BUSINESSSIERRA REGIONMAGAZINEMOVING YOUR BUSINESS FORWARDAhhmoneyOptions, options, options Term loans for expansion,improvements, or other working capital needs Equipment loans for new and used equipment Equipment lines with a 12-month draw down period Lines of credit for workingcapital Account receivable nancing for rapidly growing businesses Commercial real estate loans for your business and invest-ment propertiesIsnt that what business banking is all about?Yes, and its also what growing your business is all about!Whatever your companys nancing needs are, its likely we can meet them with products and services specially tailored to your large or middle market company. Our streamlined approval process brings you face-to-face with your Relationship Managerme!Contact me today to discuss the right nancing for you.Reno | Sparks | Eastern Nevada | (775) 689-6140Carson City | Tahoe | Carson Valley | (775) 885-1131Sierra Region 05INE55 Magazine November 2011 3 2 November 2011 Sierra Region 05INE55 MagazineSierra Region 05INE55 Magazine November 2011 3 2 November 2011 Sierra Region 05INE55 MagazineSierra Region 05INE55 Magazine November 2011 5 4 November 2011 Sierra Region 05INE55 MagazineTRE 5IEkkA kE6I0N: TREN AN0 N0W northern nvison RevisitedBy Rob Hooper,NNDA Executive Director Where were you in October of 2006? It is hard to believe that these last fve years have gone by so fast and that so much seems to have changed. In that year, the region was running with a 4% unemployment rate, houses were skyrocketing in values and companies were growing and expanding. Business life in the Sierra Region was at a peak. Do you remember those days? Homes that came on the market were gone the same day, employers were begging for workers and the essential services funded by sales taxes were better than ever.It was in that month of 2006 that Northern Nevada Development Authority and Western Nevada Development District released the Northern NVision Regional Economic Strategy study document. This was the third and fnal report in the Northern NVision strategic planning initiative for The Sierra Region of Northern Nevada. Prior reports included the Database of Assets and the Visioning Document, which presented a thorough evaluation of the regions economic development assets and identifed areas of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for competing in the global economy. (You can read the entire set of documents on our website at http://www.angeloueconomics.com/northernvision/)The Regional Economic Development Strategy was to be the roadmap for Northern Nevadas future economic development efforts. Its objective was to direct and assist key stakeholders in competing in the global marketplace and embrace a spirit of regionalism. Implementing the strategies was intended to strengthen and support the securing of our economic future and position the Sierra Region as a globally competitive community. The Northern NVision study was a ten-month planning process with input from nearly 800 citizens through two online surveys, an 86-person Steering Committee, and dozens of business, civic, and community leaders.So after all the surveys, the meetings, the work of many and the conclusion of Angelou Economics, the plans author; what has become of all this work? Did it help? Given all the massive changes in our region, our Nation and the global economy; is it still relevant? It is always a good idea to take out a major strategic plan at a later date, dust it off and review its success or lack of. This is what I did over the past months as Economic Development has become an even more important topic for our region and our State.The up-front answer to the question of relevancy is that the strategic plan was and is sound. It was a part of what has allowed NNDA and WNDD to not only be prepared for the downturn, but to rise to the top in both approach and actions within the region. The reports outlined the vision for the community in the fve areas that are critical to economic development and identifed six key industry sectors to be the focus of future economic development efforts. Lets take a look at what was recommended and what was done:In the study, Angelou Economics put forward that successful economic development requires that a region strives to excel in fve key categories: (1) Workforce & Education, (2) Business Climate & Entrepreneurship, (3) Sites & Infrastructure, (4) Quality of Life, and (5) Economic Development & Marketing. These categories remain essential in our region. They were further defned by the Nevada Commission on Economic Development as the Eight Building Blocks of Economic Development and more recently by the new Interim Director of the Governors Offce of Economic Development, Steve Hill, as the Development Authoritys Responsibilities. The six targeted industries for development were identifed as (1) Light Advanced Manufacturing,(2) Clean Energy and BioAgriculture, (3) Business & Technology Services, (4 )Logistics and Distribution, (5) Tourism and Hospitality, and (6) Regional Health Services.NNDA and WNDD has used all this over the past fve years to develop what is now considered by many as a best practices system and approach and have emerged as leading economic development agencies. The initiative is being included in a national study by Cleveland University as one of twenty-four initiatives that are being presented as best practices in the U.S.So what are we doing to both implement the strategies and expand them to our new set of realities? Read through this publication to fnd our current program organized in the new Offce of Economic Development responsibilities format.In conclusion, I am happy to report that NNDA and WNDD are making great progress in implementing the Northern NVision strategies; we are seeing great results and believe that the Sierra Region is defnitely positioned to be a player on the global economic stage. The coming together of businesses, governments and investor partners has worked. It has grabbed the old ideology that the more things change, the more they stay the same and ran with it.The Sierra Region is doing great and economic heath is returning. Be not weak of heart, you live in one of the greatest regions in the World: The Sierra Region the peaks, hills and valleys of the front range of the Sierra Nevada where the climate for business isperfect.Northern NevadaDevelopment Authority775.883.4413 www.nnda.orgNevada Appeal775.882.2111 www.nevadaappeal.comContent Submissions Rob Hooper775.291.0110 rhooper@nnda.orgAdvertising Inquiries Markey Daniels775.881.1209 mdaniels@nevadaappeal.comProject Coordinator Rob GallowayLayout and Design Rob FairCover Photography Kippy SpilkerDouglas County Spotlight6Regional Business Recruiting9Entrepreneur Success10Business Environment11Carson City Spotlight12Workforce & Education13Business Ecosystem20Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center21Business Growth & Retention22Lyon County Spotlight24Sector Development27Ascent Douglas County28Storey County Spotlight30Business Acceleration31Lake Tahoe Spotlight33Business Planning35Sustainable Energy Future36Regional Business Directory43TALE 0F C0NTENT5Sierra Region 05INE55 Magazine November 2011 5 4 November 2011 Sierra Region 05INE55 MagazineBy Rob Hooper,NNDA Executive Director Where were you in October of 2006? It is hard to believe that these last fve years have gone by so fast and that so much seems to have changed. In that year, the region was running with a 4% unemployment rate, houses were skyrocketing in values and companies were growing and expanding. Business life in the Sierra Region was at a peak. Do you remember those days? Homes that came on the market were gone the same day, employers were begging for workers and the essential services funded by sales taxes were better than ever.It was in that month of 2006 that Northern Nevada Development Authority and Western Nevada Development District released the Northern NVision Regional Economic Strategy study document. This was the third and fnal report in the Northern NVision strategic planning initiative for The Sierra Region of Northern Nevada. Prior reports included the Database of Assets and the Visioning Document, which presented a thorough evaluation of the regions economic development assets and identifed areas of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for competing in the global economy. (You can read the entire set of documents on our website at http://www.angeloueconomics.com/northernvision/)The Regional Economic Development Strategy was to be the roadmap for Northern Nevadas future economic development efforts. Its objective was to direct and assist key stakeholders in competing in the global marketplace and embrace a spirit of regionalism. Implementing the strategies was intended to strengthen and support the securing of our economic future and position the Sierra Region as a globally competitive community. The Northern NVision study was a ten-month planning process with input from nearly 800 citizens through two online surveys, an 86-person Steering Committee, and dozens of business, civic, and community leaders.So after all the surveys, the meetings, the work of many and the conclusion of Angelou Economics, the plans author; what has become of all this work? Did it help? Given all the massive changes in our region, our Nation and the global economy; is it still relevant? It is always a good idea to take out a major strategic plan at a later date, dust it off and review its success or lack of. This is what I did over the past months as Economic Development has become an even more important topic for our region and our State.The up-front answer to the question of relevancy is that the strategic plan was and is sound. It was a part of what has allowed NNDA and WNDD to not only be prepared for the downturn, but to rise to the top in both approach and actions within the region. The reports outlined the vision for the community in the fve areas that are critical to economic development and identifed six key industry sectors to be the focus of future economic development efforts. Lets take a look at what was recommended and what was done:In the study, Angelou Economics put forward that successful economic development requires that a region strives to excel in fve key categories: (1) Workforce & Education, (2) Business Climate & Entrepreneurship, (3) Sites & Infrastructure, (4) Quality of Life, and (5) Economic Development & Marketing. These categories remain essential in our region. They were further defned by the Nevada Commission on Economic Development as the Eight Building Blocks of Economic Development and more recently by the new Interim Director of the Governors Offce of Economic Development, Steve Hill, as the Development Authoritys Responsibilities. The six targeted industries for development were identifed as (1) Light Advanced Manufacturing,(2) Clean Energy and BioAgriculture, (3) Business & Technology Services, (4 )Logistics and Distribution, (5) Tourism and Hospitality, and (6) Regional Health Services.NNDA and WNDD has used all this over the past fve years to develop what is now considered by many as a best practices system and approach and have