Leadership North Las Vegas Graduates Inaugural Class

The Chamber Foundation graduated its inaugural class of 2009 on April 29th with twenty business leaders from throughout the valley completing the eight month program. Congratulations to the following, now known as Leadership North Las Vegas Alumni:

Valerie Bailey Southwest Gas
Dave Brown Industrial Properties Development
Leslie Caprow Independent Insurance Broker
Dimitri Dalacas Flangas McMillan Law Group
Darrin Devine College of Southern Nevada
Bruce Evans City of North Las Vegas Fire Dept
Brian Formisano Wells Fargo Bank
Chad Henry American Medical Response Ambulance
Steve Hitchcock NV Energy
Mark Huggett 1st Commerce Bank
Ken Keskel U.S. Air Force
Laurie Kuhl North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce
Carolyn Muse Grant Fielden & Partners
Barrick Neill Veolia Transportation, Las Vegas Region
Shaundell Newsome Newsome Marketing
Amanda Powell North Vista Hospital
Gloria Robledo Wells Fargo Bank
Gillian Rodis-Silver College of Southern NV
Terri Sheridan City of North Las Vegas
Dan Toll Merrill Lynch

Applications are now being accepted for the 2009-2010 program. Contact Deborah Zak at 642-9595 or at dzak@nlvchamber.org for program information.

April 17, 2009
Leadership Wrap-Up Session:

The final session of the 2009 Leadership North Las Vegas class had arrived! The class members met at the TPC Summerlin clubhouse at 7:30 a m for a continental breakfast buffet and networking before getting down to work.

Jacque Matthews, College of Southern Nevada Foundation acted as chair for this session and worked closely with the facilitator, Randy McCrillis, Elements Consulting, to establish a framework for this important day.

The morning began with Randy leading the group through a variety of exercises including a review of some of the previous information from other sessions, theory and practice of using ones strengths as leaders and managers. Using their top five strengths as revealed from taking the Meyers-Briggs test during the Leadership Advance session, the class discussed their top 5 strengths and four key insights to great leadership

During lunch the class broke into the original small groups that they had been part of the Advance session, to reflect on their year of Leadership sessions. They discussed what the biggest changes had been, both personally and professionally since the process had begun and examined what this experience had taught them about being a leader and manager.

Randy then provided the class with a practical exercise to utilize their knowledge individually and then in the small groups to promote skill building, group problem solving, consensus decision making and group dynamics.

As the day began to wind down, Randy presented a slide show of pictures from each of the sessions to promote discussion of the highs and lows of the program and each session.

In the final activity, Randy called on the class to share their personal high points with the entire class and what they would carry away from the class with them into their lives.

The Wrap Up day was a bittersweet session. The class was excited to go back to their lives and careers with a deeper understanding of community and self. They were also sad to be giving up the scheduled monthly time with a group of strangers who had become friends and colleagues. As the inaugural graduating class, they will be the first of many classes to come. As alumni, they will be the first class to be able to contribute to the Leadership program and shape its future classes.

March 20, 2009
Community Amenities and Assets :

Mike Henley, Director of the North Las Vegas City Parks & Recreation Department served as the Session Chair for the Leadership day on Friday March 20th. The theme of the day was “Community Amenities and Assets”. The class was in for a very active and interesting day as they explored both the history and the future of North Las Vegas.

Starting early at the Neighborhood Recreation Center on Bruce St., the class heard about the downtown master plan from the city’s Redevelopment Manager, Larry Bender. Thomas Brady, Principal Engineer, Public Works Department discussed the new North Las Vegas City Hall plans.

There was an onsite tour and historical review of North Las Vegas at the Keil Ranch Historic Park. Fascinating historical information was presented to the Leadership class by Corinne Escobar, President of the Preservation Association of Clark County. The planning process of the restoration and the challenges of the project were discussed by Michelle Menart, Planner for the Parks and Recreation Department.

Craig Ranch was the next stop, where the class learned the history of the site as well as the vision for Craig Ranch Regional Park.

The class moved on to the newest city facility to be opened, Alexander Library and Park. After a tour of the library, led by Shelly Alexander, Shelly addressed some of the ways the community is served, with access to computers, videos, music, books and events.

Lunch was served at the Silver Mesa Recreation Center on Allen Lane. The lunch program consisted of three presentations. Jody Walker, Supervisor of the NRC, discussed Youth and Family Programs, Pat Genovese, Recreation Coordinator discussed the role of community events, and the plans for the newest recreation center in process, the SkyView Multi-Generational Center was reviewed by Aaron Turnier, Recreation Coordinator. Mike Henley and Michelle Menart directed a discussion of the trails system and the Las Vegas Wash Regional Trails Project. For a first hand experience, the class arrived at the West Washburn Trailhead and took a walking tour.

