

The expo, the fourth run by the American Gaming Association, shattered previous records with 26,000 attendees and 700 exhibitors covering 255,000 square feet of the Las Vegas Convention Center, association President Frank Fahrenkopf said.

Attendance at the three-day conference was up 20 percent from last year, the number of exhibitors was up 6 percent and the area used by exhibitors was up 16 percent from last year and double the space used in 2001, the show's first year.

There were also 106 international exhibitors from 26 countries displaying equipment, and 140 conference sessions on key issues facing the industry.

Fahrenkopf said enforcing the new problem-gambling code will be one of his priorities next year.

"I'm very proud the industry realized there's a negative side of our business for some people and we as an industry have a responsibility to do something about it," he said.

The association almost a year ago announced a first-ever industrywide code of conduct for responsible gaming. The code went into effect Sept. 15, committing members to a broad set of policies aimed at curbing problem gambling.

Fahrenkopf said responsible gambling has been a main focus for the association since it was formed about a decade ago, and that developing measurable standards for member companies is a serious milepost in addressing the issue.

He said all member companies have signed onto the code, but the trade association hasn't developed disciplinary procedures for companies that fail to comply.

However, Fahrenkopf said public disclosure in the media and peer pressure from other companies should serve as stringent deterrents for not complying with the code.

And if need be, the association would consider, on a case-by-case basis, barring offending companies from its membership.

G2E, organized by the American Gaming Association and Reed Exhibitions, made its debut in fall 2001, and bills itself as the international gaming trade show and conference "by the industry and for the industry."

G2E emerged from the 2001 merger of two gaming trade shows, the original Global Gaming Expo and World Gaming Congress.

?G2E attendees say regulation of gaming could use overhaul

CODE OF CONDUCT KEY PROVISIONS

?A commitment to train employees with regard to responsible gaming and responsible alcohol service.

?A commitment to allow patrons who have gambling problems to get themselves barred from casinos.

?A provision to help prevent underage gambling and unattended minors in casinos.

It also requires that association members continue to support research initiatives and public awareness programs related to responsible gaming and underage gambling.

U. S. Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign had been invited to attend the Event and Party as the Guests of Honor. Kathie Ambrosio reprented U. S. Senator John Ensign to offer Washington Business and Technology Institute and Thai Cultural Arts Association of Las Vegas the Senatorial Recognition Awards. Nancy Diaz represented Senator Harry Reid. Special Guests by Washington Business and Technology Institute to present including U. S. Senator John Ensign(represented by Kathie Ambrosio), Supreme Court Justice Michael Douglass, Distrct (Family Court) Judge Cheryl Moss, Las Vegas Township Constable Bobby G. Gronauer, Nevada Assemblywoman Valerie Weber, District Judge Mark Denton (represented by Agnas Chan), District Judge Valorie Vega (reprented by Gloria Wong), business executives, among others.

Friday, October 08, 2004
Copyright @ Las Vegas Review-Journal

Las Vegas Planning Commission gives thumbs up to 73-story tower
By MICHAEL SQUIRES
REVIEW-JOURNAL

Passers-by at Las Vegas Boulevard and Sahara Avenue might have a reason, other than their memories of a defunct casino, to say, "Holy cow!"

Plans for what would be the Las Vegas Valley's tallest residential building, on the former site of the Holy Cow! casino, were approved by the city's Planning Commission late Thursday.

The 73-story Summit tower would reach skyward 863 feet, higher than any high-rise building in the valley or any of the multitude of tall buildings on the drawing board. It would stand second only to the 1,149-foot-tall Stratosphere on the city's skyline.

"We think it will set the standard for continued development along Las Vegas Boulevard heading north," said the project's designer, Tom Schoeman, a principal of JMA Architecture Studio. "It will revitalize the area. You're bringing several thousand new residents to that location."

The Australian developers behind the project, Victor Altomare and Joseph Di Mauro, couldn't be reached for comment.

The city's endorsement of the tower's size underscores, yet again, that when it comes to downtown redevelopment and its nascent skyline, the city's philosophy is: The taller the better.

"I'd like to see it higher," Mayor Oscar Goodman said of the project earlier in the day. "I want to distinguish downtown Las Vegas as being a place where we can go into the heavens as far as our projects are concerned. ... As high a density as I can get into the downtown, that's what I'm looking for."