emerged as leading economic development agencies. The initiative is being included in a national study by Cleveland University as one of twenty-four initiatives that are being presented as best practices in the U.S.So what are we doing to both implement the strategies and expand them to our new set of realities? Read through this publication to fnd our current program organized in the new Offce of Economic Development responsibilities format.In conclusion, I am happy to report that NNDA and WNDD are making great progress in implementing the Northern NVision strategies; we are seeing great results and believe that the Sierra Region is defnitely positioned to be a player on the global economic stage. The coming together of businesses, governments and investor partners has worked. It has grabbed the old ideology that the more things change, the more they stay the same and ran with it.The Sierra Region is doing great and economic heath is returning. Be not weak of heart, you live in one of the greatest regions in the World: The Sierra Region the peaks, hills and valleys of the front range of the Sierra Nevada where the climate for business isperfect.LETTEk Fk0H TRE 60EkN0kNorthern NevadaDevelopment Authority775.883.4413 www.nnda.orgNevada Appeal775.882.2111 www.nevadaappeal.comContent Submissions Rob Hooper775.291.0110 rhooper@nnda.orgAdvertising Inquiries Markey Daniels775.881.1209 mdaniels@nevadaappeal.comProject Coordinator Rob GallowayLayout and Design Rob FairCover Photography Kippy SpilkerTALE 0F C0NTENT5Sierra Region 05INE55 Magazine November 2011 7 b November 2011 Sierra Region 05INE55 MagazineCreating open source economic developmentWorking with all stakeholders, a strategic plan has been developed and approved by the NNDA board and area county commissions.The execution of the plan is managed by NNDAs staff and its volunteers. Through the open source economic development process, NNDA has a volunteer investor committee system of 12 committees comprised of more than 280 volunteers which support the execution of the plan.The committees include:Banking & Finance Business & Professional Services Commercial Real Estate & Developers Community Resources Construction & Design Feasibility Team HealthcareManufacturers ForumMarketing & MediaResidential Real Estate & AffliatesTechnology & Infrastructure Workforce & EducationA regional brand has been established and accepted by all stakeholders including the NNDA board and county commissions.The branding of The Sierra Region the peaks, hills and valleys of the front range of the Sierra Nevada where the climate for business is perfect, is all inclusive for the area and is included in NNDA communications and marketing projects.A 5P0TLI6RT 0N 0006LA5 C00NTY WRYWE LIE REkEBy J. Brandon,President, American Sahara, Inc.Why do we live in Douglas County? Its just a great place. Its beautiful here. It feels safe. Its friendly. The people are nice. I grew up here. I left, I came back, and Im staying.Those are a few of the answers you might hear from locals. There are hundreds more. Chances are folks in communities all over the country could say the same things. So why do we live here, instead of there?It is a great place, with a great sense of place. Or maybe, places. You might look out your offce window and watch a bald eagle lift off from a cow pasture as you work on game-changing technology that will be exported around the world. Theres a barber shop with a real spinning red, white and blue barber pole and the latest talk of the day. The conversation might include developments in vibration monitoring sensors for hydroelectric facilities, fexible composite sails for racing yachts, or biofuelsall manufactured right here. And still, a couple of times a year we close the main street through town for a few hours so our families can enjoy a local parade.In the summertime there are free concerts in the park. Bring a lawn chair, enjoy a picnic, visit with your neighbors and let your kids play on the grass. Up at the lakeLake Tahoe, the jewel of the Sierrathe concerts are world-class touring acts. Before the show you might decide to ride the gondola at Heavenly Mountain Resort for views of ski slopes in two states. In winter, people come from all over the world to challenge this terrain. If you live here you can get in a few early runs and still be back at work in time for your staff meeting. Want to experience two seasons in a single day? How about snowmobiling in the morning and a mountain bike ride that afternoon? Easy enough to arrange.Prefer silence and solitude? Put your kayak in the water or hike a few of our world-class trails, including the Tahoe Rim Trail. Or grab your fy rod and try for fve varieties of trout within a short drive of home. Weve got whitewater, too. Deep in a canyon with no pavement in sight.Back in town, youll probably see someone you know at the grocery store. A quick catch-up and you may fnd your friend has just returned from a deployment in Afghanistan, a business trip to New Zealand, or coaching her sons soccer game.Our local newspaper knows you have a thousand other choices to stay up to date on national topics. So for more than a century it has succeeded by telling the stories of the people who live here. Local school sports will always draw substantial coverage, and decisions affecting the community will be examined, debated and reported for all to see. The letters to the editor are just as likely to urge you to vote on an important issue as to thank an anonymous stranger for returning a lost set of car keys.The past few years have been tough everywhere. Northern Nevada has seen its share of challenges, maybe more. Here in our community, strong-willed volunteers have stepped forward, rolled up their sleeves, and made things happen. With elected offcials setting policy and government staff providing expertise where it can be most helpful, these passionate people in the private sector have collectively tackled a dozen programs outlined in the Douglas County Economic Vitality Strategy and Action Plan.What have they done?In Genoa, theyve created a plan and found funding for landscape enhancements in the historic downtown: better pedestrian access, parking, street crossings, lighting, signage, and underground utility lines. While respecting the heritage of a community established in 1851 as part of Utah Territory, the improvements will beneft residents and visitors with a more beautiful and user-friendly place. This will be especially important during the annual Cowboy Poetry Festival in May and the Candy Dance Arts and Crafts Faire in September.The people of Genoa have also begun work on a pedestrian and bike trail to connect the downtown with the popular 1862 David Walleys Hot Springs Resort. The next phase of this project will connect to The Nature Conservancys Whit Hall Center east of town. And work is well underway on an eight-mile segment of the Genoa Loop Trail. When fnished, the complete 20-mile segment will connect Genoa with the Tahoe Rim Trail and the historic Pony Express Trail on Old Kingsbury Grade. Up at Lake Tahoe, the focus is to move the South Shore from its traditional dependence on gaming to an outdoor recreation-based economy. Douglas County has worked across the state line in California with the city of South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County, multiple regional planning agencies, private property owners, and other stakeholders. With a $50,000 jumpstart from the South Tahoe Alliance of Resorts, the group has developed the South Shore Vision Plan. It shows a bright future for the Highway 50 corridor, with the large resorts at the state line, mixed-use gateways to the north and south, and improved views of the lake with better access in between. The plan brings a lot more opportunities for outdoor recreation much closer to the accommodations visitors need. And the frst examples of all this are more than three miles of bikeway and trailhead facilities in Douglas County. With commitments for $2.5 million in Federal Highway Administration funds, plus additional money from the State of Nevada and a grant, construction will begin soon.Back in Carson Valley, local folks are fnding innovative ways to build a multi-use senior and community center. Plans call for a 25,500 square-foot senior center; 9,300 square feet of community rooms; a 28,500 square-foot gym, including regulation-sized basketball and volleyball courts and an indoor jogging track; a dining room with seating for more than 500 people; a stage; senior health and daycare facilities; a commercial kitchen; a gift shop; and classrooms. It will be built on a site that the county already owns with easy access to neighborhoods, shopping, and a hospital, zoning and land-use regulations already in place, and a spectacular view of Jobs Peak and the Carson Range. The county has approved operational funding for the center and is preparing to issue bonds to begin construction in 2013. And efforts are underway to create a private non-proft foundation for additional capital support.The new community center will be adjacent to the Carson Valley Skate Facility. With more than 30,000 square feet of rails, roll-ins, six-foot drop-ins, fun boxes, and an hour glass-shaped bowl, this state of the art skate park is one of the most popular places for our young people to hang out.Right across the street is Lampe Park, with 32 acres of grass, picnic tables, benches, a gazebo for groups, felds for softball, hardball, and soccer, courts for continued on page 8Sierra Region 05INE55 Magazine November 2011 7 b November 2011 Sierra Region 05INE55 Magazineimportant during the annual Cowboy Poetry Festival in May and the Candy Dance Arts and Crafts Faire in September.The people of Genoa have also begun work on a pedestrian and bike trail to connect the downtown with the popular 1862 David Walleys Hot Springs Resort. The next phase of this project will connect to The Nature Conservancys Whit Hall Center east of town. And work is well underway on an eight-mile segment of the Genoa Loop Trail. When fnished, the complete 20-mile segment will connect Genoa with the Tahoe Rim Trail and the historic Pony Express Trail on Old Kingsbury Grade. Up at Lake Tahoe, the focus is to move the South Shore from its traditional dependence on gaming to an outdoor recreation-based economy. Douglas County has worked across the state line in California with the city of South Lake Tahoe and El Dorado County, multiple regional planning agencies, private property owners, and other stakeholders. With a $50,000 jumpstart from the South Tahoe Alliance of Resorts, the group has developed the South Shore Vision Plan. It shows a bright future for the Highway 50 corridor, with the large resorts at the state line, mixed-use gateways to the north and south, and improved views of the lake with better access in between. The plan brings a lot more opportunities for outdoor recreation much closer to the accommodations visitors need. And the frst examples of all this are more than three miles of bikeway and trailhead facilities in Douglas County. With commitments for $2.5 million in Federal Highway Administration funds, plus additional money from the State of Nevada and