In the Know: News About Our Regional Economy

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Seven Stories About Economic Development Impacting Our Region

Western Nevada is a vibrant and ever-growing community with new businesses and industries moving into the area. Here are seven stories about economic development impacting our region.

New Electronics Facility in Washoe County Expected To Generate $7.8 Million in Tax Revenue

VSE, LLC plans to open an 84,000-square-foot electronics research, design, and assembly center in Washoe County. VSE is an established electronic and mechanical design and engineering company serving small to multi-billion-dollar corporations in semiconductor, medical device, green-tech, and automotive innovation. It will receive more than $318,000 in tax abatements and must create 70 jobs in its first two years at $29.64 per hour. In five years, 140 jobs are predicted. The company will invest $2.2 million in its first two years and create $7.8 million in net new tax revenues over 10 years.

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Panasonic – TMCC Partnering on Training Center

Truckee Meadows Community College will open a training center in Reno to help Panasonic Energy North America fill 400 $32-per-hour jobs. The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development will contribute $1.6 million (GOED). More than $1 million in training equipment will equip the new PENA building in Reno, increasing access to training in advanced manufacturing, production systems, automation, and robotics for anyone seeking a living wage career track or upskilling for advancement.

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Post Investing in Nevada Cereal Plant Upgrades

Post Holdings, Inc. will invest up to $110 million to expand its cereal production capacity at its facility in Sparks, Nevada. The expansion is expected to create approximately 30 to 40 new jobs.

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Northern Nevada Getting $32 Million in Federal Funds

A variety of projects focused on law enforcement, wastewater treatment, airport improvements, highway infrastructure and economic revitalization will receive $32.25 million in funding from the federal government. The list includes $4.37 million for Fallon’s wastewater treatment plant, $4 million for the Coleman Road Connector in Churchill County, $3.59 million for Reno Tahoe airport terminal road improvements, $2 million for rural nursing expansion projects at Western Nevada College, $1.1 million for Appion Way intersection improvements in Carson City, and $1.38 million to upgrade Kahle Drive in Douglas County’s drainage, sewer, water lines, and sidewalks.

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Unemployment Rate falls as Nevada Adds Jobs

The Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation reports the statewide unemployment rate is now 4.9% and employment is up 96,300 since May 2021. Reno area unemployment is 2.7% and the area has added some 800 jobs since April. Carson City isn’t far behind Reno at 3% jobless. Douglas County was at 3.1%, 673 in a labor pool of 21,441. Total employment in the state is now 1.45 million.

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New Report Provides Economic Roadmap for Nevada and Its Regions

Brookings Mountain West and The Lincy Institute released a 131-page report offering an evaluation of Nevada’s economy over the past decade. It also suggests how policy and business leaders can rally around a new, focused agenda to address long-standing economic, educational, and social deficits and set the state up for a robust, sustainable recovery.

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Reports Chart Good Month for Nevada Casinos, Tourism in May

The Nevada Gaming Control Board said that casinos statewide won $1.3 billion in May, the fourth-highest all-time and the 15th month in a row topping the $1 billion mark.

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Economic Recovery: By the Numbers June 14, 2022

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The economic recovery in Western Nevada is well underway, with key statistics showing significant improvements in recent months.

5,200: Nevada added 5,200 jobs in April 2022, an 8% annual increase. Reno’s Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) added 700 jobs, and Carson City’s added 300.

$1.3 billion: Nevada’s nonrestricted gaming licensees reported a total gaming win of $1,355,229,902 for March 2022, a 26.83% annual increase.

75 cents: Nevada’s minimum wage will rise 75 cents on July 1 to $9.50/hour for organizations with health insurance and $10.50/hour for those without.

Six: Governor Steve Sisolak appointed six members of his existing cabinet to a workforce development sub-cabinet to evaluate the state’s workforce needs and provide recommendations.

$15 million: Washoe County plans to spend $15 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to provide supportive housing to disproportionately affected communities, including $4.5 million for those with severe mental illness.

13: Spirit Airlines will be the 13th airline to service Western Nevada from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport when it begins twice-daily flights to the Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas in August 2022.

With continued support from businesses and residents, we will continue to build a strong and thriving economy.

