Stories for December 2021

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Friday, December 31

Fallon Ford-Toyota's Pay It Forward program donates thousands to nonprofits

This year, the Fallon-based dealership doled out $40,650. Since the program's launch 10 years ago, the company has raised $402,350 for area nonprofits.

Do you work with jerks? Then this book’s for you (Biz & Books review)

"Working with a jerk can take a toll on you, both physically and mentally. It can affect your performance at work, as well as your professional reputation, both now and in the future."

Nevada Gold Mines fund donates $780,000 in first year

Nevada Gold Mines matches donations made by employees — 1,900 of whom participated in this first year — to nonprofits at 120 percent.

People: Jeff Thompson named UNR Executive Vice President and Provost

"This is a great honor and I appreciate the support and confidence from the Wolf Pack Family," Thompson said.

People: Autumn Brewster new agent for Sierra Nevada Properties

Brewster earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Nevada, Reno and has a background in customer service and marketing.

Thursday, December 30

Nevada to invest $4 million to expand robotics, STEM programs

The funds will be doled out in partnership with nonprofit FIRST Nevada to expand access to STEM and robotics programs in Nevada.

Carson City's Nashville Social Club hires GM, gears for spring opening

Owned by Carson City residents John Procaccini and Kitty McKay, Nashville Social Club will boast "an eclectic blend of ‘cool Nashville’ meets art deco."

ITS Logistics invests $600K to launch UNR logistics program

ITS Logistics has been a corporate partner of the UNR College of Business since 2017 and was named the College of Business’ Corporate Partner of the Year in 2020.

People: Dale Erquiaga named Guinn Center's new leader

Erquiaga is a UNR alum who holds a master’s degree in leadership from Grand Canyon University.

Wednesday, December 29

Sparks couple opens Hammer & Stain franchise in Carson City

Established in 2016, Hammer & Stain has 85 locations across the U.S., including the new location at 208 E. Winnie Lane in Carson City.

Past Pages, Dec. 26, 2011: Job-growth outlook better, but still slow

From the archives: No one expects a booming job market in the next 12 months, but Northern Nevada made progress in 2011.

People: Sarah Scattini elected 2022 Reno/Sparks Association of Realtors president

The election yielded the biggest voter turnout in Reno/Sparks Association of Realtors history.

Tuesday, December 28

Canadian company to open ketamine clinic in Reno in early 2022

“Reno is one of the bigger boomtowns right now in the whole country. We’ve seen the explosive growth and think that there’s a real need for this in Northern Nevada."

Is Reno-Carson the next lithium capital? Companies looking to Nevada for 'white gold'

Nevada is ranked as the most attractive province for mining in the world, and as such, many companies — local and beyond — are casting their lithium projects as more environmentally friendly than conventional methods with a large footprint.

2022 NV STEAM Conference set for early February

The conference is Nevada’s largest event dedicated to the exploration of ideas and strategies to implement Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math into classroom practices.

Reno Orthopedic Surgery Center earns inaugural ASC Award

The 20,000-square-foot Reno Orthopedic Surgery Center in downtown Reno is one of 13 ASCs across the country to receive the inaugural award.

People: DETR's David Schmidt to serve on national workforce council

For the last 16 years, Schmidt has been an economist with DETR Nevada, including the last four years in his role as Chief Economist.

Monday, December 27

Amid vaccine rules and labor woes, 2021-22 ski season underway

The Reno-Tahoe ski season got off to a rocky start this fall, largely due to warm November weather not allowing for much snowmaking. And when it did start snowing, resorts were still challenged with housing issues, a subsequent worker shortage and ever-changing vaccine policies.

Reno’s BDG Web Design acquires office in $537,563 deal

Owned and managed by Brandon Gottier and Morgan Gottier, BDG Web Design is looking to expand its current client base of 250 up to 300 by the end of 2022.

EDAWN: 59 companies relocated, expanded to region past 2 years

"The continued development of our advanced manufacturing and technology sectors will continue our diversification efforts and lead our community to economic success for many years to come," says Mike Kazmierski, CEO of EDAWN.

Cattlemen’s Update returning to Gardnerville, other Nevada cities

The event provides ranchers with research-based information regarding profitability and sustainability of their businesses and Nevada’s cattle industry as a whole.

