It’s been a while now since the start of the nation’s recession that so harshly impacted Nevada. At its peak, in October 2010, the state’s unemployment rate hit 13.8 percent, and activity in numerous sectors dropped drastically. About two years ago, Governor Sandoval called for the creation of 50,000 Nevada jobs by the end of 2014. Numerous organizations—for economic … [Read more...] about Nevada’s Employment Landscape: Drawing on New Opportunities
Corporate Branding: A How To Guide
What differentiates similar companies, making one stand out from the pack? Why do potential clients choose one over the other for their services? The answer is in the brands. Branding, while second nature to some, remains a mystery to numerous other businesses. In fact, a common belief is that a company’s brand is its logo; this isn’t the case. So what exactly is a brand? What … [Read more...] about Corporate Branding: A How To Guide
An Industry Revived: Commercial Real Estate in Nevada
Nevada’s commercial real estate market has hit bottom and is recovering, albeit gradually and with some sectors stronger than others, experts said. Due to a confidence that the market is on the upswing, investors and tenants are willing to buy and lease. In fact, brokers completed some sizable deals in 2013, including the sale to Genting Berhad, a Southeast Asia casino … [Read more...] about An Industry Revived: Commercial Real Estate in Nevada
The Role and Responsibilities of State Officers
In Nevada, six constitutional officers comprise the state government’s executive branch. They are the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer and state controller. All are elected to four-year terms and may serve a maximum of two terms. Next year, Nevadans will vote for all positions but governor. The primary obligation of these … [Read more...] about The Role and Responsibilities of State Officers
Franchising: A Rapid-Growth Business Model
Since 1985, Reno-headquartered franchisor, Port of Subs Inc., has sold licenses to entrepreneurs to independently own and operate its made-fresh-to-order sandwich shops, in accordance with the brand and the parent companies’ wishes. Today, the corporation has 108 franchisees in addition to 35 of its own locations, spread throughout the western U.S., and it continues to expand. … [Read more...] about Franchising: A Rapid-Growth Business Model
Mind Lock: Protecting Intellectual Property
The biggest mistake companies make when it comes to their intellectual property is failing to fully identify and protect it, experts said. The consequences can be disastrous and expensive. “Intellectual property is becoming more and more important as our economy changes into an idea-based economy from a manufacturing-based one,” said Charles Lombino, an intellectual property … [Read more...] about Mind Lock: Protecting Intellectual Property
Creating New Opportunities: Executive Education in Nevada
In today’s competitive job market and with evolving technologies, it’s not unusual for corporate executives to pursue additional education, whether to increase their knowledge in specific areas, update or acquire skills, discover new trends or even learn new management styles. Nevada offers various academic opportunities, from courses to degrees, some of them new, designed … [Read more...] about Creating New Opportunities: Executive Education in Nevada
Credit Unions in Nevada: They’re Coming Back
During the recession, Nevada’s Boulder Dam Credit Union (BDCU) moved from the black into the red, primarily due to loan losses, said President and CEO Eric Estes. It weathered the financial decline by shrinking assets and shares. After three and a half years in the doldrums, the credit union’s health began to turn around. BDCU now has been profitable for about 18 months, … [Read more...] about Credit Unions in Nevada: They’re Coming Back
Property Management: Operating Lean and Mean
The core responsibilities of a property manager, whether commercial or residential, are to collect rents or homeowners’ association dues, pay bills, manage properties for the owners or homeowners associations and oversee vendors’ provision of services. “It’s not about just collecting rents. It’s about managing the entire process of a building from cost expense to revenue to … [Read more...] about Property Management: Operating Lean and Mean
Business Financing: An Economic Bright Spot
The business financing picture in Nevada today is brighter than it was during the two years following the country’s great recession. Capital is available. Businesses are seeking financing, and lenders are closing loans. “Things are definitely looking up,” said Bob Francl, executive vice president and regional manager of First Independent Bank, which serves clients primarily … [Read more...] about Business Financing: An Economic Bright Spot
Housing Market: Honing in on Homes
With increasing sales and home values, Nevada’s housing market shows signs of recovery and strength not seen in recent years. “We’re on a good path right now,” said Patti Kelley, president of the Nevada Association of Realtors (NAR), a group that provides services to its members and advocates for private property rights. “We’re pulling out of the worst of it and finally … [Read more...] about Housing Market: Honing in on Homes
Architects & Engineers: Creating Opportunities
Nevada’s architects and engineers particularly were hard hit when the state’s residential and commercial real estate activities abruptly stopped and the recession began. Numerous firms downsized their staffs and operations. Economic conditions forced many of these professionals to leave Nevada for available jobs in other states or remain in the Silver State and pursue a … [Read more...] about Architects & Engineers: Creating Opportunities
Economic Development: Critical to Nevada
When it comes to Nevada’s future, economic development is critical. Over the last 12 months, The Silver State has made strides on this front. Among other accomplishments, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) hired a leader in November 2011. This spring Gov. Brian Sandoval released “Moving Nevada Forward: A Plan for Excellence in Economic Development … [Read more...] about Economic Development: Critical to Nevada
2013 Economic Forecast: Watch for the Wild Card
As the end of 2012 nears, Nevada’s economy continues its gradual recovery, but the unemployment rate remains in the double digits and job creation is slow. What’s in store for the Silver State’s economy in 2013? Experts weighed in on their predictions for the coming year, which primarily are based on the performance of certain indicators this year. However, they said none of … [Read more...] about 2013 Economic Forecast: Watch for the Wild Card
Young Executives: Nevada’s Future
After finishing graduate school, Nevada resident, Adam Kramer, launched his own business, I Am America, which provided online video content for companies. Four years later, his wife landed an opportunity in Las Vegas, and the couple relocated to the city from Los Angeles. Kramer sold his business and found a job with the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce as the director of its … [Read more...] about Young Executives: Nevada’s Future