Stories for February 2021

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Friday, February 26

Amid housing shortage, Churchill Co. poised for economic development

Bruce Breslow of the newly created Churchill Fallon Economic Development agency — designed to recruit businesses to locate or relocate to the area — told commissioners last week a major problem facing Churchill County is housing.

Despite solid sports betting, Nevada casino win down 26.58% in January

Northern Nevada casinos report increases as Vegas market continues slide

Overall casino win across the state came in at $761.85 million for January, a 26.58% decrease from the same month a year ago — despite that, Washoe County was up 4.91% while the Reno market was up 1.86%.

In $1.35 million deal, DRC Landscaping buys Sparks headquarters

The company's immediate goal for the business "is to grow by 20% or more for the next two years and to continue that growth pattern for as long as it is manageable," says owner Daniel Clark.

Boys & Girls Club honors Carson City's Campagni Auto Group

This year’s Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Nevada Community Partner of the Year is Carson City-based Campagni Auto Group.

People: Samantha LaRussa joins PBS Reno as marketing assistant

LaRussa is a 2020 graduate of the Reynolds School of Journalism at the University of Nevada.

People: Reno's Neena Colón, Kyla Kwan earn CPPR designations

Neena Colón, a 2020 UNR graduate, and Kyla Kwan, a current senior, both recently earned the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations (CPPR).

Thursday, February 25

Twenty Under 40 Q-and-A: Bryce Warner of AssuredPartners

"I think some of the biggest economic development opportunities, primarily right now, are still in manufacturing."

Buzz Harris: Is now the right time to sell your business? (Voices)

"For many of these local business owners, it’s better to sell out than burn out."

City of Winnemucca explores electric scooter sharing with Bird

Bird would manage the 24-month pilot program (provide scooters, chargers and managing equipment) and pay the city of Winnemucca for scooters to be used on city streets.

J4NG director Cantú: Brighter days ahead for students, education

Dr. René Cantú founded Jobs for America’s Graduates, now known as J4NG, in 2014, and it has since assisted more than 18,000 students in the state to ensure they secure jobs successfully in a career field of their choice.

People: Richard James named president of Reno-Tahoe Open Foundation

James has previously worked at world-renowned companies including SAFECO, Boeing, Nintendo and Microsoft and has volunteered for years with the Reno-Tahoe Open Foundation, the nonprofit arm of the Barracuda Championship.

Reno-based EMPLOYERS facilitates $30K donation to restaurant workers

The California Restaurant Foundation announced recently receiving a $30,000 matching donation from FHLBank San Francisco through the Reno-based EMPLOYERS Insurance Group to support the nonprofit’s Restaurants Care relief fund.

Wednesday, February 24

U.S. book sales soar in 2020; Reno a mixed bag

In a recent interview with the NNBW, Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt said while some larger metro areas are struggling, the Reno location has been "one of the busiest of the Barnes & Noble bookstores."

New coalition: Nevada lawmakers must increase taxes for school revenue

EDAWN's Kazmierski: 'It takes a quality education system to really grow the economy'

The coalition, which includes teachers, school administrators and business leaders, including EDAWN, wants Nevada lawmakers to increase taxes this session, saying that moving to a new education funding formula without additional revenue will do more harm than good.

Past pages, Feb. 21, 2011: Economic impact of sports and more Walmart stores

This week's 10-year look-back at the Feb. 24, 2011, NNBW features stories on the economic impact of University of Nevada, Reno athletic programs and the prospect of Walmart building several "Neighborhood Market" stores in the region.

IWF Nevada: advancing women's leadership, championing equality (sponsored)

Chartered in 1999, and entering its 22nd year, IWF Nevada is committed to championing equality and cultivating the women leaders of tomorrow.

People: Stacy Kendall elected as board chair of The Discovery

Stacy Kendall, vice president of client engagement at Plumas Bank, will serve as 2021 board chair at The Discovery.

Tuesday, February 23

Yanus Nelson: 5 strategies for post-pandemic small business success in Carson (Voices)

"The challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic hardships in Carson City can make last year a difficult year to look back on."