People: Mike Glover new CEO of Tahoe Chamber

Glover is a graduate of the Western Association of Chamber Executives and an accredited chamber executive.

Friday, December 24

Reno’s jobless rate ticks down to 2.9 percent

The 2.9% rate puts Reno-Sparks at nearly the same rate as its lowest point on record since the turn of the century — 2.8% in November 2019, and near its lowest-ever mark of 2.5% in October 1999.

UNR, UNLV recognized as top research universities by Carnegie

Both the University of Nevada, Reno and UNLV first reached the prestigious Carnegie “R1” or “Very High Research” classification in December 2018.

GOP legislators block Nevada college student, state worker vaccine mandate

The tied 6-6 vote on the Legislative Commission means the mandate for college students in Nevada is no longer in effect.

People: Paula McLaughlin, Jimmy Davis join Chase International in Reno

Chase International recently welcomed Jimmy Davis and Paula McLaughlin to their real estate office in Reno.

People: Nevada State Bank names five to Northern Nevada Advisory Board

Members are: Leslie C. Daane, Barnard Vogler & Co.; Dr. Bret Frey, Northern Nevada Emergency Physicians; John Larsen, Port of Subs, Inc.; Lance Semenko, Q&D Construction; and Russell Sheltra, Little Bonanza, Inc.

Thursday, December 23

Reno Neon Line development community meeting set for Jan. 10

The meeting will provide the public an opportunity to ask questions related to Jacobs Entertainment's massive Neon Line development project proposed for downtown Reno.

Nevada gamers tentatively OK remote registration for cashless wagering

The regulation change would allow casino patrons to use an app to register their information, fund a cashless gaming account and complete the sign-up process remotely, including utilizing ID verification.

RSCVA opens special event funding window for 2022-23

RSCVA has awarded more than $4.6 million to regional special events since 2007. The FY 2022-2023 program is currently budgeted for $500,000.

People: Elijah Woelbing joins KPS3 as Front End Developer

At KPS3, he will be tasked to build websites for clients and build reliable, extendable applications across a variety of industries.

People: Stefan Dammen new Reno loan officer for United Federal Credit Union

Dammen brings more than nine years of financial and banking experience, including four years of experience in Reno, to the role.

Wednesday, December 22

WebstaurantStore: Roughly 400 jobs expected upon Dayton expansion

“Nevada was a good spot for one-day shipping for the West Coast. It was centralized, and this company definitely sticks with small communities," says Scott Stevens, Director of Operations-West for WebstaurantStore.

Past Pages, Dec. 19, 2011: After merger, Reno credit union sees opportunities in Las Vegas

From the archives: The merger of Southwest Gas Federal Credit Union into Reno’s Sierra Pacific Federal Credit Union further opens the door for Sierra Pacific to build its business in Las Vegas.

Sky Tavern announces $1 million challenge grant

Cost to install a snowmaking system at the nonprofit ski area is $2.4 million; Sky Tavern is tasked with raising the remaining $1.4 million by 2023.

People: Darren Dains new director of catering at The Club at ArrowCreek

Dains brings more than 20 years of experience in event management to the role.

People: Cassin Brown joins Lewis Roca as associate attorney

Brown, who earned a B.S. from the University of Nevada, Reno, is a member of Lewis Roca's Litigation Practice Group.

Tuesday, December 21

With help from Reno startup, city launches carbon emissions tracking portal

The portal, developed in partnership with Reno-based carbon tracking company Ledger8760, "comprehensively and accurately captures and monitors the City of Reno's carbon footprint."

Carson City real estate: Home prices up, listings down

Carson City's median sales price rose to $509,750 in November, a 9 percent increase from October and 39 percent increase compared to November 2020.

Buzz Harris: Credibility is essential when it’s time to sell (Voices)

"A business that is excessively dependent on the current owner may be viewed as having too much risk."

Insurtech firm Talage moving to new downtown Reno office

The company closed a $5 million Series A funding round last year, which has led to a growth in staff and market reach.

People: Steve Holm joins Colliers Reno as Senior Vice President

Previously, Holm was a leasing specialist at Staubach Retail, an investment sales broker at Cassidy Turley and a partner at Capital Pacific.

