Laughlin Economic Development Corporation
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LEDC Board Members

Martin Knauss - President

Martin Knauss graduated from Mohave High School in Bullhead City, AZ and continued his education at the University of Wyoming. He graduated with a BS in Petroleum Engineering and after a 35 year career with a large, multinational oil and gas company he retired in Laughlin, NV. He is also a Professional Engineer. 


Towards the end of his career he managed the rig operations in the Rocky Mountain region. His focus was on safety and efficiency. He also worked with small companies in improving their safety and management systems to become eligible to provide services to the company he worked for.


He is a board member and President of Laughlin Economic Development Corporation (LEDC). The mission of the LEDC is to create and implement a collaborative venture among civic and business leaders in the town of Laughlin, to promote the health, welfare and quality of life for the residents of Laughlin through economic development.


Evan Needham- Vice President

Mr. Evan Needham is a dedicated and transparent leader in business operations with substantial experience in organizational development and operational planning. As a board member for the Laughlin Economic Development Corporation and Executive Director of the World Economic Support Agency (WESA), he focuses on the design and implementation of global initiatives that foster economic growth, community 

development and sustainability through practical solutions. As an active duty Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, with numerous combat operations in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom he fulfilled various critical leadership positions conducting strategic planning, implementation and oversight. 


Mr. Needham transitioned from the Marine Corps into the corporate sector with oversight on global operations and projects resulting in critical economic advancement and sustainability. Mr. Needham studied in business management and administration paving the pathway for becoming a dedicated entrepreneur in business development. With a deep understanding of economics and challenges that communities face, he has dedicated his focus to make it his mission to rewrite the future for underserved communities in distress by creating opportunities, solutions, and strategic plans that drive economic sustainability and growth.


Danny Vander Loop - Director/Treasurer

Danny Vander Loop was born in Azusa California, he worked as A Production Manager for the Door and Window industry in California for 20 years. Danny relocated to Las Vegas Nevada in 2003 with his company. Danny started his own Door, Cabinet and Furniture Manufacturing Business in 2009, in 2013 he started working in his family's business where he currently works from home as a Project Manager For Grand Openings Doors and Windows in Pomona California. 


Danny and his Family moved to Laughlin in 2016 after being a Loyal Laughlin Visitor since his adolescent years,. Danny is a proud Laughlin Resident where he and his High school sweet heart will spend the rest of their days.


Ben Willett - Director

 Ben Willett's professional journey has been marked by a diverse range of experiences across multiple sectors, including retail leadership development, store planning, and correctional law enforcement. He served as a Lieutenant at the Arizona State Prison Complex - Kingman, where he honed his leadership and operational skills. Currently, Ben is a key member of the Marketing and Advertising team at the Riverside Resort in Laughlin, NV. Here, he spends his days immersed in creative endeavors, surrounded by a team he deeply admires, all while engaging in his passion for storytelling through visual communication.

Ben's interests are as dynamic as his career, encompassing photography, filmmaking, and off-road racing, essentially anything that goes fast. He is also committed to community betterment and serves as the Treasurer and Public Image Officer for the Laughlin Rotary Club, reflecting his dedication to making a positive impact locally. In addition, he volunteers his time with several nonprofit organizations, assisting with the creation of marketing and promotional materials to help them strengthen their outreach and impact. 


Joe Stone - Director

 My name is Joe Stone born on Williams Air Force Base in Arizona.  Raised in Chicago then attended Arizona State University earning degree in economics followed by an MBA from Thunderbird, American School of International Management in 2001. 


Worked for several years in financial analytics for Microsoft, Amazon and a fledgling T-Mobile before being recruited into a start-up law firm in Seattle. Successfully grew and managed the firm until Covid then relocated to Laughlin, Nevada.  Although I intended to retire in 2021, while shopping for a place to live I fell for my Real Estate Agent.  In 2022 became a licensed Real Estate Agent in Arizona and in 2023 licensed in Nevada.  

Currently Vice President of the Bullhead City Mohave Valley Association Of Realtors, a four year succession which will make me President in 2028. My areas of focus are understanding and communicating effectively with clients and Association members on issues in our area. 


Dean Levy - Director

 Dean Levy is a Nevada-based business and marketing consultant with experience in business operations, systems and process optimization, lead generation, sales, and community-focused projects. He has worked with a variety of organizations on growth strategy, outreach, and improving internal processes through automation and outsourcing.


As a member of the Laughlin Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors, he is interested in contributing to efforts that encourage economic activity and development in Laughlin and that enhance the well-being of the local community. 


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