Governor Selects New Director of Tourism

Governor Jim Gibbons announced the selection of Dann Lewis as the new Director of the Nevada Commission on Tourism (NCOT).

“With the present economic conditions, we urgently need more tourists to visit Nevada,” Governor Gibbons said, “and I believe Mr. Lewis’ experience and ideas are key attributes that will help him bring effective leadership to the NCOT.”

“The commission is looking forward to working with Dann Lewis and getting the benefit of the extensive domestic and international tourism industry leadership and experience that he brings to the position,” Lt. Gov. Brian K. Krolicki, NCOT Chair, said. “Nevada’s economy relies on tourism, and during this challenging economy, our hospitality industry will receive an immediate benefit from his knowledge and skills as we work together to attract more visitors and the revenue they generate.”

Dann Lewis has been in the tourism and hospitality business for more than 40 years. Most recently he was hired by the Maine Department of Transportation to conduct a research project to make policy recommendations on tourism-related activities within the Department. He has held leadership roles in various Maine state agencies such as acting-Commissioner and Director of Tourism for the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.

As Director of Tourism of the New York State Department of Commerce, Lewis was one of the primary marketers for the famed “I Love New York” campaign.

Lewis started his tourism career in the Bahamas where he built and operated a resort hotel, a land development company, restaurants, nightclubs and retail shops. In the late 1960s to early 1970s, he served as Deputy Director of Tourism and Director of International Marketing for the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and later served as Director of Tourism for the United States Virgin Islands Department of Commerce. He has worked in executive and managerial roles for numerous airlines. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree and attended the International Marketing Institute at Harvard Business School.

Governor Calls on Citizens To Demand Openness
From The Legislature

Legislators need to hear from Nevadans immediately

Governor Jim Gibbons encouraged all Nevadans to get more involved in the Legislative process. Governor Gibbons has raised this issue several times since the legislative session began. “A handful of elected legislators are meeting in secret, outside the scrutiny of the people they are supposed to be serving,” Gibbons said, “These legislators are making covert deals to raise taxes in Nevada.” Gibbons continues to pledge to veto any state budget that contains new or higher taxes. “I will not support any tax hikes or new taxes that will kill jobs, kick people out of their homes, put businesses out of business, and put Nevada families into poverty,” Gibbons said, “These legislators who support those ideas can sneak around with their secret plans, but I will continue to do everything in my power to stop them.”

Governor Gibbons noted that it is urgent that citizens take action without delay. “It is vital that all citizens contact their State Senator and State Assemblyman or Assemblywoman via phone or email immediately,” Gibbons said, “The citizens need to tell these elected officials that they should NOT raise taxes while we are all struggling through this economic crisis.”

Governor Gibbons has presented the Legislature with a budget that is balanced and does not raise taxes. The State Senate and the State Assembly are controlled by liberal legislators who have promised to pass a budget filled with new taxes. Even though Governor Gibbons has promised to veto that budget, his veto could be overridden by a two-thirds vote of the State Senate and the State Assembly.

“The liberal legislators’ tax hikes will kill jobs and crush the economy at a time when we are supposed to be trying to create new jobs and stimulate the economy,” Gibbons said, “These legislators need to present their tax hikes openly and honestly to the people of Nevada.”

Governor Calls on Citizens to Demand Openness
From the Legislature

Legislators need to hear from Nevadans immediately

Governor Jim Gibbons encouraged all Nevadans to get more involved in the Legislative process. Governor Gibbons has raised this issue several times since the legislative session began. “A handful of elected legislators are meeting in secret, outside the scrutiny of the people they are supposed to be serving,” Gibbons said, “These legislators are making covert deals to raise taxes in Nevada.” Gibbons continues to pledge to veto any state budget that contains new or higher taxes. “I will not support any tax hikes or new taxes that will kill jobs, kick people out of their homes, put businesses out of business, and put Nevada families into poverty,” Gibbons said, “These legislators who support those ideas can sneak around with their secret plans, but I will continue to do everything in my power to stop them.”

Governor Gibbons noted that it is urgent that citizens take action without delay. “It is vital that all citizens contact their State Senator and State Assemblyman or Assemblywoman via phone or email immediately,” Gibbons said, “The citizens need to tell these elected officials that they should NOT raise taxes while we are all struggling through this economic crisis.”

Governor Gibbons has presented the Legislature with a budget that is balanced and does not raise taxes. The State Senate and the State Assembly are controlled by liberal legislators who have promised to pass a budget filled with new taxes. Even though Governor Gibbons has promised to veto that budget, his veto could be overridden by a two-thirds vote of the State Senate and the State Assembly.

“The liberal legislators’ tax hikes will kill jobs and crush the economy at a time when we are supposed to be trying to create new jobs and stimulate the economy,” Gibbons said, “These legislators need to present their tax hikes openly and honestly to the people of Nevada.”