LAS VEGAS—The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce announces the finalists for its annual Small Business Excellence Awards. Started in 2006, the awards recognize excellence and innovation by small businesses in a variety of categories.

The winners will be announced at the Small Business Excellence Awards luncheon on Thursday, September 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Paris Las Vegas. The event is sponsored by Nevada State Bank. Seats can be purchased at www.lvchamber.com or 702.641.5822.

The award finalists are

Emerging Business of the Year
Resolution PI
Stout Keeton LLC
Twin Medical Professional Services

Green Business of the Year
Artificial Grass Direct
Green Living Services
Solar Energy Applications

Non Profit of the Year
Blind Center of Nevada
Consumer Credit Counseling Service-Southern Nevada
Nevada P.E.P., Inc.

Small Business of the Year, 5 employees of less
Harrison Insurance Agency
VP Marketing, Inc.
Yellow Bucket Janitorial, Inc.

Small Business of the Year, 25 employees or less
Gerety & Associates, CPA's
Telesphere
Urban Environmental Research, LLC

LAS VEGAS - Today, Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Chairman Kristin McMillan released the following statement regarding the passing of former Governor Kenny Guinn:

"On behalf of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and our 6,000 business members, we are saddened by the sudden passing of former Governor Kenny Guinn.  Kenny Guinn leaves a rich legacy of service to his community as a business leader, an educator and a two-term governor.  He was passionate about Nevada and embodied the independent spirit of the Silver State, and he always put the needs of Nevadans first.  He was also a gentle man who enjoyed people and made them feel special.

"Our thoughts are with Mrs. Guinn and the entire Guinn family.  We appreciate their generosity in sharing precious family time with the people of Nevada, and we are certain they are justifiably proud of the many contributions Governor Guinn made to the state that he honorably served."<!--break-->

Chamber of Commerce program helps foster sense of community

Outsiders often suffer from the common misconception that Las Vegas has no community. But ask many longtime residents, and they still hold the mindset that Las Vegas is a small town.

Unfortunately, as in many small towns, it can be difficult for newcomers to connect with our community’s entrenched social networks. Las Vegas compounds this problem by burying its small community within a huge city. However, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce created the Leadership Las Vegas program 25 years ago to address this problem.

Most residents still have never heard of the program. Leadership Las Vegas has more than 900 graduates, and has led to many community projects being started or strengthened, including DJs for PJs and the Three Square BackPack for Kids food program. “You start to really understand how our community is intertwined,� says 2007 graduate Cara Roberts, director of public relations for the chamber.

LAS VEGAS— The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce is introducing a wide range of new business insurance products specifically designed for small businesses. The new program includes workers’ compensation coverage, business owners’ policies, business auto policies and commercial umbrella coverage.

The new insurance products are offered through Chamber Insurance & Benefits, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Chamber that is dedicated to providing insurance options to the Chamber’s small business members, and Sequoia Insurance Company. In business since 1947, Sequoia specializes in commercial lines of insurance products for western region businesses including workers’ compensation, business owners’ policies, business auto policies and commercial umbrella coverage. Policies through the Chamber program are written by appointed independent agents who are members of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. The program will be offered through Sequoia and its Nevada domiciled insurance company.

Subject to underwriting, all Chamber members in good standing are eligible for a discount on insurance premiums. Enrollment with the program also provides the insured with access to training seminars and online legal resources.

“We developed a slate of coverage options that appeal specifically to the needs of small business owners. We are confident this new line of insurance products will create a solutions-based approach for employers looking to protect their businesses and their employees,� says Beth Molburg, president & CEO of Chamber Insurance & Benefits, LLC.

This new line of insurance offerings through Sequoia is in addition to the small group health insurance offered by the Chamber through Health Plan of Nevada to members with 2 to 50 employees.

LAS VEGAS—Today, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce called on members of the United States Senate to quickly pass the Small Business Jobs Act. The bill, if passed, would give small businesses greater access to capital and create incentives for investments in small businesses.

