People of the K-Goods Fair
1. Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley
“Growth of Korean businesses is encouraging; happy to see the senior community expanding.”
The K-Goods Fair, held over three days beginning Aug. 25 in Las Vegas, was more than a showcase for Korean products. It also served as a meeting place where business leaders, public officials and buyers from Korea and the United States came together. This series highlights some of the people behind the event.
One of the most notable visitors was Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley, whose presence underscored the city’s support for Korean businesses participating in the exhibition.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Berkley welcomed the opportunity for small and midsize Korean companies to introduce their products in Las Vegas.
“It is very encouraging to see more Korean residents moving to our city and Korean-owned businesses continuing to grow,” she said.
Berkley, who was elected mayor in 2024, previously served as a U.S. representative for Nevada from 1999 to 2013. The 75-year-old Democrat earned her law degree from the University of San Diego before practicing law and later entering public service.
While the Nevada Governor’s Office sent an economic development representative to the event, Berkley attended in person. She spent more than two hours with organizers, participating in the VIP reception, ribbon-cutting ceremony and a tour of the exhibition hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Asked about the rapid growth of the local Korean American community, Berkley praised its contributions.
“Korean Americans are known for working hard and being actively involved in their communities,” she said. “I’ve also heard that more Korean seniors are choosing to retire in northern Las Vegas, and I expect that trend to continue.”
When asked whether Korean Americans should feel comfortable contacting the mayor’s office for assistance, Berkley offered an immediate response.
“My office is always openβthat’s my job,” she said. “We are always happy to hear from members of the Korean community, and we’re ready to help whenever we can.”
Las Vegas has emerged as one of the fastest-growing markets for Korean-owned businesses in the United States over the past decade. According to the Korea Economic Institute (KEI), the Las Vegas metropolitan area is now home to approximately 90,000 Korean Americans and as many as 2,000 Korean-owned businesses, making it one of the nation’s fastest-growing Korean business communities.
