Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman and Ward 3 Councilman Bob Coffin will proclaim April 18, as 18B Arts District Day at 6 p.m. at Boulder Plaza, located at 1046 S. Main St. Members of the city of Las Vegas Arts Commission are also scheduled to attend the event.

The presentation is being made in honor of the founders of the 18B and all the improvements that have occurred in the area. Among those being honored are former Mayor Oscar B. Goodman, Cindy Funkhouser, Dick Geyer and Wesley Myles.

Following the proclamation ceremony there will be a mixer sponsored by the 18B Arts District.

Media Contact:
Jace Radke
City of Las Vegas
jradke@lasvegasnevada.gov
702-229-2205(o)
702-249-3514(c)

Here’s the round-up of DTLV top picks for 2013! Congrats all!

Best of Las Vegas – 2013 DTLV list!

• Mundo: Best Mexican Restaurant (LVRJ choice)
• Triple George: Best Place for a Power Lunch (Readers’ choice)
• Eat: Best Place for a Power Lunch (LVRJ’s choice)
• The Smith Center for the Performing Arts: Best Architecture (LVRJ choice)
• Mob Museum: Best Museum (Readers’ choice)
• Neon Museum: Best Museum (LVRJ choice)
• Downtown 3^rd: Best Farmers’ Market (LVRD choice)
• Del Prado Jewelers: Best Jewelry Store (LVRJ choice)
• Golden Nugget: Best Downtown Hotel (Readers’ choice)
• The D: Best Downtown Hotel (LVRJ choice)
• Phat Pack @ The Plaza: Best All-Around Performer (LVRJ choice)
• El Cortez: Best Blackjack (Readers and LVRJ choice)
• El Cortez: Best Keno (Readers’ choice)
• Freemont Hotel: Best Keno (LVRJ choice)
• Hugo’s Cellar @ Four Queens: Best Gourmet Restaurant (LVRJ choice)
• Golden Grill @ Gold Spike: Best Coffee Shop in a Hotel (Guest pick – Artist Jerry Misko)
• Drink & Drag: Best Gay/Alternative Bar (LVRJ choice)
• Commonwealth: Best Nightclub with the Best Mixologists (LVRJ choice)
• Downtown Cocktail Room: Best Singles Bar (LVRJ choice)

For the complete list, click here!

In 2012, downtown Las Vegas – which does not include the famed Las Vegas Strip and is located just a few miles north – became home to a $485 million performing arts center, a new city hall, two major museums and scores of new businesses. A total of 57 projects were completed, under construction or upgraded in this urban area during the year. . “After years of hard work, the city’s highly strategic redevelopment efforts are paying off,” said Bill Arent, director of the city of Las Vegas Economic and Urban Development Department, who also works with the city’s Redevelopment Agency (www.lvrda.org).

According to Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn G. Goodman, redevelopment progress is helping downtown reinvent itself as the region’s true center of community, culture and commerce.  The new year’s upcoming development highlights include Zappos.com’s $40 million renovations to the former Las Vegas City Hall to accommodate the company’s 1,200 employees, the $56 million Discovery Children’s Museum scheduled to open this spring, the former Lady Luck Hotel & Casino’s $100 million renovation and reopening as Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino in late 2013, and a former Travelodge repurposed into a temporary housing and resource facility for veterans. In addition, Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh is investing $350 million of his personal wealth in the downtown area for venture capital and entrepreneurial assistance for startup companies as well as community improvements.

Las Vegas’ 2012* redevelopment stats are impressive by any city’s standards. The businesses and projects completed during the year generated work for more than 5,200 construction employees, as well as 1,500 permanent jobs. Today, more than 1,700 construction workers are employed on projects that will generate more than 1,900 permanent jobs.

“A check of recent headlines both locally and globally confirms the new respect for downtown and       the renewed energy permeating the area,” said Rich Worthington CEO of The Molasky Companies and president of the Downtown Las Vegas Alliance (DLVA), a nonprofit consortium of more than 40 downtown businesses working to promote the area. The group’s campaign, Rediscover Downtown, targeted to locals, is continuing in 2013 based on its 2012 success.

According to Arent, young families, couples and professionals are contributing to a growing population downtown. They are moving into high-rises and gentrifying downtown neighborhoods full of unique homes built in the 1950s and 1960s that stand in direct contrast to typical cookie-cutter  suburban homes in  planned housing developments. In addition to the re-population of older single-family neighborhoods close to downtown, the area’s high-rises that just a few years ago were less than 30 or 40 percent full are now close to 100 percent occupied. “What a difference the past few years have made,” said Arent.

