Richard N. Velotta

Story Archive

Consolidating phases of highway project to save up to $100 million
Thursday, Dec. 13, 2012
The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada received a series of reports on future projects for roads, highways and transit at today’s meeting.
Extra taxis authorized as Las Vegas prepares for cabbie strikes
Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012
The Nevada Taxicab Authority on Tuesday approved a new measure to head off the detrimental effects of simultaneous driver strikes against Clark County’s two largest cab company groups and authorized additional cabs for three big-turnout events on the Las Vegas calendar. The authority board voted unanimously to allow cab companies to operate up to 30 additional vehicles.
Big league baseball, soccer games coming to Las Vegas
Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board of directors on Tuesday approved two measures that will bring professional sports teams to Las Vegas for exhibition games. The board also agreed to sponsor a special event to bring visitors to Mesquite.
Western Cab says it will continue to operate independently
Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012
Representatives of Western Cab Co. told regulators today they have withdrawn their application for approval to be acquired by the Yellow-Checker-Star family of companies.
How air travel molded Las Vegas
Book details how the travel industry affected the growth of our desert oasis
Monday, Dec. 10, 2012
If you’re still looking for a stocking stuffer for the history buff or aviation geek in your life, check out the recently published book by UNLV Academic Assessment Director Daniel Bubb, “Landing in Las Vegas.”
NFR has roots in informal gathering of cowboys in Colorado
Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012
Rodeo has come a long way since a group of cowboys from neighboring ranches in Deer Trail, Colo., got together to settle an argument over whose wrangling skills were the best. How did rodeo get to be so big in Las Vegas? Here’s a look at some key events that have helped bring attention to Las Vegas every December.
Southern Nevada visitor volume up to 3.52 million in October
Friday, Dec. 7, 2012
October visitor volume in Southern Nevada increased by 2.9 percent over the same month last year to 3.52 million, the second-highest monthly total for tourists this year, officials said.
Education reform crucial for Nevada to compete in global marketplace, Sandoval says
Friday, Dec. 7, 2012
Gov. Brian Sandoval said there’s still work to be done, but “the road is getting a bit easier” in transforming the state’s economic development policy. He gave a 30-minute address to about 700 people attending the Nevada Development Authority’s annual meeting.
Las Vegas taxi drivers OK strike
Friday, Dec. 7, 2012
Drivers for the Yellow-Checker-Star taxi companies have authorized union leaders to call a strike as early as Dec. 16 over their ongoing contract dispute. A representative of the Industrial Technical Professional Employees Union said the vote to authorize a strike was “overwhelming."
Nevada Cancer Institute lease deal falls through
Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012
Citing an impasse in negotiations, the Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada has ended its bid to lease offices at the Nevada Cancer Institute operated in Las Vegas by the University of California San Diego Health System.
App will help travelers explore Nevada's rural attractions
Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012
You’re driving along U.S. 50, the so-called “Loneliest Road in America,” and you’re wondering: Where would be a good place to have lunch in Eureka? And what are some of those just-off-the-road attractions around that only the locals seem to know about?
A Las Vegas cabbie has cowboy roots
Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012
Most people in the tourism industry love it when the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo comes to town because they make extra money. George Allen likes it for a different reason. The road supervisor for Yellow-Checker-Star Cab sees it as an opportunity to revisit his roots and meet up with salt-of-the-earth people.
Nevada tourism officials see Brazil as promising new market
Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012
It isn’t every day that you’ll have a person proclaim in a public meeting that she lost her virginity in Nevada. But that’s what happened — sort of — at Tuesday’s Nevada Tourism Commission meeting.
Tourism officials focus on tech innovations, international market
Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012
Increasing international visitation and taking advantage of technological innovations to increase the number of tourists visiting the state dominated the conversation at the opening day of the lightly attended Governor’s Conference on Tourism on Tuesday.
Allegiant announces Las Vegas-to-Reno flights
Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012
Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air will begin flying nonstop between Las Vegas and Reno in February, launching the route with fares that are about half the price of a ticket on Southwest Airlines — unless you add Allegiant’s fees.
Minority businesses want part in construction of high-speed rail
Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012
A coalition of minority business organizations, including the Black Business Council of Nevada, will meet in Victorville, Calif., next week, hoping to get a jump on construction jobs for the planned XpressWest high-speed rail project that would link Las Vegas with Victorville.
Cowabunga! Groundbreaking ceremony today for new Henderson water park
Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012
Water park executives Shane Huish and Jim Hunt worked together years ago at theme park operator Paramount Parks.
Las Vegas taxi drivers reject contract, consider authorizing strike
Monday, Dec. 3, 2012
Union drivers for the Yellow, Checker and Star taxi companies have rejected a contract endorsed by the union’s bargaining committee and now will consider authorizing leaders to call a strike.