Banks, credit unions: Digital surge likely to continue beyond pandemic

“I think the whole pandemic has really sped up the adoption of online banking by a few years," says Steve O’Donnell of One Nevada Credit Union.

Ichiban reopens inside Eldorado in downtown Reno

The popular restaurant that's been a Reno fixture since first opening in 1980 closed last year after the shuttering of Harrah’s Reno, where it resided for 15 years.

Covering Your Assets: March madness for businesses almost upon us (Voices)

"There are lots of variables that a business owner must navigate to decide if not filing an extension is worthwhile."

Mari Chuy’s, Baked by Nicki win #RenoLoveLetter campaign

An estimated 760 love letters qualified for the contest; Baked by Nicki and Mari Chuy’s Mexican Kitchen received the most letters, 58 and 23, respectively.

NV Energy’s plan to avoid a Texas-sized energy supply disaster next summer

Issues of grid management and resource adequacy aren’t going away anytime soon. The future for the planet is an increase in extreme weather events, and Nevada is in the bullseye of states most likely to experience massive temperature swings and the full effects of climate change.

People: Kimberly Rossiter promoted to director at Dermody Properties

Dermody Properties recently announced that Kimberly Rossiter has been promoted to Director of Property Management, West.

Monday, February 22

Northern Nevada nurseries see blooming demand as pandemic produces more at-home gardeners

Garden centers and nurseries are high on the list among businesses in Northern Nevada that have seen demand increase during the pandemic.

Nearly a year later, ski industry continues to deal with fallout of COVID-19

Despite shutting down early a year ago and working with various COVID restrictions this winter, there is optimism at local resorts that the ski industry should have a relatively strong end to the 2020-21 season.

Report: Nevada cannabis board will look to improve industry diversity

“What was sort of striking was the lack of diversity in some of the leadership levels ... it shows that we have a lot of work to do there," Layke Martin of the Nevada Dispensary Association told The Nevada Independent.

Lawsuit filed to block $1.3 billion Lithium Nevada mine project

The suit from a longtime Nevada rancher alleges the Thacker Pass project violates environmental laws and that it was approved by the BLM based “entirely upon flawed and error-laden findings.”

Initial jobless claims fell by nearly 26% last week in Nevada

Through the week ending Feb. 13, there have been a total of 851,469 initial claims filed since the week ending March 14, 2020, according to Nevada DETR.

People: Debra Stieglitz joins Woodburn and Wedge

Stieglitz will be an associate attorney practicing litigation and business and commercial law.

Sunday, February 21

State Board of Ed member Cantú: Brighter days ahead for students, education

Dr. René Cantú, executive director of the state’s Jobs for Nevada’s Graduates program, says COVID-19 has prompted the Silver State’s educators to pivot in ways this past year they never had to before, and it’s a success to celebrate.

Friday, February 19

No excuse to not read ‘Laziness Does Not Exist’ (Biz & Books review)

With a clarion call tailor-made for new work-at-homers who can no longer leave work at work, author and social psychologist Devon Price gives readers plenty of reason to kick back and put their feet up sometimes, showing that doing so can actually enhance productivity.

Explaining the changes DETR wants to make to unemployment taxes

After the most turbulent year in the history of the Nevada Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation, what exactly does DETR’s main policy bill this legislative session do?

Gas prices rising due to record cold weather in South

In Nevada, the average price for a gallon of gas is $2.86 — the average in Clark County is $2.87, compared to Washoe County's state-high average of $3.09. The national rate sits at $2.61.

People: Rose McKinney-James appointed to ioneer's board of directors

McKinney-James has over two decades of service as a public company director and has been a board member of MGM Resorts International since 2005, where she currently chairs the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee.

City National donated $370K to 75 organizations last year

In 2020, City National Bank contributed monetary and in-kind support of nearly $370,000 to 75 nonprofits, schools and community organizations throughout the Silver State.