Monday, December 20

National firm provides $53 million of $108 million Meadowood Mall loan

“There is immense value to be unlocked in retail properties across the nation that are well-located and overseen by sophisticated, institutional sponsors. Meadowood Mall is one of those assets."

As gaming revenues soar in Nevada, one analyst is cautious for 2022

It’s “difficult to assume” that casino spending will continue to see elevated levels in 2022, especially as other travel options emerge, Deutsche Bank gaming analyst Carlo Santarelli wrote this month.

Nevada jobless rate drops in November; job growth slows

Nevada’s total employment remains at about 95 percent of pre-pandemic employment.

Renown Health inks data-tracking deal with BioIntelliSense

Initially, the collaboration with BioIntelliSense will “focus on understanding the logistics of patient monitoring in the hospital and at home or remote sites,” according to Renown Health.

People: Tia Payne joins Sierra Miles Group in Reno

Payne joins Reno-based Sierra Miles in the role of Compliance Officer/Customer Success Manager.

Friday, December 17

Gardnerville baker wins Food Network Christmas Cookie Challenge

The Christmas Cookie Challenge episode was filmed this spring and aired Dec. 3 on Food Network; Gardnerville's Roberta Cota-Montgomery, owner of The Sugared Squirrel, earned a $10,000 prize for winning.

State OKs $3.35 million in funding for workforce, student programs

According to Gov. Sisolak's office, a portion of funds will go to "develop an education-focused labor market data dashboard with accompanying professional development training for educators to align career and technical education courses and pathways to the local labor market."

Hard Rock to buy The Mirage for more than $1 billion

Development plans will ‘completely gut’ The Mirage

Real estate investment trust VICI Properties, which is acquiring The Mirage site and will be Hard Rock’s landlord, said it would fund up to $1.5 billion of the renovations.

Northern Nevada GIVES: Assistance League of Reno-Sparks (sponsored)

Assistance League is an all-volunteer organization that transforms the lives of children and adults through community programs.

People: Fawne Hayes promoted to broker of Chase International’s Zephyr Cove office

In her new position, Hayes will lead the luxury real estate company's flagship office that was established in 1986.

People: Mark Herron reelected as 2022 chair of PBS Reno board

Christine Fey reelected to vice chair for another term

Herron will serve as 2022 chair, along with Christine Fey, vice chair; Don Kowitz, finance and audit chair; and Stacey Montooth, secretary.

Thursday, December 16

Gilman reflects on 10 years of Tahoe Reno Industrial Center growth

A decade ago, Tahoe Reno Industrial Center employment was just shy of 2,000. Ten years later, employment tops 15,000, and some of the world’s best-known companies have built world-class facilities at the massive industrial park in the Northern Nevada high desert east of Sparks.

Northern Nevada GIVES: The Discovery (sponsored)

As part of the museum’s 10th anniversary celebration, The Discovery is attempting to raise $100,000 by September 10, 2022.

UNR to offer dual-degree program in ag science, economics

In order to succeed in the agriculture industry, producers not only need to understand the science of growing crops and animals, but also the economics of running a business.

Standard & Poor’s upgrades City of Reno bond ratings

“Fiscal sustainability is a top priority for the Reno City Council," said Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve.

People: Kimberly Flores joins Nevada Donor Network

Flores, a UNR alum, joins Nevada Donor Network as a partner liaison in Northern Nevada.

People: Bevin Eagle joins Bonanza Casino as HR director

Previously, Eagle was Director of Human Resources for Jensen Precast for 15 years, in addition to over 20 years with Fitzgeralds Casino Hotel Group.

Wednesday, December 15

Lyon County airstrip projects aim to serve private sector, government clients

Expanded services at SAMSARG Field in Fernley and Silver Springs Airport could prove beneficial to corporate executives and likely would become a part of marketing efforts for a new industrial park.

Reno real estate: Record-high $567,000 median home price for November

The median single-family home price in Reno/North Valleys was 567,000 in November, up 16.9 percent from last year and up 2.6 percent from the previous record high of $552,507 in August.

