Stories for September 2021

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Thursday, September 30

Nevada company eyes saving billions of gallons of water a year

Halogen Systems is an Incline Village company that creates environmentally friendly chlorine sensors that were initially used for ballast water in ships to prevent invasive species.

Panera Bread opens first Reno location

The opening comes as the popular franchise is amid plans to open several other locations in Northern Nevada.

Business Beat: Reno lands on-demand laundry app, startup helps fund new tech production

Tap the link to listen to this week's NNBW Business Beat segment with KUNR.

Despite population growth in Nevada, some residents are calling it quits and moving elsewhere

The pandemic, related economic consequences, climate concerns and political atmosphere have collided in a way that has caused people, nationwide and in Nevada, to reevaluate their priorities, including where they call home.

People: CCMedia hires Kelly Buda as VP of Client Success

Buda comes to CCMedia after holding the role of Director of Sales at Sinclair Broadcast Group in Reno.

People: Connor Goicoechea joins KPS3 as art director

“Connor brings a wealth of experience and design acumen in packaging, brand identity and web design,” says Michael Leonardini, creative director for KPS3.

Voting underway in NNBW Best In Business contest

During the voting phase, readers can vote once per day for their favorite nominee in each of the 18 categories.

Wednesday, September 29

Five years after launch, TMCC logistics program enters important era

Starting with less than 50 students in fall 2016, enrollment in TMCC's logistics management program grew to 140 students by 2018; current enrollment for fall 2021 is 149, says professor Brian Addington.

2021-2022 Northern Nevada Guide: Read the digital edition here

The 116-page Northern Nevada Guide is a specialty magazine of the NNBW published in partnership with the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, Carson City Chamber of Commerce and Churchill Entrepreneur Development Association.

Nonprofit Spotlight: Local companies help Assistance League Reno-Sparks (sponsored)

Assistance League is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children and adults through community programs.

Past Pages, Sept. 26, 2011: Patients selling gold from mouths is big business

From the archives: With gold selling at more than $1,800 an ounce, more and more customers are trading in old gold crowns and bridges. The largest transaction conducted at Northern Nevada Coin for old dental gold: more than $70,000.

People: Dr. Nancy Wang joins Nevada ENT and Hearing Associates

Dr. Wang graduated from Stanford University, earning her degree in biological sciences with a focus on neuroscience.

People: Luke Federici joins Dickinson Wright's Reno office as Of Counsel

Federici previously worked for the State of Nevada Gaming Control Board as an Audit Agent.

Tuesday, September 28

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Rethink the ink: Reno-Carson tattoo removal shops manage growing demand

While the pandemic triggered a boom in people getting tattoos, it also drove many others to get old ink removed. And that can mean big business, considering it can cost up to $3,000 to fully remove a tattoo.

Thanks to $7.6 million deal, Schussboom Brewing launches in Reno

Briana and Jason Wagner opened Schussboom Brewing Company this June with loan assistance from Nevada State Development Corporation and Heritage Bank of Nevada.

Cashless gaming, digital payments fast moving into Nevada's casino world

With cashless gaming innovation emphasized as a priority technology endeavor for the casino industry over the past 2 years, major manufacturers have responded by developing a wider array of products.

Buzz Harris: Be wary of brokers who promise too much (Voices)

“Since owners sometime overvalue their business, sellers must be cautious if the broker says he can meet or beat expectations.”

Arcade-bar themed Playfield ‘76 opens in Reno

The 4,500-square-foot arcade-bar themed business is a remodel of the former Imperial Bar at 150 N. Arlington Ave.

People: Nicole Willis-Grimes to lead Communities In Schools' Western Nevada affiliate

Most recently, Willis-Grimes, a longtime Reno resident, served as the director of public affairs for The Ferraro Group in Reno.

Monday, September 27

'Carry on their legacy': How the Great Basin Brewing merger unfolded

“This is a legacy brewery — the oldest in Nevada — and one that’s still poised to do the most damage," said Reno restaurateur Mark Estee, CEO of Local Food Group, new owners of Great Basin Brewing Company.

Nevada now 10th in nation for rental assistance distribution

Emergency rental assistance funds going to the state and local governments are funneled through three main entities: the Reno Housing Authority, Clark County and the Rural Housing Authority.

Reno Rebuild Project awards $50K loan to hockey shop

The $50,000 Reno Rebuild Project loan will help complete development of Bar Down Hockey Shop located inside the Jennifer M. O'Neal Community Ice Arena.

Vegas-based staffing agency opens new Reno office

Star 1 Personnel works with companies of all sizes to handle recruiting and staffing for industries such as energy, hospitality, agriculture, logistics and manufacturing, among others.