People: Gayle Halminiak, Jennie Parker promoted to leadership roles at UNR Med

Gayle Halminiak and Jennie Parker recently accepted leadership positions with University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) and University Health.

Thursday, February 18

Twenty Under 40 Q-and-A: Meagan Noin of MN|G Partners

“From the time I was a kid till now, you wouldn’t recognize (Reno) as the same city, it’s grown so much. And I suspect we might see that evolution continue."

Inside the economic blueprint helping drive Sisolak’s legislative agenda

Much of the updated economic plan focuses on the near-term economic situation, calling for an immediate leveraging of state and federal dollars to rescue pandemic-affected businesses and workers without opening the state up to an increase in COVID-19 cases, per The Nevada Independent.

In $420K deal, Alecia Towell LLC establishes new Reno HQ

Alecia Towell LLC offers outpatient psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families in the Reno area and throughout Northern Nevada.

Nevada to open up vaccines to seniors 65+ at retail pharmacies starting next week

Shots for those 65 to 69 will only be available initially at retail pharmacies that are currently offering the COVID-19 vaccine — including Smith’s, Walgreens and Walmart in Washoe and other counties.

People: UNR Med's Stephanie McCurry-Tenney elected local NAACP president

“As manufacturing has transformed Northern Nevada’s territories and economic landscape from a singular viewpoint of gambling revenue, in the same way the Reno-Sparks NAACP will advocate for change..." McCurry-Tenney said.

People: John Murtha retires after 40 years with Woodburn and Wedge

John Murtha had been with the Woodburn and Wedge for 40 years and was managing shareholder for 20 years.

Wednesday, February 17

Travel website: Expect higher gas prices due to cold weather

The national average price of gasoline may jump 10-20 cents per gallon from its current price of $2.54 per gallon over the next two weeks as millions of barrels of refining capacity has gone offline.

Pandemic-battered beauty businesses hope for revenue rebound

Nearly a year into pandemic-related business restrictions, Reno-area beauty shops and salons like Skin by Kym (SBK) Beauty and Lash Parlour and La Di Da Beauty are "not really sure what to expect" in 2021 after months of tumbling revenues.

Past pages, Feb. 14, 2011: Doughnut shop resurgence and venture fund interest

This week's 10-year look-bak at the Feb. 14, 2011, edition of the NNBW features doughnut shops enjoying a resurgence in the Truckee Meadows and venture capital funds gaining steam.

PlayStudios deal with Murren-led company follows slot machine industry growth pattern

Via The Nevada Independent: In Nevada, social gaming is one of three gaming industry niche sectors, along with live entertainment and online gaming/sports betting, where exceptional growth potential exists.

Western Nevada Supply employees join ’40-year-club’ (sponsored)

Affectionately known as the “Blue Team,” Western Nevada Supply's team-centered culture has led five longtime employees to be inducted into the “40 Year Club.”

Cox Business, GLCCNV partnering to offer two $5,000 business grants

Both grants will be made available for a current or future small business owner who is also a member of the Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Nevada, says Chamber President Tim Haughinberry.

People: Kevin Sigstad elected to serve on National Association of Realtors board

Sigstad, president of RE/MAX Premier Properties in Reno, is a former president of the statewide Nevada Realtors and Reno/Sparks Association of Realtors.

Tuesday, February 16

Reno drone-tech company Flirtey successfully conducts COVID test deliveries

Flirtey has successfully conducted multiple deliveries of at-home COVID-19 test kits in Northern Nevada during the initial phase of the Reno-based company's test program.

‘I’m sorry, we have no room’ – funeral home demand, revenues rise due in part to COVID

Across Northern Nevada, Mountain View Mortuary and Walton’s Funerals & Cremations saw unprecedented levels of demand for services last year, especially in Q4, owners and managers told us.

Business Spotlight: Lewis Roca (sponsored)

Lewis Roca has a longstanding tradition of handling pro bono matters for people and organizations with financial need, promoting legal representation and donating significant resources to ensuring justice for the indigent.

