[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 72 (Wednesday, May 3, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S6031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                        TRIBUTE TO BURTON COHEN

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, it is a personal privilege for me to rise 
today to congratulate a man of considerable achievement in both 
business and community spirit. Burton Cohen was one of the pioneers who 
helped lead Las Vegas from its origins as a small gaming community to 
the thriving resort city that it has become today. Despite the great 
demands of his career, he has always devoted great time and energy to 
the development of our community and our State. Burton Cohen is more 
than a close friend; he is also a role model for Nevadans and all 
citizens of our country.
  Burton Cohen moved to southern Nevada in 1966 when he became part 
owner and managing director of the Frontier Hotel. He had previously 
risen to success as the owner of his own hotel development company in 
Florida.
  His talents were soon recognized throughout the Nevada gaming 
community, and he was recruited for other leadership positions in Las 
Vegas at Circus Circus, the Flamingo Hilton, Caesar's Palace, and the 
Dunes Hotel.
  In addition to his considerable contributions to various hotel 
properties throughout southern Nevada, Burton has been a pivotal factor 
in shaping Nevada's transition to the 21st century. He was president of 
the Nevada Resort Association and was on the influential board of the 
Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Without his innovative 
presence, and his insightful vision, Las Vegas would not be the 
destination resort and convention center it is today.
  Mr. Cohen has always adhered to the needs of our community. He became 
closely involved in numerous community activities and charitable 
causes. He served on the board of the Southern Nevada Drug Abuse 
Council and led a successful campaign for the United Way in the Las 
Vegas Valley. Burton was a member of the board of directors of the 
Boys' Clubs of Clark County and the Nevada Division of American Cancer 
Society. Furthermore, he has also been an active member in the Anti-
Defamation League and is currently a trustee of Sunrise Hospital in Las 
Vegas.
  Burton Cohen recently announced his retirement from his current 
position as president and chief executive officer of the Desert Inn 
Hotel and Country Club. His accomplishments in hotel management and in 
the community are unrivaled and will be deeply missed. Along with his 
wife, Linda, Burton has made southern Nevada a better place for 
tourists and residents alike.
  On Saturday, May 20, the Anti-Defamation League will be honoring 
Burton Cohen with the ``Lifetime Achievement Award.'' I can think of no 
better recipient for this honor, and I want the entire country to know 
of Burton's achievements and to join those of us in Nevada in 
recognizing his commitment to excellence.


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