Expert Jonas Peterson to Join the LVGEA as COO

(Las Vegas) – The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance today announced that Jonas Peterson has been appointed to the position of Chief Operating Officer for the organization.

In his position, Peterson will assist in the development and preparation of short-term and long-range plans and budgets based upon broad organization goals and objectives, while integrating advanced economic development strategies, techniques and tactics within the organization’s operations.

“Having Mr. Peterson become an integral part of the LVGEA speaks volumes for the direction we are heading in economic development efforts,” said LVGEA President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Skancke. “His notable experience and background will assist us as we continue with global outreach to enhance our Southern Nevada business climate.  I’m very pleased that the executive committee unanimously supported Jonas joining our team and we are all very excited to have he and his family become a part of the Las Vegas region.”

Prior to joining the LVGEA, Peterson served as president and CEO of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation. During his tenure, SCVEDC quickly emerged as one of the most productive economic development organizations in California. He previous published “Minding Our Own Businesses: a Practitioner’s Guide to Regional Business Retention and Expansion” and “Recruiting California: Why Business in the Golden State Responds to Quantitative Marketing.”

Jonas earned an M.S. in Community and Economic Development from Pennsylvania State University and an M.B.A. from North Dakota State University. He is a Certified Economic Developer, graduate of Oklahoma University’s Economic Development Institute, graduate of Stanford University’s Executive Program, and a Certified Business Retention and Expansion Consultant. In 2010, Jonas was recognized as Arizona’s “Economic Developer of the Year” by the Arizona Association for Economic Development and as the “New Economic Developer of the Year” by the International Economic Development Council.

About Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance
The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance is a 501(c)6 membership organization dedicated to diversifying the economy in Southern Nevada and building the foundations for long-term economic growth.  For more information, call 702.791.0000 or visit www.www.lvgea.org. The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance is located in The Rob Roy inNEVation Center.