D1 Training opens first Nevada facility in Sparks

The Sparks D1 Taining franchise, Nevada's first, is owned and operated by Reno resident Jason King, as well as fitness entrepreneur Shaun Wardle.

People: Dave Archer reelected as NCET President/CEO

“It is deeply satisfying to continue to work with a team that is making a difference in our region," Archer said.

Monday, February 15

Fla.-based Kisses From Italy plans major Reno expansion

Kisses From Italy, a Florida-based fast-casual restaurant specializing in Italian sandwiches, is looking to plant multiple locations in Reno as part of a 2021 franchise expansion initiative.

Reno’s median home price decreased to $470,000 in January

The median home price in January was $470,500 for the Reno market (including North Valleys), an increase of 9.4% from last year and a 5.9% decrease from December’s record mark of $500,000.

Months before Blockchains LLC lobbied the Legislature to create its own county, it purchased faraway water rights that could fuel future growth

Blockchains LLC briefed lawmakers this month on plans to develop “Painted Rock Smart City.” To do so, it wants Nevada to create “Innovation Zones,” a pathway for large-scale developers focused on technology to break away from existing counties if they make major investments.

Tips for starting and running a happy, successful business with your partner (Voices)

While being able to successfully work with your loved one depends on a number of factors, there are steps you can take upfront to ensure your professional partnership is fruitful, says Brian Formisano of Wells Fargo in Nevada.

Reno-based nutraceutical company launches

Lig & Ceptor, a physician-founded company in development since spring 2019, produces science-based natural medicines and products; all its formulas have a CBD backbone.

People: Mara Langer new outreach coordinator at Jewish Nevada

Prior to joining Jewish Nevada, Langer held several positions in community outreach, serving as a community relations professional, a project manager and community relations manager.

Friday, February 12

The Nevada Legislature: Real estate-related items to monitor (Voices)

"If a bill appears to help you, question it to make sure it is truly beneficial to your overall circumstances. If it isn’t, contact your legislators and convey your thoughts. You might have a perspective they haven’t considered."

Sisolak signs bill authorizing another $50 million in small business grants (updated)

The bill was fast-tracked this week so that, “we could get this out immediately so small businesses can get their money," said Senate Finance Chairman Chris Brooks, D-Las Vegas.

$1.9 trillion federal aid bill proposes up to $3.9 billion to pandemic-battered Nevada

According to the House Committee on Oversight, the federal funds would be subject to “eligible uses including to replace revenue lost, delayed, or decreased as a result of the pandemic.”

Sisolak unveils plan to begin relaxing business restrictions starting Monday

Plans include transferring decision-making to local governments May 1

Starting Monday, capacity limits for indoor establishments will be lifted to 35 percent for restaurants, places of worship, gyms and casinos, and to 50 percent for libraries, museums and art galleries.

Leo’s Awnings and Interiors to expand after $799,000 Reno building acquisition

The purchase will allow the company to double its workforce, says Leonardo Quintero Wences, who owns the business with his wife, Carmen Quintero-Ferreira.

People: EDAWN appoints 9 new board members for 2021

New members for 2021 include: Stephen Ascuaga, Julie Kozich, Helen Lidholm and Chad Martinson (MOBE and ACOVA Health) as board members; and Kristopher Dahir, Austin Osborne, Vaughn Hartung, Kristen McNeill and Brian Sandoval as ex-officio board members.

Thursday, February 11

3-generation family tradition continues at iconic Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory

This Valentine's Day, read up on history and progress at the iconic Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory, the passion for which started amid the Great Depression, with Grandpa Frank Salzwimmer creating sweet treats out of his basement to supplement the family income.

Toy sales swell across U.S.; Reno no different

From TikTok trends to parents trying to entertain kids during school closures and work-from-home shifts, several factors have led to toys flying off the shelves in Northern Nevada and beyond.

Super Bowl 55 brings $12.5 million win to Nevada sports books

One of the biggest Super Bowl blowouts in the last 10 years wound up with a reasonable return for Nevada's sports books.