The purpose of the bill is to create the Small Business Lending Fund Program to increase the availability of credit for small businesses, and to provide tax incentives for small business job creation and other business investments.

Highlights of the bill include:

• Establishes the State Small Business Credit Initiative to allocate federal funds through participating states or municipalities
• Excludes 100 percent of small business capital gains
• Allows general business credit carried back five years and credit not subject to Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)
• Increases Small Business Administration loan limits
• Increases expensing and expansion of certain real property, and extends bonus depreciation
• Increases deduction for start-up expenditures
• Improves small business contracting
• Promotes small business exports and enhances small business trade opportunities

“Small businesses need more help to get back on their feet, and they need it as quickly as possible. The Small Business Jobs Act will give entrepreneurs valuable assistance and strong, tangible incentives that can help spur business investment and job growth that are essential to economic recovery,� says Matt Crosson, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.

Matthew Crosson likes a challenge, and he has certainly found one in his new job as president of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. All he has to do is help businesses through the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression.

Crosson, former head of the 5,000-member Long Island Association, replaced longtime leader Kara Kelley in late April.

Crosson jumped into the new position with both feet.

The new leader's first 60 days included numerous visits with member businesses. In May, for example, a typical day involved a two-hour tour of four companies, followed by individual meetings with business leaders. Interspersed with that effort were numerous appointments with local politicians, educators and labor leaders.

WASHINGTON - The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday called on the Senate to quickly pass a bill that aims to spur investment and free up capital for small businesses.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada, said Democrats "are doing our best to work through that" bill. He said the Senate may begin to debate amendments today but did not indicate when it would be finished.

The bill would create a $30 billion lending fund run through the Treasury Department to increase available credit to small firms.

Read the full story at lvrj.com<!--break-->

The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce has lined up a power-packed fall schedule for the Business Education Series program, designed to give your small business an extra edge over your competition.  Each session features an expert in their field delivering innovative, easy-to-implement and practical strategies to take your business to the next level. 

Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Speaker: Darren La Croix
Topic: Public Speaking
Title: “Win ‘em over! Presentations with Punch! How to quickly and easily give better presentations!�

Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Speaker: Judi Moreo
Topic: Customer Service
Title: “How to Deliver Exceptional Customer Service�
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Speakers: Amy Ayoub & Punam Mathur
Topic: Networking
Title: “Is Your Networking Working?�

The Chamber’s Business Education Series provides professional development skills applicable for your entire staff. Do not miss out on these cost-effective opportunities to bring inspirational, informational and effective new business concepts into your place of business. Call 702.641.5822 to reserve your seats.

To learn more about the Chamber’s Business Education Series, click here.

As in any business, the service you provide is the key tool for selling what you do,â€� says Ronald McDonald House Executive Director Janet Linder. 

Linder’s organization is a nominee in the 2010 Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Small Business Excellence Awards Non-profit category. The awards program recognizes superior levels of achievement and exemplary customer service in the small business community.

“Individuals can sell anything when they themselves believe in their cause,â€� says Linder.  “Success is all about relationships, relationships, relationships, communication and education of our mission.  At the Ronald McDonald House we treat volunteers, donors and the community with high regard and the utmost respect. We reach out to everyone so that we can create and support programs that benefit the health, education and the well-being of children in Southern Nevada.  It would be impossible to accomplish our goals if we did not have good partnerships with our volunteers and donors and communicate effectively.â€�

Nevada ENERGY STAR® Partners, a 2010 nominee in the Green category, agrees that success is directly linked to both internal and external service levels. “I believe it is the people,â€� says spokesperson Annette Bubak. “Recruiting vigorous individuals with a positive attitude and built in ‘go for it’ work ethic. You sometimes hear, ‘People are your assets,’ where I believe that the right people are your assets.  And further, it is critical to have the right people in the right seats of your organization.â€�

Small Business Excellence Awards Categories:

    •    Small Business of the Year - 5 or fewer full time employees  
    •    Small Business of the Year - 25 or fewer full time employees
    •    Emerging Business of the Year – NEW!
    •    Non-Profit of the Year
    •    Green Business of the Year

For a complete list of nominees, visit 
www.lvchamber.com, choose the “Programs� tab and click on Small Business Excellence Awards.

