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"Franchising is the most successful device for small-business ownership ever invented. One person invests his or her own capital and builds a retail concept using the trademark and proven business systems of the franchisor, all while tapping the power of group purchasing and advertising….Franchising is minting new millionaires both in the United States and abroad at an … [Read more...] about Looking Before You Leap: Seek Legal Advice Before Purchasing a Franchise

According to the federal Department of Education, more than 50 percent of U.S. employers say they cannot find qualified applicants for entry-level positions. It is estimated that American business spends nearly $30 billion each year training and retraining its workforce. The problem seems to be a mismatch between what most students learn in high school and what they are … [Read more...] about From School to Careers: Preparing Nevada Students for the Workforce

The business: The Ochoa Corp., which includes 8A Advertising, The Soccer Field, and Soccer World, in Las Vegas. Its 8A division manufactures signs; the other two operations are retail outlets specializing in soccer products. The players: Jose Ochoa heads the corporation. He started the business in 1978 after moving from Talpa, Mexico, to Las Vegas four years earlier. The … [Read more...] about The Universal Language of Success: Immigrant’s Hard Work Pays Off

While your household probably makes charitable contributions each year, you may not know that with a little planning you can arrange to receive direct financial benefits from your donations. The concept of "giving away your asset and keeping the income" can help you and your favorite charity. It could be compared to giving away your apple tree and still getting all the apples … [Read more...] about Leaving A Legacy: Charitable Giving Can Be a Win-Win Situation

When I took office 18 months ago, with the support of Governor Kenny Guinn, the Nevada Commission on Economic Development (NCED) embarked upon an extremely aggressive, energetic, and, I believe, creative pursuit of economic diversification. As chair of the Commission, I am privileged to lead our state’s efforts to maintain its competitive edge in economic diversification. I … [Read more...] about The Future of Economic Diversification in Nevada

"There is a real demand for physicians in Nevada. The state’s explosive growth in recent years has left us undersupplied. A recent study commissioned by the University of Nevada found that the ratio of physicians to population is substantially lower than the national average. The same is true for nurses and dentists." -Dr. Robert Miller, Dean of the University of Nevada … [Read more...] about The Business of Medical Education in Nevada: Medical School Dean Outlines Challenges

Yellow-Checker-Star Transportation, Nevada’s largest cab company, is composed of three corporations with a long history of service in the Las Vegas area. Yellow Cab acquired Checker in 1984 and Star in 1986. Although the three companies still function separately, they all operate under the Yellow-Checker-Star umbrella. The owners, Milton Swartz, Dave Willden, Pete Eliades, … [Read more...] about Taking It to the Streets: Yellow-Checker-Star Cabs Keep Las Vegas On the Move

From educational facilities for the University of Nevada, Reno, and artist lofts in Reno’s downtown to casino remodels and corporate headquarters, the first half of this year seems to have been a good one for many of the state’s commercial development companies. With a national list of upcoming projects that totals more than $400 billion, Perini Building Company has come … [Read more...] about Commercial Construction Update: Large Projects Changing the Face of Nevada

Marketing new homes is an ever-changing exercise. As the buying public constantly reveals its likes and dislikes, builders have to be ready to make advertising decisions quickly in order to grab hold of what families are seeking in the current market. Some things on buyers’ wish lists seem to remain the same over time- a quiet neighborhood, privacy, amenities, a nice view. But … [Read more...] about New-Home Marketing Still Traditional: But The Internet Is A Growing Presence

For Michael Newman, managing general partner for Colliers Nevada, working with the community is an important aspect of his career. So important in fact, he said he owes much of his success to his off-the-job involvement. Newman is very involved with community events, industry groups and his children's activities, and still finds time to manage one of the largest providers of … [Read more...] about Colliers International Executive Promotes Community Involvement

In business, there are two primary ways to pursue profit. One is by pulling in more money, the other is by putting out less money. Sometimes you cannot cut an expense item, but you can often get more from it and thus increase your profits. For this reason, you should always use percentages when analyzing expenses rather than actual dollar amounts. For example, if you increase … [Read more...] about FIVE TIPS TO DECREASE BUSINESS COSTS: Decrease Expenses and Watch the Bottom Line Grow

Kenneth G. Ladd, President of U.S. Bank Nevada, is also the incoming chairman of the Nevada Development Authority (NDA), the first point of contact for businesses relocating or expanding to southern Nevada. In both positions, he faces challenges, but also sees tremendous growth potential. Headquartered in Minneapolis, U.S. Bancorp (NYSE: USB) is the nation’s 11th largest … [Read more...] about U.S. BANK: U.S. Bank President Takes On Community Challenges

BANKING & FINANCE BankWest of Nevada has promoted Laura Bergren to assistant vice president/BankCard services officer, responsible for management of the bank’s merchant services program, automatic teller machines, debit cards and credit cards. She has worked for BankWest since its inception in 1994. Kim Sebesian has been promoted to assistant vice president/central … [Read more...] about People On The Move

A recent political mailer sent out in a Clark County Commission race has again inflamed the issue of negative campaigning. The brochure, mailed by the Service Trades Council of Southern Nevada against Commissioner Mary Kincaid, included graphic images of injured and sick children. It was done to illustrate Kincaid’s vote against building a county-funded children’s hospital. … [Read more...] about Does Negative Campaigning Produce Positive Results?

Few areas of the tax law include more tax opportunities - and tax traps - than deductions for business travel. Complex rules often leave taxpayers confused and in search of answers and advice. The Nevada Society of CPAs maps out some of the frequently asked questions regarding deductions for business travel. What travel casts away from home are deductible? The actual cost … [Read more...] about MAPPING OUT YOUR BUSINESS TRAVEL EXPENSES: CAN PUT YOU ON THE ROAD TO A TAX DEDUCTION