Media Contact: Vania Musto; Trosper Public Relations, Email: Vania@TrosperPR.com | Phone: 619.730.8657
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) has announced the winners of its inaugural Perspective Awards, recognizing the organizations, projects and leaders making significant contributions to Southern Nevada’s economic growth, diversification and quality of life.
The winners will be honored during the inaugural Perspective Awards Dinner on Thursday, October 15, at the Orleans Arena. The event will bring together Southern Nevada’s top executives, elected officials, community leaders and industry stakeholders for an evening focused on recognizing excellence, celebrating achievement and exploring the ideas and leadership shaping the region’s economic future.
The evening will feature insights from Danielle Casey, President & CEO of LVGEA, and Jeremy Aguero, Principal Analyst of Applied Analysis, who will provide perspective on Southern Nevada’s economic landscape, emerging opportunities and the trends shaping the region’s future. The event will also mark the evolution of LVGEA’s Perspective publication into a new digital format, expanding access to timely data, insights and analysis on the region’s economy.
“This inaugural Perspective Awards Dinner represents an exciting new chapter for LVGEA and for the Southern Nevada business community,” said Lauri Perdue, Chairwoman of the LVGEA Board of Directors. “Our region’s continued success is the result of bold investments, visionary leadership, strategic partnerships and a commitment to building an economy where businesses and people can thrive. These award recipients embody that spirit, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments while bringing our community together to look ahead at what’s next for Southern Nevada.”
Following the nomination period, the Perspective Council reviewed more than 100 submissions and selected the recipients in each award category.
2026 Perspective Awards Winners
Innovation & Industry Advancement Award: Roseman University of Health Sciences
This award recognizes a business or organization driving forward-thinking innovation or advancing a key target industry in Southern Nevada through breakthroughs in technology, product or service development, infrastructure, research or policy. The award honors organizations strengthening the region’s competitive edge, supporting economic diversification and positioning Southern Nevada for long-term success.
Established by Roseman University of Health Sciences, Roseman Bioventures (RBV) is a Nevada life sciences incubator designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of scientific innovations. Located at Roseman’s Summerlin campus, RBV provides early- to mid-stage life sciences companies with turnkey laboratories, flexible research infrastructure and a partnership ecosystem that provides access to industry stakeholders and venture capital.
Through its incubator model and long-term vision for a complementary venture studio, RBV is helping create infrastructure for life sciences companies to develop, commercialize and grow in Southern Nevada.
“This award reflects what’s possible when a region commits to building something new,” said Renee Coffman, Ph.D., President and Co-Founder of Roseman University of Health Sciences. “Roseman Bioventures was built on the belief that Southern Nevada can compete as a destination for biotechnology and life science innovation, and we’re already seeing that vision take shape through the companies, investors and partners choosing to grow here. Roseman remains committed to building the infrastructure, talent and opportunities that will strengthen Southern Nevada’s innovation economy for years to come while educating the next generation of health professionals.”
Strategic Partnership Award: Governor’s Office of Economic Development
This award honors a business or organization that has demonstrated exceptional collaboration to advance regional priorities. The award celebrates public or private partnerships that strengthen community alignment and deliver measurable economic impact.
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) was created during the 2011 session of the Nevada Legislature through a collaborative effort between the Legislature and the Governor’s Office to restructure economic development in the state. GOED works to promote a robust, diversified and prosperous Nevada economy by encouraging business expansion and retention, supporting entrepreneurship, attracting new businesses and facilitating community development.
“GOED is honored to receive LVGEA’s Strategic Partnership Award, but recognition like this is never earned alone,” said Tom Burns, Executive Director of GOED. “Diversifying Clark County’s economy takes businesses, educators and local governments across the region all pulling in the same direction. We’re proud of what we’ve built together and confident the best is still ahead for Southern Nevada. I also want to celebrate the dedication of the hardworking team at GOED, who are committed to making the community we live in better every day.”
Community & Workforce Impact Award: National Technical Institute
This award honors an organization that has made meaningful contributions to workforce development, talent pipeline initiatives or community investment efforts that enhance quality of life and support a resilient, opportunity-rich economy.
Founded in 2003, National Technical Institute (NTI) is a state-approved trade school with campuses in Las Vegas, Nevada; Phoenix, Arizona; Houston, Texas; and Reno-Sparks, Nevada, offering both in-person and hybrid learning options to fit every student’s schedule. NTI strives to give students the fast-track, hands-on training employers are looking for, giving graduates a jumpstart in the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical job market.
