Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about the Elko Convention and Visitor's Authority and your position.
Don Newman: The Elko Convention and Visitors Authority is responsible for marketing the Elko area as a convention and meeting destination, an outdoors recreation and adventure destination and the many events that take place in the Elko area annually. In addition, we manage the day-to-day operations of the Elko Convention Center.
NNBW: What's new at the ECVA?
Newman: With the mining and construction boom currently taking place in Elko, it has been a very hectic year. The exciting news for us here at the ECVA is that I was recently appointed by Gov. Brian Sandoval to represent the rural communities as a commissioner on the board of the Nevada Commission on Tourism. This is a great opportunity and I look forward to serving the State of Nevada.
NNBW: How did you get into this profession?
Newman: I started working in the trade show industry during college and fell in love with the excitement associated with making events happen.
NNBW: What's the most important thing you have learned in your career?
Newman: Double check your work and make no assumptions.
NNBW: Have any advice for someone who wants to enter your profession?
Newman: It is not a 9-to-5 industry. Go above and beyond what is expected. This is a customer-service industry, and the demands and expectations separate you from everyone else.
NNBW: Tell me about the most fun you have had on the job.
Newman: Over the years, I have had the opportunity to travel around the country and experience many great cities. I love to travel, and the opportunity to discover something unexpected to me is always a lot of fun.
NNBW: What are your greatest strengths?
Newman: I will not ask someone to do something I won't do myself. I have great respect for each and every team member and the role they play in the success of any business. You can have an amazing presentation to roll out to a client, but if the glass at the front door is dirty, that first impression may doom the deal. Everyone is important to the overall success of your business.
NNBW: What was your first job?
Newman: I started as a weekend busboy at Mr. Porterhouse Steakhouse in Las Vegas. I started working when I was in the ninth grade.
NNBW: Tell us about your dream job. Why aren't you working it?
Newman: I love the job I have now. The ability to travel and promote the State of Nevada is very exciting and rewarding. I have learned over the years to stop looking for dream jobs they don't exist. Every job comes with challenges and frustrations. Enjoy what you do and take pride in the fact that it is you doing it.
NNBW: What are your favorite hobbies or pastimes? How do you spend your time away from work?
Newman: I enjoy playing golf with my friends. We have had a lot of laughs and good times on the golf course.
NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Newman: I was challenged very early in my career by a mentor who told me the one thing that you take from everything you do is your reputation. He told me that I wanted to be the person, if asked, that everyone would want to have work on their project. That stuck with me over the years.
NNBW: If you could live your life over again, what one thing would you change?
Newman: I wish I could hit a curve ball. Life presents so many challenges that even if you could change it and live it over, you would still face challenges and disappointments. Look out for the curves and react as best you can.
NNBW: What has been your biggest professional disappointment?
Newman: Learning about corporate integrity, or lack of.
NNBW: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you?
Newman: No. I will work as long as I can. The jobs may change, responsibilities will wind down, but too many people retire and struggle with what to do with all of the new-found freedom.
NNBW: What's the last concert or sporting event you attended?
Newman: Harry Connick Jr. and the Reno Tahoe Open golf tournament.
NNBW: Where's your perfect vacation spot?
Newman: Anywhere with a beach.
NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northeastern Nevada? What do you like most about working/living here?
Newman: I love the four seasons that exist here in northeastern Nevada. I grew up in Las Vegas, and Elko reminds me of Las Vegas in the late '60s and early '70s. We have great community events and support for them. Elko is a very friendly community where it is easy to become involved.
The basics:
Name: Don Newman, executive director, Elko Convention and Visitors Authority
Number of years in this job? Six
Years in this profession? 40
Education: Graduate of Valley High School, Las Vegas; B.A. mass communications and broadcasting, Arizona State University
Last book read? I wish I could honestly name all of the top sellers; however, I have not had much time for books lately. I sit on the boards of the Elko Lions Club, Elko Boys and Girls Club, and the Elko County Economic Diversification Authority and time these days is spread pretty thin.
Favorite flick? "To Kill a Mockingbird"
Spouse, kids or pets? Wife Joanne (married 32 years); two kids: Jon, 29 and Stephanie, 24.
What's on your iPod? No iPod. I listen to XM radio: Soul Town, the Bridge and Classic Vinyl.
