Nevada Film Office Releases Figures
During the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002, the state of Nevada received nearly $115 million in revenues from movies, television programs, commercials and other projects filmed in the state, according to the Nevada Film Office (NFO). Approximately $52 million resulted from more than 150 television programs, including series and specials, which were filmed in Nevada. The 33 feature films shot here generated $21 million and commercials brought in $15 million. Charles Geocaris, director of the NFO — a branch of the Nevada Commission on Economic Development — pointed out that shows and commercials featuring Nevada locations have the additional benefit of advertising the state to potential visitors and tourists. They also bring in revenue to companies providing support services, which can involve everything from car rentals to dry cleaning, and lumber to pizza delivery.
Colonial Bank To Add Three Locations
Colonial Bank of Nevada is expanding its presence in Southern Nevada with three new locations, according to a recent announcement by Mark Daigle, regional president and CEO. The bank currently has 11 branches in the state, including four in Las Vegas, one in Henderson, two in Reno and one in each of the following cities: Carson City, Fallon, Sparks and Stateline. One new branch, scheduled to open in February, will be located near the master-planned community of Anthem in Henderson. Another, planned for the intersection of Sahara Avenue and Rainbow Boulevard in Las Vegas, will open in January. The proposed site for the third Colonial Bank branch is still under negotiation. Its parent company, Colonial BancGroup, is a publicly traded multi-state bank holding company with locations in six states.
Dental School Opens at UNLV
Students in the inaugural class at the UNLV School of Dentistry began their course of study this fall and are on track to graduate in May 2006. Courses taught at the new school include: Physiological and Anatomical Concepts; Oral Cancer; Epidemiology for Oral Health Sciences; and Financing Healthcare and Public Health. UNLV Provost Raymond Alden said, “At last, Nevada, which is sorely in need of more dental practitioners, will be able to educate dentists right here at home.” The school has already opened dental clinics staffed by licensed dentists, and is planning to add more clinics during the next few years, according to Patrick Ferrillo, dean of the School of Dentistry. Classes are being held at the UNLV campus during this academic year, but the school will move into a new facility on Shadow Lane early in 2004. The school has applied for accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a lengthy process expected to be completed in 2007.
Rural Communities Receive Grants
Rural Nevada communities have received the first-ever grants targeted to help them develop projects to stimulate local tourist economies. The grants enable small towns throughout the state to build facilities or fund events to attract visitors. The Rural Tourism Development Grants were funded with $200,000 from the Nevada Commission on Tourism and the Nevada Commission on Economic Development. Each grant requires local matching funds or in-kind contributions. Twenty different projects in 16 communities received grants, including:
Battle Mountain – $10,000 for “Armpit of America” gateway signs, a visitor information sign and display racks for its visitor center.
Caliente – $18,000 for Rail City restoration.
Carlin – $17,000 for developing phase two of the Nevada Gold Mining Interpretive Center.
Ely – $18,000 to produce “A Tribute to Our Leaders” mural, as part of the city’s Outdoor Cultural Art Gallery.
Goldfield – $9,404 for the Goldfield Downtown Beautification Project.
Stateline – $10,610 to enhance the Tahoe Meadows Trail Head.
Yerington – $17,349 for the Lyon County Tourism Information Kiosk program.