a grant, construction will begin soon.Back in Carson Valley, local folks are fnding innovative ways to build a multi-use senior and community center. Plans call for a 25,500 square-foot senior center; 9,300 square feet of community rooms; a 28,500 square-foot gym, including regulation-sized basketball and volleyball courts and an indoor jogging track; a dining room with seating for more than 500 people; a stage; senior health and daycare facilities; a commercial kitchen; a gift shop; and classrooms. It will be built on a site that the county already owns with easy access to neighborhoods, shopping, and a hospital, zoning and land-use regulations already in place, and a spectacular view of Jobs Peak and the Carson Range. The county has approved operational funding for the center and is preparing to issue bonds to begin construction in 2013. And efforts are underway to create a private non-proft foundation for additional capital support.The new community center will be adjacent to the Carson Valley Skate Facility. With more than 30,000 square feet of rails, roll-ins, six-foot drop-ins, fun boxes, and an hour glass-shaped bowl, this state of the art skate park is one of the most popular places for our young people to hang out.Right across the street is Lampe Park, with 32 acres of grass, picnic tables, benches, a gazebo for groups, felds for softball, hardball, and soccer, courts for continued on page 8Sierra Region 05INE55 Magazine November 2011 9 8 November 2011 Sierra Region 05INE55 Magazinecontinued from page 7 volleyball and tennis, and the largest playground structure in Northern Nevada. The park is home to a full calendar of events, including classic car shows, the Green Living Festival and the Kids Fishing Derby.Plans are in the works to connect Lampe Park with an extension of the existing Martin Slough Nature Trail and then on to the eight acres of peace and solitude at Jakes Wetland and Wildlife Meadow. Besides providing excellent wildlife habitat and viewing opportunities right in Minden and Gardnerville, this corridor will make it easy to move between our towns and neighborhoods without driving. The complete trail will traverse the historic Seeman Ranch. Douglas County is moving forward to purchase 34 acres of the property with state money to preserve open space and protect the foodplain.The Seeman Ranch is immediately adjacent to and behind the Carson Valley Inn on US 395, our Main Street. In the past two years the resort has been revamped with nearly $12 million in improvements and upgrades that make it even more attractive to both visitors and locals.Down the road, hardworking volunteers have made Main Street Gardnerville one of our Distinctive Downtowns. In the warmer months, colorful fower baskets hang along the street, and an Adopt-a-Pot program places still more fowers in front of local businesses. Theres an information kiosk and planter on the street right outside one of our thriving Basque restaurants, and attractive pedestrian benches offer a nice place to just sit a spell. Spring through September, the popular Thirsty Third Thursday Wine Walk draws 400 to 500 residents and visitors to the area to stroll, meet local business owners, try new wines, and shop for things you wont fnd in suburban, big-box strip malls. In July, the annual Burgers, Blankets, and Brews event brings families to the downtown Heritage Park for live music, local food and a festive atmosphere.Adjacent to the park is the site of Heritage Park Gardens, a place to learn, grow, share and beautify; to cultivate and nurture our community. The Town of Gardnerville offered 1.59 acres of vacant land and plans quickly developed for the project, including three demonstration gardens, an area for children, a location for gardening classes, and a composting site. Fundraising is underway and the gardens should open in the spring of 2012.Connecting these centers of activity in a way that makes it easy for us and our visitors to get outside year round is the focus of the Tremendous Trails project. Members of the community, including trail user groups, businesses, ranchers, the Carson Valley Visitors Authority and the Carson Valley Trails Association, have worked hard to inventory existing trails, build new trails and plan additional trails for the future. A Flagship Trails Map and a 100-mile loop trail system called the Carson Valley Discovery Trail are in development.Recreational trails are more than just an amenity that improves the quality of life. They can also help boost a local economy. A 2009 study for the University of Minnesota found that trail users in the northeast region of that state spent $628 million and that spending supported thousands of jobs. Nearly three quarters of that money was spent by visitors from outside the area.Soaring high above all this buzz fies the community of the Minden-Tahoe Airport. Their lofty goal? To become the worlds premier sport aviation destination. The airport offers glider pilots a chance to fy the world-famous Sierra Wave, a rare atmospheric condition that enables record-breaking fights. Similar conditions exist in only a handful of places on earth, one of which is Minden-Tahoes sister city of Omarama, New Zealand. (Besides soaring, both communities also offer great skiing and fy fshing.) In the spring and summer of 2012, our airport will be the base for fight testing by the Perlan Project with a glider designed to operate at a record-setting 90,000 feet above sea level to study atmospheric conditions in the polar regions. And were working on a design for a world-class sport aviation center to house exhibits on aviation history, offer an observation area with fantastic views of the local mountains and our often-seen lenticular clouds, and space for educational programs. A facility of this kind would enable us to host events on the scale of the annual AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin. That event brings more than $110 million to its community.Were also working to grow our existing cluster of technology companies and the jobs they bring in energy, science and advanced engineering. With more than a half dozen of these leaders in their own felds already here, weve created and funded a formal program to identify and reach out to additional employers in this sector. Working with the Northern Nevada Development Authority and its Dream It, Do It program, we will develop a career ladder that begins in the local school system and gives our future employees both an academic degree and a nationally portable, industry-recognized skill credential. Douglas County Employment Training and Job Development Services, along with NNDA, are preparing to visit the companies in our current energy, science and advanced engineering cluster, learn more about their needs, their successes and their culture, then use that information as we target similar companies outside the region that are working on plans to expand or relocate.Another initiative to attract companies to the area is the Ascent Douglas program. Companies that make things for people who play outdoors also value fresh air and open space for their own employees and management, so this effort puts our best assets front and center in an aggressive recruitment campaign. Weve already got leading companies here building high-end carbon fber surfboards, rugged camping trailers for backcountry overland exploration, and those high-performance, fexible composite sails for racing yachts.So thats a little bit about Douglas County. Weve got nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, four distinct seasons, nice people, a big outdoor lifestyle, Lake Tahoe and affordable housing. Weve even got a three-day party every June called Carson Valley Days that celebrates how much we like living here. Think hot-air balloons, face painting, carnival rides, hot rods, and that parade we mentioned earlier where we shut down the main street for a little bit.Theres plenty more. If you live here you know that. If you dont live here just ask us; were happy to show off our little corner of the world.NNDAs strategic approach to business recruitment is creation of cluster growth that will become self-perpetuating after a critical mass is obtained.The goal is to target the right industries to develop and provide the services necessary to support their growth. A new sales program has been implemented for NNDA. The plan is a two-tiered solicitation and closing system designed to drastically increase inquiry input and closing ratio. The frst tier will have the task of creating maximum levels of inquiries (feeding the pipeline), while the second tier will handle cultivating all inquiries from lead status, to prospect status, to close. The system will involve two of our regional committees, residential and commercial real estate, by utilizing all members of both committees. In the frst tier, the entire residential committee will be participating. The committee, managed by NNDA frst tier staff, will use a call list strategy and be responsible for creating legitimate inquiries. The commercial group, along with NNDAs second tier staff, will take on the task of cultivating all inquiries gained by the frst tier team from inquiry status to close. NNDA support staff will assist both tiers by coordinating necessary tasks such as site visits, incentive preparation and representation. Goals have been established and all results from this program will be tracked and recorded from day one. Data collected from this program will be used for future enhancements to the plan.Two key components to the plan include strategic planning for attending select industry events (expos and trade shows) and creating and building out-of-state partnerships with various commercial real estate representatives, which NNDA staff is already in the process of doing. The out-of-state representatives will assist NNDA staff with coordinating out-of-market, on-location presentations designed to educate potential executives representing the targeted companies on the benefts of relocating to Nevada. Attendance at various events will be selected by matching the most benefcial events to our targeted clusters. Some of the primary targets will include science and energy, food processing, defense, aerospace, biotech, general manufacturing, and advanced agriculture. Two of the selected events NNDA will continue attending include the Medical Design & Manufacturing West and Outdoor Retailer trade shows.A program of identifcation and solicitation of site selectors specializing in the targeted industries is being launched to support industrial development success. To put a real push to developing long lasting personal relationships with site selectors, branding the Sierra Region and co-branding each countys initiatives and incubation projects will be presented when applicable at site selector conferences, along with articles placed in site selector and trade publications, uploaded information on the NNDA website as well as outbound phone calls and personal meetings.Whether youre planning a team-building event for 20 or a corporate meeting for 400, well do what it takes to plan, organize and execute a successful, memorable, stress-free event. Request a