HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN ?  --

-- Well, maybe not quite -- but they are getting closer
according to a UNLV economist at the Economic
Outlook 2012 meeting.

He's forecasting growth in every economic sector
in 2012, led by a 5.1 percent increase in visitor
volume and a 4 percent jump in gaming revenue
and housing permits.

"What we are seeing is not only the end of declines,
but the beginning of growth in Southern Nevada."

Visitor volume is at 2007 levels and hotel occupancy
is above 85 percent although room rates have fallen
25-30 percent since 2007.

Today's visitor differs from 2007's visitor -- they
spend less on gaming but more of other things.
They come from further away and stay longer.
Las Vegas is becoming an EVENT destination.

The Western Blue Chip Economic forecast shows
construction and employment growth in 2012 in
all western states.

Asked about a "jobless recovery", a spokesman
said that the nation and Southern Nevada are not
technically in one because jobs are being created
in expanding sectors of the economy.

"I think we are on the fringe of strong gains in
U.S. economic activity."