Competition, fraud, compliance, technology… to say the financial services industry has its hands full would be an understatement. Both banks and credit unions are facing challenges on many fronts... Competition Heightens Banks have to keep score of who’s teaming with whom. Among recent merger announcements is word that Western Alliance Bancorporation and Bank of Nevada … [Read more...] about Nevada’s Financial Institutions
Archives for May 2006
Industry Focus: Marketing Professionals
As part of its monthly Industry Outlook series, Nevada Business Journal gathered with marketing professionals to discuss the issues their organizations face in today’s changing marketplace. They confronted concerns such as the evolution of media channels, recruiting new talent, the changing role of the PR/advertising agency, and client loyalty. Connie Brennan, publisher of the … [Read more...] about Industry Focus: Marketing Professionals
MINING OUTLOOK: What Are Nevada’s Prospects?
In July of 1999, the price of gold finally bottomed out at just under $253 an ounce. Gold prices stayed in that neighborhood for the next three years – presenting challenges to Nevada’s mining industry that removed many major players from the field and caused the decimation and dispersal of the workforce. Today, with gold suddenly selling for about $550, a much consolidated … [Read more...] about MINING OUTLOOK: What Are Nevada’s Prospects?
May 2006: Building for Government
Many commercial contracting and subcontracting firms in Nevada have considered building for a government agency at some point, and some make it their primary source of income. For others, it’s a good way to diversify income streams, balancing private jobs – which can usually be completed more quickly and with less paperwork – with government contracts, which offer more job … [Read more...] about May 2006: Building for Government
May 2006: Building Nevada Briefs
First LEED-Certified Building in Nevada The headquarters for architects Tate Snyder Kimsey in Henderson has been awarded the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification in the state by the U.S. Green Energy Council. The firm designed the "D" Gates at McCarran International Airport, the new Moyer Student Union at UNLV and the Animal Campus for the … [Read more...] about May 2006: Building Nevada Briefs
Ensemble Investments: Building for the Medical Community
What began as an investment opportunity for Ensemble Investments eventually became a chance to develop a long-term specialty serving the medical community. Ensemble Investments started in 1990 when managing directors Kambiz (Kam) Babaoff, Michael Moskowitz and Randy McGrane had the opportunity to acquire a medical facility in Phoenix, Ariz. They secured their property and found … [Read more...] about Ensemble Investments: Building for the Medical Community
NDOT Director Challenged by Growth
Think your company has budgeting problems? As director of the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), Jeff Fontaine is forced to deal with dollar amounts that would boggle the minds of most business owners. "We’re currently planning and designing 10 new super- and mega-projects," he said. "The budget for two of these jobs in Southern Nevada will be over $1 billion each." … [Read more...] about NDOT Director Challenged by Growth
May 2006: Business Indicators
Having weathered sharp price increases for energy, inflation-adjusted Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is up 3.2 percent on an annual basis, though fourth-quarter numbers were down as a result of disruptions tied to hurricane impacts. After a slow recovery, job growth nationally shows signs of a breakout from the doldrums which set in during 2001. As a result, the U.S. economy … [Read more...] about May 2006: Business Indicators
May 2006: Business Up Front
"Be Careful Out There" According to the National Safety Council, workers are safer on the job than they are at home. A decrease in workplace deaths – down 17 percent since 1992 – has been undone by fatalities occurring off the job, up 14 percent. According to a 2004 National Safety Council Off the Job Safety Symposium, twice as many workers – approximately 6.8 million … [Read more...] about May 2006: Business Up Front
Land Prices Plunging? Don’t Believe Everything You Read
Are land prices in Las Vegas really dropping? Ask anybody who’s tried to buy a piece of land recently, especially commercial land, and they will tell you the price has not gone down at all. Economics 101 teaches us that when supply is limited and demand is high, prices go up. There’s not much available land in the Las Vegas Valley, and only a few parcels of BLM land remain to … [Read more...] about Land Prices Plunging? Don’t Believe Everything You Read
Supporting Cancer Survivors: Nevada Businesses Pitch in to Help
It is the rare person, these days, who hasn’t been a sword carrier for a loved one engaging in hand-to-hand combat against cancer. It is increasingly common, however, for the patient to emerge the victor. Last fall Nevadans added to their cancer-fighting arsenal with the opening in Las Vegas of the Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI), a state-of-the-art cancer center that offers … [Read more...] about Supporting Cancer Survivors: Nevada Businesses Pitch in to Help
Planning for the Unthinkable: Create a Strategy in Advance
No one likes to think about the loss of a spouse. While many of us have trust documents, wills and life insurance in place, few of us have planned for how to manage decisions while under tremendous emotional pressure. In a typical household there is usually one person in charge of family business and finances, putting the other spouse at a disadvantage if he or she has to … [Read more...] about Planning for the Unthinkable: Create a Strategy in Advance
May 2006: Face to Face
Name: Kara Kelley Title: President and CEO Company: Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Location: Las Vegas Years in Nevada: Life Years with Company: 10 Type of Business: Providing businesses with a unique mix of products, services and advocacy to help them prosper Biggest Business Challenge: Promoting a vibrant and business-friendly economy. Nevada’s robust … [Read more...] about May 2006: Face to Face
State Primary Elections: Races Worth Watching
We are now only months away from what will probably be one of the most competitive and interesting primary elections in Nevada history. Both parties have multiple candidates running for the state’s top political job, and several other races will be worth watching, especially in Southern Nevada. While most political observers see Rep. Jim Gibbons running away with the … [Read more...] about State Primary Elections: Races Worth Watching
Financial Planning: Why and How to Get Assistance
When it comes to financial planning, many people seem to just bury their heads in the sand and hope for the best. There is so much information available through the Internet, cable networks and how-to books that it can be overwhelming, with the result that you end up doing nothing. A little education can give you enough confidence to take the first step or to remain … [Read more...] about Financial Planning: Why and How to Get Assistance