WNDD Economic Recovery & Resiliency Council members welcomed by President -Fernley Mayor Roy Edgington and Vice President – City Council Woman Naomi Duerr

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Council to Identify Steps and Strategies for Immediate and Long-term Economic Recovery

The Western Nevada Development District’s (WNDD) Economic Recovery & Resiliency Council kicked off their important work on Dec. 9, 2020 with an orientation meeting featuring presentations from some of the state’s top economic analysts and advisors on what it will take to not only bounce back, but to bounce forward from the Covid-19 economic downturn.

The 14-member council will champion the steps and strategies for not just immediate economic recovery in Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) region, but also how the community can build economic resilience to weather the next pandemic, the next earthquake, the next flood, or the next great recession.

Roy Edgington, President of the WNDD Board of Directors and Mayor of the City of Fernley, welcomed the Council and stressed their unique position in this unique set of circumstances.

“Your skills, knowledge and devotion to our community will be instrumental in helping to shape a coordinated and actionable plan to rebuild and strengthen economic activity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Edgington said.

The Council heard from three economist; Dr. Thomas Harris and Buddy Borden of the University of Nevada Center for Economic Development and Eugenia Larmore, CEO of E-KAY Consultants. Their information tracked the trajectory of the economic impacts thus far and factors that will contribute to recovery, or the continuation of the pandemic-induced recession. They stressed the northern Nevada’s diverse economic landscape has helped the community weather this storm better than other parts of the state and country.

Bob Potts, Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development presented the State Plan for Economic Recovery and how the Council will align with those strategies and be part of future actions and policies to try and have the economy come out of the pandemic stronger than when the pandemic took hold.

Marlene Rebori, from UNR Cooperative Extension, shared the tools at the Council members’ disposal to stimulate dialogue and glean the information and perspectives from each of the business, industry, government groups or economic sectors…the Council Teams.

WNDD is uniquely positioned in this task as an experienced, regional planning leader and portal to grant assistance that can support these recovery and resilience projects, Edgington said, who was joined by WNDD Vice President, Naomi Duerr of the Reno City Council in welcoming the Council members.

The Council members will be building their teams and begin taking input from their groups on issues and challenges experienced in the sector, or issues that became unveiled within the sector, because of the pandemic. A full virtual gathering of the Council team is scheduled for Jan. 13, 2021.

Council Recovery Teams and Council Representatives

Economic Development
Andrew Haskin, Deputy Director, Northern Nevada Development Authority

Government
Bob Hastings, Western Nevada Development District & Lyon County Commission (2012-2020)

Business
Ann Silver, CEO, Reno/Sparks Chamber of Commerce

Health & Wellness
Kitty McKay, Director of Mission Integration, Carson-Tahoe Hospital

Utilities/Infrastructure/Transportation
Lucia Maloney, Transportation Manager, Carson City

Education & Workforce
Dana Ryan, Special Assistant to the President, Truckee Meadows Community College

Financial
Jeremy Gilpin, President-Commercial Lending, Greater Nevada Credit Union

Tourism/Hospitality/Arts & Culture
Carol Chaplin, CEO, Lake Tahoe Visitor’s Authority

State & Federal Lands/Natural Resources
Don Vetter, Western Nevada Development District

Housing
Ron Bath, Founder, Salmon Point Development

Information Technology
Vas Karmyshanov, Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Balanced Agency

Manufacturing
Mark Anderson, Director, Nevada Industry Excellence

Mining
Joe Riney, Director of Workforce Engagement, Nevada Mining Association

Building & Trades
Aaron West, CEO, Nevada Builders Alliance

WNDD Economic Recovery Report – Nov 2020

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Building the Bridge to Resiliency and Recovery

 

Greetings Fellow Nevadans,

On behalf of the Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) Board of Directors, I am proud to announce the first edition of the WNDD’s Economic Recovery Report. This monthly newsletter is part of WNDD’s effort to identify and develop strategies to support economic recovery and build a more resilient economy in the WNDD region.

The monthly Economic Recovery Report will announce the activities and progress of the newly established WNDD Economic Recovery and Resiliency Council, a multi-disciplinary team of subject matter experts who will develop a coordinated effort and plan to resume economic activity to the fullest and safest extent possible. The process includes discussions surrounding policy considerations in the overall plan-making and all activities will interface with the Nevada State Plan: Road to Recovery.

The report will also share information and data that can help WNDD members and other regional businesses and organizations plan and implement their recovery and resiliency efforts.

In the report, you’ll find information about …

– Available grants and grants in the works
– Data and information regarding economic recovery
– Relevant news articles
– Member success stories
– And more!

Read the Complete Report

We look forward to sharing new information with you each month.

Regards,

Roy Edgington
WNDD President Mayor, City of Fernley

P.S. We want to highlight your success stories or opportunities with other WNDD members. To get in touch with us about what you’re doing to rebuild a vibrant, resilient, sustainable economy, email
Economic Recovery Coordinator- Don Vetter at: DVetter@wndd.org.

Rural Relief Small Business Grants

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There’s still time to participate the in the next round of the Rural Relief Small Business Grants program presented by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation and supported by Lowe’s.

Before you apply, please note:

Only small businesses located in rural communities are eligible at this time. Rural communities are defined as having a population of 50,000 or less. A community is defined as the city/town/village where your business address is located. If the business is mobile (a food truck, fishing boat, ride share driver, etc.), please use the address where your vehicle is stored during non-business hours.

