Nevada’s business and political leaders packed Red Rock Resort on Saturday night to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Keystone Corporation, one of the state’s longest-running and most influential pro-business advocacy groups.
“Choosing the Right Path for Nevada”
Keystone President Brett Sutton set the tone early in the evening, contrasting two visions for Nevada’s future – one of “excessive control and over-regulation” modeled after California, and another centered on economic freedom, prosperity, and low taxation.
“Keystone exists to make sure Nevada stays on the right path,” Sutton said, drawing applause. “We’re financially strong, our membership is growing, and we’re ready to win.”
He praised Governor Joe Lombardo as “the man standing in the breach” between Nevada and the left’s “devastating liberal policies,” highlighting Lombardo’s record 75 vetoes in one session and 87 in another — the most in state history.
Sutton credited Lombardo for championing voter ID, creating 10,000 new jobs, and eliminating 900 outdated regulations, calling his leadership “critical to keeping Nevada open for business.”
Sutton concluded by officially announcing Keystone’s endorsement of Governor Lombardo for re-election.
Lombardo: “Keystone’s Support Means Everything”
Governor Lombardo, thanked the organization for its long-standing partnership.
“Without Keystone’s support and vision,” Lombardo said, “I wouldn’t have been successful for the state of Nevada. I can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done — not just for me, but for Nevada’s future.”
He also praised the Keystone board and volunteers for their dedication, noting the event’s flawless execution was due in large part to Operations Director Courtney Weaver and dozens of volunteers who had been on-site since early morning.
Looking Back on 30 Years of Influence
Board member Daniel Tuntland delivered a nostalgic and humorous look back on Keystone’s history, honoring the organization’s founders — Tom Wiesner, Joe Brown, Jerry Dondero, Terry Graves, Ted Gibson, Tito Tiberti, Barry Becker, Monty Miller, and Governor Robert List — as the original visionaries who launched the mission still driving Keystone today.
He reminded attendees that “30 years is an eternity in politics,” recalling the group’s early days hosting the Western States Republican Leadership Conference in Las Vegas and quoting Ronald Reagan’s timeless words:
“There are no easy answers, but there are simple ones — and we must have the courage to do what’s morally right.”
Tuntland also honored longtime Keystone allies such as Andy Abboud, Sheldon Adelson, and the Gibson family, noting that their contributions “helped shape Nevada’s pro-business, pro-freedom legacy.”
Honoring Paul and Sue Lowden
The evening’s Community Leadership Award went to Paul and Sue Lowden, celebrated for their decades of entrepreneurial success, civic leadership, and philanthropy in Nevada.
Paul, a former musician turned hotel owner, was recognized for helping shape Las Vegas landmarks like the Hacienda, Sahara, and Santa Fe, as well as mentoring young musicians at UNLV and the Las Vegas Academy of Arts.
Sue Lowden — a former Nevada State Senator, party chairwoman, and Channel 8 news anchor — was praised for her service, grace, and conservative leadership.
Accepting the award with her grandson, Paul Lowden V, she reflected on Nevada’s business pioneers and saluted early supporters like Tom Wiesner, Bill Raggio, Barry Becker, and Lorraine Hunt-Bono.
“We accept this award on behalf of those who came before Keystone,” she remarked. “They believed that business is the engine of Nevada’s growth — and they were right.”
A Night of Stories, Laughter, and a Little Vegas Luck
The celebration closed with keynote speaker Jesse Watters of Fox News, who entertained the audience with his trademark mix of political humor and behind-the-scenes stories from his years at Fox and his interviews with President Donald Trump.
Watters also praised Keystone’s mission and Governor Lombardo’s leadership, saying Nevada “has more common sense per capita than Washington, D.C. has in its entire zip code.”
He wrapped up with a wink and a little Vegas quip:
“I have an idea. You know, you guys said you wanted me to donate my speaking fee. How about I do this? How about I go down to the casino and I put the whole speaking fee on red? And if I win, we split it.”
It was a solid closer for this Las Vegas event.
From Left: Nevada News & Views Publisher Chuck Muth, Fox News Host Jesse Watters, and Nevada News & Views Associate Editor Kristen Kniep
For three decades, Keystone has stood guard over the principles of free enterprise, low taxes, and personal responsibility – and judging from the energy in that ballroom, Nevada’s business community is ready for another 30 years of fighting for freedom.
As the evening wound down, attendees raised a toast to 30 years of courage, conviction, and community.
Keystone stands as proof that when Nevada’s business leaders stand together for freedom and opportunity, the state’s future shines just as our casino lights.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
