Phoenix official suggests how Las Vegas can diversify

VEGAS INC, a sister publication of the Las Vegas Sun, cornered Barry Broome, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, a regional economic development organization, and asked him the three things he’d do to improve and diversify the Las Vegas economy.

Tap Andre Agassi. “One of the most important leaders in Phoenix is former Phoenix Suns owner Jerry Colangelo. In Las Vegas, Agassi is similarly respected and accomplished. He’s put his money where his mouth is with his school. And who’s not going to return Andre Agassi’s phone call? I would pick through the Vegas roster of who’s admired, who’s of interest, who would put energy into helping fix this.”

Launch an aggressive museum strategy. “I think one thing happening right now is that museums have become new, innovate models in local economies. They’re not about staring at paintings on the wall. They’re very interactive, educational. That would be something I’d ask gaming to do.”

Help higher education. “I’d put everything I have into building higher ed. You have the Cleveland Clinic investing there. If you take UNLV and the Cleveland Clinic and put energy into those assets, it will pay off in jobs and economic development. You should have some of those intellectual achievements become part of the city’s reputation so it isn’t just known as a place to misbehave.”

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