Northern Nevada's first America First Credit Union branch to open Feb. 16

The 2,200-square-foot America First Credit Union branch — the 17th in the Silver State and first in Northern Nevada — is located in the former Five Guys Burgers restaurant on Topsy Lane.

People: Lucy Crow joins Lewis Roca as associate in Reno office

Lucy Crow received her J.D., magna cum laude, from the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV and her B.S. from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Registration open for StartUpNV’s new angel investor bootcamp

Jeff Saling of StartUpNV stressed that AngelNV investors need not be “super wealthy” to participate and can be at the beginning of their investment journey, such as successful professionals or retirees.

Wednesday, February 10

Tax credits, rising electricity bills aid Reno-Sparks solar sales surge

After a banner year in sales for some Northern Nevada solar companies, should the market continue to grow, there may be a rising need for more local workforce developments efforts.

Sisolak praises quick introduction of small business rescue bill

If approved, the bill would provide an additional $50 million to support small businesses hit by the pandemic, bringing the total amount doled out via the PETS program to $101 million.

Nevada lawmakers told businesses can’t force employees to get vaccine

Kara Jenkins of Nevada’s Equal Rights Commission did say employers can, “strongly encourage the use of a vaccine, especially if the employees come in contact with members of the public.”

Past pages, Feb. 7, 2011: 12-building industrial project sold; promoters roll dice on concerts

This week's 10-year look back at the Feb. 7, 2011, edition of the NNBW covers Turner Development Corp.'s $8.8 million acquisition of a 12-building industrial complex on Glendale Avenue, and a look at how area concert promoters are rolling the dice on booking shows amid the Great Recession's last gasps.

BJ’s Barbecue, Gold N’ Silver Inn earn Washoe County health awards

The Washoe County Health District late last month recognized local businesses BJ’s Nevada Barbecue Company and Gold N’ Silver Inn & Restaurant with annual health and safety awards.

People: Rachel Kerswill joins TCI Wealth Advisors' Reno office

Kerswill, who holds a degree from UNR, brings over five years of experience in customer support and event planning to the position.

Tuesday, February 9

Nevada lawmakers OK $633 million in federal grants for K-12 education, rental assistance

“The approval of more than half a billion dollars for rental assistance and school safety is just the first step we will take toward our state’s recovery this session,” Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro said.

Carson Conversation: Carson City businesses look to the future (Voices)

“Carson Conversation” is a new monthly NNBW Voices column authored by Ronni Hannaman, executive director of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce.

Carson-based Tahoe Hydro partners with Bay Area rapper’s company

“Because they shut down things like concerts and public venues, people aren’t vaping anymore,” says Ray Schiavone, CEO of Tahoe Hydroponics. “More people are staying home and smoking flower at home. And so, the amount of people that are now smoking flower at home has created this tremendous demand.”

People: Jim Park named Nevada director of USDA Rural Development

Jim Park, the former Gardnerville town manager, is filling the position after the departure of Phil Cowee, who resigned Jan. 20.

People: Ryan Andrews, Bonnie Billings new agents at Sierra Nevada Properties

Sierra Nevada Properties recently announced the additions of Ryan Andrews and Bonnie Billings as the company’s newest residential real estate agents.

In $800,000 deal, Diamond Concrete Cutting buys Lockwood property

The 5,600-square-foot office/industrial building at 100 Menezes Way in Lockwood, east of Sparks, will serve as the company’s Northern Nevada headquarters.

Monday, February 8

Initial PUA jobless filings surpass 1 million in Nevada

Through the week ending Jan. 30, there have been a total of 1,032,652 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) initial claims filed in Nevada.

People: Shannon Vance-Brunelli joins ArchCrest Commercial Partners

Vance-Brunelli made her way to Reno from Los Angeles in 1995 after receiving volleyball scholarship to the University of Nevada, Reno.

People: Don Andrae joins Broadbent & Associates in Elko

Andrae, formerly a lead environmental technician with Nevada Gold Mines, has more than 30 years of experience in mining and environmental sampling.

