Chamber seeking to increase members

By GINGER MIKKELSEN

VIEW STAFF WRITER

Penn Jillette, of Penn & Teller, and motivational speaker Keith Woods spoke to members of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce at a "Super Lunch" Nov. 9. Chamber members were encouraged to bring nonmember friends and associates to the lunch to increase interest in the organization.

Magician and comedian Jillette spoke of his love for the freedoms in Las Vegas and his desire to achieve the ultimate luxury: high-speed Internet access.

"We want cable modems at Wigwam and Rainbow and we want them now," Jillette teased luncheon sponsors Cox Communications. "Give me some zip cord and some pliers, I'll install the line myself."

Penn & Teller live on a 7-acre site in Southeast Las Vegas. They live in a huge house they affectionately call "The Slammer." Jillette said living in Las Vegas is great, especially when compared to living in Los Angeles.

"It's bad enough being in show business without being in show business surrounded by show business people," he explained.

Living in Las Vegas means Jillette could build a custom home on a huge site for roughly the same price he paid for a small apartment in New York. It also means the performing duo can "bang out goofy magic tricks" in their own warehouse versus renting rehearsal space.

Keith Wood, the president and CEO of the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce in Northern California also spoke at the lunch. He said Las Vegas has never looked better.

"You've transformed this place into a great place where families can not only live, but visit as well," Wood said.

Wood said he loves to see Las Vegas is a place where entrepreneurs can thrive and prosper.

"It's not like that everywhere in the United States anymore," Wood said. "Nevada may be one of the great spots left to do business."

Wood encouraged guests in the audience to join the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, citing membership as one of the most effective ways to meet upcoming challenges.

"If you truly understood what the Las Vegas Chamber (of Commerce) does, you would be standing in line down the block hoping to get in," Wood said.

Wood speculated chambers of commerce will be the single most important organizations in the United States for the next 50 to 100 years. He explained modern chambers of commerce offer members the chance to network, while chamber officials lobby for business friendly legislation.

Trish Williamson, public relations officer for the chamber, said the luncheon was a tremendous success. She explained the event helps members of the community feel welcomed into the organization. Many people have the misconception the chamber is a private club where membership is reserved for the elite.

"Chamber membership is open to everyone," Williamson said, "We welcome them with open arms."

The local organization represents a variety of businesses, ranging from big hotels to small mom-and-pop businesses. Williamson said most people would be surprised to find that more than 85 percent of chamber members come from small businesses.

Those interested in the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce can call 641-5822 or visit its Web site at www.lvchamber .com.