But it’s not just residents who are changing their suburban addresses for more urban locales; many area professionals, including real estate brokers and professional service firms are rethinking their office locations to follow the action.  Zappos.com has already moved its first 200 employees downtown to prepare for the 2013 relocation of its company headquarters. The LEV Restaurant Group, which owns and operates more than 35 area restaurants, recently moved into the former Ice House Lounge and invested more than $2 million on renovations; and Denny’s recently opened a flagship diner on Fremont Street, complete with wedding chapel and full-service bar.  According to Arent, business relocations are becoming more commonplace as decision makers understand that downtown Las Vegas is at the heart of the action.

* 2012 figures based on fiscal year calculations from July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012
2013 figures based on fiscal year calculations beginning on July 1, 2012

For more information about downtown Las Vegas’ successful redevelopment efforts, visit lvrda.org.

Media Contact:
Melissa Warren
FFW PR
melissa@ffwpr.com or 702-528-6016

Las Vegas, NV — Kelly Petersen, a Las Vegas philanthropist, businesswoman and education advocate, announces her newest venture:  Shaggy Chic, a full line of quality yet affordably priced salon products, whimsical toys, accessories, treats, jerky and supplements for dogs.  She opens her Shaggy Chic flagship showroom at Tivoli Village, 400 South Rampart Blvd, Suite 140, in Las Vegas on December 1, 2012 at 10 a.m. – just in time for the holidays.

Petersen, a self-styled entrepreneur and unabashed dog lover, created, designed and is overseeing the manufacture of the product line, drawing from her extensive experience in the show ring as an owner of award-winning show dogs.  While inspired by the high quality products and secrets of the show dog world and their professional handlers, Shaggy Chic products are developed and accessibly priced for all dog lovers.

The showroom, located near Café Leone and adjacent Charming Charlie’s, offers grooming and blow outs for dogs of all sizes and Shaggy Chic retail therapy.  Used extensively in the professional grooming community, products similar to Shaggy Chic are available for purchase in the showroom for home use.  The showroom is also designed to serve as a gathering place for area dog lovers to meet and socialize with other dog owners and their four-legged friends.

Petersen is the mother of three boys, five award-winning show dogs who board out of state with their professional handlers and four house dogs, including retired show dogs and rescue mutts, who live with the Petersen family.  Her commitment to animal advocacy is the bedrock on which she built Shaggy Chic to provide affordable high quality dog products of human grade that are also human tested.

“Every dog deserves the good life, whether they are a Westminster show dog or a beloved family pet, said Petersen.  “That adage is the guiding force behind Shaggy Chic and the reason I am launching this company.  I have personally tested and used all our products.  And we have taken extraordinary measures to ensure all our products are of the highest quality, safe, gentle, delicious – and most of all, affordable and fun!”

Recognizing a need for affordable salon-quality grooming products free of harmful chemicals, Petersen created her Sit. Speak. Chic.  line of all-natural, eco-friendly, moisturizing and calming shampoos, conditioners, detangler and signature Fur Fresh.  “Going to the salon is something most of us eagerly anticipate each month to cover our grays, snip our ends or deep condition our scalp,” said Petersen.  “At Shaggy Chic, we believe your dog or pet should also enjoy a salon experience, which can include both a shampoo/blow-out and a ‘paw-di-cure’ with our own specially formulated Shaggy Chic Paw Pad Butter designed to moisturize and protect dry paw pads.”

Petersen’s whimsical side is the mastermind behind the company’s Sit. Speak. Sneak. Guilty Pleasures dog toys. Knowing from experience that dogs love to sneak socks and other unmentionables, claiming them for their personal chewing enjoyment, she launches the Guilty Pleasures toy line with the introduction of the Stinky Sock, whose scent was re-created in by a cosmetic chemist from socks worn for days by Petersen’s own boys.

Dogs of all sizes will also appreciate the attention that Petersen paid to developing her distinctive line of gourmet dog treats. Epicurean delights, with aromas and tastes that could tempt even the human senses, Shaggy Chic’s 24 Cookie Jar flavors, six Sunday Treat oversized biscuits and four Jerky varieties are worthy of silver tray service.  All edible Shaggy Chic treats are soy, grain and wheat-free, all natural, and are made with human-grade ingredients baked and packaged in the U.S.