Northern Nevada GIVES: Special Olympics Nevada (sponsored)

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Past Pages, Dec. 12, 2011: Buyers lining up for lower-priced homes

From the archives: The golden days of multiple offers and fast sales have returned for home buyers and sellers across Reno-Sparks. Homes selling for around $100,000 and below are among the hottest-selling residential properties in the Reno-Sparks area.

People: Melissa Taylor, Thomas M. Frazier III join The Newtron Group

Taylor was hired to the role of Project Controls Coordinator, while Frazier III, CSP, joins as a Safety Director.

People: Julianna Holmes promoted to VP role at One Nevada Credit Union

Holmes joined One Nevada in 2013 as AVP, Assistant Controller, and was promoted to Controller in 2017.

Tuesday, December 14

Developers detail plans for sprawling TRI II project in Fernley

Lance Gilman and Don Roger Norman, developers of Tahoe Reno Industrial Center in Storey County, are now eying their next big project, a similar but smaller development in Lyon County at Fernley dubbed, simply, “TRI II.”

Northern Nevada GIVES: Plumas Bank (sponsored)

Plumas Bank helps to create strong local economies and strives to be a lasting and positive presence for every community it serves — its motto is, “HERE. For Good.”

Commerce Matters: Let’s build a sustainable future for Reno-Sparks (Voices)

"There are so many reasons to love living and working in Reno and Sparks. Let’s build the sustainable future we want for generations to come and stop arguing about it."

Dermody Properties grants $25,000 to Food Bank of Northern Nevada

Reno company also doles out $25,000 to six other nonprofits

"The Thanksgiving Capstone Award allows our company to help organizations who are truly making a difference in the lives of people in need,” says chairman and CEO Michael Dermody.

RSCVA wins pair of 2021 MarCom Awards

RSCVA earned a Platinum Award in the Digital Media/Social Media category and a Gold Award in the Strategic Communications/Marketing/Promotion Campaign category.

People: Liz Bowling joins The Abbi Agency as VP of Public Relations

Reno-based firm also hires Kate Lufkin, Angela Rudolph; promotes Alli Williams

Bowling most recently served as the Global Director of Communications and Media Relations for the North Lake Tahoe Convention & Visitors’ Bureau.

Monday, December 13

Northern Nevada GIVES: The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada (sponsored)

The mission statement of The Community Foundation of Northern Nevada is to strengthen our community through philanthropy and leadership by connecting people who care with causes that matter.

192-unit luxury apartment complex opens in West Reno

Rents range from $1,535-$1,790 for 1-bed, 1-bath units to $2,435-$2,735 for 3-bed, 3-bath units. Square footages range from the low end of 624 for 1-bed units to 1,325 for 3-bed units.

Poll: How Nevadans want billions in American Rescue Plan funds spent

Of the respondents, 21 percent indicated the state should use its $2.7 billion share of ARP general aid on schools and education, followed by rental and housing assistance (18 percent) and support for businesses (11 percent).

Study.com to invest $432,000 to address Nevada teacher shortage

The money will go toward 600 Praxis test preparation scholarships in order to bolster Nevada’s teacher workforce, according to Study.com.

Travel Nevada awards $760,000 in grants for rural marketing

Grants are awarded for tourism marketing projects that will result in overnight stays, generating room tax revenue for the state.

People: Stephanie Van Woert joins Henriksen Butler in Reno

Van Woert will serve as the company’s Director of Business Development throughout Northern Nevada.

Friday, December 10

NBA commissioner Silver speaks at Reno-Sparks chamber event

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Vegas Golden Knights President and COO Kerry Bubolz discussed the intersection of business and sports at the annual Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce event.

Washoe County annual assessment notices going out by Dec. 18

Chief Deputy Assessor Cori Burke is reminding homeowners and business owners there's no charge to review valuations — and as such, "no need to pay anyone for representation."

Nevada's Economic Forum finds tax revenues overperforming

In fiscal year 2021, state general fund revenues — including major tax revenues, such as the sales tax and payroll tax — brought the state $220 million more than it expected, surpassing projections from the Economic Forum’s May meeting.

People: Reno Rodeo elects three new board members

Incumbent Zach Downie was re-elected, while Shannon Bohach, Andi Morency and Colleen Schaar will serve as new members in six-year terms.

