RECOGNIZING ROSSI RALENKOTTER

HON. DEAN HELLER

OF NEVADA

IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE

March 14, 2016

Mr. HELLER: Mr. President, today, I wish to recognize Rossi Ralenkotter for his hard work and dedication to the State of Nevada. I would also like to congratulate him on his induction into the Nevada Business Hall of Fame. Mr. Ralenkotter has gone above and beyond in his role with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), contributing greatly to the touristic success of our Great State.

Mr. Ralenkotter earned his Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Arizona State University in 1969 and obtained his Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1971. Prior to working with LVCVA, Mr. Ralenkotter served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force with the 468^th Medical Service Flight. No words can adequately thank him for his service and sacrifices in protecting our freedoms.  

He began his career with LVCVA more than 40 years ago, starting his lengthy tenure as a research analyst. From there, Mr. Ralenkotter worked diligently, ascending the chain to the very top. He was named the Authority’s Executive Vice President and Senior Vice President of Marketing before taking the role of President and CEO in 2004. As President and CEO, Mr. Ralenkotter launched the LVCVA’s “What happens here, stays here” branding campaign, one of the most successful in Nevada tourism history. He also spearheaded the Las Vegas Convention Center District project, further expanding the Convention Center and increasing Las Vegas’ reputation as the leading business destination in the world. He is truly a role model to the local business community, going above and beyond to grow Nevada tourism. As our state continues to flourish as one of the nation's top destinations, I remain committed to introducing new policies and strengthening existing ones that positively affect Nevada tourism. I am grateful to have allies like Mr. Ralenkotter working toward a similar goal.

Over the past decade, Mr. Ralenkotter has been recognized for his efforts. He was named “Co-Brand Marketer of the Year” in 2004 by Brandweek Magazine, as one of the “25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry” by Meeting News in 2005, and as “Employer of the Year” by the Employee Service Management Association in 2006. He was also recognized by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events with the “Pinnacle Award,” as well as being inducted into both the U.S. Travel’s “Hall of Leaders” and the Destination Marketing Association International Hall of Fame in 2014. These awards are given to those individuals who have gone to great lengths to grow business and tourism in their communities, and without a doubt, Mr. Ralenkotter’s efforts merit each one of these prestigious awards.

For the last 40 years, Mr. Ralenkotter has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to growing Nevada’s tourism industry and further establishing its prestige. The State of Nevada is fortunate to have someone of such commitment working towards these goals. Today, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Ralenkotter on his induction into the Nevada Business “Hall of Fame,” and I wish him well as he continues in his efforts for the Silver State.