Aliante Golf Club was the next location. The class was addressed by Randy Weigman, General Manager, and invited to participate in a special putting contest.

The class ended at the Aliante Library for discussion of their class project and the monthly leadership focus activity led by Dustin Peterson, Program Coordinator Leadership Development, UNLV.

Special thanks to:

Speakers and Participants:

City of North Las Vegas:
Larry Bender, Redevelopment Manager, Economic Development,
Thomas Brady, Principal Engineer, Public Works Dept
Michelle Menart, Planner, Parks & Recreation Department
Jon Jainga ,Park Planning & Development Manager, Parks & Recreation
Nancy O’Connor, Manager, Parks Services
Shelly Alexander, Alexander Library
Jody Walker, Supervisor, Parks & Recreation
Pat Genovese, Marketing & Advertising/Special Events, Parks & Recreation
Aaron Turnier, Recreation Coordinator, Parks & Recreation
Parks & Recreation Staff

Randy Weigman, General Manager, Aliante Golf Club
Corinne Escobar, President, Preservation Association of Clark County
Dustin Peterson, Program Coordinator Leadership Development, UNLV

Facilities:
Bruce St Neighborhood Recreation Center
Kiel Ranch Historic Park
Craig Ranch Regional Park
Alexander Library and Park
Silver Mesa Recreation Center
Aliante Golf Club
Aliante Library

Session Chair:
Mike Henley, Director of the North Las Vegas City Parks & Recreation Department

Luncheon Sponsor:
City of North Las Vegas Parks & Recreation Department

February 20, 2009
Business & Technology:

The Arberry Building Auditorium on the Cheyenne campus of CSN was the setting for the most recent Leadership session on February 20th. The session was chaired by Rob McCoy, Director of Public Affairs, Embarq. The Session Day sponsor was Flangas McMillan Law Group. John McMillan, Chairman of both the North Las Vegas Chamber Foundation and the Leadership Steering Committee.

The first speaker, Somer Hollingsworth of the Nevada Development Authority, addressed the current business climate and the kinds of businesses coming to Nevada to add to our diversified industry base.

John Restrepo of Restrepo Consulting provided the class with a presentation of statistics regarding the current economic status in relation to previous downturns, leading indicators and recovery.

The class was then treated to the opportunity to observe a photo shoot in the Photography department of the CSN School of Communications, lead by Department Chair, Tom Myers. They were able to hear from professors on the new digital photo technology and watch as they demonstrated different techniques.

Back in the auditorium after a short break, the class broke into small groups which allowed the participants to talk with four local top executives in a round robin setting. The guests, Steve Hill, President, Silver State Materials, Myron Martin, President, Smith Center of Performing Arts, Emily Neilson, General Manager of KLAS TV and Gregory Rose, North Las Vegas City Manager, discussed their leadership styles, backgrounds, mentoring and the balance between professional and personal commitments.

Lunch was served at Russell’s at CSN, Before leaving Russell’s, the class was given an impromptu singing performance by a student at CSN. This young woman shared her amazing voice and completely wowed the group.

Once settled back in the auditorium, Peter Reilly of the Boyd School of Law discussed business negotiation skills, citing some do’s and don’t’s of successful negotiation.

The last presentation of the day was given by David Shepherd, President of Readiness Resources on disaster preparedness and disaster recovery for businesses. He gave the group tips on the critical need for planning and training for every business in order to survive and flourish in the face of any kind of disaster from natural to terrorism.

Randy McCrillis, Elements Consulting, led the Leadership Focus segment for the day, focusing on negotiation, personal strengths and skills.

The day wrapped up with a preview of the March session on Community Assets and Amenities, another full day of activity for the 2008-2009 Leadership Class.

Special thanks to:
Speakers and Panelists:
Somer Hollingsworth, Nevada Development Authority
John Restrepo, Restrepo Consulting
Tom Myers, Director, CSN School of Communications
Steve Hill, President, Silver State Materials
Myron Martin, President, Smith Center for the Performing Arts
Emily Neilson, General Manager KLAS TV
Gregory Rose, North Las Vegas City Manager
Peter Reilly, Boyd School of Law
David Shepherd, President, Readiness Resources

Session Day Sponsor:
Flangas McMillan Law Group

Facilities Host:
CSN Foundation, Cheyenne Campus-Jacque Matthews

The day wrapped up with a Leadership Focus exercise lead by Randy McCrillis, president of Elements, and a preview of the February session by Chair Rob McCoy, Director of Public Affairs, Embarq.

Following the end of the session, the class adjourned to the ETA lounge at Aliante for the first Leadership Mixer. The attendees included the class, their spouses / significant others, speakers and chairs from the previous sessions, sponsors, Chamber Board Members, Foundation TTEES and other invited guests. It was an opportunity to mix, mingle and have one on one conversations. A good time had by all !

