Forecasts of Las Vegas economy on tap at Preview 2012

Jeremy Aguero, a principal analyst with Applied Analysis, poses at his office building in Summerlin Wednesday, August 3, 2011.

Education has its three R’s, and Jeremy Aguero is offering a set for the Las Vegas economy, too.

In his address Thursday to business professionals gathering for Preview 2012, Aguero will focus on three words: reset, rethink and rebuild. Aguero is principal analyst for Applied Analysis, a firm that focuses on economic, fiscal and policy research, and he’ll be offering a forecast aimed at helping the city steer its way out of the recession.

“It’s the biggest event of the year in terms of bringing the business community together,” he said of Preview, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce’s major annual mixer. “My job is to give an economic overview.”

Aguero will be one of several local and visiting speakers offering insight about business in Las Vegas at the event, scheduled for 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cox Pavilion on the UNLV campus.

It’s Aguero’s sixth year speaking at the gathering. Last year, as the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce was celebrating its 100th year, Aguero discussed the history of Southern Nevada and its economic development since the early 1900s.

“We went back to 1905 and talked about how Las Vegas became Las Vegas,” he said.

This year Aguero’s presentation will begin with a reset, or a look at the current state of the economy. He acknowledged it may seem dismal at times, as it will touch on bankruptcy and foreclosures.

“It’s not all roses and sunshine,” he said.

Rethinking is taking a look at the things Las Vegas has done and how the community could have done them differently, said Aguero, adding that education was a primary example.

“We need to give a long, hard look at how our education system is performing,” he said. “Education is business.”

Rebuilding will focus on the opportunities for the Las Vegas economy to grow.

Business operations at Allegiant Air and Zappos are among the examples Aguero might cite during his talk, he said. “We try to focus on the pockets of opportunities.”

Also taking the stage will be Mayor Carolyn Goodman and Richard Florida, senior editor of The Atlantic and author of such works as “The Rise of the Creative Class” and “The Great Reset.”

Other speakers include former Mayor Oscar Goodman and Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Ralenkotter will recap the 2011 tourism industry and then give an outlook for 2012. His presentation will include initiatives for the city’s marketing efforts this year and showcase some new commercials.

Robert Lang, executive director of the Lincy Institute and director of the Brookings Institute Mountain West at UNLV, also will address the Preview crowd.

During breaks, attendees will be able to sample the culinary creations of local eateries and network with professionals in different areas of business.

Tickets are $80 in advance or at the door and $60 for chamber members.

For more information visit www.previewlasvegas.com.

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