The building, which would house 951 condos, would sit on two acres, part of which was until March 2002 home to the Holy Cow! casino. The developers expect to sell 75 percent of the units as second and third homes, while only 25 percent would be purchased by Las Vegans.

The tower's bottom three floors would be public space filled with shops, restaurants and clubs, Schoeman said.

The Planning Commission also was scheduled to consider plans for: a 50-story, 560-foot tower on the northwest corner of Rancho Drive and Sirius Avenue proposed by Highrise Partners; and two 10-story and two 16-story high-rises at Rancho and Lake Mead Boulevard by Investment Group.

The commission recommended approval of the Highrise Partners project and recommended denial of the Investment Group project.

The City Council will have final say on the projects next month.

If built, the Summit would trump Donald Trump's proposed 645-foot tower slated for west of the Strip near the intersection of Industrial Road and Fashion Show Drive. When Trump unveiled his plans in July he billed it as Las Vegas' tallest.

Neighbors, who in the past fought the Stratosphere over plans to add a thrill ride to the casino's tower, have met with the Summit tower's developers and support the project.

"The general feeling is it's a positive thing for the neighborhood," said Ben Contine, president of the Beverly-Green Neighborhood Association. Residents, however, fear the tower might alter the flight paths of tour helicopters, moving them over their homes, Contine said.

But some said the lofty plans for a nearly 900-foot tower and other high-rise developments should be greeted with a healthy dose of skepticism over whether they will even be built.

"There is no greater repository of grandiose plans than Las Vegas," said UNLV history professor Hal Rothman. "They come here and promise the moon."

Local real estate expert John Restrepo, who has warned a cooling in suburban home sales could make high-rise condos a tougher sell, expects at least half of the projects will never be built.

"We're seeing both speculators and real developers," he said.

Schoeman said financing is lined up for the Summit tower, but it requires that a certain number of buyers sign on the dotted line before the money becomes available for construction.

"Whether the project will be realized is dependent on sales," he said.

Thu, 7 Oct 2004 18:08:19 -0700
Join Pepperdine University Faculty at Strategy in Action Conference Nov. 8
By GSBM of Pepperdine University

Dear Graziadio Alumni:

Today a convergence of global shocks present challenges for
organizations of
every type and in every industry. To assist today's business leaders
in
navigating the unpredictable business environment, the Graziadio School
of
Business and Management (GSBM) is co-sponsoring the fourth annual Association
for
Strategic Planning Conference to be held in Los Angeles on Monday,
November
8, 2004.

The conference, entitled Strategy in a Turbulent World, will feature
industry experts from entertainment, technology, consumer products,
healthcare, security, airlines, and the non-profit sectors. Featured
Pepperdine faculty include Professor Kurt Motamedi on "Innovating
Operational Strategy in a Vortex: A Transorganization Approach" and
Associate Professor Karen Schnietz on "Policy Matters: Influencing
Public
Policy for Competitive Advantage."

The Graziadio School alumni receive a special $?? discount on the
one-day
conference fee. For more information, or to register online, please
visit:
www.strategyplus.org or call
1-877-816-2080.

We hope you will join us on November 8!

Dr. Kurt Motamedi
Professor of Strategy
Nicole Hall
Director, Alumni and Career
Resources
The Graziadio School The Graziadio School

Thu, 7 Oct 2004 14:12:23 -0700
NEVADA PROVIDES A BOOST FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY
By Dr. Kenny C. Guinn

Over the past several months, the State of Nevada has worked diligently to create incentives for the development of renewable energy in our state. This is of particular importance, since it has been difficult for renewable energy producers to obtain financing for renewable power projects. The energy market can be volatile, particularly for a state such as Nevada, whose power companies are often dependent on purchasing and importing coal and natural gas for our state’s consumers.

I want to tell you about a collaborative effort, which has included the Governor’s Office, renewable energy developers, Sierra Pacific and Nevada Power companies, and the PUC staff, that has created the Temporary Renewable Energy Development Program (TRED). The program is an important step in advancing the development of renewable energy projects in the state, and also fulfills requirements of Nevada’s Renewable Portfolio Standard. The legislatively established Renewable Portfolio Standard requires that 15 percent of Nevada’s electricity will come from renewable energy by 2013.