About Shaggy Chic

Shaggy Chic offers luxury natural, eco-friendly pet salon and grooming products to dog and pet owners; spa and grooming salons, and veterinarians. Manufactured in the U.S., all Shaggy Chic salon products are human grade and human tested. In addition to its line of salon and spa products, Shaggy Chic offers all-natural dog treats and jerky, plus a tantalizing line of “Guilty Pleasure” dog toys.  Soon to come are Shaggy Chic supplements, swag and grooming tools. Shaggy Chic is ardently committed to educating pet owners by offering access to our experts and by providing helpful and fun tips and advice in the areas of canine health, fitness and play.  And finally, Shaggy Chic is the ultimate matchmaker for dog lovers.  As owners of award-winning show and agility dogs, we partner with some of the finest, most honest and ethical breeders throughout the U.S. From time to time, we would love to introduce you to our adorable prized puppies. The Shaggy Chic Showroom at Tivoli Village is located at 400 South Rampart Blvd, Suite 140, Las Vegas, NV, 89146.  For more information call 702-684-6616 or visit www.shaggychic.com.

Media contact:
Melissa Warren, Faiss Foley Warren PR
melissa@ffwpr.com; 702-528-6016

Many small businesses downtown welcome media coverage and/or interviews. To coordinate, please contact Selina Melancon at (702) 234-6681 or Selina@ffwpr.com.

Media contact:
Melissa Warren, FFW PR – (702) 528-6016 melissa@ffwpr.com
Selina Melancon, FFW PR – (702) 234-6681 selina@ffwpr.com

Executives of Fifth Street Gaming, a Nevada-based casino management company overseeing the redevelopment of Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino, will join dozens of construction workers, Mayor Carolyn Goodman, city officials and the Valley High School marching band to officially mark the commencement of construction on the 650-room downtown hotel.

Active demolition and construction are already underway on Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino, which anchors Downtown3rd, an emerging metropolitan center that will eventually include 18 bars and restaurants on 3^rd Street between Stewart Avenue and Ogden Avenue and the surrounding downtown neighborhood.

The pre-Thanksgiving Day gathering is a celebratory event to commemorate the launch of construction and providing employment to hundreds of people over the next year. Downtown Grand is expected to be complete year-end 2013.

WHEN:  Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012 @ 9 a.m.

WHERE: 3^rd Street between Stewart Avenue and Ogden Avenue – in front of Downtown Grand, Triple George and MOB BAR.  Parking at Downtown3rd garage on the corner of Ogden and 4^th Street.

WHO:
Mayor Carolyn Goodman, city of Las Vegas
Councilman Ricki Y. Barlow, city of Las Vegas
Seth Schorr, CEO, Fifth Street Gaming
Dozens of construction workers from Breslin Construction and its sub-contractors
United Viking Marching Machine – Valley High School

About Fifth Street Gaming

Fifth Street Gaming (FSG) is a Las Vegas, Nevada-based casino management company led by CEO Seth Schorr and founded by Schorr and his partner, Jeffrey Fine. Fifth Street Gaming will own and operate seven Las Vegas gaming locations, including the Lucky Club Casino and Hotel, Opera House Saloon and Casino, Silver Nugget Casino, Little Macau Ultra Tavern, Gold Spike Casino & Hotel, Siegel Slots and Suites and MOB Bar.  Combined, these properties operate over 1000 machines, two dozen table games and 400-plus employees. FSG is also overseeing redevelopment and eventual operations of Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino, formerly Lady Luck Hotel & Casino.  Downtown Grand is scheduled to open in late 2013 and is planned to include 600 slot machines 35 table games and 650 employees. Through their successful management of these properties, Schorr and his highly experienced team have garnered a strong reputation for reinvigorating dated properties with new technology, systems and enhanced amenities.  The principals of Fifth Street Gaming also control, through affiliates, the LEV Restaurant Group, a Food & Beverage operation that owns and operates more than 35 restaurants in the Las Vegas area with combined revenues exceeding $25 million.  The LEV Restaurant Group is the local area developer for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and Jamba Juice, and has a number of internally developed concepts including i♥burgers, Lobster ME and The Daily Kitchen & Wellness Bar.  For more information, visit www.fifthstreetgaming.com.

Admission is $15 per person and includes a gingerbread cookie decorating kit, pizza buffet and carnival games. For $50, guests can decorate their own gingerbread house. All proceeds benefit The Rape Crisis Center Building Fund.  The Rape Crisis Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping victims of sexual assault.

Chef Jesus Castillo from MGM/Monte Carlo Resort and Casino will conduct gingerbread-making and decorating demonstrations throughout the event.

Event sponsors include Nevada Women’s Philanthropy Signs of Hope Counseling Center, Cici’s Pizza and MGM/Monte Carlo Resort and Casino.