Special thanks to:
Speakers and Panelists:
Senator Richard Bryan
Gregory Rose,
CNLV City Manager
Sharon Powers, CEO-NLVCC
Larry Bender, Redevelopment Manager, City of North Las Vegas
Mayor Michael Montandon
Michael Sauer, Ed.D., Associate Vice President, Administration, UNLV
Dave Frommer, AIA NCARB, Executive Director for Planning and Construction, UNLV
John Bright, Director, Southern Nevada Healthcare System,Veteran’s Administration
Frank Fiori, Director of Planning and Zoning, CNLV
Quong Liu, Director of Public Works, CNLV
Louise Steeps, Department of Utilities, CNLV
Adam Titus, President, Mountain View Industrial Park
Darren Peterson, Apex Property Owner

Session Half Day Sponsor:
Visicon Group Session Day Co-Chairs: George Garcia, President, President, G.C. Garcia Inc.
Michael Majewski, Economic Development Director, City of North Las Vegas.

Luncheon Assistance:
Aliante Station Casino & Hotel

Facilities Assistance:
Aliante Station Casino & Hotel

December 19,2008
Session 3 – Health and Human Services

North Vista Hospital was the site where the Leadership North Las Vegas participants for their third Leadership Event day.  The participant’s day started with a continental breakfast buffet and they were greeted by Leadership Liaison Deborah Zak who got the day rolling by thanking the program corporate sponsors (NV Energy, Southwest Gas Corporation and Summerlin Life and Health Insurance) and the sponsors of the day (( MedicWest Ambulance/AMR and North Vista Hospital).  Deborah then introduced co-chair Tony Greenway (MedicWest Ambulance/AMR ) who welcomed the participants and introduced co-chair Vince Variale (North Vista Hospital).

The first half of the day was divided between panel discussions, a tour of the hospital and visits to several individual departments of the hospital. Prior to lunch, the participants took half an hour to do their ongoing work for their Leadership 2008 class project.  At lunch, CEO Julie Murray( Three Square) speaking on the concept and impact of Three Square on organizations and the needy in North Las Vegas, especially in these challenging economic times.

After lunch, the group bussed to The Lou Ruvo Brain Institute.  The Leadership class was given a tour of the new and architecturally  interesting facility.  Additionally, President and CEO of the Institute, Dr. Zaven Khachaturian gave a very interesting and informative talk about the Institute, it’s goals and the exciting work they plan to do there in the fields of Alzheimer’s and other brain functions.

The afternoon continued with a challenging talk, group exercise and discussion with Shannon West of the Clark County Social Services on homelessness in the Las Vegas Valley and their plan to end homlessness.

Randy McCrillis (Elements Consulting) lead the monthly focus experience and then the session wrapped up with a sneak peak of the upcoming January event day and the ride back to North Vista Hospital to end another informative and exciting Leadership 2008 Event Day.

Special thanks to the following:

Speaker, Panelists, Moderators:
Cecilia Aldana, executive, Guadalupe Medical Center
W. Jud Fisher, D.O, executive, Rainbow Medical Center
Farrow Smith, Orgill-Singer
Kevin Stockton, CEO, Centennial Hills Hospital,
Kathy Silver,CEO, University Medical Center
Will Wagnon, CEO, Mountain View Hospital
Dr. Allen Marino, University Medical Center
Julie Murray, CEO, Three Square
Dr. Zaven Khachaturian, President & CE, Lou Ruvo Brain Institute

Shannon West, Regional Homeless Services Coordinator, So. NV Regional Planning Coalition’s Committee on Homelessness

Transportation & Facilities:                              
North Vista Hospital
Lou Ruvo Brain Institute
Veolia Transportation

Session Day Co-Chairs
Vince Variale, CEO, North Vista Hospital

Tony Greenway, MedicWest Ambulance/AMR

Luncheon Sponsor:
North Vista Hospital

 

November 21, 2008
Session 3-Public Safety and Justice Session:

The 2008 Leadership North Las Vegas class participants met at the North Las Vegas Municipal Court. This Session was co-chaired by Maryann Ustick, Assistant City Manager, and Al Noyola, Assistant Director Police Administrative Services, City of North Las Vegas.

North Las Vegas Mayor Michael Montandon welcomed the group. An overview of the North Las Vegas Municipal Court was provided by Judge VanLandschoot before sitting in a court session to observe the workings of the court as the prosecutors and defense councils presented their cases before the Judge.

A tour of the North Las Vegas Detention Facility included the intake processing system, holding areas, and personal items storage. Officers were on hand to answer many questions about the duties, procedures and experiences.

