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Legislative panel OKs budget changes so $3 million tourism contract can be finalized

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CARSON CITY – A legislative panel today quickly approved budget changes sought by a state agency so it can finalize a $3 million contract with an out-of-state firm to spearhead tourism efforts in Nevada.

Burson-Marsteller, with offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco, was the unanimous selection of an evaluation committee made up of Nevada tourism professionals. The company will be working with Red Rock Strategies of Las Vegas.

The vote by the Interim Finance Committee came after the changes sought by the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs were delayed by the panel in a first go-round in June. The panel delayed action on the request after Sen. Steven Horsford, D-Las Vegas, questioned if the firm had any knowledge of Nevada.

Tourism agency Director Claudia Vecchio said in previous testimony the firm will work with Nevada officials to market Nevada’s many attractions and is bringing national and international contacts that will benefit the state.

The budget changes were delayed in June at the request of Assemblywoman Maggie Carlton, D-Las Vegas.

Today Carlton said her questions have been answered and her concerns resolved.

The state Board of Examiners, including Gov. Brian Sandoval, approved the $3 million contract with the firm in July after hearing that the selection process was thorough and followed all state rules.

Nineteen firms, eight from in-state and 11 from outside Nevada, submitted proposals to secure the contract. None of the four finalists were from Nevada, a fact which generated some critical comment from at least one Nevada public relations firm.

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