Finalists and winners will be honored at the annual Small Business Excellence Awards luncheon on Thursday, September 16, 2010, at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. For more information, visit www.lvchamber.com/bizes, contact Susan Sheridan at 702.586.3835 or e-mail ssheridan@lvchamber.com.
This event is exclusively sponsored by Nevada State Bank.

By Dave Archer, CEO, NCET (Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology)
One of the most frequent complaints I hear from home-based business owners is that they often feel their companies have a perceived lack of respect strictly because they operate out of a home, rather than an office building.  This can be frustrating on many levels; however, there are ways to combat this misperception – and they all start
with you.

Consider your own personal outlook. Do you consider your home-based business to be a legitimate business proposition, or a hobby? Your mindset and your words and actions are vital to the overall perception, as well as health, prosperity and long-term success of your business. If you do not project an air of professionalism to yourself and to others, you lose credibility.

Do not compromise. Sure, it may seem like no big deal to answer a business phone call while you are multi-tasking at the grocery store, to allow your teenager to play video games on your computer, or to have your office double as a guest room for a family visit. But when you start to make these little compromises, you begin to erode the fabric of the professional image you have established, and the lines between home and work begin to blur. Maintain a clear dividing line and you will be able to mentally and physically keep work/home boundaries in place.  

Do not be guilt-tripped. Work-at-home professionals are often guilt-tripped by those closest to them – family and friends.  Although easier said than done, it is vital that you set boundaries and stick to them.  Repeat this mantra: “I am sorry, but I am working right now and I am unavailable until…â€� It is honest, straight-forward and non-offensive. Make it your go-to phrase when you are asked for favors, inundated with visitors, harried by non-work-related phone calls and an over-abundance of requests for your time. 

Do not under-value your services. Many home-based business owners set prices far below their more traditional competitors, thinking this approach will attract more clients. While home-based businesses are definitely in a position to price competitively due to lower overhead expenses, charging far below market value can make you look like an amateur.  Instead, research the going rates for your products and services and price yourself accordingly. 
Do not promote the stereotype. How many articles on home-based businesses have you read that feature a photo of a man or woman in a bathrobe sitting in front of a laptop, drinking coffee and smiling?  Sure, we have all done it, but let’s face it, this image does not scream, “I am a professional!â€� We can collectively bring legitimacy to home-based professions by dispelling common misconceptions and misperceptions about home-based offices whenever we get the opportunity. 

Reserve some level of conventionalism in the way you conduct business. You may not have to run proposals by a board of directors or confer with a staff before pitching a client, but you can add to the legitimacy of your business by following some basic business protocols: professional dress at business functions; common courtesies in placing and returning phone calls, e-mails and other communications; formalities such as putting estimates and contracts in writing, etc.

Do not waiver from your plan. If you have been following this series, you know I am a big advocate of dedicated work space, dedicated work hours and an overall professional projection of your business at all times.  Do not be tempted to waiver. Establish an environment of professionalism in everything you say or do and maintain it. This includes a business phone line, professional website, a simple business-like e-mail address and professionally-produced business cards and letterhead.

Maintain an air of professionalism at all times. It is true that many people leave the 9-5 work-world and start their own businesses because they do not want to be governed by others’ rules and regulations. Regardless, if it is important to you to be taken seriously and for your business to garner respect, you must develop your own rules of conduct and standards and stick by them.

Starting in the August Business Voice, we will begin looking at the many ways small business owners can utilize social media platforms to build their companies and increase sales.

NCET, Nevada’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology, connects Nevadans to the resources they need to start and grow successful businesses. Visit www.NCET.org for more information.