Under the TRED program, a predetermined allocation of funds collected by the state’s electric utilities will be placed in a third-party trust, which will disburse payments to renewable energy developers for power sold to the utilities. By creating an independent trust, project financiers are guaranteed payments regardless of the financial situation of the utility. A renewable energy developer who has a contract with one of the electric utilities can then apply to the PUC for TRED eligibility.

The TRED program is yet another example of Nevada’s government working with different entities to build a sustainable alternative power industry for the future. It is imperative that the state continues to look to alternative power sources as a way to lessen Nevada’s dependence on imported energy. Programs such as TRED are steps in the right direction toward meeting the future energy needs of Nevada’s citizens

Nevada STATE RECEIVES FEDERAL GRANT OF $3.7 million TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR CHILDREN, FAMILIES
By Office of the Governor

Thu, 7 Oct 2004 08:58:58 -0700
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 7, 2004 Contact Greg Bortolin or John Trent <<10-07 mental health.doc>>
775-684-5670

CARSON CITY - Gov. Kenny Guinn today announced that the State of Nevada’s Division of Child and Family Services has received a federal five-year grant of $3,749,380 that will enhance the infrastructure for mental health service offerings to the state’s children and families.

The grant was awarded by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. The funding provides support to develop or enhance Child and Family Service’s service system and to support effective substance abuse and/or mental health service delivery.

“It is essential that our mental health services keep pace with our growing population, and this grant will help Child and Family Services provide early intervention services for children and youth with behavioral health challenges and will offer much-needed support and guidance for their families,” Gov. Guinn said.

“This federal grant supports the Division of Child and Family Services’ quality improvement work toward enhancing the mental health service delivery to Nevada’s families,” added Jone Bosworth, Administrator of the Division of Child and Family Services. “We are thrilled that DCFS was able to write and receive the infrastructure building grant - being one of only seven sites in the nation chosen is quite remarkable.”

Other sites chosen were Nebraska, Utah, Arizona, South Carolina, Georgia and the Puyallup Indian Tribe in the state of Washington. The grant was the culmination of a collaborative effort. Nevada State Sen. Randolph Townsend - one of 17 members of the national commission, the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health - provided a key connection between the federal level and Nevada Mental Health Plan Implementation Commission. Through legislation enacted in 2001, mental health consortiums were formed throughout the state to coordinate assessment and collaborative planning for mental health services. The latest federal grant will provide funding for additional personnel and expertise in the areas of children’s and adolescent mental health. For more information, contact Jone Bosworth, (775) 684-4400.

Office of the Governor Media contact:
101 North Carson Street Jone Bosworth
Carson City, NV 89701 Child and Family Services
Fax: 775-684-7198 Phone: 775-684-4400

"Following a recent industry trend, Internet giant Yahoo Inc. is adding new search engine tools that will enable users to create personal folders and share their favorite links with others," the Associated Press delivered today.*2

"UNLESS YOU'VE BEEN LIVING IN A CAVE, you've seen enormous changes in communications technology over the past two decades. From orbiting satellites routing long distance phone calls to email to undreamed-of growth of the Internet, the age of communicating online, using computers and networks, is upon us all," stated at the first paragraphy of the 'Introduction' of the book, "How to say it online: everything you need to know to master the new language of cyberspac," written by Kim Baker and Sunny Baker.*3

"And what could be better news? To keep in touch, there's nothing faster or cheaper than email. To gain access to information and people, the power of online communication expands your reach from the local to the global. To meet new friends and even romance a potential life partner, online venues provide rich opportunities (if you know the right things to say and the best way to say them). At school, the Internet places volumes of knowledge on ever subject at your fingertips, and at work, computer networks make business communication more efficient than ever." *4

Whether you are in business or in non-profit organization, you need to have a Web site. This seems to be a common wisdom in now- a-days. Think seriously about the needs of your market before you go onto the Web to make more money for business, to develop better non-profit organization, or to contribute to more community service. "It's hard to believe that Fred's Service Station really needs a Web Site to reap new profits. However, for some businesses and professional service firms, the Internet and web to gether offer viable marketing and distribution opportunities. Software companies, online magazines, and email order businesses can do quite well from the Web --- if the owners know how to say the right things on their sites. The Secrets of a Successful Web Site: Just having a site on the Web will do almost nothing to sell your products or services. To promote your Web site, there are three things you must do: (1). You must register your Web site with the best search engines. (2). You should consider using the many free and not free advertising opportunities on the Web. (3) You should search the Web regularly for competitive and related sites, where you can attach a link to your site."*5 To be more successful for your Web site, you need to be favored by the famous search engine services like Yahoo! (www.yahoo.com), Aol! (www.aol.com), Google! (www.google.com), Infoseek! (www.infoseek.com), among others.

