Scholars, philanthropic advisors and wealth planning experts have described the early 21st century as the “golden age of philanthropy.” Indeed, it seems as if each day brings a new headline touting the latest charitable activities of the rich and famous. As wealthy households increase their contributions, the growing number of worthy causes to support can be overwhelming. … [Read more...] about The Diversity of Giving: Exploring the path to philanthropy
The State’s Tax Structure: Current climate provides opportunity for review
There can be no question that the current economic downturn - now labeled a crisis - will present obstacles to Nevada Legislators when they convene on February 5, 2009. They are facing challenges not seen since the early 1980’s, which will require difficult decisions and delicate compromise, particularly when it comes to budget reductions. And yet, the necessity for a hard look … [Read more...] about The State’s Tax Structure: Current climate provides opportunity for review
Downtown Redevelopment
Progress Continues Downtown Las Vegas may be the center of the Las Vegas Valley, but it has not been the epicenter of economic growth, arts, culture, entertainment or modern urban living. Though, if Mayor Oscar Goodman and other visionaries continue to have their way, that is all about to change. Downtown Las Vegas is on track for a renaissance and people will never think of … [Read more...] about Downtown Redevelopment
December 2008: Business Up Front
Human Resource Professionals Expect Cutbacks A nationwide poll was released recently stating that 70 percent of HR professionals feel budget cuts across the entire organization are likely if current challenges to the U.S. economy continue. Some 55 percent of the respondents said hiring freezes are also likely. The poll was conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management … [Read more...] about December 2008: Business Up Front
Office Market Summary: Third Quarter 2008
Las Vegas By the close of the 3rd Quarter 2008, the Las Vegas office market reached new heights in terms of vacancy. With nearly 8.2 million square feet of available space and market inventory of 48 million square feet, vacancy levels reached 17.0 percent as of September 30, 2008. Availability represented a slight increase from the 16.8 percent reported in the preceding … [Read more...] about Office Market Summary: Third Quarter 2008
Greg Ferraro: The Ferraro Group
President Las Vegas, Reno & Carson City Number of Employees: 12 Years in Nevada: 4th generation Nevadan Years with Company: Founded the company in 2004 Describe your leadership style: Find bright people to surround yourself with and give them the freedom to perform. Biggest business challenge: Turning a negative perception into a lasting favorable … [Read more...] about Greg Ferraro: The Ferraro Group
Economic Forecast
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” A Tale of Two Cities In 1858, but he may have been gazing into a crystal ball and … [Read more...] about Economic Forecast
Industry Focus: Philanthropy
Recently, a dozen of Nevada’s executives gathered at the office of Holland & Hart, LLP to discuss corporate philanthropy with regards to Nevada’s historically low philanthropic activities, how nonprofits are weathering the economic depression and what needs to change in corporate philanthropy. Connie Brennan, publisher of Nevada Business, served as moderator for this … [Read more...] about Industry Focus: Philanthropy
What are your thoughts on the bailout package Congress approved?
Robert List, President, The Robert List Company It was a badly executed response to problems caused in part by the government itself. The bailout money has been spent arbitrarily and recklessly. The anticipated bonuses to the failed executives of the recipient banks are a disgrace, and a liberal Congress is now poised to pour in good money after bad. Government should step … [Read more...] about What are your thoughts on the bailout package Congress approved?
December 2008: Nevada Briefs
Mining’s Contribution to Nevada’s Economy at an All-Time High Nevada’s mining industry experienced a significant increase in taxes paid to the state’s economy and wages paid per mining employee in 2007 were just two of the facts published in the Nevada Mining Association’s annual report. Nevada mines contributed nearly $200M in taxes to the state’s economy, up from approx. … [Read more...] about December 2008: Nevada Briefs
State the Issues: Should Nevada’s public employees’ salaries and benefits be restructured to resemble the private sector and their counterparts across the country?
YES Kara Kelley is the president & CEO of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce It is time for us to bring public employee pay in line with the private sector and to reform public employee retirement benefits to create reasonable promises that are fair to public employees, to taxpayers and to future generations. Earlier this year, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce … [Read more...] about State the Issues: Should Nevada’s public employees’ salaries and benefits be restructured to resemble the private sector and their counterparts across the country?
Understanding the True Value of Property Management
Managing property is an exacting and complex enterprise. While many people assume it’s simply a matter of paying bills on time and collecting rent, in actuality the duties are far more involved and challenging. By hiring professionals, property owners can save time, energy and money. Plus, by leaving the management duties to the experts, property owners and investors can … [Read more...] about Understanding the True Value of Property Management
November 2008: Business Up Front
Unemployment Continues To Rise Latest available employment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show the nation’s nonfarm payroll employment declined by 159,000 in September and the unemployment rate held at 6.1 percent (9.5 million persons). Over the past 12 months, the number of unemployed persons has increased by 2.2 million and the unemployment rate has risen by 1.4 … [Read more...] about November 2008: Business Up Front
Transferring Wealth: Securing tax-efficient distribution of your wealth
Estate planning is a key component in a wealth management program and yet, too few individuals take the appropriate steps to create a wealth transfer plan. In most cases, people do not approach estate planning with eagerness or ease, but unexpected tragedies occur often and this is reason enough to address estate planning as a financial priority. Hesitancy with regards to … [Read more...] about Transferring Wealth: Securing tax-efficient distribution of your wealth
Eminent Domain, a True Infringement: The case for reform of Nevada’s redevelopment laws
The need for property rights reform in Nevada is clear. Property rights that are defensible under the rule of law are the very foundation of a market economy. However, property rights in Nevada have eroded due to a set of community redevelopment laws that confer dangerous amounts of power upon local politicians. In 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a controversial decision … [Read more...] about Eminent Domain, a True Infringement: The case for reform of Nevada’s redevelopment laws