Barack Obama was elected in 2008 with a message of hope and change. Unfortunately, the change we got was for the worse. There is little hope left that the country can pull itself out of the recession anytime soon, and we’re left hoping that the Middle East won’t erupt into flames that will consume us all. There are hundreds of reasons to vote for a change of administration in … [Read more...] about Why Vote Against Obama? Eight Compelling Reasons
Archives for October 2012
Utilities Update: Building the Infrastructure
Utilities across Nevada are moving forward with projects large and small, and hoping like everyone else that a real and sustained economic comeback is just around the corner. From one end of the state to the other, initiatives are being undertaken, plans drawn up, projects carried out and the future prepared for by utility companies and others who know that growth can’t … [Read more...] about Utilities Update: Building the Infrastructure
See You Next Year in Nevada! Corporate Meetings and Conventions
In 2011, almost 40 million people visited Las Vegas. Of those visitors, nearly 5 million were attending conventions and corporate meetings. In 2011 alone there were 19,029 conventions held in Southern Nevada, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). In total, Southern Nevada offers about 2.6 million-square-feet in convention and meeting space, and … [Read more...] about See You Next Year in Nevada! Corporate Meetings and Conventions
Industry Focus: Bankers
The banking industry plays a vital role in the success or failure of companies and individuals that rely on banks for their financial needs. Over the last few years, the industry has experienced a myriad of challenges including government regulations, foreclosures, finding qualified borrowers, low interest rates and image issues. Connie Brennan, publisher of Nevada Business … [Read more...] about Industry Focus: Bankers
Northern Nevada: Hard Work Pays Off
Northern Nevada has earned its developing economic comeback the old-fashioned way: building on its strengths, looking to the future and taking common sense steps to coax and reward entrepreneurialism and innovation. It’s paying off. “There’s a lot going on,” says Rob Hooper, Executive Director of Northern Nevada Development Authority (NNDA), the Economic Development … [Read more...] about Northern Nevada: Hard Work Pays Off
The Survivors: Builders and Developers in Nevada
The economic downturn in 2007 left both residential and commercial developers and builders in the Silver State scrambling for work. Many were forced to downsize their staffs, and some even closed their doors. “Since 2008, the development business has been a fraction of what it was,” said Doug Kiersey, president of Dermody Properties, a Reno-based industrial … [Read more...] about The Survivors: Builders and Developers in Nevada
Mike Montandon: Voit Real Estate Services
Managing Director Las Vegas Number of Employees: 15 Years in Nevada: 20 Years with Company: 2 How did you first get into your profession? I grew up in the commercial real estate industry. All my life, my father worked as a commercial real estate appraiser in Phoenix, where I was born and raised. From a young age, I was always drawn to the industry, and my first job … [Read more...] about Mike Montandon: Voit Real Estate Services
October 2012: Around the State
Second Annual Broadband Summit to Connect Nevada Communities Co-hosted by Connect Nevada and the governor’s Nevada Broadband Task Force, the second annual Broadband Summit, Connecting Communities, is expected to address Nevada job creation and local economic development through the access, adoption and use of broadband services. The event is being held towards the end of this … [Read more...] about October 2012: Around the State
$1.3 billion for 288 jobs: The failure of government-subsidized renewable energy
Another reason why government shouldn’t pick winners and losers in the economy In August, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid hosted his fifth annual National Clean Energy Summit in Las Vegas. Delivering the keynote address, former president Bill Clinton claimed that if every state had a renewable-energy standard it would “put a lot of people back to work.” Sen. Reid … [Read more...] about $1.3 billion for 288 jobs: The failure of government-subsidized renewable energy
Retail Summary: Second Quarter 2012
Las Vegas Vacancies within the retail sector have remained in a relatively tight range during the past three years, suggesting increased stability has emerged within the sector. During the second quarter of 2012, the vacancy rate increased a modest 0.1-percentage point over both the prior quarter (Q1 2012) and prior year (Q2 2011) to 10.5 percent. With no new inventory … [Read more...] about Retail Summary: Second Quarter 2012
October 2012: Business Indicators
The U.S. economy continues to experience slowing growth. Revised data for U.S. real GDP show an annualized growth rate of 1.7 percent for second quarter, somewhat lower than the 2.0 percent rate set in first quarter 2012. Consumer spending drove most of the gains, but it was lower than in first quarter. Business fixed investment and residential investment also made smaller … [Read more...] about October 2012: Business Indicators
What was your very first job?
“My first job was traveling around the intermountain west refinishing gym floors at high schools, junior high schools and churches. I probably lost a few brain cells breathing the toxic fumes but it gave me the desire to get my college degree as fast as possible. Hopefully the education made up for the lost brain cells.” Richard Bird • Regional Manager, Marcus & … [Read more...] about What was your very first job?