Read the Full WNDD Economic Recovery Newsletter Report

WNDD Announces New Executive Director!

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Christine Brandon Selected to Lead Organization

Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) announced that after a national search, the Board has selected Christine Brandon as the organization’s new Executive Director. Brandon, a long time Carson City resident, was appointed to her new role on May 24, 2022.

“Brandon’s credentials, experience and personality make her an excellent leader for WNDD. We are confident she will bring great energy, innovation and strategic direction as WNDD continues to assist our region in creating vibrant, resilient and sustainable economies,” said Naomi Duerr, President of the Board.

Brandon has unique and varied experience in the areas of: economic development, engineering, project and program management, and leadership of non-profit organizations. In her previous position as instructor at the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, she developed youth programming and managed grant funding. Prior to the university, she was acting Executive Director of a local non-profit. Notably, she served as Board Member on the City of Arlington’s Industrial Development Board. Here she was responsible for encouraging and attracting industrial development, and collaborated with various organizations to entice new businesses through tax incentives, special permitting and government lease programs.

Brandon has a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla. After obtaining her degree, she worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers where she presided over the environmental cleanup of hazard waste sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Defense.

She hopes to draw on her extensive experience to support programming focused on improving much needed infrastructure, attracting new businesses and promoting economic resilience and vitality.

Brandon had this to say about her new role, “As the new Executive Director of WNDD, my goal is to bring my diverse background to help the Board of WNDD solve regional infrastructure and economic resiliency issues through creative approaches. I am very excited to serve the members of the Board and communities in Western Nevada and look forward to supporting positive change.”

Sheryl Gonzales, retiring WNDD Executive Director stated, “We are excited to welcome Christine Brandon as our incoming Executive Director and know she will do an outstanding job in her new position.”

USDA ReConnect Program

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2022 Application Workshops Announced

The USDA Rural Development Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is providing two, three-day virtual workshops for those interested in applying for ReConnect Program funding. The ReConnect Program offers loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations to facilitate broadband deployment in areas of rural America without sufficient access to broadband.

Both workshops will present the same content. Register for the dates convenient for you. Workshop content will be posted on the ReConnect website as well.

Workshop Webinar 1: Tuesday, January 18th – Thursday, January 20th.

Workshop Webinar 2: Tuesday, February 8th – Thursday, February 10th.

Workshops will explore the ReConnect program application system and program requirements for FY2022.

Topics will include:

• Program Eligibility
• Evaluation Criteria
• Live Demonstrations of the Application System
• Overview and deep dive sessions on financial, network, environmental, and mapping requirements
• Compliance and Post-award Reporting

Space is limited. Register Today!

ReConnect Program Information

Workshop 1: January 18 thru 20, 2022

Workshop 2: February 8 thru 10, 2022

EDA Announces 60 Finalists for $1 Billion

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“Build Back Better Regional Challenge”

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the 60 finalists for the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) $1 billion “Build Back Better Regional Challenge” the main component of the EDA’s American Rescue Plan programs.

The 60 finalists were selected from a pool of 529 applications and will receive a grant of approximately $500,000 each. Applications were received from 45 states and Puerto Rico. Additionally, the finalists will move on to Phase 2 of the challenge which will award a select group of 20 to 30 regional coalitions up to $100 million to implement 3 to 8 projects that support an industry sector.

The “Build Back Better Regional Challenge” seeks to boost economic pandemic recovery and rebuild American communities, including some that have been grappling with decades of disinvestment.

Build Back Better Regional Challenge

All Finalists

Without You, We Can’t Close the Digital Divide!

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Take the Nevada Speed Test!

Reliable, affordable broadband connectivity is vital to the development and well-being of all residents in the Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) region. However, not all communities are equally-well served with broadband connectivity.

The Nevada Speed Test is counting on fellow Nevadans to pinpoint those locations by logging on to NevadaSpeedTest.org, a mapping tool which measures internet speeds. By analyzing home and business connectivity, strategies can be identified and funding solutions pursued that improve regional broadband infrastructure.

The Nevada Speed Test may be performed on any device that has an internet or cellular connection and takes less than one minute to complete. No personal information will be collected. Repeated speed tests are encouraged during the one-year initiative to better capture variations in internet speeds and collect more statistically valid data.

