ARCHITECT OF THE NBA
The first man to be inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame has passed. He was a leader who cast a giant shadow across the landscape of early Las Vegas, KLAS-TV, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and the Nevada Broadcasters Association.
We are deeply, deeply saddened to learn of the death of Mark Smith -- who passed away earlier this month.
At the First Annual NBA Dinner Dance held on June 13, 1996 at the Sheraton Desert Inn, on the Las Vegas Strip, Mark was our only honoree:
"WE HONOR MARK SMITH, A MAN WHO EMBODIES THE PRINCIPLES OF OUR ASSOCIATION AND WHO MAKES US PROUD TO CALL OURSELVES BROADCASTERS."
The first Tribute Journal went on to say.....
"Forty years of dedication and professionalism to the broadcast industry and our community characterizes Mark Smith's extraordinary career.
Mark began his broadcasting career in Las Vegas in 1955. He started work at then Channel 2 (now Channel 3). In 1961, Mark left Las Vegas for a year and worked in southern California. He soon returned to Las Vegas and became the Station Manager of KLAS-TV. By 1968, Mark ascended to Vice-President and General Manager of Channel 8. The owners of Channel 8 made him Vice-President of Development for Landmark Communications. Mark held this position from 1983 until 1985 when his career reached a turning point and he became President and General Manager of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.
He kept his hand in the broadcasting industry by serving as the part-time director for the Nevada Broadcasters Association, and was one of the leaders in the National Association of Broadcasters.
Mark Smith truly exemplifies commitment, involvement and leadership in the Las Vegas community, which follows his theories for his success. "Like Las Vegas, I have a can do attitude and believe anything is possible if you are willing to try. I never fear tackling any issue and am convinced I can enlist the right people to solve any challenge. I am even more convinced ordinary people do extraordinary things if properly motivated."
Mark has remained actively involved in many community organizations where, together, they tackle issues in the community and with our youth, such as the Boulder Dam Area Boy Scouts, Secret Witness, Las Vegas Rotary, Past Senior V.P. of United Way and 1989 Campaign Chairman, Past Vice-Chairman of SIIS Board of Directors, Past Board Member and founder of Las Vegas Events. In 1994 he was inducted into the KLAS Channel 8 Television Hall of Fame."
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THE TRIBUTES POURED IN
FOR JUNE 13, 1996
"Just as Las Vegas' broadcast audience has grown, so has our Chamber's membership grown. Mark has proven to be a leader whose forward thinking has contributed greatly to that growth and more importantly, to the development of the broadcast industry and the service of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce."
John O'Reilly, Board of Trustees Chairman, Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce
"It was in Mark's early days as manager of Channel 8 that he became interested in the Nevada Broadcasters Association and he went on to become President of that Organization. As President of the NBA, Mark made himself known to the top people at the NAB. Through his efforts our Nevada Conventions were blessed by the top people at the NAB from Washington. Mark went on to make friendships with the staff of NAB and he then ran for and was elected to the Television Board of the NAB.
The Nevada Broadcasters were very proud of Mark when he was finally elected Chairman of the Television Board of the NAB. Mark was never one to take his position lightly and as a result his efforts were all first class. He led both the NBA and the NAB with dignity and wisdom. I am proud to call Mark Smith my friend."
Joseph W. McMurray, K-news 970 AM
"The role of radio and television in our society is important. Yet nothing in the field of electronic communications is more important than the men and women who make up the work force and are responsible for delivering the final product. I commend you for your talent and dedication to your profession. Mark Smith exemplifies the very best the radio and television industry has to offer. His dedication, professionalism and leadership is recognized and he is being honored tonight as a result of his commitment to excellence. Mark has had an extraordinary career. He's a husband, father, grandfather and a businessman. He's active in community programs that serve citizens from every walk of life. He's an ambassador for Las Vegas and the State of Nevada."
Harry Reid, United States Senator
"Mark is one of those rare individuals who has combined a successful business career with an active commitment to his community and his state. His contributions and his achievements have earned him the recognition and respect of all of those who have had the opportunity to know him or in some way be touched by his work or his deeds.
Richard H. Bryan, United States Senator
"If I had to name one quality that makes you stand tall among others, I would say it is your generous giving of yourself."
Barbara F. Vucanovich, Member of Congress
"Through your commitment and dedication to the broadcast industry and your community, you have been and continue to be an extraordinary asset to southern Nevada -- indeed to the entire state."
John E. Ensign, Member of Congress
"Your first-hand knowledge of the issues facing Nevadans have made you an invaluable member of the media and our community. The people of this state can be confident the stories you present them are accurate, fair and objective."
Bob Miller, Governor
"The electronic media has made an important and positive impact on our communities throughout the state. Since your broadcast career start at Channel 2 in 1955, you have seen the dramatic growth not only in the State of Nevada, but in the media industry itself. Today, we cannot escape the influence of the visual and audio media; our lives and characters are shaped by the electronic message. As a pioneer in the broadcast industry, you have played an instrumental role in developing and defining this technology and its role in our society."
Lonnie L. Hammargren, M.D., Lieutenant Governor
"Thank you for paying tribute to Mark Smith. His is a legacy of commitment and an example of what one individual can do for the benefit of all."
Frankie Sue Del Papa, Attorney General
"As Nevada moves into the 21st century, the State's broadcasters will play a key role in shaping the political culture which underpins our approach to governing. Let us work together to ensure that it is a culture which promotes both tradition and progress, historical values and modern ideals. Based on his record, tonight's honoree, Mark Smith, would, no doubt, agree."
Dina Titus, Senate Minority Leader, Clark No. 7
"Mark Smith and his associates have probably done more than any other group to promote our state. Wherever I travel in the world, I find that "Nevada" is a magic word. Businessmen in Mexico, shopkeepers in Hong Kong, Arab sheiks in Kuwait -- they have all heard of Las Vegas. It is synonymous with luxury, glamour and temptation -- a place where paupers become millionaires, gorgeous women abound, and a man's fate hangs on a throw of the dice. Broadcasters like Mark Smith created this image, projected it upon the screen of the world's imagination and carried it to the most remote corners of the earth."
Senator Randolph J. Townsend, Washoe No. 4