All potential applicants are encouraged to review the FAQ and Grant Information before applying. This program is separate from previous small business grant applications from LISC.

You must submit a new application each round to be considered for a Rural Relief Small Business Grant.

Deadline for this round is: Monday, November 2, 2020.

Bob Hastings, Don Vetter Join WNDD as Economic Recovery Coordinators

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Bob Hastings and Don Vetter recently joined the Western Nevada Development District as Economic Recovery Coordinators.

According to an Oct. 5 press release, the positions were created as part of the federal CARES Act Recovery Program.

In their roles, Vetter and Hastings will help carry out community capacity building projects and programs while serving as a liaison and coordinator for the businesses, government, tribal, educational and nonprofit communities served by the Carson City-based development district.
Hastings, a Certified Quality Systems Auditor, has over 25 years in advanced manufacturing management experience. Most recently, he worked at Career Bound NV as a Work Based Learning Administrator, assisting in the development of a work-based learning program in conjunction with multiple school districts, businesses and other community stakeholders. He has also served eight years as an elected Lyon County commissioner.

Vetter has worked with numerous urban and rural communities in Nevada through his public relations, marketing and advertising firm, Vetter PR, Inc. Following his graduation from San Jose State University with a journalism degree, Don worked as a print and broadcast journalist for news media outlets in California, Nevada and Utah. He served as Washoe County Public Information Officer from 1990-93.

Employment Opportunity: Government Contracts Advisor for Carson City

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Nevada PTAC seeks a Government Contracts Advisor for Carson City

The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) seeks an experienced Government Contracts Advisor to educate Nevada businesses about lucrative contract opportunities with federal, state and local government entities, and their prime contractors. The customer service-oriented team member shall help businesses, especially small businesses, looking to compete on public sector procurement opportunities and that are seeking to diversify sources of revenue, create jobs, retain jobs, and help the Nevada economy by winning, being awarded, and executing under government-related contracts and/or subcontracts. The professional position assists businesses, especially small businesses, to help drive the economy forward and to also diversify Nevada’s economy.

Learn More

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

Job Openings: Economic Recovery Coordinator

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Economic Recovery Coordinator
Two Positions Available!

BACKGROUND:

Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) is recruiting for two Economic Recovery Coordinator positions. Funds for this position are from a two-year (24 MONTH) Economic Development Administration grant under the CARES Act. These funds are intended to provide assistance to communities to respond to the economic shock sustained as a result of the Coronavirus-19 pandemic. Coordinators will be deployed in communities within the seven county, five cities and tribal community located within the region.

DESCRIPTION: The Economic Recovery Coordinator will support, carry out and serve as a project/program coordinator for economic development planning and implementation activities related to the development of plans, projects and programs for the WNDD region. Serving as a liaison and coordinator for the businesses, government, tribal, educational and nonprofit communities, support and assistance will be provided as local economies recover from the economic shock sustained as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This will include facilitation of the region’s efforts to identify and develop strategies to create and build a more resilient economy; working for the purpose of revitalizing, expanding, and upgrading distressed communities’ environment to attract industry, encourage business retention, expansion and recruitment and generate long-term sustainable private sector jobs and investments, strengthened recovery and resiliency.

DOWNLOAD FULL JOB DESCRIPTION!

PAY and BENEFITS:

Pay: $55,000 to $60,000

Benefits: Dental, vision insurance
Health insurance reimbursement $450 per month
Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off
Holidays

WORK HOURS: Monday to Friday – 8 am to 5 pm

COVID-19 Considerations: Employer strictly observes social distancing requirements and the wearing of a mask in a secure environment. Employee will have a private workspace.

How to Apply: Send cover letter, résumé and three references to Sheryl Gonzales at sgonzales@wndd.org.

Deadline to apply: Friday, July 31, 2020 at 12 noon.

WNDD Receives $400,000 Cares Act Recovery Grant From Economic Development Administration

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Building Post-Pandemic Workforce and Community Resiliency

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the Department of Commerce has awarded $400,000 to the Western Nevada Development District (WNDD) to help respond to the coronavirus pandemic and drive economic development planning going forward.

As part of EDA’s CARES Act Recovery Assistance, this supplemental financial assistance award will help WNDD’s 12 local government, non-profit and educational community members respond to the unusual and compelling urgency of the coronavirus pandemic.

WNDD President Roy Edgington, Mayor of the City of Fernley, announced the receipt of the $400,000 EDA grant, stating: “The Western Nevada Development District is pleased to have received these funds to support our communities in the engagement of strategies that will diversify our regional economy, support workforce training aligned to careers post pandemic and to build economic resiliency for the future.”

The award’s scope of work requires the recipient to undertake one or more of the following pre-approved activities:

1. the development of an economic recovery and resilience plan, tied to the applicant’s approved Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, to address the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic,

2. the deployment of disaster recovery coordinators to orchestrate the region’s response to the pandemic,

3. the provision of technical assistance, as necessary, to local governments, businesses, and other stakeholder organizations, and

4. the funding of appropriate technology and staff support for these pandemic-response activities.

The CARES Act, signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on March 27, 2020, provides EDA with $1.5 billion for economic development assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.

“Nevada has been one of the hardest-hit states in the nation in terms of the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on our citizens and small business owners,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I’m glad to see these CARES Act funds get to Nevada’s only Economic Development District through the EDA to help pursue strategic investments to bolster our economy and foster good paying jobs in Northern Nevada.”

For more information, contact Sheryl Gonzales at 775.473.6753 or SGonzales@WNDD.org