Members in the News

Aug 2009 Issue

Best of Henderson Award

Mikel’s Fine Art Photography Receives 2009 Best of Henderson Award!
U.S. Local Business Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement.
For the second consecutive year, Mikel’s Fine Art Photography has been selected for the 2009 Best of Henderson Award in the Portrait Photographers category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

The USLBA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community. Nationwide, only 1 in 70 (1.4%) 2008 Award recipients qualified as 2009 Award Winners.

New Child Prostitution Bill Passed

Freshman Assemblyman John Hambrick authored Nevada’s new child prostitution bill, which will be the strictest in the U.S. The bill allows for up to $500,000 in fines for convicted offenders. It takes effect October 1.

The Nevada Legislature unanimously voted – with no dissention – for AB 380, which provides for the freezing and forfeiture of the assets of a person who commits certain offenses involving the pandering or prostitution of a child; imposes a civil penalty against a person convicted of certain offenses involving the pandering or prostitution of a child; and provides other matters properly relating thereto.

Gov. Jim Gibbons approved AB 380 and signed it into law.

“The passage of AB 380 sends a clear message that Nevada does not stand for child prostitution,” Hambrick said. For more information on Hambrick or the bill, visit http://hambrick4assembly.com.

Thanks Brother Wiser

The seminary students of Brother Gary Wiser want to thank him for his efforts, and for the impact he has had on their lives. One of his students had been out of the class for an extended time, so Brother Wiser came to his home. He brought the boy’s scriptures, and a letter he had written, and cards and letters that the class had written to share with Dylan how much they care, and miss him. As he visited with the boy’s mother for a few minutes, she was touched by his concern for a member of his class, and a lamb in the Savior’s flock.
Thank you, Brother Wiser.

Mormon Networks: Las Vegas’ Best Bet
By Tracey Long

Doing business in Las Vegas doesn’t have to be a gamble. Hundreds of honest business men and women are thriving in Las Vegas, against the stereotypical images of mafia-run, immoral commerce.

Doing business ethically and with moral responsibility is also still the best bet for LDS businesses. “Because the bulk of my business is word of mouth referral, my honest reputation is still my strongest asset,” claims Larry Long, CEO of Prestige Electric, Inc. an electrical contracting business. As a member of two Las Vegas LDS business groups, Mr. Long finds networking with other business owners who aspire to combine morality and profitability to be extremely valuable.

The Las Vegas Chapter of the BYU Management Society provides members with opportunities to network, improve their business education, and foster professional and career development. As an international society, the LVMS, joins other BYU chapters worldwide in their mission to “promote moral and ethical leadership throughout the world.” Other like-minded professionals, regardless of alumni or religious affiliation are invited to join the LVMS. To learn more about this business association in LV, go to: www.byulvms.org.

The LDS Mormon Business Association (MBA) is a second business society in Las Vegas, which seeks to provide an association to its members to network and strengthen the moral fiber in business through its commitment to integrity and strong ethical practices. Founded by Kurt Gentry, a local Las Vegas radio station owner, and Ann Hart, Advertising Sales Manager for the Desert Saints
Magazine, members include business owners of all kinds. Quarterly meetings focus on a special presenter on various topics of ethics in business. “It’s a great venue to gather people who are striving to prove that an honest business man or woman cannot only survive but thrive” declared Mike Hallewell.
Membership is free. To learn more about the LDS MBA in Las Vegas, contact
Mike, a member of the MBA board, at honestautodealer@aol.com.

Las Vegas Celebrates 150 Anniversary of Old Mormon Fort
By Tracey Long

A flag ceremony and pioneer dutch-oven breakfast greeted over 250 participants to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the “Old Mormon Fort” on June 13, 2009. The celebration breakfast was sponsored by the Public Affairs Council, the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, the Friends of the Fort, Anderson Dairy and the staff of the fort. All proceeds went to the Friends of the Fort to assist in the children’s programs and other historical events held year round at the Fort. Volunteers from the 22 stakes in Las Vegas were in attendance as a great example of community service within the southern Nevada community.

The fort is open year round with a nominal entrance fee with the mission to assist the State of Nevada in preserving and promoting the historical importance of the site and educating the public about their rich Nevada heritage. To learn more about the Old Mormon Fort go to: http://www.parks.nv.gov/olvmf.htm.