Quote: Every day in America, pundits, press people and reformers decry the cost of political campaigns. "Why does it cost so much to get elected in this country?" they lament. A good friend of mine strode into my office the other day and plopped down on my couch. "I want to run for office," he announced. I decided not to question his sanity, as I usually do when friends … [Read more...] about Campaign Expenses: The High Cost of Getting Elected

When Joe Crowley assumed the presidency of the University of Nevada, Reno in 1978, prospects for the state’s land-grant institution were not promising. Faculty morale was low. Campus growth was stagnant. Enrollment had leveled off. Then-president Max Milam, an outsider from Arkansas, had been summarily dismissed by the Board of Regents after less than four years on the job. In … [Read more...] about Joe Crowley: 22 years of history at the University of Nevada, Reno

Does being able to manage all of your banking needs in one place appeal to you? How about making your mortgage payment while you're on vacation? These and similar capabilities are available to online banking and online bill paying customers. The following information, courtesy of the Nevada Society of CPAs, provides an overview of online banking and bill paying, including some … [Read more...] about Is E-Banking for You? Pros and Cons of Online Banking

"Franchising is the most successful device for small-business ownership ever invented. One person invests his or her own capital and builds a retail concept using the trademark and proven business systems of the franchisor, all while tapping the power of group purchasing and advertising….Franchising is minting new millionaires both in the United States and abroad at an … [Read more...] about Looking Before You Leap: Seek Legal Advice Before Purchasing a Franchise

According to the federal Department of Education, more than 50 percent of U.S. employers say they cannot find qualified applicants for entry-level positions. It is estimated that American business spends nearly $30 billion each year training and retraining its workforce. The problem seems to be a mismatch between what most students learn in high school and what they are … [Read more...] about From School to Careers: Preparing Nevada Students for the Workforce

The business: The Ochoa Corp., which includes 8A Advertising, The Soccer Field, and Soccer World, in Las Vegas. Its 8A division manufactures signs; the other two operations are retail outlets specializing in soccer products. The players: Jose Ochoa heads the corporation. He started the business in 1978 after moving from Talpa, Mexico, to Las Vegas four years earlier. The … [Read more...] about The Universal Language of Success: Immigrant’s Hard Work Pays Off

While your household probably makes charitable contributions each year, you may not know that with a little planning you can arrange to receive direct financial benefits from your donations. The concept of "giving away your asset and keeping the income" can help you and your favorite charity. It could be compared to giving away your apple tree and still getting all the apples … [Read more...] about Leaving A Legacy: Charitable Giving Can Be a Win-Win Situation

When I took office 18 months ago, with the support of Governor Kenny Guinn, the Nevada Commission on Economic Development (NCED) embarked upon an extremely aggressive, energetic, and, I believe, creative pursuit of economic diversification. As chair of the Commission, I am privileged to lead our state’s efforts to maintain its competitive edge in economic diversification. I … [Read more...] about The Future of Economic Diversification in Nevada

"There is a real demand for physicians in Nevada. The state’s explosive growth in recent years has left us undersupplied. A recent study commissioned by the University of Nevada found that the ratio of physicians to population is substantially lower than the national average. The same is true for nurses and dentists." -Dr. Robert Miller, Dean of the University of Nevada … [Read more...] about The Business of Medical Education in Nevada: Medical School Dean Outlines Challenges

Yellow-Checker-Star Transportation, Nevada’s largest cab company, is composed of three corporations with a long history of service in the Las Vegas area. Yellow Cab acquired Checker in 1984 and Star in 1986. Although the three companies still function separately, they all operate under the Yellow-Checker-Star umbrella. The owners, Milton Swartz, Dave Willden, Pete Eliades, … [Read more...] about Taking It to the Streets: Yellow-Checker-Star Cabs Keep Las Vegas On the Move

From educational facilities for the University of Nevada, Reno, and artist lofts in Reno’s downtown to casino remodels and corporate headquarters, the first half of this year seems to have been a good one for many of the state’s commercial development companies. With a national list of upcoming projects that totals more than $400 billion, Perini Building Company has come … [Read more...] about Commercial Construction Update: Large Projects Changing the Face of Nevada

Marketing new homes is an ever-changing exercise. As the buying public constantly reveals its likes and dislikes, builders have to be ready to make advertising decisions quickly in order to grab hold of what families are seeking in the current market. Some things on buyers’ wish lists seem to remain the same over time- a quiet neighborhood, privacy, amenities, a nice view. But … [Read more...] about New-Home Marketing Still Traditional: But The Internet Is A Growing Presence