EDAWN releases 2021 ‘State of the Economy’ video

The video update, produced in lieu of EDAWN hosting its annual in-person luncheon, looks back at 2020's ups and downs and paints a positive economic outlook for 2021 and beyond.

Canadian mining incubator to set up shop in Elko

This summer, Northern Nevada will welcome its first incubator dedicated to the industry that put the silver in the Silver State.

Bill would allow Washoe Co. to impose impact fees on Tesla, Panasonic

AB90 would allow filing for compensation from developments outside a county that would be impacted by the project.

Friday, February 5

Ozmen Center's International Women’s Entrepreneurship Symposium set for March 8

This year's event, which will be fully virtual, is themed 'Innovation in a Changing World'

“Our mission is to build a global community to support the creation and growth of women-founded companies across all geographies and industries," says Jeannie Reeth, event organizer.

For 43 years, Fallon's Pizza Barn has endured change, recessions – and now a pandemic

In the 1970s, Carl Dodge, an iconic state legislator and developer, built the Valley View in Fallon complex with a pizza parlor specifically in mind. He was friends with Joe Ray, the owner of Straw Hat Pizza in Reno, and invited him to consider opening a business in Fallon.

Workforce development downtown Reno: UNR's robotics center to open soon

Tesla and the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada are supporting the university's new K-12 Robotics Center, which encourages youth interest in critical fields of study.

Carson City hospital bridge construction expected to wrap in 2022

Carson Tahoe Health broke ground on several projects in October 2019, beginning the first phase of its 10-year master plan, including expansion of the emergency department and a two-level enclosed walkway connector between the RMC and Sierra Surgery.

People: Reno's Gregory Morrison, Ashley C. Nikkel named shareholders at Parsons Behle & Latimer

Ashley C. Nikkel earned her J.D. from UNLV and a bachelor's degree from the University of Nevada, Reno. Gregory Morrison, meanwhile, began his law career in Carson City.

Thursday, February 4

‘Innovation Zones’ promoted by Sisolak would create semi-autonomous county at behest of Blockchains LLC

The proposal by Blockchains LLC in Storey Count would create essentially autonomous districts that function as a county-within-a-county, taking over responsibilities such as tax collection, K-12 education and other services normally provided by governments.

In 2020, Nevada casinos had worst gambling revenue year since 1997

The $7.87 billion in casino win in 2020 was down from $12 billion in 2019 — and it's the lowest annual statewide total for a calendar year since 1997.

People: Leslie Kidd, LeAndra Surprenant named shareholders at Casey Neilon

Leslie Kidd, CPA, has been with Casey Neilon since its inception in 2006; Surprenant has worked recently with Strategic Premium Resources, a Casey Neilon subsidiary.

People: Corinna White joins Dickson Commercial Group

White joins Dickson Commercial Group from Napa Valley, Calif., and will focus on land sales and development opportunities in Northwest Nevada.

GNCU pledges $25K donation to youth homeless solutions

Greater Nevada Mortgage has pledged a $25,000 minimum contribution for 2021, starting with the company’s first Northern Nevada partner, the nonprofit Eddy House.

Plumas Bank reports record earnings in fourth quarter

For 2020 as whole, the bank reported net income of $14.5 million, a decrease of $1.0 million, or 7%, from $15.5 million for 2019.

Wednesday, February 3

Thanks to business backing, UPSL expansion team Battle Born FC coming to Carson City

Battle Born FC will be a UPSL expansion franchise, looking to kick off its inaugural season in two months. Marc Radow, CEO of Carson City company SportLogic and RoxiSpice, will serve as the team’s president.

Business Spotlight: The Abbi Agency (sponsored)

The Abbi Agency creates provocative brand communications that solve problems, build relationships and move all sorts of good things forward.

Past pages, Jan. 31, 2011: Falling land costs set builders for rebound

This week's 10-year look-back to the Jan. 31, 2011, edition of the NNBW features fluctuating land sales and a look into Umpqua Bank's first 6 months after expanding in the Reno market.