If you haven’t taken the test, please log in today. If you have, please share with your friends, family and business colleagues. To help you help us, below is a copy/paste blurb ready for sharing on your social media platforms or e-mail outreach.

Nevada Speed Test

Copy and Paste Blurb Below to Help Spread the Word!

Please join me in being part of the Western Nevada Broadband Initiative, a coalition of local governments working to improve broadband connectivity. Your help is needed to pinpoint the region’s most unserved and underserved homes and businesses. By logging on to NevadaSpeedTest.org, a mapping tool which measures internet speeds, we can analyze home and business connectivity to identify strategies and funding solutions to improve our regional broadband infrastructure. It takes less than a minute and thanks for your help!

Have a Business Idea?

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Rural Pitch Day – Launch Rural Nevada
Don’t Miss It – November 5th, 2021

This annual event is designed for startups and small business owners in rural Nevada and provides opportunities for mentorship, access to capital, and connection with entrepreneurial support organizations throughout the Silver State. Learn from business experts how to launch business ideas followed by pitch presentations for awards up to $1,250. This year the event will be held in a hybrid format with local in-person viewing sites and online options.

NEW in 2021, thanks to a sponsorship from Nevada Gold Mines, Rural Pitch Day – Launch Rural Nevada is open to junior and senior high school students in rural Nevada!

Ready to pitch your business idea? Apply Today – Applications close October 22, 2021.

Rural Pitch Day Info.

Apply Now!

Get Your Tickets!

Tahoe Prosperity Center Presents Tahoe Rising

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A virtual discussion on the region’s Economic Challenges and Opportunities!

Tahoe Rising is a three-part virtual event to catalyze change and take action for the benefit of Lake Tahoe’s regional community and economy. Join the Tahoe Prosperity Center as it presents keynote speakers from around the country and the Lake who will discuss challenges facing Lake Tahoe in this current pandemic; sharing economic, community and environmental perspectives.

The fast-paced program includes panel sessions with those experts combined with local Tahoe leaders that will enhance these conversations. Collaborative and interactive group sessions will follow and provide an opportunity to share solutions that can be implemented locally to improve the region and build a resilient community.

The Tahoe Prosperity Center is an Associate Member of the Western Nevada Development District.

Event Schedule:

September 30th
10:00 am till 12:00 pm
Topic: Tahoe’s Economic Picture

October 14th
10:00 am till 12:00 pm
Topic: Tahoe’s Economic Recovery

October 28th
10:00 am till 12:00 pm
Topic: Tahoe’s Economic Resiliency

Learn More!

County Small Business Grant Program!

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Supporting Small Businesses Financially Impacted by COVID-19

A partnership between NACO and the counties of: Douglas, Elko, Lincoln, Lyon, Nye, Storey, Washoe and White Pine

Eight counties across Nevada have partnered with the Nevada Association of Counties (NACO) to develop a grant program to support small businesses financially impacted by COVID-19. This grant program is being supported by federal CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Funds. Eligible businesses must be located in Douglas, Elko, Lincoln, Lyon, Nye, Storey, unincorporated Washoe or White Pine counties.

Eligible Grant Uses include:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Protective Retrofits
• Working capital – including utilities, payroll not covered by PPP, inventory etc.

Grant awards range from $1,500 to $20,000.

Applications are open September 8 thru October 6, 2020.

The Nevada Small Business Development Center is partnering with NACO to provide help to businesses that may need it.

Request free and confidential assistance by calling 800-240-7094 to make an appointment with a counselor through one of their 13 statewide locations.

Apply Now!

Nevada Commuting Patterns

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Michael Dominguez and Thomas R. Harris have just released a technical report containing valuable data on Commuting Patterns in Nevada.

Michael Dominquez is a Research Associate at the University Center for Economic Development at the University of Nevada, Reno, and Thomas R. Harris is a Professor in the Department of Economics and Director of the University Center for Economic Development at the University of Nevada, Reno.

The report contains statistical data, by county, on where residents live vs work, number of households, median income, percentage of households with a computer, percentage of households with broadband internet, annual unemployment rates, and education levels.

Download the complete document here: Nevada Commuting Patterns