Dr. Smatresk; I recently heard your presentation at a NAIOP breakfast meeting. And, while I do serve on the board of that organization, this letter is not written on their behalf as it reflects my personal observations, albeit the sentiments are likely reflective of Nevada’s business community. By way of background, I’ve lived in Southern Nevada since 1977 and am a … [Read more...] about An Open Letter to Dr. Neal Smatresk, President of UNLV
Features
A New Hope?: The 2011 Legislative Session
It is, of course, incumbent upon any newly elected Governor, in his first major address, to exude optimism. So it was striking to many observers that Brian Sandoval, optimistic by nature, began the substance of his first State of the State Address with a bracingly frank assessment of where Nevada stands in early 2011. “Nevadans are confronted on all sides with bad news,” … [Read more...] about A New Hope?: The 2011 Legislative Session
Power Poll 2011
It could be the newly elected, fresh faces of our elected officials, the increase in hotel prices or any number of other indicators, but executives participating in this, the ninth annual Power Poll, indicate an optimism that has been missing from the last couple of years. The Power Poll survey was sent to business owners and executives at the end of 2010. Respondents … [Read more...] about Power Poll 2011
Industry Focus: Alternative Energy
Nevada’s Alternative Energy sector remains at the forefront as a possible way for the Silver State to diversify. One of the biggest concerns is whether or not that diversification will be sustainable after the solar and wind farms are actually built. Recently, executives representing alternative energy companies in Nevada met at the law offices of Holland & Hart in Reno … [Read more...] about Industry Focus: Alternative Energy
All Roads Lead From Nevada: Industrial real estate in Nevada
Like every commercial real estate sector, industrial real estate – the part of the industry concerned with accommodating construction, manufacturing, wholesale trade and transportation warehousing/ distribution centers – was hit hard by the economic downturn. Unlike Nevada’s other commercial real estate sectors – retail and office – industrial real estate is expected to have a … [Read more...] about All Roads Lead From Nevada: Industrial real estate in Nevada
A Silver Lining Among the Storm Clouds: Recession drives better state budgeting practices
They say there’s a silver lining to every cloud. And Nevada currently faces a big cloud. Nevada is suffering through its deepest economic recession in generations. Its unemployment rate lingers above 14 percent — highest in the nation. If discouraged and underemployed workers is included, as was the practice during the Great Depression, Nevada’s effective unemployment rate … [Read more...] about A Silver Lining Among the Storm Clouds: Recession drives better state budgeting practices
Caution: Gerrymandering Ahead
The official results of the 2010 Census brought good news for Nevada. Because of our rapid population growth between 2000 and 2010, we have been allotted a fourth congressional seat, giving us more clout in Congress as well as another vote in the Electoral College. But before all that happens, the Nevada Legislature has to redraw the lines of the three existing districts to … [Read more...] about Caution: Gerrymandering Ahead
Industry Focus: Accountants
Nevada’s accounting industry is facing a myriad of changes in the near future. From new regulations and licensing policies to changes in the way business is being done, the rules have changed for CPA’s. Recently, executives representing this industry met at Holland & Hart’s Las Vegas office to discuss these and other industry challenges. Connie Brennan, publisher of … [Read more...] about Industry Focus: Accountants
Growing Up: Nevada’s Economic Development
As they welcome the arrival of 2011, economic developers in Nevada look to the New Year with both eagerness and apprehension. Will this be the year of the perfect storm that can propel the state toward sustainable economic diversification? Or will 2011 be another year overshadowed by continued economic hard times and frustrations? Absent a crystal ball to forecast the … [Read more...] about Growing Up: Nevada’s Economic Development
Industry Focus: Healthcare
Always a hot topic, healthcare is expected to continue being a controversial issue. Between healthcare reform legislation and the poor economy, many in the healthcare industry find themselves caught in the middle, wondering what the future holds. Recently, executives representing this changing industry met at Holland & Hart’s Las Vegas office to discuss the trends and … [Read more...] about Industry Focus: Healthcare
It’s Time to Stop: Wasteful Government Spending
Tax consumers on the government payroll have been trying their best to convince Nevadans that raising taxes is the only solution to balancing the state budget, because there’s no possible way spending can be reduced any further. Are you willing to take their word for it, or would you like a second opinion? Luckily, we do have another source of information about how our tax … [Read more...] about It’s Time to Stop: Wasteful Government Spending
Industry Focus: Non-Profit
Unfortunately, when times are tough, one of the first budget cuts is charitable giving. Non-profits throughout the state are feeling these cuts like no other industry. There is a bright spot, however. Many non-profits have noticed that while companies cannot contribute financially, they are finding other ways to give back and volunteerism continues to rise. Recently, … [Read more...] about Industry Focus: Non-Profit
Political Integrity… A thing of the past?
For better or worse, by the time you read this, the 2010 mid-term elections will be over. It’s everyone’s hope that those who will soon take office will display more integrity as our elected officials than they did during their political campaigns. I recall a time in Nevada when politicians spent more time touting their accomplishments and platforms than they did smearing … [Read more...] about Political Integrity… A thing of the past?
Industry Focus: Universities
An interesting trend in any recession is the resurgence of students at the university level. Higher education sees an uptick when times are tough from people looking to further their education to be more attractive hires. This is no less true in today’s economy and universities throughout the state are dealing with the benefits and pitfalls of such an increase. Recently, … [Read more...] about Industry Focus: Universities
Reid or Angle in November? The Choice is Clear
Despite all his posturing about the good he’s done for Nevada as Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid has presided over the systematic destruction of the U.S. economy, and intends to keep right on with his harmful policies if he is re-elected. It’s up to Nevada voters to make sure this doesn’t happen, by voting for Sharron Angle on November 2. Sharron Angle has always stood … [Read more...] about Reid or Angle in November? The Choice is Clear