proposal at ccnugget.com, or contact our Banquet Sales Manager directly at (775) 882-1626 ext. 221. Convenient downtown Carson City location 7,540 square feet of flexiblemeeting space State-of-the-art air filtration system Newly remodeled lodging juststeps away800.426.5239507 N. Carson St. l ccnugget.comWE REHEREFORYOUSierra Region 05INE55 Magazine November 2011 9 8 November 2011 Sierra Region 05INE55 MagazineBusiness recruiting NNDAs strategic approach to business recruitment is creation of cluster growth that will become self-perpetuating after a critical mass is obtained.The goal is to target the right industries to develop and provide the services necessary to support their growth. A new sales program has been implemented for NNDA. The plan is a two-tiered solicitation and closing system designed to drastically increase inquiry input and closing ratio. The frst tier will have the task of creating maximum levels of inquiries (feeding the pipeline), while the second tier will handle cultivating all inquiries from lead status, to prospect status, to close. The system will involve two of our regional committees, residential and commercial real estate, by utilizing all members of both committees. In the frst tier, the entire residential committee will be participating. The committee, managed by NNDA frst tier staff, will use a call list strategy and be responsible for creating legitimate inquiries. The commercial group, along with NNDAs second tier staff, will take on the task of cultivating all inquiries gained by the frst tier team from inquiry status to close. NNDA support staff will assist both tiers by coordinating necessary tasks such as site visits, incentive preparation and representation. Goals have been established and all results from this program will be tracked and recorded from day one. Data collected from this program will be used for future enhancements to the plan.Two key components to the plan include strategic planning for attending select industry events (expos and trade shows) and creating and building out-of-state partnerships with various commercial real estate representatives, which NNDA staff is already in the process of doing. The out-of-state representatives will assist NNDA staff with coordinating out-of-market, on-location presentations designed to educate potential executives representing the targeted companies on the benefts of relocating to Nevada. Attendance at various events will be selected by matching the most benefcial events to our targeted clusters. Some of the primary targets will include science and energy, food processing, defense, aerospace, biotech, general manufacturing, and advanced agriculture. Two of the selected events NNDA will continue attending include the Medical Design & Manufacturing West and Outdoor Retailer trade shows.A program of identifcation and solicitation of site selectors specializing in the targeted industries is being launched to support industrial development success. To put a real push to developing long lasting personal relationships with site selectors, branding the Sierra Region and co-branding each countys initiatives and incubation projects will be presented when applicable at site selector conferences, along with articles placed in site selector and trade publications, uploaded information on the NNDA website as well as outbound phone calls and personal meetings.Coordinating business environmentWe continuously work with county planning departments to streamline regulatory hurdles to be more business friendly to existing businesses and new companies locating to the region.NNDA has initiated discussions between Douglas County and internet, fber and broadband providers to determine appropriate and available services for existing businesses as well as future prospects.NNDA is also facilitating discussions and actions which included reduced hook-up rates for the Carson City area.Additionally, NNDA is working with the county commissions and the Nevada Department of Transportation to solve bottleneck issues on the U.S. Highway 395 business corridor through Douglas County to allow future growth.By Dave Archer,President and CEO, Nevadas Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology (NCET)Nevada has long been a magnet for start-ups and business relocations, luring companies with a business-friendly tax structure and streamlined governmental regulations. Northern Nevada has been building on that reputation by expanding the resources available to entrepreneurs, highlighting the regions remarkable quality of life and positioning the area as an affordable location to serve the entire West Coast market.Here are fve ways Northern Nevada sets entrepreneurs up for business success:Low Taxes and Limited BureaucracyNevadas tax policy is one of the most obvious benefts for businesses relocating or starting up in the state. The state has no income tax or corporate tax, and none of the lesser known taxes that can surprise businesses, like warehouse taxes and treasury taxes. Nevadas regulatory environment is equally business friendly. Business registration is simple and paperwork is minimal, allowing businesses to focus on their operations and not be consumed by a tangle of time-consuming bureaucracy.Business Support Northern Nevada is chock full of organization like the Nevadas Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NCET), C4Cube and the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) that give businesses the tools to suc-ceed. From connecting a business to funding, helping an entrepre-neur write a business plan, or introducing a company to business partners within its industry, each organization can help turn a great idea into a great company. A separate group of funding or-ganizations, including the Nevada Microenterprise Initiative and private venture capital companies, assure that great businesses have access to the capital they need to succeed.Easy Access to the West CoastNorthern Nevadas location (minutes from California) has immense business advantages. Nevada businesses enjoy all the tax, regulatory and affordability benefts of Nevada, while having one of the nations largest consumer markets right next door. For businesses wanting to tap into the West Coast market, but not bear the costs of doing business in the Golden State, Northern Nevada is the ideal business environment.A Top-Tier Talent PoolA combination of world-class educational institutions like the University of Nevada, Reno and the world-class quality of life of Northern Nevada ensures that companies can fnd a qualifed and talented workforce. Recent graduates of UNR, Truckee Meadows Community College, Western Nevada College and Sierra Nevada College make perfect candidates for growing entrepreneurs in need of a savvy staff, and the university system also offers a nearby training location for workers seeking continuing education.Affordable and Available Commercial Space For businesses looking for offces, warehouses, manufacturing facilities or retail space, Northern Nevada has a competitive advantage in price and availability. When calculating the hard costs of starting up a business, Northern Nevadas affordable and plentiful commercial building inventory allows a start-up to fnd the location they want at a price that leaves them with more capital to fund their business operations. About Nevadas Center for Entrepreneurship and TechnologyNCET is an independent award-winning 501(c)(3) nonproft organization that helps Nevadans start and grow their businesses through educational programs and by connecting them to the resources they need to succeed.NCETs programs include the NCET Entrepreneur Expos, the Donald W. Reynolds Governors Cup Collegiate Business Plan Competition, the NCET Technology Awards and eMonth Nevada. NCET is funded by memberships, sponsorships, public contributions, program revenues and limited grants. NCET is not affliated with the State of Nevada and receives no state funding.Sierra Region 05INE55 Magazine November 2011 11 10 November 2011 Sierra Region 05INE55 MagazineN0kTREkN NEA0A 0IL05A RAEN F0k ENTkEPkENE0k5Need a Unique Idea For:Peter Fishburn 775-883-9428pfishburn@brownandbigelow.comYour Complete Source for Promotional Programs/ProductsTrade Shows Gifts Special Events FundraisingBranding Sales Events Incentive ProgramsSafety Programs Corporate Attire Recognition Pen Sets Drinkware Awards Tote Bags Food GiftsHats USB Drive Pad Folios Briefcases * Golf Tools Jackets Wine Glass Sport Bags Calendars Desk Items Call For Ideas For Your Next PromotionCoordinating business environmentWe continuously work with county planning departments to streamline regulatory hurdles to be more business friendly to existing businesses and new companies locating to the region.NNDA has initiated discussions between Douglas County and internet, fber and broadband providers to determine appropriate and available services for existing businesses as well as future prospects.NNDA is also facilitating discussions and actions which included reduced hook-up rates for the Carson City area.Additionally, NNDA is working with the county commissions and the Nevada Department of Transportation to solve bottleneck issues on the U.S. Highway 395 business corridor through Douglas County to allow future growth.By Dave Archer,President and CEO, Nevadas Center for Entrepreneurship & Technology (NCET)Nevada has long been a magnet for start-ups and business relocations, luring companies with a business-friendly tax structure and streamlined governmental regulations. Northern Nevada has been building on that reputation by expanding the resources available to entrepreneurs, highlighting the regions remarkable quality of life and positioning the area as an affordable location to serve the entire West Coast market.Here are fve ways Northern Nevada sets entrepreneurs up for business success:Low Taxes and Limited BureaucracyNevadas tax policy is one of the most obvious benefts for businesses relocating or starting up in the state. The state has no income tax or corporate tax, and none of the lesser known taxes that can surprise businesses, like warehouse taxes and treasury taxes. Nevadas regulatory environment is equally business friendly. Business registration is simple and paperwork is minimal, allowing businesses to focus on their operations and not be consumed by a tangle of time-consuming bureaucracy.Business Support Northern Nevada is chock full of organization like the Nevadas Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology (NCET), C4Cube and the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) that give businesses the tools to suc-ceed. From connecting a business to funding, helping an entrepre-neur write a business plan, or introducing a company to business partners within its industry, each organization can help turn a great idea into a great company. A separate group of funding or-ganizations, including the Nevada Microenterprise Initiative and private venture capital companies, assure that great businesses have access to the capital they need to succeed.Easy Access to the West CoastNorthern Nevadas location (minutes from California) has immense business advantages. Nevada businesses enjoy all the tax, regulatory