Deadline extended for state business competition
Monday, Dec. 3, 2012
Project Vesto, the state business competition designed to bring entrepreneurs together with private investors and venture capitalists, is extending its deadline for proposals to Dec. 31.
Economic green shoots sprout in 2012; leaders predict stability, if not growth, in 2013
Monday, Dec. 3, 2012
What business lessons were learned in 2012? What is on the horizon for us in 2013? VEGAS INC assembled a panel of people from different sectors of the local economy to talk about where Las Vegas has been and where it is headed.
A battle of the brands?
Sponsorship of Reno air races, PR deal are controversial for state tourism board
Monday, Dec. 3, 2012
It is going to take a little longer for us to find out how the Nevada Tourism Commission plans to brand the state and what its new advertising tagline will be.
Passenger traffic at Las Vegas airport down in October
Friday, Nov. 30, 2012
Passenger traffic at McCarran International Airport declined slightly in October for the second month in a row and the fourth time in five months.
Don't expect extra cabs on Las Vegas streets during rodeo
Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012
The Nevada Taxicab Authority voted unanimously today against allocating additional cabs for next month's National Finals Rodeo. Although 150,000 people are expected to be in Las Vegas for the 10-day event, board members concurred that cab fleets for Clark County's 16 companies are large enough to accommodate the crowd.
Major curling event coming to Las Vegas
Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012
When the U.S. Olympic Committee announced last summer that the United States would not bid to host the Winter Olympic Games in 2022, Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki vowed to continue to try to attract world-class winter sports events to the state.
Coming to downtown Las Vegas: SlotZilla, the world's largest slot machine/zip line launch pad
Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2012
What’s billed as the world’s largest slot machine will dispense people instead of cash in June when the Fremont Street Experience unveils SlotZilla, a towering launch pad for new permanent zip lines beneath Fremont’s LED canopy.
Southwest goes tropical
Airline’s expansion will include a Caribbean destination among seven new cities
Monday, Nov. 26, 2012
The busiest commercial airline at McCarran International Airport is spreading its wings and by April will have seven new cities on its route map, including its first in the Caribbean.
Tourism director aims to help people discover Nevada off the beaten path
Claudia Vecchio reflects on what she has learned as director of the state Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs
Monday, Nov. 26, 2012
When Claudia Vecchio accepted the job as director of the state Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs a year ago, she knew she was entering uncharted territory. The state had just combined its tourism, arts, museums and Native American culture departments into one office because of a budget crunch. It was anybody’s guess how well the parts would fit. Vecchio came from the tourism industry, having headed a Dallas company that promotes tourism for midsize communities.
A face-lift for Maryland Parkway? Big ideas wanted for corridor project
Monday, Nov. 19, 2012
Because Maryland Parkway is a direct route between downtown Las Vegas and McCarran, transportation leaders are looking to enhance Maryland Parkway and have taken the first step in the transition.
Spirit Airlines flight attendants picket in Las Vegas
Monday, Nov. 19, 2012
Informational pickets by Spirit Airlines flight attendants began at McCarran International Airport today, days before millions of passengers take to the skies for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Party train from Calif. to Las Vegas could be on tracks next year
Monday, Nov. 19, 2012
A company planning luxury train service between Southern California and Las Vegas has signed a key agreement with the Union Pacific Railroad that could lead to the start of passenger service by the end of next year. Las Vegas Railway Express signed the deal last week enabling the company to operate its “X Train” on Union Pacific tracks between Daggett, Calif., and Las Vegas.
Southwest Airlines to fly between Wichita, Kan., and Las Vegas
Monday, Nov. 19, 2012
When Southwest Airlines inaugurates service to its 85th city — Wichita, Kan. — next year, it will kick it off with nonstop flights to and from Las Vegas.
Salvaging the monorail
There’s still a way to make the formerly bankrupt people mover a useful tool here
Monday, Nov. 19, 2012
The Las Vegas Monorail Co. is out of bankruptcy. Although countless critics have savaged the monorail and want to see it torn down, it’s a system worth keeping, and even building on.
Unusual Las Vegas weddings: Get married by plane, ship or coaster
Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012
Las Vegas is known as the “Marriage Capital of the World.” Clark County issues an average of 315 wedding licenses every day. That’s more than 100,000 a year. While most ceremonies take place in chapels, including many on the Strip, Las Vegas is famous for its over-the-top weddings. Check out our list of some of the more unusual places to get hitched.
