Nevada’s public schools have been receiving failing grades for many years, ranking among the lowest in the country for graduation rates, standardized test scores, and other measures of student achievement; but, thanks to Governor Sandoval and the 78th Legislature, a major step in reforming Nevada’s education was accomplished by the passage of what appears to be a monumental … [Read more...]
Archives for July 2015
Tech in Nevada
Economic development in Nevada has a direct, deliberate, effect on Nevada’s technology industry. Then again, Nevada’s technology industry is having a definite effect on economic development. It’s like the old Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups commercials – where the collision of chocolate and peanut butter create a happy symbiosis. In this case, the combination is intentional. … [Read more...]
Mining: It’s About More than Gold
The value chain for Nevada’s roughly 20 metals and minerals begins with companies mining the resources. This benefits the miners and their employees monetarily and the communities around those mines where dollars are spent, donations are made and other commitments are carried out. Mining firms require goods and services at each stage of their process—exploration, … [Read more...]
I am a CCIM
Mission Statement To position the Chapter as the premier commercial real estate organization for Southern Nevada by enhancing the value of the CCIM designation and increasing the number of designees and candidates through professionalism and educational excellence. Here’s what “I Am a CCIM” means to these designees: Brian Sorrentino: “It means that I should know … [Read more...]
Industry Focus: Insurance
Combating a trend towards faceless online insurance purchases, Nevada insurance agents and brokers seek to educate the market on the importance of a trusted insurance advisor. Recently, executives in this industry met at the Las Vegas offices of City National Bank to discuss the challenges they face. Connie Brennan, publisher of Nevada Business Magazine, served as moderator … [Read more...]
Charlie Abowd: Cafe at Adele’s
Carson City Chef & Owner http://www.adelesrestaurantandlounge.com/ How did you get into your profession? [I was] a fourth-generation, born into an immigrant family of farmers, restaurant owners and candy makers that had strong family values that surrounded the celebration of food. It was a natural path. What business advice would you give someone just starting in … [Read more...]
Joseph F. Dutra: Kimmie Candy Company
President & Owner Reno http://www.kimmiecandy.com/ How did you first get into your profession? I was a farmer and a friend who I had helped out financially decided he wanted to pay me back. So his solution was for me to buy a 40 foot container, of candy coated chocolate covered sunflower kernels that he would sell and pay back the money. He could not sell the 40,000 … [Read more...]
Mark Haley: Smart City Networks
President Las Vegas http://www.smartcitynetworks.com/ When you were a kid, what did you want to be? A public accountant. Just kidding! I wanted to be a professional athlete. Baseball, hockey and then soccer. I didn’t quite make it, but I still enjoy the “thrill of victory” in my work life. What business advice would you give someone just starting in your industry? I … [Read more...]
Around the State: July 2015
Final Phase of Carson City Freeway Begins The Nevada Department of Transportation has broken ground on the final leg of the Carson City Freeway project. The $42 million project completes I-580, connecting Carson City to Nevada’s freeway system and Reno. The final phase of the project will pave and open the last four miles of the freeway to traffic. The freeway is expected to … [Read more...]
SB 483: The Facts You Need
When originally introduced, SB 483 was Governor Sandoval’s bill to make the sunset taxes from prior sessions permanent, to increase the cigarette tax and eliminate the pre-payment of the net proceeds of minerals tax. The bill was further amended by the Assembly to incorporate the Governor’s modified tax plan in the bill. At that point, the bill only required a Senate majority … [Read more...]
See a Doctor 24/7: Telemedicine Options Create Better Connectivity
My family and I were on vacation in California earlier this year when our youngest suddenly came down with a nasty stomach bug in the middle of the night. Even just a year ago, our only options would’ve been to drive around an unfamiliar city to find an open urgent care or potentially spend hours in an ER waiting room. But thanks to the growth of telemedicine, my wife was … [Read more...]
On the Rise: Commercial Building Rebounds
For the first time since 2007, when the recession decimated their industry, commercial builders in Nevada believe the industry is finally snapping back. “The recovery is slower than anybody wanted it to be, but the good news is that it is recovering,” says Ray Sedey, executive vice president of McCarthy Building Companies in Las Vegas. “Construction is recovering, but we’re … [Read more...]
Red Report: July 2015
E Project, Industrial ADDRESS 5402 E. El Campo Grande Ave., 89115 CONTRACTOR OF RECORD Burke Construction Group DETAILS Burke Construction Group recently completed the 180,000 SF Bed, Bath & Beyond Harmon Distribution Facility Center. Developed by Thomas and Mack Development Group and designed by CASCO, the $5.2 million project included the construction of 120,000 SF of … [Read more...]
Retail Summary: First Quarter 2015
Southern Nevada The Las Vegas Valley anchored retail vacancy rate rose 0.5 points from 11.4 percent in Q4 2014 to 11.9 percent in Q1 2015. At the end of Q1, vacancy rates ranged from 9.3 percent in Power Centers to 12.7 percent in both Community and Neighborhood Centers. The first quarter makes two consecutive quarters with a rising vacancy rate. Still, this increase is not … [Read more...]
Business Indicators: July 2015
The “second” estimate for first quarter 2015 shows U.S. real gross domestic product decreasing at an annualized rate of 0.7 percent, lower than the 0.2 percent growth previously reported in the “advance” estimate. The revision consisted of a less increase of personal consumption expenditure and inventory investment and a larger decrease of net exports from fourth quarter 2014 … [Read more...]
What does it mean to be an American?
“This country was built by immigrants and those who gave their lives for the opportunity to live the American Dream. As a Chinese immigrant, U.S. Veteran and entrepreneur, I feel a debt of gratitude to those who paved the way for free enterprise. I’m truly living the American Dream and am proud to be an American.” Sinan “Stanley” Hu | Founder LIUID “Being American means … [Read more...]