and affordability benefts of Nevada, while having one of the nations largest consumer markets right next door. For businesses wanting to tap into the West Coast market, but not bear the costs of doing business in the Golden State, Northern Nevada is the ideal business environment.A Top-Tier Talent PoolA combination of world-class educational institutions like the University of Nevada, Reno and the world-class quality of life of Northern Nevada ensures that companies can fnd a qualifed and talented workforce. Recent graduates of UNR, Truckee Meadows Community College, Western Nevada College and Sierra Nevada College make perfect candidates for growing entrepreneurs in need of a savvy staff, and the university system also offers a nearby training location for workers seeking continuing education.Affordable and Available Commercial Space For businesses looking for offces, warehouses, manufacturing facilities or retail space, Northern Nevada has a competitive advantage in price and availability. When calculating the hard costs of starting up a business, Northern Nevadas affordable and plentiful commercial building inventory allows a start-up to fnd the location they want at a price that leaves them with more capital to fund their business operations. About Nevadas Center for Entrepreneurship and TechnologyNCET is an independent award-winning 501(c)(3) nonproft organization that helps Nevadans start and grow their businesses through educational programs and by connecting them to the resources they need to succeed.NCETs programs include the NCET Entrepreneur Expos, the Donald W. Reynolds Governors Cup Collegiate Business Plan Competition, the NCET Technology Awards and eMonth Nevada. NCET is funded by memberships, sponsorships, public contributions, program revenues and limited grants. NCET is not affliated with the State of Nevada and receives no state funding.www. s i e r r a s u r g e r y. c om1400 Medical Parkway, Carson City, Nevada775-883-1700Sierra Surgery Hospital has earned The Joint Commissions Gold Seal of ApprovalScheduling 775-283-XRAY (9729)Scheduling Fax775-882-XRAY (9729)S I E R R A S U R G E R Y H O S P I T A LDid you know that outstanding professional care and personalservice are available for you and your family in a superbspecialty hospital setting? SIERRA SURGERY HOSPITAL inCarson City delivers the finest in patient satisfaction.We are also home to SIERRA IMAGING,including the BREAST IMAGING CENTER ofEXCELLENCE. Our new MRI offers one of themost advanced imaging technologies in Northern Nevada designed with your comfort in mind.Our family and yours,the perfect fit.Simply Exceptional!Sierra Region 05INE55 Magazine November 2011 11 10 November 2011 Sierra Region 05INE55 MagazineMerrill Gardens at Gardnerville offers the retirement living options you need to create a lifestyle you love. Private Studios, 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments Month to Month Rental Anytime Dining 24-Hour Staff Weekly Housekeeping Scheduled Transportation Medication Management Personalized CareCall today to schedule a personal tour and well treat you to lunchACTIVE RETIREMENT LIVING, ASSISTED LIVING, ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA CARE(775) 782-31001565-A Virginia Ranch Road Gardnerville, NV 89410 www.merrillgardens.comMERRILL GARDENS At GardnervilleA one of a kind retirement community License# 2505AGZBeautiful Northern Nevada VibrantCommunity LivingA regional brand has been established and accepted by all stakeholders including the NNDA board and county commissions.The branding of The Sierra Region the peaks, hills and valleys of the front range of the Sierra Nevada where the climate for business is perfect, is all inclusive for the area and is included in NNDA communications and marketing projects.Carson Citys Premier Computer SpecialistsHardware and Software Repair on PC Based SystemsSystem Maintenance Network SecurityPeer-to-Peer and Client/Server Network ArchitecturesIn-Shop Repair Onsite Repair Mail Filtering Offsite Backups775-841-7118www.nevadageek.netServing Carson City, Minden, Gardnerville, Dayton & Washoe Valley areaConnectingworkforce to jobsCarson City is the place to live if you enjoy year-round recreation activities. Carson Citys award-winningParks and Recreation Department is part of the fabric of the city and has an amazing array of activities and locations to choose from. There are more than 30 parks and more than 2,000 acres of open space in Carson City. And, new facilities are coming online all the time, including a new dog park, Lakeview Park Trailhead and Multisport Athletic Complex in the not so distant future. As communities struggle with a poor economy, Carson Citys Parks and Recreation Department has sought out grants to continue expanding recreation opportunities for its citizens. These efforts have earned the staff awards from the American Planning Association and Nevada Econet related to open space planning and awards from the Nevada Recreation and Park Society including best Special Feature Park for Baily Fishing Pond and best Trails and Nature Area for Morgan Mill Road River Access Area. In the spring, residents and visitors partake in the Carson River Aquatic Trail. This cooperative effort with Lyon County, details 13.7 miles of the Carson River including a map detailing river access points, river rapid classifcations and other points of interest.With summer comes even more activities. Extensive trails and paved paths earned Carson City the distinction of being one of nine communities receiving Runner Friendly designation by the Road Runners Club of America in 2011. A bicycle route map and safe cycling guide details the various routes around the city to help walkers, runners and bikers choose appropriate routes. Carson City is also home to an amazing aquatic center that is open year round, but during summer months opens its outdoor pool and slide for refreshing summer fun.During early fall local groups collaborate to host an annual Kids Fishing Day. The Carson City Host Lions, Nevada Department of Wildlife, and Carson Citys Parks and Recreation Department work together to host this fun event at Baily Fishing Pond. Volunteers and instructors are present to help the children. Loaner rods, bait, hook-line-and sinkers and also available for the kids to use. The goal is to introduce kids to fshing and enjoy a convenient outdoor family experience. It is estimated that the 2011 event had approximately 300 participants. Winters arrival doesnt mean you have to stay indoors. Carson City hosts an amazing ice skating rink in the downtown area. People of all ages bundle up and enjoy some exercise (and hot chocolate!) on the rink.Of course year-round there is an abundance of organized sports programs for adults and children including skiing and swimming lessons. For detailed information about all the programs hosted by Carson Citys Parks and Recreation Department, visit them on the web at carson.org.Sierra Region 05INE55 Magazine November 2011 13 12 November 2011 Sierra Region 05INE55 MagazineNCL #0072072, 0071946, 0071855Servingourmining,commercialandresidentialcustomersin NorthernNevadawithfullserviceelectricalwork,weprovide upgrades,newconstruction,retroft,remodel,andupdatedLED lighting. We are the LED specialists in this area.We have just begun manufacturing solar powered, portable light plants(lighttowers)usingLEDfxtures.Byusingourlightplant, customerscaneliminatethecarbonfootprintofdieselpowered units,manyofwhichburn1.8gallons/hourandcancostaround $9,500ayearinfuel.Ourscreatenonoiseandcanbeused up-close for special events.WeuseLEDlightingasourpreferredlightsource,sinceitis superior in many ways. LED lights start almost instantly in the cold and in restart. They use considerably less energy for the same light output,havealonglifespan,aremaintenance-freeandprovide clean light.775-625-1129 www.SaylesC.comCall us today to fnd outhow we can save you money.WRYWE LIE REkEA 5P0TLI6RT 0N CAk50N CITYOur 11-acre, 300 unit resort offers Hotel/Condos with living room, replace & kitchen. Amenities: Health Club, Full Service Spa, Restaurant, Tennis & Private Shuttle Service.Clear your mind, ll your soulLodging Packages Available for:Golf Spa SkiRomance and HoneymoonPerfect for Weddings and Local MeetingsOff-site Catering Available for Carson Valley and Carson City areasReservations Department 1-800-3234-1600www.ridgetahoeresort.comPromoting Health, Impacting Lives Promoting Health, Impacting LivesHere for Our Community Here for Our CommunityImmunizations ImmunizationsFamily Planning Family PlanningWell Well- -child Visits child VisitsWIC WICTobacco Cessation andTobacco Cessation and Prevention PreventionHIV Case Management andHIV Case Management and Support SupportWorkforce Development Workforce DevelopmentDisease Prevention Disease PreventionEnvironmental HealthEnvironmental Health Inspections InspectionsSocial Services Social ServicesPublic Health Preparedness Public Health PreparednessAnimal Control and AdoptionAnimal Control and Adoption For more information about ourFor more information about our services, visit us online atservices, visit us online at gethealthycarsoncity.org gethealthycarsoncity.orgor ator at Facebook.com/cchhs Facebook.com/cchhs900 E. Long Street Carson City, NV775-887-2190Connectingworkforce to jobsSierra Region 05INE55 Magazine November 2011 13 12 November 2011 Sierra Region 05INE55 MagazineDream It Do It (DIDI) is a program authored by the National Association of Manufactures non-proft arm, the National Manufacturers Institute. It was launched over six years ago with the intent of promoting careers in manufacturing and providing an organized process to facilitate individuals to successfully gain entry to these career opportunities. The program is a dual initiative that creates an aggressive communications program targeting students in K-12 and college level along with transitioning adults, transitioning military and underserved populations. The communications program also speaks to teachers, counselors and educational professionals. The interest achieved through this program is then captured by the educational system where DIDI Career Ladders are driving a pathway of educational attainment matched to stacked, industry-recognized and nationally portable certifcations. This combination of education and certifcations then provides multiple on-ramps to the workforce and future advancement programs.NNDAs Manufacturers Forum has worked with Western Nevada College (WNC) to create a specifc skills enhancement class with a certifcation for completion being issued to 35 students this past spring. This program will continue to expand to provide a means for existing workers to upgrade their skills while also providing WNC with trackable and measurable skill sets for future employers.NNDA also has a strong working relationship with UNR, WNC and the schools districts. In particular, the Lyon County School District has identifed specifc programs to meet current market demand for jobs in the NNDA area.Lyon Schools will be receiving funding from the Workforce Investment Act to provide programming and opportunities for students in the Lyon County School District.The district sees a variety of