Green building emerged as somewhat of a proactive or “feel good” movement. While some may dismiss “green” as a passing trend, regulators from local to federal levels are creating laws and regulations that will ensure green building is around to stay for at least the near future. Perhaps most significantly, recent EPA action will regulate nearly every commercial building by … [Read more...] about Green Building: Growing from Voluntary to Mandatory
Departments
Large Tax Increase Traded for Small Reforms: Tax Issues Define Legislative Session
For the first 108 days of the 2011 Nevada Legislative Session, Gov. Brian Sandoval defined the policy debate by being a strong advocate for Nevada’s taxpayers and business owners. On May 26 however, the Nevada Supreme Court correctly ruled that state government couldn’t take $62 million from the Clean Water Coalition and transfer that money to the state’s general fund. The … [Read more...] about Large Tax Increase Traded for Small Reforms: Tax Issues Define Legislative Session
Retail Summary: First Quarter 2011
Las Vegas Retail vacancies pushed upward after three consecutive quarters of decline. The vacancy rate jumped to 10.4 percent during the quarter, an increase of 0.2 percentage points compared to the previous quarter (Q4 2010), but 0.3 percentage points less than the same period in the prior year (Q1 2010). Average asking rents continued their downward trend, slipping to $1.53 … [Read more...] about Retail Summary: First Quarter 2011
July 2011: Business Indicators
The pace of U.S. economic growth slowed noticeably in first quarter 2011, with real GDP growth dropping to 1.8 percent at an annualized rate—considerably weaker than the 3.1 percent figure posted for fourth quarter 2010. Providing evidence of continued economic weakness, U.S. non-farm employment rose by a meager 54,000 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in May. As a result of poor … [Read more...] about July 2011: Business Indicators
What qualities do you most admire in your coworkers?
“That we can all work as a team, respect each other, and have a wonderful experience at the same time.” Stella Vittorio • President/Chief Atelier, Stella Vittorio Collection – Custom Design Handbags & Accessories “There are many qualities I admire in my co-workers, but the one that stands out is their support for each other on the job and helping clients achieve their … [Read more...] about What qualities do you most admire in your coworkers?
Around the State: June 2011
Nevada Solar Project Receives Conditional Commitment for Loan The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has offered SolarReserve, a developer of large-scale solar power projects, a conditional commitment for a $737 million loan. The loan would fund the 110 megawatt Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project in Tonopah. Construction is slated to begin this summer. Upon completion, the … [Read more...] about Around the State: June 2011
Sherif W. Abdou, M.D.: Healthcare Partners Medical Group – Nevada
President, Chief Executive Officer Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, Pahrump How did you get into your profession? I always wanted to be a doctor, as a youngster I watched television shows about doctors. I pursued my dream, went to medical school, completed my residency here at University Medical Center School of Medicine in Las Vegas, earned a … [Read more...] about Sherif W. Abdou, M.D.: Healthcare Partners Medical Group – Nevada
Affiliated Small Businesses: Tools for Success
For those thinking about opening a small business in this economic climate, it may seem like a daunting road ahead. First, do the homework. It is important to research the product or service provided to the consumer. Small businesses that thrive provide consistency in their product or service, which makes it easier to replicate – why reinvent the wheel when it isn’t … [Read more...] about Affiliated Small Businesses: Tools for Success
Taxes, Taxes & Taxes… Oh My!: Lawmakers trying to poach more from private industry
“Revenue solutions” are the talk of Carson City as the Nevada Legislature heads into its final week. Unsatisfied with Gov. Brian Sandoval’s newest proposals to hold state spending in the next budget cycle at a similar level to the current budget cycle, majority Democrats are pressing for more taxes on Silver State businesses, workers and consumers. These tax increases would … [Read more...] about Taxes, Taxes & Taxes… Oh My!: Lawmakers trying to poach more from private industry
Nevada’s Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act: Understanding Out-of-State Subpoenas
From time to time, attorneys get calls from clients who have just received scary-looking subpoenas “commanding” them, in ALL CAPS, to produce documents in legal proceedings pending in other states. These subpoenas often seem, at first blush, to have nothing to do with the client. Sometimes the subpoena seeks employment records of current or former employees; at other times it … [Read more...] about Nevada’s Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act: Understanding Out-of-State Subpoenas
Office Summary: First Quarter 2011
Las Vegas The Las Vegas Valley office market witnessed a modest decline in vacancy with continued downward price adjustments. While no new space completed construction during the quarter, the market reported 97,300 square feet of positive net absorption, sliding the vacancy rate 0.2 percentage points to 24.0 percent. Looking ahead, eight projects totaling nearly 1.2 … [Read more...] about Office Summary: First Quarter 2011
June 2011: Business Indicators
The U.S. economy slowed noticeably in the first quarter, with real GDP growth dropping to 1.7 percent at an annualized rate—considerably weaker than the 3.1 percent figure posted for fourth quarter 2010. Despite evidence of weakening economic activity, U.S. non-farm employment rose by a robust 244,000 jobs (seasonally adjusted) in April, marking the seventh straight month of … [Read more...] about June 2011: Business Indicators
What type of business consultant do you most value?
“I value my coach the most. I always have a coach and sometimes more than one. Coaching makes me think. As a business owner I need to stretch and learn constantly. My coach helps me stay focused on my business and continuous improvement so I can do a great job for my customers.” Alice R. Heiman • President & Chief Sales Officer, Alice Heiman, LLC “Business marketing … [Read more...] about What type of business consultant do you most value?
Ramesh Srinivasan: Bally Technologies
President and Chief Operating Officer Statewide Number of Employees: 1,270 Years in Nevada: 6 Years with Company: 6 How did you get into your profession? I took up a career in software and technology in December 1987, after more than three years as a general management consultant, because I thought my skills and aptitude suited software programming better. I joined … [Read more...] about Ramesh Srinivasan: Bally Technologies
Understanding the Law: Regarding Non-Compete Agreements
Q: "I just discovered that I hired an employee who is bound by a non-compete agreement with his former employer. What do I do now?" Under Nevada law, a post-employment restrictive covenant -- sometimes referred to as a “non-compete agreement” -- is enforceable against a former employee if it is reasonable and not countered by a prevailing public policy. But in certain … [Read more...] about Understanding the Law: Regarding Non-Compete Agreements