Skin Cancer Dermatology Institute to expand, build 4th Reno office

“The new building will serve as our fourth office in the Reno area and is the second building we have worked with Shaheen Beauchamp Builders to complete,” Dr. Bret Blackhart, board-certified dermatologist with Skin Cancer Dermatology Institute, said.

Caesars Entertainment announces fantasy sports investment

Caesars Entertainment last month announced an investment in the daily fantasy sports platform SuperDraft, Inc., in an effort to boost the company’s mobile and online sports betting offerings.

People: Mark Herron appointed 2021 chair of PBS Reno Board of Trustees

The PBS Reno Board of Trustees recently announced its new officers for 2021, highlighted by Mark Herron, president/CEO of The Davidson Group, appointed as chairman.

Tuesday, February 2

People: Nevada State Bank’s Jamie Gazza to chair Nevada Women’s Fund Board in ’21

Jamie Gazza, vice president of corporate banking for Nevada State Bank, will chair the Nevada Women’s Fund Board of Directors in 2021.

Applications open for NV Energy’s Powerful Partnership Scholarship

In Northern Nevada, applications are being accepted until Feb. 28.

Commerce Matters: Plenty of C’s to success for small business in 2021 (Voices)

"None of us want a community that can’t withstand the range of thoughts and beliefs among us. Let’s commit ourselves to a better 2021," says Reno+Sparks Chamber of Commerce CEO Ann Silver.

Nevada unemployment strike force: backlog of PUA claims can be cleared in 2 weeks

Strike force leader Barbara Buckley described Nevada's unemployment systems as “besieged” by fraudulent actors using stolen personal information obtained off the “dark web” to try to file claims.

Like all businesses, Reno psychics learning to do the pandemic pivot

Before COVID, statistics showed 1 in 5 Americans have consulted a psychic or medium. All told, such businesses had a combined revenue of $2.2 billion in 2019. We spoke with a pair of Reno-area psychics to discuss how the pandemic has impacted revenues and procedures.

‘It’s like a whole new world’ – Midtown, UNR-area businesses react to Virginia Street Project completion

More than 2 years after breaking ground in September 2018, the nearly $90 million Virginia Street Project is all but complete.

Casino win in Nevada tumbled in December, down 35.35% YOY

Nevada casinos reported just $683.7 million in gaming win for December, down 35.35% from the more than $1 billion recorded a year ago.

Nevada DETR plans modest tech upgrades; total overhaul is several years out

The analysis concluded that while DETR Nevada's system is not outright antiquated, it is based on code that is considered “vintage” because it dates to the early 2000s.

What to watch in the 2021 legislative session: A guide to Nevada’s biggest policy debates

From economic development initiatives to mining tax increases to affordable housing options, lawmakers are expected to cover several key business topics during the 2021 Nevada Legislature, which officially kicks off today in Carson City.

People: Sara Robbins to serve as 2021 board chair of PRSA Sierra Nevada

Sara Robbins, APR, who works as a PR Director at KPS3 in Reno, will serve as 2021 board chairwoman of the Sierra Nevada Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

Reno ends 2020 with 5% jobless rate; Vegas still in double digits

It's a trend consistent with the state's slow economic recovery since the start of the pandemic due to Northern Nevada's focus on diversifying the economy in recent years to have less reliance on gaming and tourism/hospitality.

‘This is a big investment’: Work to start this spring on $469 million in upgrades to both of Renown’s hospitals

Perhaps lost amid the news of COVID restrictions and vaccine rollouts over the past several weeks, Renown Health in November unveiled a $469 million plan to upgrade both its main hospitals in a project that officials say will "improve care and have a tremendous, positive effect on our local and statewide economy."

Lyon County joins rural revolt against Sisolak’s COVID orders for businesses

“We must stand together as one to face the abuses of our civil liberties which have taken place and stop them from going any further," said commissioner Ken Gray.