programs that could come out of this including technical skills through Microsoft certifcation programs,employability skills through the adoption of the current Manufactures Collaborative workforce program, salesmanship training and much more.The program title tells it all . QUICK START KICK START CREATE JOBS FOR LYON STUDENTS!The schools in Lyon County, Nevada combine the charm of small town schools with a technology-rich environment more typical of urban schools. With both school and community technology centers across Lyon County, students and adults in the smallest towns in the region have access to the same large menu of classes as the largest towns in the region, including college accredited classes and articulated programs in more than 30 Career and Technology Education (CTE) classes. Through the CTE classes students are able to gain marketable skills, and can earn tuition-free college credits while theyre still in high school.School Trustees have pledged to make the Lyon County District rise to the top nationwide. The graduation rate of 84% is already considerably higher than the national rate of 72% and the statewide rate of 70%.Its the largest district in the state to make Adequate Yearly Progress as a district, boasting a number of High Achieving schools and an innovative Career and Technology Programs, as well as remarkably high scores on writing tests. With a collaborative climate between the district and the community, and an innovative approach to business and education partnerships, the schools are ahead of the curve in producing employability skills that meet market demand for jobs in the area. The district is in the fnal stages of implementing community and school broadband technology centers in each school system, with the capacity for long distance learning, on-site job training and small business development tools for students and community members.The countys 52,000 residents have the best of rural living with spectacular mountain views and large expanses of public land to explore, but theyre also located near centers of higher education like the University of Nevada and Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, Sierra Nevada College at Lake Tahoe, and Western Nevada College in the State capital of Carson City. Working closely with the regions colleges and universities to align their curriculum to meet requirements for college credit, the district is offering a rapidly expanding selection of Career and Technology classes from a broad selection of subject areas including: Culinary Arts/BakingWeb DesignCertifed Nursing AssistantPhotographyComputer ApplicationsVideo ProductionsAccountingConstructionAnimal ScienceAgricultural ScienceWeldingFurniture MakingGraphic DesignGeographical Information SystemsAgricultural MechanicsHealth OccupationsComputer Aided Design (CAD)Horticulture3D AnimationIntroductory BusinessMarketingOffce ProceduresComputer TechnologyElectronicsA+ TechnologyPrintmaking/Graphicsamong many others.LY0N C00NTY 5CR00L 0I5TkICTSierra Region 05INE55 Magazine November 2011 15 14 November 2011 Sierra Region 05INE55 MagazineE00CATI0N-05INE55 PAkTNEk5RIP5 50CCEE0with vision, planning and commitment at WNCOn almost any given weekday at Western Nevada College, a hum permeates the technical teaching labs scattered throughout the Carson City campus. Students study everything from information technology and machining to graphic communications and allied health, preparing for technical careers in felds where they can earn respectable pay enjoying what they do. Besides the effort required by the students themselves, their success relies on the many partnerships between education and business sectors. Collaboration between high schools, colleges and universities, private businesses and economic development agencies has become a model for success in the 21st Century.A combination of private sector engagement, targeted educational degrees, certifcations and experience, and funding from individuals as well as grants is helping Nevadas economy recover and more forward.Beginning at the high school level, WNC advisors help students identify courses that can lead to a career that interests them. The college must ensure that collabora-tion exists between secondary and post-secondary programs, and that student skills can connect to job op-portunities in the region.Through course articulation agreements and dual credit opportunities, many students can begin their post-secondary technical course work while still in high school, said Tech Prep Coordinator Kevin Edwards. Students need the specifcs about certifcations we offer, and the new technologies that skilled workers will utilize. We encourage students in high school to learn a skill but just as important, do well academically, said Ed Martin, chair of the WNC Technology Division.We share resources to help ensure quality of the high school programs, collaborating in development of teaching materials, and offering expertise. We also have on-campus high school programs in Machine Tool Technology and Construction Technology to help students make a decision on a course of study and introduce them to the college environment, he said.Connecting Skills to Industry NeedsMartin and the Technology Division faculty bring extensive expertise in their felds. Besides years of practical experience, they hold inspector and national credentials. Certifcations have become a large part of WNC Tech programs for preparing students for jobs and upgrading current employees in the workforce, Martin said. In many cases, these credentials are essential for even entry level positions.WNC offers students A.W.S. (American Welding Society) certifcations that Martin saidare portable to all areas of the USA and around the world. Westerns NATEF Automotive facility provides training in preparation for ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) exams, employment and upgrades, he said. In todays world, almost all employers search for potential employees with a degree or certifcate, agreed Machine Tool Technology Professor Paul Eastwood.The reasoning is, if a person has the fortitude to complete a college program with a degree or certifcate, that individual will have the same enthusiasm at their job.Albert De Luna of Carson City, a student in WNCs Bachelor of Technology program in Construction Management, agrees completely. After 18 years in construction, the economic downturn spurred him to get a four-year college degree.The program is very benefcial to me, he said. Upon graduation, I wont be the low man on the totem pole for a job. Ill be walking in as manager material.A prepared workforce is in the best interest of our state and its economy, said Connie Capurro, WNC Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. I believe that Western Nevada College has a responsibility to provide high quality educational opportunities, and we are looking at creative ways to accelerate some of our training programs, Capurro said.Success Requires CollaborationAll of WNCs applied science and technology degrees rely on partnerships with businesses and organizations. In order to be effective, we need stay current, Martin said. We do this with program advisory committee meetings, visits to local business and industry, and upgrade training. Eastwood agreed. I have regular advisory committee meetings, and volunteer my services in the community. By doing this Im able to communicate what we have to offer. In addition, classes and programs can be developed so that students will have more real world skills.David Steiger, WNCs director of Economic Development, works directly with Carson City area businesses to prepare workers with academic and technical skills, often delivered at businesses. He is also partnering with the industrial community in a workforce training initiative-The Manufacturing Collaborative, which offers selected employees a specifc set of courses that local manufacturers have chosen and that WNC delivers. Topics can be specifc to an industry, Steiger said. Were looking forward to bringing the model to other business sectors. The college partners with NNDA in a variety of ways, most recently with its new Dream It, Do it! initiative. Vice President Capurro credited the agency for bringing the wide range of stakeholders together. NNDA leads our community in the promotion of collaboration among business, industry and education, she said.Building New Homes and Communities for over 25 years.New Homes RemodelsCustom Homes Build-to-SuitCommercial and Residential5-Star Customer ServiceFeatured Community - Stodick Estates - Community Information Center / Model Home Grand Opening - coming soon!(775) 721-0810Established, Trusted Builder since the 1980s NV Lic#: 0025245Development Dynamics - Exclusive Listing BrokerDAMAR MERCHANT SERVICESDiscount Processing On All Major Credit CardsLocally Owned and Operated775.841.4990 fax: 775.552.8519www.DamarMerchantServices.comWe all get solicitation from credit card processors who claim to have lower rates and better service. I switched to DAMAR over a year ago, and we actually HAVE received LOWER RATES with great personalized, LOCAL service. Jed Block, President State Agent & Transfer Syndicate, Inc., Carson CityMary Wecker. Theres never a challencge DAMAR didnt meet and exceed. Owner, TheLedLight.com, Carson CityWhat your neighbors are saying about DamarThe schools in Lyon County, Nevada combine the charm of small town schools with a technology-rich environment more typical of urban schools. With both school and community technology centers across Lyon County, students and adults in the smallest towns in the region have access to the same large menu of classes as the largest towns in the region, including college accredited classes and articulated programs in more than 30 Career and Technology Education (CTE) classes. Through the CTE classes students are able to gain marketable skills, and can earn tuition-free college credits while theyre still in high school.School Trustees have pledged to make the Lyon County District rise to the top nationwide. The graduation rate of 84% is already considerably higher than the national rate of 72% and the statewide rate of 70%.Its the largest district in the state to make Adequate Yearly Progress as a district, boasting a number of High Achieving schools and an innovative Career and Technology Programs, as well as remarkably high scores on writing tests. With a collaborative climate between the district and the community, and an innovative approach to business and education partnerships, the schools are ahead of the curve in producing employability skills that meet market demand for jobs in the area. The district is in the fnal stages of implementing community and school broadband technology centers in each school system, with the capacity for long distance learning, on-site job training and small business development tools for students and community members.The countys 52,000 residents have the best of rural living with spectacular mountain views and large expanses of public land to explore, but theyre also located near centers of higher education like the University of Nevada and Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, Sierra