Tax consumers on the government payroll have been trying their best to convince Nevadans that raising taxes is the only solution to balancing the state budget, because there’s no possible way spending can be reduced any further. Are you willing to take their word for it, or would you like a second opinion? Luckily, we do have another source of information about how our tax … [Read more...] about It’s Time to Stop: Wasteful Government Spending
Archives for December 2010
Economic Forecast: Mostly Cloudy with a Chance of Improvement
Business leaders across Nevada are saying they expect 2011 to be slightly better than 2010, which should thrill absolutely no one. Still, better is… better. Viewed from a variety of perspectives – employment, tourism, real estate, gaming, retail and more -- our state’s economic outlook could be worse, and in fact may already have taken its initial steps on the road to … [Read more...] about Economic Forecast: Mostly Cloudy with a Chance of Improvement
The Reality of Lending: The New “Norm”
A Nevadan needs $120,000 to open a used sporting goods store but can’t get a loan from a bank. Either he gives up the idea or resorts to creative financing, if possible. In the end, he puts up $40,000 of his own money, gets his landlord to cover $15,000 of tenant improvements, and obtains a $40,000 loan from the state’s micro-loan lender and a $25,000 loan from a Florida … [Read more...] about The Reality of Lending: The New “Norm”
Industry Focus: Non-Profit
Unfortunately, when times are tough, one of the first budget cuts is charitable giving. Non-profits throughout the state are feeling these cuts like no other industry. There is a bright spot, however. Many non-profits have noticed that while companies cannot contribute financially, they are finding other ways to give back and volunteerism continues to rise. Recently, … [Read more...] about Industry Focus: Non-Profit
Now, the Real Fun Begins: What the 2010 elections mean for Nevada’s public policy
Future psephologists (sociologists who study election trends) will undoubtedly look back in puzzlement at how the massive, pro-Republican wave that swept most of the country in 2010 never quite materialized in a few select states, including Nevada. Instead, what the Silver State got was more of a soft ripple. The phenomenon wasn’t limited to races for federal office, … [Read more...] about Now, the Real Fun Begins: What the 2010 elections mean for Nevada’s public policy
Michael Skaggs: Nevada Commission on Economic Development
Executive Director Statewide Number of Employees: 29 Years in Nevada: 3 Years with Company: 3 What inspired you to get into your industry? I grew up in rural Texas where communities were literally dying as people moved to the cities for employment. I became interested in how you attract and grow jobs in specific areas of the country and turn these communities … [Read more...] about Michael Skaggs: Nevada Commission on Economic Development
December 2012: Around the State
Rural Nevada Goes Solar Hamilton Solar has announced the recent installment of solar systems in the Nevada school districts of Crescent Valley, Battle Mountain and Lovelock. Over 2,000 panels were installed and the school districts are expected to see a combined savings of almost $90,000 in the first year. Small Business Administration Loans Increasing TMC Development, a … [Read more...] about December 2012: Around the State
The Show Must Go On: A Look at Nevada’s Public Projects
Public works is a “the show must go on” proposition. Even with the economic downturn of the last three years, there are public projects that continue to be funded and completed. “The economy doesn’t change our need for modernizations and improvements to Nevada’s roads, schools and public facilities,” said Randy Highland, president of the Las Vegas chapter of Associated … [Read more...] about The Show Must Go On: A Look at Nevada’s Public Projects
Constitutional Challenge: The ObamaCare Battle Continues
On October, 23, 2009, in the midst of Congress’s healthcare legislation efforts, Speaker Nancy Pelosi was irritated by a question posed by a reporter. “Madam Speaker, where specifically does the Constitution grant Congress the authority to enact an individual health insurance mandate?” Speaker Pelosi condescendingly responded, “Are you serious? Are you serious?” When the … [Read more...] about Constitutional Challenge: The ObamaCare Battle Continues
Be in the Driver Seat of Your Own Career
As the calendar year winds down, you’re no doubt setting company objectives for next year, but what about your personal goals? How can you take charge of your career and put yourself in good hands—your own? With today’s competitive job market, it’s important to keep your skills finely tuned to meet the needs of your employer and position yourself as an indispensible member of … [Read more...] about Be in the Driver Seat of Your Own Career
Office Summary: Third Quarter 2010
Las Vegas The Las Vegas Valley office market showed modest improvement from the preceding quarter. After a sustained period of price declines and little construction activity, the vacancy rate broke the five-year cycle of upward movement. During the third quarter, the market reported 68,900 square feet of positive net absorption, pushing the vacancy down 11 basis points from … [Read more...] about Office Summary: Third Quarter 2010
December 2010: Business Indicators
The U.S. economy continues to show signs of slow recovery from its deep recession. For third quarter, estimated real GDP growth was 2.0 percent at an annualized rate, up slightly from the 1.7 percent figure for second quarter 2010. U.S. nonfarm employment rose by 151,000 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in October, marking the first month of increase after four consecutive months … [Read more...] about December 2010: Business Indicators
What is your greatest hope for 2011?
“Economic diversification and education reform for Nevada. We need to bring new jobs and opportunities to the state. To attract businesses, we must produce an educated workforce and offer excellence in education. It is time to build a world-class education system and if we build it, they will come.” Laura Granier • Shareholder, Lionel Sawyer & Collins “I would have … [Read more...] about What is your greatest hope for 2011?