It could be worse.
This is the consensus among business leaders on Governor Steve Sisolak’s decision to extend the statewide hiatus until January 15 to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Although the hiatus was devastating for businesses, most business leaders said they were grateful that the governor didn’t order additional restrictions and closings, even as infection rates rise.
“Shutting down businesses like they have done in other states would be a death blow,” said Cara Clarke, a spokeswoman for the Vegas Chamber.
Peter Guzman, president of the Latin Chamber of Commerce, said Sisolak’s decision not to impose further restrictions gave companies “a fighting chance to keep their doors open”.
Open businesses mean people are working, and that means “people will be able to buy Christmas gifts and have some Christmas and holiday season,” he said.
Ken Evans, president of the Urban Chamber of Commerce, said companies “get thin” at 25 percent occupancy, but “we try to avoid a complete shutdown as safely as possible.”
Thoran Towler, CEO of the Nevada Association of Employers, said he was nervous about what the governor would announce with news of increasing COVID-19 infection and rising death rates.
“Extending the current restrictions is tough for so many small businesses and their employees, but I realize it could be a lot worse,” said Towler. “A lot of the companies I work with fear the governor shutting down some entire industry or county, like California has been doing recently.”
But Randi Thompson, Nevada director of the National Federation of Independent Business, was critical of the governor.
“I was very upset when I saw that we put these restrictions in place and they make no difference,” she said. “Opening up our economy and telling those who should stay home to stay home works in other states. Why don’t we look at other states that are making their economies work but protecting the most vulnerable? That should be our focus. “
Tourism and gaming
The extension of the break is a “mixed bag” for the gaming industry, said Brendan Bussmann, Director of Government Affairs at Global Market Advisors based in Las Vegas. Even if there are no more restrictions, the current restrictions are harming casino operators.
“The industry continues to lead because it is the most regulated in the state but faces some of the toughest restrictions,” he said.
Meanwhile, leading gaming and tourism companies responded positively to the announcement.
“The health and safety of our guests, visitors and roommates remains the top priority of the resort industry,” said Virginia Valentine, president and CEO of the Nevada Resort Association decision. “
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau was also supportive.
“Our resorts, casinos and attractions continue to be committed to putting the health and safety of our residents and visitors first and will continue to support the state’s expanded guidelines to reduce the spread of the virus,” said LVCVA spokeswoman Lori Nelson Force.
Take Abouzeid, president and founder of LaunchVegas LLC, a professional services company based in Las Vegas, said most casino companies would have written off by 2020.
“As for the casino industry, everyone has already written off the year as broke and is planning to ship vaccines next year,” Abouzeid said. “The industry is grinning and taking it until the vaccine arrives while thinking about how to make their businesses smarter for the future.”
Contact Richard N. Velotta at rvelotta@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3893. Follow @RickVelotta on Twitter.
