We really have two fundamental challenges that face our state and Southern Nevada. Our long-term challenge will continue to be the standard clarion call of “economic diversification,” which by the way we’ve made some extraordinary strides improving as of late. The second challenge is short term: Avoiding, to the greatest extent possible, the pitfalls of the next growth wave (as we observed in the mid-2000s); the unbridled escalation of commodities, construction costs and labor rates not to mention labor shortages.
Q: What’s the biggest challenge facing Las Vegas in the next five years? A: The education system and our ability to produce graduates in K-12, as well as higher education, that are prepared to meet current and future workforce needs.
Q: What is the biggest challenge facing Las Vegas in the next five years? A: Crime. According to Forbes magazine, Las Vegas is the ninth most dangerous city in the United States.
Q: Where do you work out or play your favorite sport? A: Bootleg Canyon Mountain Bike Trail in Boulder City.
Christina Vitagliano is the founder of Monster Mini Golf, a chain of monster-themed entertainment centers. Founded in 2004, the company has 30 18-hole miniature golf courses across the country with two locations in Las Vegas.
Q: What is the biggest challenge facing Las Vegas in the next five years? A: Personally, I feel the biggest challenge facing Las Vegas is the education system at all levels from early education of our children to higher education of professionals. We are missing the mark on preparing future generations — who will one day be our next leaders.
Q: What do you like most about Las Vegas? A: Philanthropy. Vegas is a small town and definitely supports its own as we all want to strive to build the best community we can for our children. Being involved with a lot of charities myself, it is fulfilling being surrounded by so many compassionate Vegans willing to volunteer time and services.
While the city is thriving with the arrival of professional sports and new technology-based businesses, our public education system needs additional attention. Our youth are our future. I’m hopeful as a community we can come together to work on solutions to help improve public education across the valley.
Utah-based Henriksen/Butler is an office furniture distributor and commercial space designer with offices in Utah, Idaho, Nevada and Western Wyoming. In Las Vegas, its showroom occupies the renovated site of Gamblers Book Shop at 630 S. 11th St. Heather Bressler is the vice president of Henriksen/Butler Nevada.