Allegiant looks to expand its market reach into Mexico
Friday, Nov. 16, 2012
Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air, buoyed by its successful launch of service to the Hawaiian islands earlier this year, is setting its sights on Mexico and could begin routes to and from Las Vegas and Orlando by the end of next year or early 2014.
Still no deal between Allegiant Air and flight attendants
Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012
Contract negotiations continued this week between flight attendants represented by the Transport Workers Union and Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air, with a major squabble involving the airline’s use of part-time flight attendants.
McCarran adds Mexican airline Interjet to its international lineup
Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012
Mexico City's Interjet will become the 17th international airline to offer service at McCarran International Airport today when its inaugural flight from Mexico City’s Toluca Airport arrives tonight.
Home of Nevada Cancer Institute, set to close Dec. 31, is eyed for lease
Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012
Representatives of Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada and the University of California San Diego Health System are continuing negotiations for CCCN to lease a portion of the Nevada Cancer Institute’s Summerlin facility.
It's hard to stand in Oscar Goodman's shadow
Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012
Sometimes it’s a little rough hanging around former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman. Just ask Clark County Commissioner Lawrence Weekly, a member of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board of directors, who found himself in Goodman’s shadow on a few recent trips.
Out-of-state company wins job to paint Las Vegas Convention Center
Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority awarded a major painting contract to an out-of-state company, but the contract requires the winning bidder to use locally based painters and subcontractors.
McCarran improves in government ranking of flight delays
Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012
McCarran International Airport is the 12th worst in the country for flight delays, but that’s actually good news — a year ago, the airport that serves Las Vegas was No. 4.
Showgirls, Elvis impersonators magnets for Las Vegas
Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012
When the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority goes on the road to tourism trade shows, showgirls and Elvis impersonators are the magnets that draw people away from the likes of New York and Orlando. And so does former Mayor Oscar Goodman.
Sacrifice for strong airline industry
Customers, cities might not appreciate changes that help keep carriers profitable
Monday, Nov. 12, 2012
Las Vegas needs a healthy aviation industry to thrive, so it’s encouraging to see airlines posting profits in their third-quarter earnings.
Last-minute deal helps blunt threat of cabdriver strike
Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012
A tentative contract agreement was reached today between negotiators with the Industrial Technical Professional Employees union and Yellow-Checker-Star, the second-largest operator of taxis in Southern Nevada, but negotiations with a second cab company are continuing, so the threat of strike has not been completely averted. The deal blunts a potentially crippling blow to tourist transportation as two unions representing more than half of the cab drivers working in Clark County were in contract negotiations with the two largest cab groups representing eight of the 16 companies licensed to operate in the county.
RTC selects companies to move forward in competition for bus contracts
Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012
A bus transportation company that sued the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada after a nine-month contract stalemate failed to make the cut when the RTC rebid the contract with a revamped process.
Las Vegas tourism continues a slow but steady ascent
Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012
Visitation to Las Vegas remained status quo in September. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority today said 3.4 million tourists visited the city for the month, a 1.8 percent increase from a year ago. For the first three quarters of 2012, visitation was up by the same percentage, to 30.1 million. At the current pace, visitation would fall just shy of the LVCVA’s goal of 40 million tourists for the year, but a good turnout for the National Finals Rodeo in December could put the total over the mark.
New Las Vegas call center to hire 100 workers; job fair set for Friday
Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012
A company that manages call centers and has an existing operation in Las Vegas is opening a new facility that will hire 100 people. Sitel Corp. plans a job fair Friday.
Greyhound launches 5-hour, Las Vegas-Los Angeles bus route
Monday, Nov. 5, 2012
Express bus service to and from Los Angeles is returning to the Las Vegas market this week with the launch of a new Greyhound Express route on Wednesday.
How Nevada is trying to grow its tech sector — and succeeding slowly
Monday, Nov. 5, 2012
Downturns prove time and again how important it is for Nevada to diversify its economy. The state must protect itself from the effects of relying too much on one industry. When Brian Sandoval ran for governor in 2010 and took office in 2011, he made diversification a key piece of his platform. The cornerstone of his effort is broadening technology.
Hogs welcome at Grand Canyon
Helicopter-and-Harley tours add spice to experience of exploring national monument
Monday, Nov. 5, 2012
They say you can tell if a motorcyclist is happy when you see the bugs in his teeth. I’m sure I had a few in my grill when I joined a group of reporters on a picture-perfect day at the Grand Canyon trying out a new helicopter-Harley tour being offered.
Sandoval talks taxes, regulations to soothe small businesses at inaugural conference
Friday, Nov. 2, 2012
Gov. Brian Sandoval received a warm reception from hundreds of businesspeople attending the first-ever Governor’s Conference on Small Business even though he told them there was plenty of work ahead before the state could consider itself recovered from the Great Recession.