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At any given time, around 6,000 Nevada children are in what the state calls “substitute placement.” This can mean foster care or some kind of shelter; for a lucky few, it is a temporary status while they wait for their adoption to be finalized. Most of these children were taken from their parents because they were neglected, whether due to the parents’ substance abuse, poverty, … [Read more...] about Adoption for Foster Children: Let’s Make it a Priority

If you’ve ever wondered why public K-12 education in the Silver State is so resistant to genuine reform, the answer is quite simple. It was designed to be that way. Historians of public education regularly acknowledge this — most frequently when reporting on the origins of the school-district-school-board model that most states, including Nevada, still use today. That model, … [Read more...] about The Century-Old Scheme to Disempower Parents: Modern School Boards Designed by Elitists

A receivership is a remedy authorized by a court’s equity powers. The court holds a hearing upon motion by one or more of the interested parties pursuant to defined statutory provisions. Usually the court requires that the parties attempt to settle their dispute by other traditional means before it will consider issuing an order of appointment of a receiver. The role of a … [Read more...] about Court Appointed Receivership: An Alternative to Bankruptcy

Two years ago, Las Vegas-based general contractor, Plise Development & Construction, erected an office building at a cost of $87.50 per square foot for the core and shell. Subsequently, it completed a similar structure at $99 per square foot. In March, it was constructing the exact building at $125 a square foot. This reflects a 42.8 percent hike over a 24-month … [Read more...] about Escalating Development Costs: Slowing Economy Impacts Fees

As financial institutions across the country continue to report mortgage losses in the billions of dollars, it’s tough to be a banker during these economically anxious times. Although some banks have suffered more than others, clearly none have yawned their way through the subprime meltdown that is still rippling through the economy. “It’s the most interesting and challenging … [Read more...] about Bankers See Opportunities: Despite Economic Downturn

Continual turmoil in the credit markets combined with the slowing economy has caused many banks to tighten their credit approval standards. If you own a business and need a loan, there are several things you can do to improve your chances of getting approval on a business loan. First, do not “shotgun” your application to several banks at the same time as all of the banks … [Read more...] about Loan Approvals: Improve Your Business’ Chances

According to OSHA, nine construction workers have died in the past 16 months on Strip projects. With more than $500 million in construction projects across the state, how does a private commercial general contractor keep its employees safe? The PENTA Building Group has introduced its new company-wide safety initiative “Culture of C.A.R.E.” – Concern, Awareness, Rewards, … [Read more...] about Employee Safety Ranks No. 1: PENTA Building Group’s New Culture

Whether you call it Murphy’s Law or “the law of unintended consequences,” history shows that legislation often produces effects that weren’t anticipated. In many cases, laws designed to solve a problem results in creating a worse one. Consider the case of an initiative petition called Prevent Employers from Seizing Tips (PEST). This initiative was drafted as a reaction to a … [Read more...] about Nevada PEST Initiative: Contains Dangerous Provisions

Robert J. Kolesar Managing Shareholder Kolesar & Leatham, Chtd. Las Vegas Number of Employees: 52 Years in Nevada: 26 Years with Firm: 22 Type of business: Commercial/Business Law Firm Describe your leadership style: Lead by example, hire well and avoid micromanaging by holding professionals to high standards. Biggest Business Challenge: Finding and … [Read more...] about May 2008: Face to Face

According to Internet World Stats, more than 1.3 billion people worldwide have Internet access, and in North America, more than 71 percent of the population is online. With more people each day using the Internet to find information, compare and purchase products, and make important business decisions, having a competitive Web site is vital for businesses both large and … [Read more...] about Your Company’s Online Presence: Making Your Web Site Work for You

How nice it is, for a change, to see government really feel our pain. Across Nevada and the nation, individuals and business owners alike are confronting harsh economic realities by making tough, priority-based budgetary decisions. Nevada’s politicians, whose usual response to those same realities is to keep spending however they damn well please and simply force taxpayers … [Read more...] about Was It Really So Hard? Government Proves It Can Cut Spending

As most successful investors know, a balanced portfolio provides the greatest opportunity for long-term gain. By investing in diverse areas, one is protected from the unexpected – a sector bust, a natural disaster or a financial scandal. The same approach is needed when considering our rapidly growing energy demands. To put all of our resources into just one source – be it … [Read more...] about How can Nevada diversify its energy sources? Planning for Energy Security

Where does one turn when a family member needs major surgery or is diagnosed with a terminal illness? Many families must deal with such healthcare-related questions every day. They are frequently forced to find their way through the healthcare system maze alone. It is difficult to navigate the system even when you have a clearly marked route and no distractions. It is almost … [Read more...] about Difficulties Navigating the Healthcare System: Local Company Helps Ease the Way

Nevada’s population boom and resilient economy have kept retail demand high, despite a statewide housing downturn. The state economy was home to 1.29 million jobs in the final quarter of 2007, with 5,300 new retail positions created by the holiday shopping season. Nevada is forecasted to see a 5 percent job growth by the decade’s end. “There is reason to be optimistic about … [Read more...] about Nevada’s Retail Market: Remains Resilient Despite Economic Downturn

It’s not easy being green. Easy or not, being green has become increasingly popular. With the latest computer aided drafting software at their disposal, architects now have the resources to make green building a realistic, cost-effective alternative. Green building, the practice of increasing the efficiency of buildings and their use of energy, water and materials, thus … [Read more...] about Innovative Technology: Aiding in Green Practices