How did you first get into your profession?
In 1986 when Lincoln County needed an economic development coordinator, I applied. I was working at the newspaper at that time. My background was in art and business and I was a counselor at Caliente Youth Center. I wasn’t afraid of new things and no one knew at the time what economic development was. I got to do what I do best start with nothing and build from there.
What is the biggest challenge your industry is facing?
We have to work much harder to attract new companies. Our budgets are tiny, yet we really need to be on the road knocking on industry’s doors. Mailers aren’t the best approach to landing a new job creator, it is yet another relationship that has to be built. There are always, easily 100 communities, vying for the company we are trying to land for jobs in our town. Money or perks for those companies is tough especially in rural Nevada; it’s not easy finding loans if a company is not self funded.