Support Las Vegas Convention/Meeting Planning
Since Feb. 11, companies and convention planners have felt the need to shun Las Vegas because of comments made by President Barrack Obama, who said "...you can't go take a trip to Las Vegas...on the taxpayers dime." This rash generalization about Las Vegas has led to the cancellation of more than 30,000 hotel room nights booked for conferences at an estimated loss of $20 million to the city, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
President Obama could have said companies need to be accountable without singling out a particular destination, but he didn't. His words have hurt one community as it struggles through a deep recession. Corporate meetings account for a large amount of the local economy. More than 46,000 jobs are directly affected by the President's remarks.
Any community that relies on tourism could have been used as Pres. Obama's example. Replace "Las Vegas" with San Diego, Atlantic City, Orlando, Chicago, New York, and you quickly see how a community could see its tourism economy suffer.
This petition shows your support for allowing companies and individuals the right to make decisions about where they visit or do business without the stigma or fear of contradicting a popular politician. Political correctness has no business in where you conduct business, trainings or conventions.
We the undersigned request you clarify your comments made on Feb. 11 in Elkhart, Indiana, where you said "...you can't go take a trip to Las Vegas...on the taxpayers dime." While we understand the need to be accountable and prudent with tax dollars, your comments have resulted in the cancellation of more than 30,000 hotel room nights totaling a loss of more than $20 million dollars for our city. Las Vegas is struggling like most of the nation. We are a community with an economy based upon tourism. Most corporate meeting planners only heard you say, "stay away from Las Vegas."
Your words had a chilling effect and we are seeing meetings and conventions cancel everyday. More than 46,000 individuals rely on conventions and tourism to support themselves and their families. Your silence on this topic appears to many to indicate a lack of concern. We know better and we wish for you to clarify your comment.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