"Sunnyvale-based Yahoo expects to begin testing the new features Tuesday at http://next.yahoo.com. With the new tools, Yahoo's search engine users will be able to sort and save their search results into distinct categories. Visitors also will be able to record personal notes about the saved sites. Yahoo's upgrade is similar to features recently introduced by two other Internet search engines, Ask Jeeves Inc. and A9.com, which is owned by online retailing giant Amazon.com Inc.," the Associated Press continued.*6

"There is no longer any such thing as a purely national economy. The rest of the world is just too big to ignore, either as a market or as a competitor. If business schools do nothing other than to train their students to think internationally, they would have accomplished an important task," said John Young, CEO, Hewlett-Packard.*7

Innovation is the key to success, managers are looking everywhere in the global organization for new ideas. Modern companies would view Information technology (IT) as a major competitive differentiator. Strategic businesses emphazise the ueses of information technology for management. International companies develop their global IT platforms by integrating worldwide hardware, software, and Internet-based network architecture. Commuunication technology, for example the teleconferencing and computer networks, is making it possible for people from subsidiaries around the world to work together on project.

Many business are becoming global companies and moving toward transnational e-business strategies in which they integrate the global business activities of their subsidiaries and headquarters. The international dimemsions of managing global e-business technologies include dealing with cultural, political, and geoeconomic challenges posed by various countries for global marketplace. The e-business technologies are changing the distribution, relatonships, resources, and responsibilities of managers. Information Technology is helping managers of e-business to eliminate layers of amangement, enabling more collaborative forms of management, providing them with significant information technology resources, and confront them with major e-business and e-commerce challenge.

Innovation is the key to success, managers are looking everywhere in the global organization for new ideas. Modern companies would view Information technology (IT) as a major competitive differentiator. Strategic businesses emphazise the ueses of information technology for management. International companies develop their global IT platforms by integrating worldwide hardware, software, and Internet-based network architecture. Commuunication technology, for example the teleconferencing and computer networks, is making it possible for people from subsidiaries around the world to work together on project.*8

In order to keep the online universe a productive, safe, communicative environment, it is interesting and worth to post the ten commandments for computer ethics. They were created by the Computer Ethics Institute: (1). Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people. (2). Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work. (3). Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's files. (4). Thou shalt not use a computer to steal. (5). Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness. (6). Thou shalt not use or copy softwear for which you have not paid. (7). Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization. (8). Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output. (9). Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you write. (10). Thou shalt use a computer in ways that show consideration and respect.

A sucessful businessperson always know the old rule that says "It's easier to keep an existing customer than to find a new one." In online customer relationships, this rule is just as important. Your goal should not only to get new visitors, but to cultivate your customer base to yield repeat sales, services, and referrals from satisfied purchasers, clients, and patronagers. "Besides a good product or service, there are only three things you need for successful online customer relations: strong communication, common courtesy, and exemplary customer service. Unfortunately, these old-fashioned values are often missing in many companies' online promotional communication." *9

---------------------------
References

*1. GSBPA of WBTI is the initial of Graduate School of Business and Public Administration of Washington Business and Technology Institute (WBTI).
*2. LVRJ. 'Yahoo Adding New Search Engine Tools,' "reviewjournal.com of LVRJ," (October 6, 2004), Las Vegas, Nevada: Communitylink of reviewjournal.com.
*3. Baker, Kim; and Baker, Sunny. (2001), "How to say it online: everything you need to know to master the new language of cyberspace," Paramus, New Jersey: Pretice Hall.
*4. Ibid.
*5. Ibid.
*6. LVRJ. Ibid.
*7. Ball, Donald A, and McCulloch, Jr., Wendell H. (2003) International Business --- The Challenge of Global Competition," Chicago: McGraw-Hill Irvin.
*8. O'Brien, James A. (2003) "Introduction to Information Systems," Boston, N. Y.: McGraw-Hill Irvin.
*9. Baker, Kim; and Baker, Sunny. Ibid.

*For the details, please have your
Assistant or yourself click on
the section of "Las Vegas Business Today"
(in the 1st & 2nd fliers) at:
http://communitylink.reviewjournal.com/lvrj/wbti