Nevada College at Lake Tahoe, and Western Nevada College in the State capital of Carson City. Working closely with the regions colleges and universities to align their curriculum to meet requirements for college credit, the district is offering a rapidly expanding selection of Career and Technology classes from a broad selection of subject areas including: Culinary Arts/BakingWeb DesignCertifed Nursing AssistantPhotographyComputer ApplicationsVideo ProductionsAccountingConstructionAnimal ScienceAgricultural ScienceWeldingFurniture MakingGraphic DesignGeographical Information SystemsAgricultural MechanicsHealth OccupationsComputer Aided Design (CAD)Horticulture3D AnimationIntroductory BusinessMarketingOffce ProceduresComputer TechnologyElectronicsA+ TechnologyPrintmaking/Graphicsamong many others.Sierra Region 05INE55 Magazine November 2011 15 14 November 2011 Sierra Region 05INE55 MagazineE00CATI0N-05INE55 PAkTNEk5RIP5 50CCEE0with vision, planning and commitment at WNCOn almost any given weekday at Western Nevada College, a hum permeates the technical teaching labs scattered throughout the Carson City campus. Students study everything from information technology and machining to graphic communications and allied health, preparing for technical careers in felds where they can earn respectable pay enjoying what they do. Besides the effort required by the students themselves, their success relies on the many partnerships between education and business sectors. Collaboration between high schools, colleges and universities, private businesses and economic development agencies has become a model for success in the 21st Century.A combination of private sector engagement, targeted educational degrees, certifcations and experience, and funding from individuals as well as grants is helping Nevadas economy recover and more forward.Beginning at the high school level, WNC advisors help students identify courses that can lead to a career that interests them. The college must ensure that collabora-tion exists between secondary and post-secondary programs, and that student skills can connect to job op-portunities in the region.Through course articulation agreements and dual credit opportunities, many students can begin their post-secondary technical course work while still in high school, said Tech Prep Coordinator Kevin Edwards. Students need the specifcs about certifcations we offer, and the new technologies that skilled workers will utilize. We encourage students in high school to learn a skill but just as important, do well academically, said Ed Martin, chair of the WNC Technology Division.We share resources to help ensure quality of the high school programs, collaborating in development of teaching materials, and offering expertise. We also have on-campus high school programs in Machine Tool Technology and Construction Technology to help students make a decision on a course of study and introduce them to the college environment, he said.Connecting Skills to Industry NeedsMartin and the Technology Division faculty bring extensive expertise in their felds. Besides years of practical experience, they hold inspector and national credentials. Certifcations have become a large part of WNC Tech programs for preparing students for jobs and upgrading current employees in the workforce, Martin said. In many cases, these credentials are essential for even entry level positions.WNC offers students A.W.S. (American Welding Society) certifcations that Martin saidare portable to all areas of the USA and around the world. Westerns NATEF Automotive facility provides training in preparation for ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) exams, employment and upgrades, he said. In todays world, almost all employers search for potential employees with a degree or certifcate, agreed Machine Tool Technology Professor Paul Eastwood.The reasoning is, if a person has the fortitude to complete a college program with a degree or certifcate, that individual will have the same enthusiasm at their job.Albert De Luna of Carson City, a student in WNCs Bachelor of Technology program in Construction Management, agrees completely. After 18 years in construction, the economic downturn spurred him to get a four-year college degree.The program is very benefcial to me, he said. Upon graduation, I wont be the low man on the totem pole for a job. Ill be walking in as manager material.A prepared workforce is in the best interest of our state and its economy, said Connie Capurro, WNC Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. I believe that Western Nevada College has a responsibility to provide high quality educational opportunities, and we are looking at creative ways to accelerate some of our training programs, Capurro said.Success Requires CollaborationAll of WNCs applied science and technology degrees rely on partnerships with businesses and organizations. In order to be effective, we need stay current, Martin said. We do this with program advisory committee meetings, visits to local business and industry, and upgrade training. Eastwood agreed. I have regular advisory committee meetings, and volunteer my services in the community. By doing this Im able to communicate what we have to offer. In addition, classes and programs can be developed so that students will have more real world skills.David Steiger, WNCs director of Economic Development, works directly with Carson City area businesses to prepare workers with academic and technical skills, often delivered at businesses. He is also partnering with the industrial community in a workforce training initiative-The Manufacturing Collaborative, which offers selected employees a specifc set of courses that local manufacturers have chosen and that WNC delivers. Topics can be specifc to an industry, Steiger said. Were looking forward to bringing the model to other business sectors. The college partners with NNDA in a variety of ways, most recently with its new Dream It, Do it! initiative. Vice President Capurro credited the agency for bringing the wide range of stakeholders together. NNDA leads our community in the promotion of collaboration among business, industry and education, she said.Sierra Region 05INE55 Magazine November 2011 17 1b November 2011 Sierra Region 05INE55 MagazineEngage/Partner with higher educationNNDA sees technology innovation, tech transfer, communications and intellectual property as keys to our regions future. NNDA will achieve success through a variety of programs.Tech transfer can be accomplished by the Medical School at UNR through collaboration with the planned research facility for regenerative medicine technology proposed within the Douglas County biotech campus.Carsons City Center project will be an important player in the community in developing science labs and digital media opportunities and is developing a partnership with the National Science Labs to bring new technologies to the region.The Knowledge + Discovery Centers mission to support technology transfer also aims to provide internships and cooperative education opportunities for area students. Focused partnerships that take advantage of the Knowledge + Discovery Centers state-of-the-art technology will support formal education initiatives in the felds of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (S.T.E.M). Added emphasis on serious games development and rapid prototyping will provide opportunity for formal education partners and their students in grades K-16. Within the projects public/private partnership structure, access to venture capital and business start-up support will be achieved through Carson Careers and underwriting from the Hop and Mae Adams Foundation.Development of Intangibles is a new area of interest and one which will be moving forward quickly.NNDA recognizes the incredible talent in the community and the entrepreneurial ideas and inventions must be encouraged, developed, protected and marketed and will rely on its partner, Financial and Intangible Assets Enterprises of Nevada (FIAE) to support intangibles industries to Nevada. Using the NAICS nomenclature to identify industry categories, FIAE will be able to narrowly defne the intangibles frms to target for recruitment to Nevada.Proud to manufacture thebest-engineered hydrants & valves for North America and the world.Right here in Northern Nevada.americanavk.comSierra Region 05INE55 Magazine November 2011 17 1b November 2011 Sierra Region 05INE55 Magazine18 November 2011 Sierra Region 05INE55 Magazine05INE55 I06kAPRYGE is a diversifed company with products and services including aircraft engines, power generation, medical imaging, fnancing and media content. We serve customers in more than 100 countries and employ more than 327,000 people worldwide. GE Energy acquired Bently Nevada in 2002, but the technology was pioneered in Nevada in the 1960s. Originally, the technology consisted of sensors that measure machinery vibration, providing insight into a machines health that was previously impossible. Today, we are a global asset condition monitoring company with best-in-class sensors and monitors, sophisticated software and a global services organization to install, maintain and operate this technology. Today, the facility located in Minden, employees more than 700 people and manufactures the Bently Nevada products. 6E ENEk6Y Food & Product labels Promotional decals Industrial & Safety labels 1-8 color printing Bar Codes, Numbering Durable, outdoor Computer printable labels Rolls, singles, sheets You name it!With custom labels and decalsfrom Labelsmith Inc.1-800-348-7778www.labelsmith.comLocally Owned & Operated18 November 2011 Sierra Region 05INE55 MagazineLOYALTY |STABI LI TY |TRUSTINTEGRITY | AVAILABILITYTechnology...One call, done.TMHardware, Software, Systems, Suppl i es, Repai r, Mai ntenance, Advi ce, Instal l ati on, Troubl eshooti ngLet us be Your Technology PartnerThe always-available resource you know and trust to consulton all matters technological for your business and personal needsHarrys Business Machines, Inc.