Timing is everything.
That’s why the Association of National Advertisers chose the start of the International Consumer Electronics Show to put the arm on Nevada’s congressional delegation over a matter close to its members’ hearts … and wallets.
Some in Congress want to limit the amount major advertisers – those who spend more than $1 million a year in advertising — can deduct on their current taxes. A House draft would allow a 50 percent deduction with the other 50 percent amortized over 10 years. The Senate version would cut the amortization to five years.
Look around at all the ad dollars spent at CES and it’s easy to understand Nevada’s stake in the issue. And the association’s letter makes the point most vividly.
The association’s advertising agency — FleishmanHillard — writes:
“According to a recent study commissioned by The Advertising Coalition and the ANA and conducted by IHS Global Insight, advertising expenditures account for $39 billion of economic output in Nevada — that is 16.1 percent of the state’s $242.9 billion in total economic output. Additionally, advertising-driven sales of products and services help support 187,566 Nevada jobs, 16.5 percent of the 1.1 million jobs in the state.”
Advertising expenditures have been treated like any other business expense since the first income tax was enacted in 1913.
A study by Nobel laureates in economics, George Stigler and Kenneth Arrow, found that there was no economic or tax basis for amortizing advertising.
It’ll likely be a while before Nevada’s elected officials will need to take a stand. But a warning shot fired during CES sends a powerful message.
Hotel rebranding
The Baymont Inn and Suites near Flamingo and Paradise roads will soon have a whole new look and new name. Four Points by Sheraton will be upscaling this quaint, no-gaming, no-smoking hotel to attract the no-nonsense business traveler. With a new bar and grill just inside the front door, they also expect to see local business professionals stop in for a bite and sample of the locally sourced microbrews on tap.
When asked what the Four Points stood for in the name, local sales director Liz Hernandez said to her it means they are within one mile of the four most important points in Las Vegas: the Strip, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Convention Center and McCarran International Airport.
Guests will experience a homey feel as they enter the lobby, which will be designed as a large library and common area. The hotel rooms and the many conference rooms will have free Wi-Fi built-in so guests can stay connected. An enlarged fitness gym will help guests keep their New Year’s resolutions to get healthier.
It turns out there are numerous standards they’ll have to meet to boast the Four Points by Sheraton name, including a number of “green” sustainability requirements. A ribbon cutting and party are being planned for the spring when the hotel will be ready to show off its new look.
Space investment
La-Z-Boy supplier England Furniture is doubling its showroom space in the Las Vegas Market Center just in time for the winter show Jan. 18-22.
“As our product line continues to grow, we saw the need for more real estate in Las Vegas,” England Furniture President Terry England said. “We’ve seen how Las Vegas Market has grown over the years and continues to do so, bringing more buyers to see product, and that’s what we want. Our lines have expanded and Las Vegas can accommodate all we have to offer, enabling us to reach a diverse buyer audience all in one place.”
The Tennessee-based company will show in World Market Center B-555, moving from its former space on the ninth floor.
England manufactures a full line of upholstery — sofas, loveseats, sectionals, sleepers, chairs and ottomans — and a selection of tables and rugs. It offers more than 450 customized styles and designs to choose from.