People: Hillary Schauss newest Sierra Nevada Properties agent

Schauss, who received her real estate license in 2015, joins SNP's Reno office.

Thursday, December 9

LaunchNevada initiative promotes student entrepreneurship at UNR

“The goal of LaunchNevada is to foster entrepreneurial mindsets among graduate and undergraduate students by focusing on developing three C’s: curiosity, connections and created value."

Starting at $549,990, homes now for sale at Cross Creek in Carson City

Prices start in the mid-$500,000s for homes ranging in size from 1,800 to 2,900 square feet. The largest floor plan starts at $649,990.

2022 Best Places To Work in Northern Nevada nominations open

The deadline to nominate a business for the Northern Nevada Human Resources Association's 15th annual contest is Jan. 28.

People: Jose Tafoya joins Woodburn and Wedge as associate attorney

Tafoya earned his J.D. from the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from the University of Nevada, Reno.

People: Kim Kandaras named to Nevada Funeral and Cemetery Services Board

Kandaras, co-owner of Walton’s Funeral and Cremations, will serve a four-year term on the board that regulates and investigates state licensing and complaints in the funeral industry.

Wednesday, December 8

Nevada OKs $1 million tax break for Montana agtech company

Montana-based Local Bounti plans to construct a 300,000-square-foot greenhouse facility in Minden; it would create 65 jobs in the first two years of operation at an average weighted hourly wage of $26.69.

From flower trucks to bookmobiles, Reno seeing new businesses on wheels

Golden Owl Bookshop and Emmy’s Flower Truck are two examples of new mobile businesses that are cropping up more and more each year.

Past Pages, Dec. 5, 2011: Big discovery by Barrick Gold gets industry attention

From the archives: Barrick Gold Corporation’s two new gold discoveries in Nevada represent the biggest mining story in the state for 2011, says Alan Coyner, administrator for the Nevada Division of Minerals.

Women’s fashion retailer opens Meadowood Mall location

The new Reno location is part of Windsor Fashions LLC's plans to open an additional 150 retail store locations across 2021 and 2022.

People: Eren Ozmen earns James Forrestal Industry Leadership Award

The National Defense Industrial Association recognized Ozmen for her "life-long record of business accomplishments, broad understanding of the vital role the industrial base plays in ensuring the nation’s security and keen political instincts."

Tuesday, December 7

Reno startup Hibear inks retail partnership with Home Means Nevada Co.

Hibear’s 32-ounce "All-Day Adventure Flask" can now be found at Home Means Nevada's 5 brick-and-mortar locations.

Carson Conversation: Looking at 2021 in the rearview mirror (Voices)

“As we approach the holiday season, there is hope 2022 will find us returning to ‘normalcy’ — whatever that may look like.”

Sisolak appoints 9 to new workforce training committee

Kurt Thigpen, CEO of Reno-based Ace Studios and former Washoe County School District trustee, is among the appointees.

Tahoe-Truckee real estate market may never be the same, brokers say

“Surely there will be fluctuations, but in the long view I think it will be more expensive in five to 10 years rather than less,” says Don Carr of Carr Long Real Estate.

People: Vincent Solis stepping down as Western Nevada College president

“I have thoroughly loved my time here in Nevada and I believe strongly in WNC’s mission to ensure the success of students in our classrooms," Solis said.

More than $1 million in Nevada STEM grants available

The Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology recently released four grant funding opportunities.

Monday, December 6

Nevada Green Business Network growth continues

Roughly a year after its formation, the Nevada Green Business Network has a trio of new partners: Reno+Sparks Chamber of Commerce, City of Reno and Nevada Conservation League.

Vaccine mandates for college students, employees poised to extend into 2022

As the debate over vaccine mandates across the state of Nevada and Nevada System of Higher Education continues, new concerns about the burden of testing unvaccinated employees have emerged.

10 percent uptick in holiday spending projected for Nevada

The Retail Association of Nevada forecasts consumer retail sales in Nevada will grow by 10 percent during the holiday shopping season this year to reach a record $5.5 billion.

Warm November stalls opening plans for Tahoe ski resorts

As December rolls on, several opening dates for regional ski resorts were delayed or are uncertain after a warm and dry November.

