The Wheel for March 22, 2018
Listen to Mary Beth Sewald – CEO, Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce
The Wheel
Mary Beth Sewald – CEO, Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce
Mary Beth Sewald
President and CEO
Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce
As the chief executive of the largest and broadest-based business association in Nevada, Mary Beth Sewald sets the vision for the Metro Chamber and leads its strategy of supporting local businesses and pursuing initiatives to boost job growth, a healthy economy, and a vibrant community.
Sewald has successfully served as a strategic and visionary executive in both the private sector and non-profit association sectors. She is the former President & CEO of the Nevada Broadcasters Association (NVBA) where she led the efforts of the NVBA to collaborate with government officials, represented Nevada’s broadcast industry to all constituencies and assured the financial health of the Association. During her tenure, she developed lines of communication and strong relationships with Nevada’s elected officials, as well as the FCC and regulators at the federal and state level to assure the NVBA’s position was heard and considered on the issues that affect the broadcast industry.
Her previous positions include General Manager of the NBC affiliate, KRNV TV in Reno, NV, where she managed and developed a staff of 95 broadcast professionals across all disciplines required to run a professional broadcast organization. Sewald successfully directed her team to be the first TV station in Northern Nevada to implement the “Digital Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005” and the first to broadcast in High Definition, ensuring adherence to all FCC regulatory compliance, including all FCC reporting obligations. She also earned an Emmy Award for a documentary she Executive-Produced called “Meth Madness” at the NBC affiliate that is now KSNV-TV in Las Vegas.
Sewald was recognized as the first woman to be named Television General Manager in 2003, and was inducted into the Nevada Broadcaster’s Association Hall of Fame in 2009 and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Nevada Military Support Alliance, City National Bank, The Congressional Award of Nevada, the Nevada Broadcasters Association Foundation and is Vice Chair of the National Championship Reno Air Races. She is a member of the Leadership Las Vegas Class of 2017.
Message From The President
Member Highlights
Tall erry Engel split the room in half with “God Bless America” and “America The Beautiful”
Luci Parodi and PP Steve Casey were in a bidding war for Bundt cupcakes. Steve won at $65
At the head table was our speaker Christopher Lalli, his assistant Audrie Locke and Janice Lencke.
Janice Lencke provided the directors report on wine to water.
Luci Parodi and PP Steve Casey were in a bidding war for Bundt cupcakes. Steve won at $65.
Michelle Wheatfill, Assistant Principal at Bracken Elementary, receives a $3,500 check from President Michael.
PEE Jackie Thornhill and President Michael present SrA Jose Chevez with our Wetzel award.
PP Karen Whisenhunt announced the Cultural Exchange Program.
PP Ralph Rohay and Annee Nounna posed for a picture. Come back more often Ralph!
PP Randy Donald announced the vocational networking event at his home on March 29th.
PP Tom Thomas missed his shot at the Joker.
PP Michael presents our speaker Christopher Lille from the district attorneys office our Share What You Can Award.
SAA Mike Cudiamat with Marie Walsh announced the great attendance at Breakfast with Books.
Sidra Kain gave the invocation.
Steven Kwon won the Lawry Bucks.
President Michael fined Bob Werner $95 for being awarded Bobs Butt Wipes.
Scribe – March 15, 2018
- President Michael Gordon called the meeting to order. Sidra Kain gave the invocation. Jerry Engel led the club in singing duets of America the Beautiful and God Bless America and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Sergeant-at-Arms was Mike Cudiamat.
- There were (0) International Rotarian, (1) visiting Rotarians and (4) Guests of Rotarians introduced. President Michael introduced his guest at the head table, board member Janice Lencke.
- Janice Lencke and PP Kathy Dalvey provided an auction item, Nothing Bundt Cakes. PP Steve Casey won the auction and raised $60 for the foundation.
- Marie Walsh reported 225 people attended Breakfast with Books on March 13th.
- President Michael announced one last opportunity to donate to VR Kids.
- PEE Jackie Thornhill thanked the club members for voting but reported that the club did not make the top 10 for the NVEnergy “Power of Good” finals.
- Paul Kruger reminded the club of the Tiberti fellowship launch that can be achieved by a cumulative donation of $1,000 or more to the local foundation.
- Janice Lencke provided a director’s report highlighting the partnership the club has with Wine to Water. Next Wine to Water will be in July and will be a sake tasting.
- Michelle Wheatfill, assistant principal at Bracken Elementary provided the club with updates on the activities occurring soon. President Michael presented her with a check for $3,500.
- PEE Jackie Thornhill presented a Wetzel award to Senior Airman Jose Chevez, the only award winner who could attend our meeting.
- PP Karen Whisenhunt announced a cultural exchange fellowship with the GCE team from India at the Krob home on April 13th. Also, announced a Mini Golf Tiberti Club Tournament held on May 6th raising money for the Rotary Youth Exchange Program, details to follow.
- Anil Melnick reminded the club to sign up for the 95th-anniversary party on April 5th.
- PP Randy Donald reminded club of new vocational networking social event on March 29th at his home.
- Jerry Sennes reminded the club of the upcoming Highway Cleanup scheduled March 24th at 8 am across from Bonnie Springs with brunch to follow at his home.
- PP Jim Hunt reminded the club of the Cigar Fellowship tomorrow; thanked raffle prize donors.
- President Michael fined Bob Werner $95 for Bob’s Butt Wipes. Additionally, fined PP Tom Axtell $95 for the birth of his new grandson.
- The drawing began at $1,045 plus this week’s donations. Ticket winner, PP Tom Thomas, did not draw the joker but received a $10 consolation prize. Lawry’s Bucks Winner was Steven Kwon.
- PP Brock Fraser introduced our program speaker, Christopher Lalli, Assistant District Attorney who provided the club with an overview of the District Attorney’s (Steven Wolfson) office which is the largest law office with the largest caseload in the State of Nevada as well as the 13th largest prosecution law office in the country. Discussed the roles, responsibilities, and special skill sets of each division including the following: administrative, civil, criminal, juvenile, and family support divisions. Informed the club of the D.A. Ambassadors Program, a community outreach initiative primarily in the schools, during Law Day, Nevada Reading Week, and Nevada High School Mock Trial Program. Finally, Mr. Lalli stressed the importance of participating in our community through jury service.
- President Michael Gordon presented our speaker with a “Share What You Can” award to benefit a veteran in need and then adjourned the meeting.