|323 West Street|Reno, NV 89501|775.322.4559|www.since1928.comsince1928.comCOMpUTERSNETWORkSpRINTERSTIME & ATTENdANCEpHOTO Id SYSTEMSLOCAL SUppORTQUICk RESpONSEExpERIENCEd TECHNICIANS ON-SITE, pICk-Up, BRING-IN30+ YEARS IN INdUSTRY80+ YEARS IN BUSINESS20 November 2011 Sierra Region 05INE55 MagazineEcosystem development and coordinationstrengthening and coordinating business/sector organizationsNNDA addresses the ecosystem through an empowered and active community process. It is a true teamwork initiative that has a bottom up approach that avoids duplication of efforts and great synergies of efforts.NNDA works with the cities, counties, and educational system as well as other organizations, including, but not limited to the following:Area Chambers of Commerce:supports local businessesBusiness Council of Douglas County:business oversight groupJob Opportunities of Nevada:networking resource for unemployed executivesNational Defense Industrial Assn.:create opportunities for Nevada businessesNevada State EB-5 Regional Center:foreign lending to create jobs in NevadaNevada Industry Excellence:business and technical manufacturing assistanceNevada JobConnect:provide employment servicesNevada Microenterprise Initiative:Micro-loans, business trainingNevada Rural Development Council:Community assessments, strategic planning & rural developmentNevada Small Business Development Center:Business training, counselingNevada State Development Corp:Process, fund & service small business loansNevadaWorks:Coordinates workforce developmentRural Nevada Development Corp.:Business loans, down payment assistance & housing rehab servicesService Corps of Retired Executives:Business & entrepreneur counselingSmall Business Administration:business loan programs and assistanceUS Commercial Services:global marketing & trade assistanceUSDA Rural Development:business & industrial loan guarantee programsWestern Nevada Development District:federal funding for publicly owned projectsNevada Manufacturers Association:association for manufacturers in NevadaNevada World Trade Council:serves international business communityNV Energy Economic Development:electric and gas servicesSouthwest Gas Corp.:natural gas servicesNevada Procurement Outreach Program:assists companies in securing government contracts Everyone knows that the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center (TRIC) is a 107,000 acre park located nine miles east of Sparks on Interstate 80.With 30,000 developable acres zoned for almost all types of industrial and commercial uses, the park will support 100,000,000 SF of industrial product in the frst phase of 5000 acres, almost doubling the regional industrial market. What you might not know is what we have accomplished over the course of the last few years.Infrastructure being key to continued development, there are now fve generating power plants that deliver more than 900 megawatts of electrical power directly to all park users, four times more than any other area in Nevada. High-pressure gas is also now available to all sites. Water is in abundant supply derived from underground wells and managed by a public utility that supplies park users at a discounted rate. Sewer is oversized at 1.3M gallons per day with the ability to almost double in size as the need arises. Telecommunications is available from AT&T providing services to the entire park.Logistics is the lifeblood of TRIC and as of today we have built over 100 lane-miles of road. USA Parkways exit on I80 has been completely upgraded to facilitate truck usage and this four-lane thoroughfare now functions as a main artery for the park. Now scheduled for completion, this road will soon link HWY 50 to I80, connecting to an ever-growing labor pool in Dayton/Carson City and reducing travel time to Las Vegas by 45 minutes.Product also goes in and out of TRIC via rail and that too has grown substantially with now eight miles of mainline rail inside the park and twelve miles skirting the northern boarder. The cost of using rail remains extremely competitive as both UP and BNSF can provide this service to all rail-served sites. Our vision going forward?All of this has been accomplished for the purpose of being ready.Ready to quickly respond to the immediate needs of any user in a pro-growth county that will move through the permitting process in 30 days or less and work with each project to eliminate all development delays.Ready to provide cost-effective development opportunities void of all local government development fees or exactions.Ready to support all infrastructure requirements and product movement needs with unencumbered effciency. TRIC is ready.when you are. TRIC -- Fast FactsBusiness-friendly Environment:Building permits in 30 days!Pre-approved land uses with the County;no fees or exactionsNo corporate, personal, inventory or unitary tax; no impact fees Lowest property taxes in the regionSpeed to Vertical:Build-to-suit with Certifcate of Occupancy in 180 days or less! Industrial Center has a total of 30,000 developable acres slated to accommodate over 300 million SFSites range from 5 to 5,000 acres to accommodate uses of all kinds Master planned development fully entitled Logistics: Serviced by UPS, FedEx and On-TracRail served sites from both Union Pacifc & BNSF railroads will ensure competitive contracts Nine miles east of Reno/Sparks, Nevada in Storey County Adjacent to Interstate 80, the major east-west trucking arteryJust 15 minutes from Reno-Tahoe International AirportForeign Trade Zone provides tax savings for qualifying companiesInfrastructure:A unifed framework of individual water/sewer systems and backbone facilities Fiber optic sonic ring system, redundant carriers900 Mgs of generated power on site distribution and transmission availableAll utilities available in right-of-wayDomestic and high-pressure gas available Community:Nationally recognized university & medical schoolCommunity college & three business collegesLiberal right-to-work lawsMinutes from Lake Tahoe & the majestic Sierras Remarkable low cost of living Outstanding arts, cultural attractions & community eventsTwo of TRIs Newest PartnersToysRUs, Inc. celebrated the completion of its new dedicated e-commerce fulfllment center in McCarran, NV, which will help increase online order capacity and expedite deliveries to customers in the western United States, while supporting its omnichannel fulfllment services. During an event held at the facility located in the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center in September, the company welcomed Governor Brian Sandoval, county and state offcials and members of the Northern Nevada Development Authority, along with representatives of the Nevada Commission on Economic Development. Attendees gathered with ToysRUs, Inc. Chairman and CEO Jerry Storch, for a ribbon-cutting event to commemorate the facility and to recognize its importance for the company and the state. Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval and ToysRUs Chairman and CEO, Jerry Storch cut the ribbon to open the new ToysRUs distribution center in McCarran, Nevada on September 19, 2011. From Left: David Smith, General Manager, McCarran Distribution Center, ToysRUs, Inc; Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval;Jerry Storch, Chariman and CEO, ToysRUs, Inc. and Michael Jacobs, Senior Vice President, Logistics, ToysRUs, Inc.Schlter Systems, a distributor of tile installation edging and fnishing products with operations in Plattsburgh, New York, is expanding to the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center (TRIC).Their new state-of-the-art facility features a multitude of sensible and sustainable technologies to maximize energy effciency, water usage and air quality.Their goal was to provide their employees with maximum comfort, through innovative design, and at the same time be environmentally responsible both as a corporation and as individuals.To accomplish this, they joined forces with a multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers, and consultants familiar with green building technologies and practices. The total building area is 97,500 square feet.It consists of a 2-story offce section (22,500 sq. ft.) used primarily as a training center and offce, combined with a 75,000 sq. ft. warehouse and distribution center.Miles Construction is the general contractor for the state-of-the-art, green, eco-friendly facility. Designed to meet the most stringent LEED Gold certifcation standards, the company is using local workforce including engineers, designers, architects and construction workers. This facility in the Sierra Region will be a part of an elite group of facilities to have the degree of green systems the Schlter property will have upon completion, Bill Miles, president of Miles Construction said.Sierra Region 05INE55 Magazine November 2011 21TAR0E-kEN0 IN005TkIAL CENTEkready for the future20 November 2011 Sierra Region 05INE55 Magazine Everyone knows that the Tahoe-Reno Industrial Center (TRIC) is a 107,000 acre park located nine miles east of Sparks on Interstate 80.With 30,000 developable acres zoned for almost all types of industrial and commercial uses, the park will support 100,000,000 SF of industrial product in the frst phase of 5000 acres, almost doubling the regional industrial market. What you might not know is what we have accomplished over the course of the last few years.Infrastructure being key to continued development, there are now fve generating power plants that deliver more than 900 megawatts of electrical power directly to all park users, four times more than any other area in Nevada. High-pressure gas is also now available to all sites. Water is in abundant supply derived from underground wells and managed by a public utility that supplies park users at a discounted rate. Sewer is oversized at 1.3M gallons per day with the ability to almost double in size as the need arises. Telecommunications is available from AT&T providing services to the entire park.Logistics is the lifeblood of TRIC and as of today we have built over 100 lane-miles of road. USA Parkways exit on I80 has been completely upgraded to facilitate truck usage and this four-lane thoroughfare now functions as a main artery for the park. Now scheduled for completion, this road will soon link HWY 50 to I80, connecting to an ever-growing labor pool in Dayton/Carson City and reducing travel time to Las Vegas by 45 minutes.Product also goes in and out of TRIC via rail and that too has grown substantially with now eight miles of mainline rail inside the park and twelve miles skirting the northern boarder. The cost of using rail remains extremely competitive as both UP and BNSF can provide this service to all rail-served sites. Our vision going forward?All of this has been accomplished for the purpose of being ready.Ready to quickly respond to the immediate needs of any user in a pro-growth county that will move through the permitting process in 30 days or less and work with each project to eliminate all development delays.Ready to provide cost-effective development opportunities void of all local government development fees or exactions.Ready to support all infrastructure requirements and product movement needs with unencumbered effciency. TRIC is ready.when you are. TRIC -- Fast FactsBusiness-friendly Environment:Building permits in 30 days!Pre-approved land uses with the County;no fees or exactionsNo corporate, personal, inventory or unitary tax; no impact fees Lowest property taxes in the regionSpeed to Vertical:Build-to-suit with Certifcate of Occupancy in 180 days or less! Industrial Center has a total of 30,000 developable acres slated to accommodate over 300 million SFSites range from 5 to 5,000 acres to accommodate uses of all kinds Master planned development fully entitled Logistics: Serviced by UPS, FedEx and On-TracRail served sites from both Union Pacifc & BNSF railroads will ensure competitive contracts Nine miles east of Reno/Sparks, Nevada in Storey County Adjacent to Interstate 80, the major east-west trucking arteryJust 15 minutes from Reno-Tahoe International AirportForeign Trade Zone provides tax savings for qualifying companiesInfrastructure:A unifed framework of individual water/sewer systems and backbone facilities Fiber optic sonic ring system, redundant carriers900 Mgs of generated power on site dist