Deep Edge Realty opens data center in downtown Reno

Deep Edge, though the use of meet-me rooms and powered shell space, delivers location-focused interconnection solutions in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets to drive ecosystem-wide cost reductions and improve network performance.

People: Sabrina Tonino, Noah Ball, Regina Flores earn CMLX1 Certification

It places the Northern Nevada Regional Multiple Listing Service as one of three MLS organizations in North America to have 100 percent of its staff obtain the international designation.

Friday, December 3

Nevada casinos top $1 billion for 8th straight month

Reno market sees nearly 11 percent YOY increase

The 8-month streak for Nevada's casinos ties a record for consecutive billion-dollar months set between October 2006 and May 2007.

Despite low rental aid distribution rate, Nevada ‘not at-risk’ of losing funding

As the federal government threatens to sweep unused rental assistance funding from states that have not gotten enough dollars out the door, Nevada officials think they are safe from redistribution despite an initially poor ranking.

Managing surges in online demand amid supply chain shortages

Amid global supply chain shortages and surges in online demand, new research suggests retailers should employ demand throttling, according to the University of Nevada, Reno.

Saint Mary’s earns pair of top national distinctions

Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center received an “A” grade from the Leapfrog Group and was named a Top 50 Cardiovascular Hospital by Fortune and IBM Watson Health.

People: Capital Insurance Group's Tammy Ebnet earns top HR award

Based in Reno, Ebnet joins an elite group of HR executives honored with 2021 Top Women in Wellness and HR Awards by Ragan Communications.

Thursday, December 2

Former NNBW owner Swift Communications sells to Ogden Newspapers

The deal that includes the Sierra Sun, Tahoe Daily Tribune and other Western publications will close Dec. 31; financial terms were not disclosed.

WebstaurantStore plans 620,000 sq. ft. expansion in Dayton

Construction is tentatively planned to start this month and targeted completion is fall 2022.

$750K in grants available via Renown Health, National Fitness Campaign partnership

Municipalities, schools and other organizations who own accessible public space in Nevada may apply.

Advocates fear thousands of Nevadans are unaware of child tax credit eligibility

According to the Nevada Free Taxes Coalition, there are around 17,000 children in Nevada not included in tax returns, leaving up to $52 million of the child tax credit — which the American Rescue Plan increased in March of this year — unclaimed.

People: Andrew Hess joins UNR Department of Agriculture, Veterinary & Rangeland Sciences

Hess, who previously graduated from UNR, will focus his research on innovation in breeding and genetics in cattle and sheep.

People: Landon Gonzalez, Casey Scott achieve VP roles at Colliers Reno

Per Colliers Reno, the Vice President designation is awarded to brokers with five or more years of experience and consistently high transaction volumes.

Wednesday, December 1

Reno Aces bolstering business efforts with more concerts, events

The wildly successful Grupo Firme concert in October at Greater Nevada Field represents one part of an overhaul in the business model of the Reno Aces, hastened by a pandemic-canceled baseball season in 2020 and the loss of the popular minor-league soccer team Reno 1868 FC.

Past Pages, Nov. 28, 2011: Flu shots help protect fragile recovery

From the archives: As word quickly filtered out last week that the Washoe County Health District reported its first confirmed case of influenza in the Truckee Meadows, healthcare professionals continued to ramp up efforts to convince people to get their flu shots.

Nonprofit Spotlight: Cowboy up for Reno Rodeo Foundation's Denim Drive (sponsored)

The Reno Rodeo’s commitment to giving back is realized with a portion of the proceeds from the “Wildest, Richest Rodeo in the West” going to the Reno Rodeo Foundation, since 1986.

Pet Station to open new Incline Village location

Kidder Mathews represented Pet Station owners Marshall Grattan and Philip Bankhead in the transaction.

Reno-Sparks Convention Center earns national honor

The RSCVA facility earned a bronze medal in the 5th Annual Stella Awards by Northstar Meetings Group.

People: Naren Prasad joins NevadaNano as Chief Product Architect and Delivery Officer

Prasad is charged with leading Reno-based NevadaNano's hardware-enabled SaaS system, which targets new methane emissions rules.