“No, because it’s Sin City. I think people are fully aware that this isn’t a family town.”
Alex Schechter, vice president, SPI Entertainment
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“The ultra-naughty slant has been in play for years and has probably run its course. It worked when money was falling off of trees a few years back, but it excludes certain segments of the population and has hurt us on the convention side. Not sure what’s next, but we’re due for a phase-in of the next chapter in the coming years.”
Paul Davis, vice president of entertainment, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
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“No. Sexy sells!”
Melissa Roche, marathon training coach, Las Vegas Bootcamp
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“Business development and economic diversity efforts in Las Vegas are being hampered more by our education, health care and infrastructure challenges than they are by our city’s ‘where anything goes’ image.”
Jim Gentleman, senior vice president of account management & strategy, SK+G Advertising
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“Vegas’ image is perceived as a place for short-term business visits, but not that ideal for long-term investment. One colleague joked with me that even if he considered investing, his investment wouldn’t see a return. After all, ‘what’s invested in Vegas, stays in Vegas.’ ”
Matthew Hutchings, president, Dolomite Technology
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“Sex appeal has always sold and will always sell.”
Steve Rosen, cmo, santo gaming
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“No.”
Tony Santo, president/CEO, Playlv Gaming
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“As most all of my clients are from other areas of the country and globe, it helps that they’re always more than willing to come to me.”
Rob Dunn, president/CEO, Overbest Industries, Inc.
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“Vegas is supposed to be the adult Mecca, yet some sleepy towns in America are far more naughty. I seriously doubt our image is turning away businesses since there is a church on every corner. If it is, those are businesses that we don’t need.”
Branden Powers, president, 15N Creative
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"Absolutely not. Sex sells. It’s one of the most appealing aspects of Las Vegas.”
Sabrina Fares, recruiting specialist, Volume Real Estate
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“No, it helps business. It sells.”
Tim Morris, retired
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“It overshadows the innovative small businesses flourishing here. ”
Elisabeth Daniels, city leader, Crave Las Vegas
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“Our sexy image no doubt entices new businesses to open here—I don’t see Kiss opening a coffee shop in Portland—but it likely deters some. Regardless, it’s given the town a famous reputation that’s been great for business.”
Sarah Feldberg, editor, Las Vegas Weekly
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“No. This town is so diversified that the sexy appeal brings people to Las Vegas. We capture our clientele through positive and creative marketing.”
Kathy Holesapple, owner, Paddle to the Core
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“I don’t think so, because Las Vegas is usually looked upon as the place for opportunity.”
Shake Ajamian, editorial assistant, Las Vegas magazine
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“The sexy image is probably bringing us about 70 percent of our consumers. There are plenty of other very positive aspects about this community to sell.”
Judy Robinson, retired
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“I guess it all depends on who’s doing the recruiting. I live in Summerlin, which is really not that different from Scottsdale. I think more than the sexy image, there are other challenges, like the economy.”
Adam Sperling, tournament director, Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open
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“No. Las Vegas will always have that image. Developers who don’t appreciate that part of Las Vegas already ignore it.”
Guy Russell, owner and operator, R&R venture group
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“People are attracted to that adult image. The main business in Las Vegas is tourism.”
Michael Chamberlain, executive director, Nevada Business Coalition
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“No. Tourists come here to have a good time. The sexy image feeds into that. It’s not just gentlemen’s clubs, it’s nightclubs and all the rest. It’s a big part of what Las Vegas is to the rest of the world. Without the tourists, we don’t have a town.”
Wayne Bridge, ceo, Sin City Chamber of Commerce