Agate Construction announces early completion of Reno air rifle range

The new Air Rifle Range at Reno Guns & Range will be home to all air rifle sports in Northern Nevada, including the national champion Nevada Wolf Pack rifle team.

Nevada Gold Mines launches employee giving program

Nevada Gold Mines also invested an initial $500,000 to kick off the Endowment Fund portion of the program, which will be professionally managed and invested.

Sponsored news from local business leaders: Dickson Realty

Dickson Realty sponsors this content

Dickson Realty currently has over 300 Realtors across 9 offices, and has represented the developers of the largest and most sought-after Master Planned Communities in the area.

Monday, February 1

Nevada PETS program has aided thousands of small businesses; thousands more still waiting on a response

As one example of apparent poor communication, Roy Brennan, owner of Beefy's in Reno, said he never received a confirmation email after applying for a PETS grant last October and received only one response from the state that he was in the queue.

Sponsored news from local business leaders: Dickson Commercial Group

Dickson Commercial Group sponsors this content

Dickson Commercial Group was founded on the principles of having strong local expertise but providing both the brokers and their clients with institutional level work product and support.

Burdened by pandemic, Nevada casinos saw $6 billion revenue drop in 2020

Nevada's casinos reported $18.3 billion in revenue for the 2020 fiscal year, down 25.2 percent from $24.5 billion in the previous year.

NNBW unveils new website

Once fully live, the new-look NNBW website will include two new important changes: 1. Eliminating Facebook as our third-party commenting platform; and 2. Reinstituting our subscriber paywall.

Saint Mary’s partners with Pediatrix for pediatric services

Beginning Feb. 1, Pediatrix will begin to transition pediatric hospitalists into Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center’s pediatric unit in downtown Reno, with full coverage expected by March 1.

People: Amber Hayes, Marie McCormack, Henrik Slots join Northern Nevada Medical Group

Dr. Amber Hayes will work out of Northern Nevada Health System's Vista Boulevard location in Sparks, while Drs. Marie McCormack and Henrik Slots will be based in the Kietzke Lane practice in Reno.

USA Today 10Best recognizes Atlantis as top Northern Nevada casino

In the category for “Best Casino Outside Las Vegas,” Atlantis finished third in the country, while the Atlantis Steakhouse earned the second highest mark in the “Best Casino Restaurant” category.

‘Reno has gone viral’: multifamily unit sales thriving throughout Northern Nevada

“Reno has gone viral — (sales) activity has been phenomenal. When we fully expose properties to the market, we are getting like 15 offers," Ken Blomsterberg, senior managing director of investments with Marcus & Millichap, told the NNBW recently.

With live concerts and events still paused, Reno-area workers find ways to make ends meet

Live concerts, performances and other events have been on pause for almost a year now due to the pandemic. We caught up with a few Reno-area workers who've been adapting and evolving their livelihoods for months in hopes that someday soon, live entertainment will return soon.

State of the Counties: 6 Nevada county managers talk turbulent 2020, outline economic success for 2021

The Northern Nevada Development Authority’s annual State of the Counties event featured reps from Carson City, Douglas, Churchill, Lyon, Storey and Mineral counties.

Report: Tahoe-Truckee saw record home sales volume in 2020; luxury sales see major uptick

Home sales over $1 million saw massive gains across all markets, highlighted by South Lake Tahoe, which saw a 137% increase in those sales, from 49 in 2019 to 116 in 2020, per Sierra Sotheby's.

Nonprofit Spotlight: As pandemic drags on, science education at The Discovery becomes more crucial

Plumas Bank sponsors this content

Due to financial challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Discovery in 2020 experienced a revenue shortfall of $1.5 million in 2020. Thanks to the community’s generosity, more than $1.4 million has been raised for the nonprofit museum’s Resiliency Fund.

Past pages, Jan. 24, 2011: Famed Cal Neva casino to reopen amid financial woes

This week's 10-year look-back to the Jan. 24, 2011, edition of the NNBW includes a story about the planned reopening of the casino inside the beleaguered Cal Neva Resort at the North Tahoe state line.