Tourism Impact Awards

Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 | 6 a.m.

Outstanding Special Event: Nevada Silverman Triathlon

Every November for the past five years, the Nevada Silverman Triathlon brings athletes from all over the world to experience the city of Henderson from all different views, whether it is in the water, on a bike or on foot.

Silverman, a race organized by Frank Lowery of Lowery’s Multisport, has been branded the toughest course in North America by six-time Hawaii Ironman champion Dave Scott. The full-distance triathlon features a 2.4-mile swim in Lake Mead, a 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run that boasts a 2,000-foot elevation gain.

In just a short time, the Nevada Silverman has become an international phenomenon. This year, nearly 1,000 athletes participated in the grueling competition, representing all 50 states and 15 different countries. Additionally, race organizers partnered with Operation Rebound and the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) for the Operation Rebound Silverman Half Relay for the second year in a row.

The race allowed participants to form relay teams while supporting the men and women of the armed forces. Some of the teams had the opportunity to race with an injured veteran of Operation Rebound, an organization that supports disabled veterans.

Silverman attracted more than 10,000 spectators who not only enjoyed the race, but also the newly enhanced free health and wellness expo.

Nevada Silverman provides nearly $4 million in non-gaming economic impact to the city of Henderson. Lowery has made Nevada Silverman a world-class race, allowing Henderson the opportunity to be the host location for the International Triathlon Union World Championships in 2011.

Outstanding Hospitality Partner: Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa & Casino

Henderson welcomed the Mediterranean-themed Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa & Casino, the first boutique luxury resort built off the Las Vegas Strip, in December 2001. The expansive hotel sits on 40 acres, offering a AAA Four Diamond Award-winning experience complete with casino action and the hottest nightlife with the pampering relaxation of a luxury resort and spa.

Green Valley Ranch’s impressive amenities exceed any visitor’s expectations. Guests can try their luck at the resort’s world-class casino complete, with more than

2,200 slot and video poker machines, 55 table games and a spacious poker room. The pool area, which is situated on more than eight acres and has a stunning view of the Las Vegas Strip, includes a 30,000-square-foot spa, a three-acre vineyard surrounding an outdoor performance venue, and one of the most expansive swimming pools in Las Vegas, including a walk-in sand beach. The state-of-the-art, 500-seat entertainment venue, Ovation, features some of today’s top touring headline artists.

Green Valley Ranch offers award-winning facilities to accommodate any meeting, special occasion or conference with more than 65,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space. Hosting nearly $10 million in convention business in 2009, the Elite Certified resort received several awards including the 2009 Gold Key Award by Meetings and Conventions Magazine for excellence in serving the meetings industry; Successful Meetings’ 2009 Pinnacle Award for outstanding meeting facility; and the Expedia Insider Select Hotel 2009.

Green Valley Ranch is a great asset to the city of Henderson and its surrounding communities. Not only does the resort employ more than 1,300 people, but it also has made a significant impact to the city this year by generating more than $400,000 in room tax revenue.