Targets sets for jobs in rural areas

The industries that residents of rural counties in northern Nevada want most are those that are likely to take the longest time to get started.

Some 48 percent of those who participated in an on-line survey and focus groups, for instance, say they want to see a greater presence by companies that specialize in green energy technology.

A consulting firm that's laying out a plan for the region's economic development agrees that clean-energy makes sense as a target, but cautions that it will be a long-term proposition.

More attractive targets over the short term, say consultants at AngelouEconomics, are:

* Light advanced manufacturing.

* Business and technology services.

* Logistics and distribution

* Tourism and hospitality.

Regional health services, which 39 percent of the surveyed residents listed as a priority for expansion, was identified by AngelouEconomics as a long-term proposition.

The consultants, who are working under a contract with the Northern Nevada Development Authority and Western Nevada Development District, released their suggestions about potential target industries on Friday. The study covers Carson City and Lyon, Douglas, Storey, Mineral, Churchill, and Pershing counties.

The industries to be targeted by economic developers in the region reflect both the desires of residents in the seven-county region as well as the consultants' analysis of the strengths of each county.

Nearly 800 people who participated in the survey were asked their thoughts about the region's economic future.

The survey found the most support for economic development that focuses on clean energy technology, healthcare, software development and scientific research.

At the bottom of residents' wish list for new jobs were companies involved in warehousing, distribution and logistics, heavy industrial and gaming.

Among the specific industries that might targeted in the light-manufacturing sector, AngelouEconomics said, are firms that make medical devices, building supplies and transportation equipment for agriculture.

In the business and technology services sector, specific targets could include data centers, customer-service call centers and software and information-technology services.

The tourism and hospitality sector, meanwhile, might see development of destination retail shopping as well as boutique and specialty shops and the development of arts and cultural facilities that draw visitors.

In the logistics sector, AngelouEconomics said the seven counties can capitalize on their location and serve as a hub for international firms and provide West Coast distribution facilities.

Among the green energy companies that might be targeted in future years, the consultants said, are firms involved in wind power, geothermal, solar and the creation of energy from agricultural byproducts.

The targeted industries, the consultant said, would require a variety of real estate everything from office buildings for business-services companies to agricultural land for some types of green-energy firms.

Next up for the economic development study will be a report on the specific strategies the rural counties can take to woo the industries they want to attract.