“Receiving this recognition from the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance is a proud moment for everyone at National Technical Institute, because community impact is at the core of everything we do,” said Ryan Woodward, CEO of National Technical Institute. “Since our first campus opened in Las Vegas in 2003, we have trained more than 5,000 students in HVAC, plumbing and electrical trades, and we are just getting started. Las Vegas continues to grow, and NTI is committed to growing with it, expanding access to fast-track trade training that puts more skilled workers into the careers and communities that need them most.”
Regional Investment Award: Haas Automation
This award recognizes a company newly established in Southern Nevada that is making a transformative investment in the region through expansion or relocation. The award honors organizations creating in-demand, high-paying jobs, supporting economic diversification and helping shape the future of Southern Nevada’s economy.
Founded by Gene Haas in 1983, Haas Automation has grown from a small machine accessory manufacturer into the largest maker of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools in the United States and one of the top five globally.
In 2027, Haas will open its newest factory, a state-of-the-art 2.5 million-square-foot facility in Henderson, Nevada, representing a significant investment in Southern Nevada’s advanced manufacturing sector.
“Thank you from Gene Haas and all the employees at Haas Automation, for this Regional Investment Award,” said Peter Zierhut, Vice President, Outside Operations for Haas Automation for Haas Automation. “It’s an honor to be recognized. We appreciate the support of the LVGEA and the many people who helped make our journey to Southern Nevada a reality.”
Distinguished Leadership Award: Michael J. Bonner
This award celebrates an individual whose leadership, vision and influence have made a lasting impact on Southern Nevada’s economic landscape. The award honors those who lead with purpose, inspire collaboration and champion inclusive growth.
Michael J. Bonner is co-managing shareholder of the Las Vegas office of international law firm Greenberg Traurig LLP. He practices in corporation finance, corporate governance, business transactions, securities and gaming and represents clients in a wide range of corporate and business matters, including mergers and acquisitions, public securities offerings, private placements, financing and restructuring transactions.
Bonner is deeply involved in Southern Nevada’s business and civic community. He serves as chair of the UNLV Foundation Board of Trustees, is an emeritus member and former chairman of the Vegas Chamber and serves on the board of directors of the LVGEA. He also co-chairs Greenberg Traurig’s Summit for Corporate Governance in partnership with the UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law.
“I am very honored to receive this award,” Bonner said. “As a native Las Vegan who has had the opportunity to be part of the LVGEA’s efforts to expand and diversify our economy, I know we have much to do and much to accomplish. The unique energy and opportunities in Southern Nevada will drive us forward. Our future is bright!”
Economic Impact Award: Athletics’ Las Vegas Ballpark
This award recognizes a specific project or deal that has made a significant contribution to Southern Nevada’s economy through business expansion, relocation, capital investment and the creation of high-quality jobs that support long-term regional growth.
The Athletics’ Las Vegas Ballpark is being developed as the future home of Major League Baseball’s Athletics in Southern Nevada. The Athletics Investment Group’s project represents a transformative addition to the region’s sports landscape, creating new opportunities for tourism, entertainment, economic development and community engagement while supporting construction, hospitality and workforce growth.
“Receiving the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance’s (LVGEA) Economic Impact Award is a meaningful recognition of what this project represents for Southern Nevada,” said Marc Badain, President of the Athletics. “Building the future home of the A’s in Las Vegas is a long-term investment that will create jobs, drive economic activity and attract visitors from around the globe. We’re proud to play a role in this community’s continued growth and look forward to strengthening the region’s economy for decades to come.”
LVGEA extends its appreciation to the Perspective Council, whose support is helping make the inaugural event possible. The Council members include KTNV-TV, Channel 13, Spectrum Business, Nevada State Bank, Switch and the Las Vegas Raiders.
Tickets and table sponsorships are still available for the inaugural Perspective Awards Dinner. Individual tickets are $200, while table sponsorships are available for $2,500. For more information about the 2026 Perspective Awards Dinner and to purchase tickets, Visit LVGEAAwards.org.
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About Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance
The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) is a public-private partnership dedicated to connecting and championing Southern Nevada’s economic future through intentional business attraction, expansion, and regional connectivity. Rooted in the region’s world-class hospitality and powered by innovation, Southern Nevada continues to position itself as a global leader in reinvention and opportunity for all. LVGEA has been designated as one of eight Regional Development Authorities (RDA) in Nevada by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) for 2026–2027. To learn more, visit www.lvgea.org.
