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Over the last year Nevadans have been inundated with talks of budget cuts and tax increases. Critics have said the state has “cut to the bone” and that taxes must be raised in order to “maintain services.” The most vocal of the advocates for increased taxes have been the champions of the public schools — “it’s for the children,” they’ve told us. But how much does Nevada … [Read more...] about Nevada Education’s Funding Fantasies: We’re already spending more than you think

While network data security typically refers to packets of data information, the proliferation of Voice over IP (VoIP) technology in the workplace encourages a closer examination of packets of phone conversations traversing the business infrastructure. Conversations between higher-level employees and outside entities must be secured from lower-level employees and outside … [Read more...] about Network Data Security: Securing your VoIP communications

In the Silver State, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) received a total of $201 million dollars in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) money, and like all states getting stimulus funds; the department was faced with the ‘strings attached’ challenges before appropriating the funds to specific projects. The parameters attached to the money are mostly … [Read more...] about Transportation: Road Work Ahead

In these troubled times on Wall Street, several major investment firms have changed hands. While there are many reasons for a firm’s sale, in our current troubled economy, two reasons stand out: 1) financial failure of the investment firm itself; 2) sale of a viable asset by the parent company to raise capital. Merrill Lynch was purchased by Bank of America at what appeared, at … [Read more...] about My investment firm was sold…

Nevada doctors are currently facing multiple threats in the ongoing fight to keep their malpractice rates low, and many don’t even know it. Despite the relative calm in the insurance market since the state legislature passed malpractice insurance caps in 2003, the increasingly low rates should be a warning sign – not a blessing. Doctors shopping for insurance may chase the … [Read more...] about Is Nevada building another medical malpractice crisis?

In its 1,953 acres, Inspirada, a new master-planned community developed in Henderson by Focus Property Group, is designed to incorporate residential, commercial and recreational areas, creating a live, work and play environment. It will be a high-density development (11,500 homes) that emphasizes walkability and connectivity, incorporates environmentally-friendly elements and … [Read more...] about Master-Planned Communities: Environmentally-Friendly Neighborhoods

The beauty of marble and granite, at a fraction of the cost; concrete polishing offers an affordable, eco-friendly alternative to expensive, high-maintenance flooring. “This is not a topical coating,” explains Nevada Concrete Coatings, Inc. owner Rayson Shizuru. “Unlike epoxy and overlays, concrete polishing is not only very low maintenance, it also does not require … [Read more...] about Nevada Concrete Coatings, Inc

Dear members and readers; NAIOP Southern Nevada, one of the largest chapters in the nation, represents the interests of commercial real estate professionals throughout the valley.  Among the most active professional organizations in Nevada, the local chapter of NAIOP is committed to the success and growth of its members and their firms.    With more than a dozen active … [Read more...] about NAIOP in Action:

Celebrating 25 years as one of Nevada’s premier general contracting firms, Burke & Associates has carved a niche through consistency, stability, and award-winning construction. During this period of economic uncertainty, Burke continues to provide leadership and stability in the marketplace.  Burke’s financial stability is reflected in their substantial bond and … [Read more...] about Burke & Associates: Celebrating 25 Years of Award Winning Construction

Environmentally friendly ways to heat and cool buildings are becoming more popular as Americans seek to reduce their carbon footprint and, lessen the country’s dependence on foreign oil. Alternative energy solutions like solar power are usually more costly than conventional technologies. However, in many cases, adding solar or another alternative energy source to existing … [Read more...] about Going Green While Saving Green: How to reduce your energy costs

Public education in Nevada is again being threatened with slashes in funding – but there are two sides to every story. The recent budget spotlight is prompted by Governor Jim Gibbons’ proposed state budget, which has cut funding for public education. This follows two previous funding cuts that led to eliminated programs and staff layoffs. Now, additional services, classes … [Read more...] about At The Crossroads: Education faces tough road ahead

Whether it is the snow of Lake Tahoe or the slots of Las Vegas, people have been coming to Nevada in record numbers for decades – up until 2009 that is. The economic recession has hit the Silver State with a vengeance. Hotel occupancy rates in Northern and Southern Nevada are seeing double-digit declines. The crown jewel, the convention industry, has also taken a big hit. … [Read more...] about Tourism: Resort Industry Suffers Downturn

The “mortgage crisis” is now familiar to all Nevadans. As the mortgage crisis continues to unfold, record-breaking home foreclosures will be experienced and many homeowners will be forced to make tough choices. Nevada is number one in the nation for foreclosures, with one filing for every 70 households. Foreclosure scams are a statewide problem. Many people who never thought … [Read more...] about Protection From Mortgage Fraud And Scams

Survival Tactics Today’s construction climate in Nevada is a reverse from what has been seen in the past.  Projects are fewer and farther between and every sector of commercial development has been affected in some way.  Even so, some of the state’s top architectural firms are thriving despite it all. Public works projects have become much more prevalent and a backlog of work … [Read more...] about Architects: Designing Around Economic Turmoil

It is no secret that obtaining credit is especially challenging for businesses in this market of fewer lending sources and stricter requirements. In addition, finding new ways to maximize the efficiency of cash flow is more important than ever. If a business owner is considering a new loan, a key factor is taking the time for thorough preparation and documentation. Include … [Read more...] about Finding Financial Solutions in a Challenging Environment