For additional information about The Rape Crisis Center please call 702-385-2153 or visit http://www.therapecrisiscenter.org.

WHEN: Saturday, December 8, noon to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Faith Lutheran Middle School/High School, 2015 South Hualapai Way, Las Vegas, NV  89117

About The Rape Crisis Center:
The Rape Crisis Center (RCC) is a non-profit organization founded in 1974 as the Community Action Against Rape (CAAR) with the goal of helping those in Clark County heal from the trauma of sexual violence.  Today, The Rape Crisis Center operates a 24/7 crisis hot line for sexual assault victims and provides counseling, advocacy and support to help victims begin the healing process and navigate the legal system. The RCC is also committed to the prevention of sexual assault through educational programs and community outreach. To assist victims to become survivors, the organization depends on a core base of dedicated volunteers and staff. These individuals are empathetic and enthusiastic people who give their time, energy, and personal sacrifice to continue to serve Clark County’s victims of sexual violence. This service is provided through face-to-face and over-the- phone intervention with newly victimized individuals. Hotline number:  1-800-366-1640. www.therapecrisiscenter.org

Media Contact:
Melissa Warren:
FFW PR & Govt. Affairs
702-528-6016 or melissa@ffwpr.com

Presented by VFW Post 1753, the annual parade travels the length of Fourth Street from Gass Avenue to Ogden Avenue in downtown Las Vegas.

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 11 – 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Cox Channel 96 and www.cox96.net

RE-BROADCAST TIMES:

Cox 96 is scheduled to rebroadcast the parade on the following dates and times:  Sunday, Nov. 18 at 10 a.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 20 at 6 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 22 at 12 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 25 at 10 a.m.; Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 12 p.m. and Thursday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m.

About Cox 96

Cox 96 is home to local origination programming for Cox Communications cable customers in Southern Nevada. Since its launch in 2004, Cox 96 creates, produces and broadcasts exclusive television content focusing on government and legislative matters, hometown news, entertainment, community happenings and “how-to” segments featuring Cox products. Cox 96 is often the region’s sole broadcast source for annual seasonal or civic community parades and events as well as state-of-the-city addresses by the area’s five municipalities. Live coverage of San Diego Padres baseball also airs on Cox 96 during the National League season. Much of the programming is repeated during the week and month. A complete program schedule is available by clicking “Cox in the Community” at www.cox.com/lasvegas.

Contacts:

Lucia Newman, Cox Communications, 545-1008 or 376-9061
Tamar Hoapili, Cox Communications, 545-1005 or 210-1340

WHAT: ALS of Nevada, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support and resources to patients suffering from Lou Gehrig’s Disease, their families and caregivers, announces its third annual Art Wreath Festival.  The juried event features dozens of wreaths (both holiday- and non-holiday-themed) from local artists, designers and members of the general public.  The wreaths are now on display and the public is invited to view them during LVDC hours. Proceeds from the sale of wreaths and tickets to a special cocktail reception benefit ALS of Nevada.

WHEN: Free public display of wreaths: November 1-15, Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cocktail Reception: November 15, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $50 online and $60 at-the-door and include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and an opportunity to purchase wreaths via silent auction.

WHERE: Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center, Atrium, Building A

TICKETS: For more information and to purchase tickets to the cocktail reception, call Durette Candito, event chair, at 702.368.2601 or visit alsofnevada.org or http://als.kintera.org/artwreath.

ALS of Nevada is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which provides much-needed services for Nevada’s ALS patients, their caregivers and families. Funds are raised and stay in Nevada. We offer free clinics in both Las Vegas and Reno, case management services, programs, education, other resources and loaner equipment.  ALS, sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, resulting in muscle weakness and atrophy. Difficult to diagnose, there is no known cure and the average life span of an ALS patient after diagnosis is 2 to 5 years. Since the progression of the disease varies greatly and since our patients do not have time on their side, ALS of Nevada focuses on making life as normal as possible for both patients and caregivers. www.alsofnevada.org; 702-777-0500.

Las Vegas Design Center (LVDC) at World Market Center is a year-round resource for fine furniture, decorative accessories, wall décor, lighting, floor coverings, fabrics and trim.  LVDC is open to the public Monday through Saturday.  For more information, visit LVDesignCenter.com.

Media Contact:
Melissa Warren – melissa@ffwpr.com or 702-528-6016
McKinzie Cogswell – mckinzie@ffwpr.com or 702-235-5307

Want to feel a bit nostalgic? Check out this recap of “2012: The Year of Downtown Las Vegas”