After a mid morning break, there was a panel discussion on The Challenges of Public Safety in a Diverse and Rapidly Growing Community. The panelists were Joseph Forti, Police Chief, Al Gillespie, Fire Chief, Sgt Dan Lake, Acting Emergency Management Coordinator, James Frater, Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshall and Bruce Evans, EMS Chief and moderated by Al Noyola.

The lunch speaker was Jim O’Brien, Director of Emergency Management, Clark County. He spoke on awareness of our surroundings and presented a short video on the 7 Signs of Terrorism.

The afternoon session involved a K-9 Demonstration, an informative tour of the various City of North Las Vegas emergency and safety vehicles. This included the Fire Dept. trucks, engines, support and EMT vehicles and the Fire Safety Trailer. The Police Dept vehicles viewed were patrol, SWAT, CSI and the Mobile Communications Center.

The afternoon continued back in the meeting room with the Class Project Discussion to formulate concepts to implement a “Legacy Project” to benefit the community.

Facilitator Randy McCrillis, president of Elements, continued the leadership development activities with a homework assignment, a role playing activity and a lively discussion!

Special thanks to:

Speakers and Panelists:
Mayor Michael Montandon, City of North Las Vegas
Judge Warren VanLandschoot, North Las Vegas Municipal Court
Joseph Forti, Police Chief
Al Gillespie, Fire Chief, Sgt Dan Lake
Acting Emergency Management Coordinator
James Frater, Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshall
Bruce Evans, EMS Chief
Jim O’Brien, Director of Emergency Management, Clark County
Kevin Brame, Deputy Fire Chief

Session Day Co-Chairs:
Maryann Ustick, Assistant City Manager, City of North Las Vegas
Al Noyola, Assistant Director Police Administrative Services, City of North Las Vegas.

Luncheon Sponsor:
City of North Las Vegas

October 17, 2008
Session 1 – History & Education:
Leadership North Las Vegas participants gathered at the Chamber for their first regular session--- History & Education. Co-chaired by Curtis Cummings (Alan Jeskey Builders) and Sharon Powers (North LV Chamber), the class after a light breakfast was transported via CCSD vans to their first stop of the day, Lowman Elementary School.

Greeting the group was Principal Kathy Konowolow and student escorts. While at Lowman, a designated at-risk school, the class learned about innovative teaching methods being utilized at the school, as well as the challenges and successes of teaching where most students are below the federal poverty standard. Soon after, everyone was escorted to individual classrooms for an opportunity to read to students. One of the highlights of the morning was a visit by Jim Rogers, Chancellor of the Nevada Higher Education System. Chancellor Rogers talked about the challenges in our education system especially in light of the state’s budget cuts.

Back on the buses, the class proceeded to Nellis Air Force Base for lunch which was sponsored by Alan Jeskey Builders, and an afternoon of history. During lunch at the officer’s club, Colonel Belote, commander of the 99th Air Base Wing spoke on the history of Nellis as well as its current day mission. Belote also spoke of the encroachment issues that could impact Nellis operations. Following Colonel Belote, the group heard from Geoff Schumacher, reporter and author of Sun, Sin, and Suburbia. Schumacher talked about the colorful past of the city and the individuals that led it. Session co-chair Curtis Cummings followed with a presentation on the geography as well as the indigenous plant life in the area. The final speaker was long time North Las Vegan resident and former city councilman Brent Hardy who talked about what it was like living in North Las Vegas and his experiences with its politics.

Wrapping up the day, it was now time for the leadership development component lead by Randy McCrillis, president of Elements. Finally, twenty-two tired, but energized Leadership North Las Vegas classmates boarded the bus for their trip back to the Chamber-----until next month.

Special thanks to:

Speakers:
Kathy Konowolow, principal, Lowman Elementary School
Jim Rogers, chancellor, Nevada Higher Education System
Colonel Dave Belote, commander, 99th Air Base Wing
Geoff Schumacher, Las Vegas Review Journal
Brent Hardy, former North LV City Councilman

Transportation & Facilities:
Clark County School District Community Partnership Office
Nellis Air Force Base Officer’s Club

Session Day Co-Chairs:
Curtis Cummings, president, Alan Jeskey Builders
Sharon Powers, president, North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce

Luncheon Sponsor:
Alan Jeskey Builders

September 19 – 20, 2008
Advance Session:
On September 19th, twenty-two dynamic business professionals converged on The Hotel on Mt. Charleston for two days of fairly intensive exercises and work groups that challenged their conventional thinking, made them look introspectively, and began their leadership skill development that would continue throughout the eight month program.

The weekend also was the start of the bonding process that would turn twenty-two casual acquaintances into a cohesive group that would eventually be known throughout the valley as the inaugural class of Leadership North Las Vegas.