It is no secret that the mainstream media feeds on disasters, crises and tragedies. Ever since the U.S. economy entered its current downturn, so-called experts have filled the airwaves and syndicated newspaper columns with dire predictions of the next Great Depression, complete with breadlines and tent cities. Pick up any newspaper or magazine, listen to any cable TV station … [Read more...] about The Sky is Not Falling: Do not let fear determine your future
Archives for December 2008
Identifying a Strong Business Bank: Asking questions is imperative
Choosing a bank for your business is significantly different than choosing a bank to handle your personal finances. Having the right business bank on your side can help your company begin, expand and achieve financial prosperity. While numerous locations and an ever-expanding array of services might be important for your personal banking, business banking requires planning, … [Read more...] about Identifying a Strong Business Bank: Asking questions is imperative
December 2008: Business Indicators
The consequences of earlier actions are making themselves felt. The excesses of the past have seeded a series of recent bewildering events. At a time in which order, discernment, agreement, and guidance were called for, policy making in Washington took a series of awkward turns. Some were numbed to see cliff-diving devaluation biting into asset values, leaving a trail of … [Read more...] about December 2008: Business Indicators
Credit Unions: Unfair or necessary financial entities?
A financial storm is brewing on both Wall Street and Main Street. A gaping lack of confidence has halted institution-to-institution and institution-to-consumer lending and current expectations indicate that lending will remain paralyzed through the coming quarters. Economic turmoil is impacting every facet of business in this country, and an interesting story is taking place … [Read more...] about Credit Unions: Unfair or necessary financial entities?
Artificial Credit: Bad monetary policy from Washington, D.C.
There is a simple reason why banks have been so reluctant to loan to other banks. More than anyone, bankers know what banks do. Fractional-reserve banking, after all, is the business of legally lending out money one does not have, all the while hoping that large numbers of your depositors do not show up at the same time demanding their money. In the short term, it … [Read more...] about Artificial Credit: Bad monetary policy from Washington, D.C.
The Diversity of Giving: Exploring the path to philanthropy
Scholars, philanthropic advisors and wealth planning experts have described the early 21st century as the “golden age of philanthropy.” Indeed, it seems as if each day brings a new headline touting the latest charitable activities of the rich and famous. As wealthy households increase their contributions, the growing number of worthy causes to support can be overwhelming. … [Read more...] about The Diversity of Giving: Exploring the path to philanthropy
The State’s Tax Structure: Current climate provides opportunity for review
There can be no question that the current economic downturn - now labeled a crisis - will present obstacles to Nevada Legislators when they convene on February 5, 2009. They are facing challenges not seen since the early 1980’s, which will require difficult decisions and delicate compromise, particularly when it comes to budget reductions. And yet, the necessity for a hard look … [Read more...] about The State’s Tax Structure: Current climate provides opportunity for review
Downtown Redevelopment
Progress Continues Downtown Las Vegas may be the center of the Las Vegas Valley, but it has not been the epicenter of economic growth, arts, culture, entertainment or modern urban living. Though, if Mayor Oscar Goodman and other visionaries continue to have their way, that is all about to change. Downtown Las Vegas is on track for a renaissance and people will never think of … [Read more...] about Downtown Redevelopment
December 2008: Business Up Front
Human Resource Professionals Expect Cutbacks A nationwide poll was released recently stating that 70 percent of HR professionals feel budget cuts across the entire organization are likely if current challenges to the U.S. economy continue. Some 55 percent of the respondents said hiring freezes are also likely. The poll was conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management … [Read more...] about December 2008: Business Up Front
Office Market Summary: Third Quarter 2008
Las Vegas By the close of the 3rd Quarter 2008, the Las Vegas office market reached new heights in terms of vacancy. With nearly 8.2 million square feet of available space and market inventory of 48 million square feet, vacancy levels reached 17.0 percent as of September 30, 2008. Availability represented a slight increase from the 16.8 percent reported in the preceding … [Read more...] about Office Market Summary: Third Quarter 2008
Greg Ferraro: The Ferraro Group
President Las Vegas, Reno & Carson City Number of Employees: 12 Years in Nevada: 4th generation Nevadan Years with Company: Founded the company in 2004 Describe your leadership style: Find bright people to surround yourself with and give them the freedom to perform. Biggest business challenge: Turning a negative perception into a lasting favorable … [Read more...] about Greg Ferraro: The Ferraro Group
Economic Forecast
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” A Tale of Two Cities In 1858, but he may have been gazing into a crystal ball and … [Read more...] about Economic Forecast
Industry Focus: Philanthropy
Recently, a dozen of Nevada’s executives gathered at the office of Holland & Hart, LLP to discuss corporate philanthropy with regards to Nevada’s historically low philanthropic activities, how nonprofits are weathering the economic depression and what needs to change in corporate philanthropy. Connie Brennan, publisher of Nevada Business, served as moderator for this … [Read more...] about Industry Focus: Philanthropy
What are your thoughts on the bailout package Congress approved?
Robert List, President, The Robert List Company It was a badly executed response to problems caused in part by the government itself. The bailout money has been spent arbitrarily and recklessly. The anticipated bonuses to the failed executives of the recipient banks are a disgrace, and a liberal Congress is now poised to pour in good money after bad. Government should step … [Read more...] about What are your thoughts on the bailout package Congress approved?
December 2008: Nevada Briefs
Mining’s Contribution to Nevada’s Economy at an All-Time High Nevada’s mining industry experienced a significant increase in taxes paid to the state’s economy and wages paid per mining employee in 2007 were just two of the facts published in the Nevada Mining Association’s annual report. Nevada mines contributed nearly $200M in taxes to the state’s economy, up from approx. … [Read more...] about December 2008: Nevada Briefs