We've missed you!
Starting in April, the Henderson Chamber of Commerce is taking a phased approach to resume in-person events with the offer to attend events that will remain virtual for the time being. These currently virtual events include the New Member Briefing, Virtual Business Speed Networking, Chamber Chat and Roadmap to Success. We recognize the need for our member business community to network in-person to build important relationships and referrals.  And we are excited to welcome you back to the events you know and love, like our Networking Luncheon.
 
The health and safety of our members and staff is of the utmost importance. As the state of Nevada's response to COVID-19 evolves, our in-person events will include measures to promote safety and prevent the spread of the coronavirus. If you choose to attend our events in-person, the environment will promote social distancing and event protocols guided by the CDC and Southern Nevada Health District. The most recent Nevada Guidance for Safe Gatherings can be found here. We will be observing capacity restrictions so please be patient with the team as events may sell out due to these restrictions. ​
 
Will I have to wear a mask at Chamber events?
Yes, the Henderson Chamber of Commerce is requiring attendees to wear a mask upon entering, exiting and moving about the space. Once attendees have been seated and are socially distanced, masks may be removed. All venue and Chamber staff not seated will be required to wear a mask throughout the event.
 
Can I shake hands, hug, fist bump or elbow bump?
The Henderson Chamber of Commerce is promoting social distancing and asking attendees to refrain from physical contact including hugs, handshakes, fist bumps and high fives. However, if you are wearing a jacket or long sleeve top, we encourage a friendly elbow bump!

Published on Vegas INC.
By Ray Brewer
​ 
Trish Nash of Signature Gallery of Homes in Henderson runs a small business of about 10 staffers. Whenever she hires a new worker, there’s a self-imposed pressure to land a strong employee who will make an impact on the company.
 
That means offering a competitive benefits package—salary, work environment and health benefits. But securing health insurance can be a tricky proposition for any small business—those of any size, actually—considering the high rate of premiums.
 
That’s where the Henderson Chamber of Commerce has come to the rescue, offering a group plan for small businesses that are chamber members to bring the cost down. There was such demand that during the sign-up window, from the start of the year through January 31, more than 340 businesses aligned in the association health plan.
 
“One of the things that always comes up when you interview potential employees is, ‘Do you offer health insurance?’ ” Nash said. “In the past we have had to say no. This gives us the opportunity to have more options in the employment pool.”
 
The group-buying power brings the rates down about 5% to 7% on average, although one company saved 20%, said Scott Muelrath, the chamber’s CEO. Companies from all industries—retail, manufacturing and business services, for instance—have used the group plan, which is hosted through United Healthcare. In total, 8,000 lives are covered.
 
The plan also includes a few businesses from the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce and Latin Chamber of Commerce. Most important, the rate is locked in for 18 months, and all of the plans are compliant with the Affordable Care Act to cover preexisting conditions.
 
“That’s a big deal, because health care is expensive,” Muelrath said of the locked-in rate. “There was a lot of businesses cutting back on expenses, and a lot of businesses that aren’t making it [because of the pandemic]. That makes it difficult for a small business to extend health care benefits.”
 
Nevada State High School is saving $12,000 a year by being part of the group plan, said John Hawk, the public charter school’s chief operations officer. Full-time workers qualify for Nevada’s PERS retirement plan, but they aren’t offered state health insurance.
 
That means the school must find the best rates for its staff of roughly 25. “This is a school, but we operate like a small business and leverage every resource in the building,” Hawk said.
 
He said employees only insuring themselves pay only $25 per paycheck for coverage.
 
There’s plenty of incentive to offer employees insurance. First, as many have learned during the pandemic, having access to quality health care and staying safe is paramount, Muelrath stressed. Workers worry about what happens if they need to be hospitalized, and those without insurance are less likely to seek care without coverage.
 
“This is a very effective and very in-demand service,” Muelrath said.
 
There are also financial reasons to extend health benefits. Businesses with fewer than 25 employees with an average employee salary of less than $50,000 qualify to receive a small-business health care tax credit if they share 50% of the cost of health insurance premiums, according to the Internal Revenue Service. The employer does not have to cover 50% of the dependent or family health insurance options to qualify.
 
For Nash, it’s about doing right by her real estate team. Like many small businesses, it’s a tight-knit family with everyone looking out for one another.
 
“It’s a game-changer for our business,” Nash said. “It’s very difficult to look an applicant in the eye and say, ‘We can’t offer you and your family health insurance.’ ”

By: Scott Muelrath
Guest Column in Las Vegas Sun:

Access to comprehensive healthcare services has become a primary focus for all of America. Across the country, people are more aware of their healthcare coverage than they have ever been before. Americans continue to face the challenge of finding quality healthcare that is more affordable and reliable. But for Southern Nevada businesses, the Henderson Chamber of Commerce has helped make healthcare accessible and personalized to their specific needs.
 
Through their industry-specific association health plans, businesses that operate in the retail, construction, manufacturing or service industries are eligible to enroll beginning on November 1st, 2020 with benefits commencing January 1, 2021. These industry-specific plans are highlighted by an 18-month extended rate guarantee  which ensures businesses that their premiums will not fluctuate, allowing companies peace of mind that their healthcare expenses will remain constant in what has been a period of economic instability.
 
The new plans offer twelve comprehensive HMP, PPO and POS coverage options for businesses in Southern Nevada. Through the Henderson Chamber of Commerce (Retail and Service industries) and the Henderson Development Association (Construction and Manufacturing industries), companies with 2-50 employees will now have access to fully insured healthcare that is compliant with federal healthcare programs including the Affordable Care Act.
 
Another incredible benefit of this plan is the strong coverage offered as a member of the United Healthcare Choice Plus Network. Companies who qualify will also receive out-of-state network benefits and large group advantages including Dental, Vision and access to a local service team. If businesses have 25% or less of their workforce out-of-state, they can still extend the same benefits to their employees, as well.
 
Typically, businesses are forced to compromise when it comes to healthcare coverage. But not anymore. Now with the Henderson Chamber of Commerce’s Association Health Plans, businesses can work with an experienced and engaged network that will customize plans specific to their needs, while still receiving all the helpful membership benefits of the Henderson Chamber of Commerce. Just another example of how Henderson is looking out for Southern Nevada businesses.

 Request your free quote today. Contact your broker or call the Henderson Chamber of Commerce at 702-565-8951. 

HENDERSON, Nev. – Henderson Chamber of Commerce has hired Lauren Davis as a Membership Associate.
Davis brings with her 27 years of experience in the hospitality industry and prior to the Henderson Chamber of Commerce was the Director of Sales at Sunset Station Hotel & Casino.
Read More: ​https://www.nevadabusiness.com/2020/06/henderson-chamber-of-commerce-hire-lauren-davis-as-membership-associate/

The Henderson Chamber of Commerce is helping businesses across the Las Vegas valley recover successfully! Watch the video to learn more.

The City of Henderson dropped off information to local businesses on Friday informing them about state and local guidelines for  reopening safely. ​Michael Cathcart, the city’s manager of business operations, said that a team of five Henderson employees were distributing flyers from governor’s Roadmap to Recovery, the Southern Nevada Health District, and information from the city tailored for specific industries. His comments came on Friday during a livestream interview with the Henderson Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Debra March, and other city officials. 

The Vegas Golden Knights announced recently their plan to purchase San Antonio's American Hockey League team and move them to Henderson.
The team will be the Knight's minor league team and they'll play at a new arena to be built in Green Valley, just east of The District shopping center. 
The announcement by the team is the just latest in a series of moves that has brought more companies and businesses to the city of Henderson.