RECAP: 2021 Washington, D.C. Fly-In

LVGEA team members at the D.C. Fly-In welcome reception.

The Vegas Chamber and LVGEA teamed up once again to host the Washington, D.C. Fly-In from September 20-23. This year, attendees interacted with federal policymakers at the event both in person and virtually.

Throughout the week, attendees had the opportunity to cultivate relationships and make progress on federal issues impacting economic development in Nevada. Joined by hard-working leaders in the business community, the trip was filled with valuable presentations and meetings, including LVGEA-led sessions. Here is a look at each of those presentations:

• Day two of DC in LV began with a keynote from Sara Armstrong, Vice President of Political Affairs and Federation for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, who shared her perspective on national political dynamics.

• Katie Mohney, Vice President of Health Policy for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, kicked off the first LVGEA-led session where she discussed the state of healthcare and what it means to employers.

• Jeff Finkle, President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council, followed discussing the future of economic development policy.

• That same day, we had a Hail to the Chiefs Luncheon, where attendees heard from Nevada Chiefs of Staff on how to get things done in D.C. and how to interact with Congressional offices.

• Alejandra Castillo, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, presented on the priorities of the Economic Development Administration.

• Christina McFarland, Research Director at the National League of Cities, discussed workforce gaps in infrastructure-related industries.

• Rob Garcia of the National Skills Coalition wrapped up the LVGEA-led sessions with a presentation on workforce development policy.

• On day 3, attendees heard from several federal leaders including Congressman Mark Amodei, Congressman Steven Horsford, Senator Jacky Rseon, Congressman Billy Long, and Congresswoman Susie Lee.

• Attendees then heard from representatives of NDOT, LVCVA, RTSNV, and Brightline West at the I-11 and I-15 Congressional Caucus Luncheon, followed by a presentation from Senator Cortez Masto.

• The final day of the D.C. Fly-In began with a keynote from Esteban Moctezuma, Ambassador of Mexico to the U.S, who discussed the importance for the U.S. and Mexico to continue developing our bilateral relationship.

• Congresswoman Dina Titus spoke with attendees about tourism and small business funding issues to help the Southern Nevada economy.

• Congressman Dan Newhouse, chairman of the Congressional Western discussed the environmental challenges western states are facing.

• Ron Painter, CEO of the National Associaton of Workforce Boards, discussed infrastructure investments, U.S. competitiveness in workforce development, & provided an update on the National Apprenticeship Act.

After a successful week, the event wrapped up with a Nevada State Gala at the Willard InterContinental Hotel, where LVGEA President and CEO Jonas Peterson and LVGEA 50 Chairwoman Betsy Fretwell provided remarks alongside the Vegas Chamber team.

Thank you to our partners at Vegas Chamber, our generous sponsors who made this possible, and our attendees for joining us for this year’s event.