People: Nicole Berwager, Russ Ristine elected to NCET board

Berwager works as sales and event manager at Official ASM Global, while Ristine recently retired after a 40-year career in the gaming industry.

People: Jason Powell joins Alston Construction as project manager

Powell has more than 27 years of experience in the construction industry and project management.

Friday, September 24

Redwood Materials inks $50M deal with Ford Motor Company

The automaker will reportedly invest $50 million into the Carson City company founded by former Tesla executive JB Straubel.

'Real American flags' stitched in Carson City manufacturing site

Robert Hutt, who opened North Bay Industries' Carson City facility in February 2020, runs the only operation west of the Mississippi that meets the VA’s standards, offering all-American flags.

Despite pandemic problems, builders see steady business in Tahoe area

Despite increased material costs and overhead, Tahoe-Truckee-area contractors say they've remained busy the past year due to a customer base made up mostly of Bay Area transplants who have plenty of money to spend.

NV Energy Foundation awards $246K in energy grants to 4 nonprofits

Of the total, $96,000 will go to Envirolution to support expansion of its middle and high school renewable energy curriculum to rural Northern Nevada communities.

People: Lillian Wichinsky to be UNR School of Social Work's first associate dean

Dr. Lillian Wichinsk will be the school's first Associate Dean, while Eugenia Weiss was also hired as Master of Social Work Program Director.

Thursday, September 23

NNBW's Roedel wins top Nevada journalism awards

NNBW Reporter Kaleb M. Roedel and other Silver State journalists were honored Sept. 18 at the Nevada Press Association's annual awards banquet.

MINExpo returns to Silver State after 2020 COVID hiatus

Sponsored by the National Mining Association, last week's MINExpo International event featured 1,300 exhibitors with nearly 25,000 attendees from 81 countries.

People: KPS3 in Reno hires Billy Ruecker, Jessie Sublette

Ruecker hails from the fintech world, while Sublette’s career includes work with casino resorts and startups.

Business Beat: Rising demand for defensible space services; staff shortages impact tech, mining

Tap the link to listen to this week's NNBW Business Beat segment with KUNR.

People: Shawn Smith, Sean Retzloff join Kidder Mathews' Reno office

The retail brokerage team of Shawn Smith and Sean Retzloff was formerly with CBRE’s Reno office.

Wednesday, September 22

Baltimore-based SudShare rolls out platform in Reno

SudShare is an on-demand laundry cleaning, pickup and delivery service that the company describes as “Uber-for-laundry.”

Past Pages, Sept. 19, 2011: Carson City industrial space begins to fill

From the archives: "The amount of vacant industrial space in the Carson City area declined sharply in recent months, a strong indicator that economic recovery is starting to take hold."

Shoe Tree Brewing earns seven medals in recent competitions

"It's always been our goal to provide world-class beer to Carson City, Minden and Northern Nevada," said Jeff Young, owner/brewmaster at Shoe Tree.

People: Herzog, Stokes join Dickson Commercial Group as senior managers

Dickson Commercial also announced the additions of three others to the management team: Andrea Kaiser, Garrett Smith, and Carmela Curitti.

People: Jason Wyatt joins Nevada Real Estate Division in ombudsman role

Wyatt has previously worked in various roles at companies such as Travelers Insurance, AAA Insurance and Sierra Health Services.

Tuesday, September 21

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Notice to Creditors

Reno startup helps fund global production of acoustic recording device

Thanks to pandemic demand, GroupGets sees revenue, staff size double

Reno-based GroupGets is an online group-buying platform that enables developers to group-buy cutting-edge electronics with high minimum order quantities or crowd-fund production runs for vetted hardware.

Four great business books to read this fall (Biz & Books review)

Since tomorrow (Sept. 22) is the first day of fall, here's a quartet of business books to dive into as the weather turns.

Amid shifting patchwork of laws and moratoriums, Nevada evictions play out on a courtroom stage

"A lot of the people who work with landlord-tenant law professionally have had whiplash since COVID started," Nevada Legal Services Senior Attorney Daniel Hansen said.

Douglas County seeks input on economic vitality plan

The goal is to present an updated plan — originally crafted in 2010 — for approval by the end of 2021.

People: Kristin Ghiggeri Burgarello new Director of Advancement at DRI

Burgarello comes to DRI from the University of Nevada, Reno, where she spent the last 17 years in development and alumni relations roles.

Monday, September 20

'It's a real struggle': Local businesses deal with continuing staffing woes

“It’s an employee’s market. They can pick and choose where they want to be, and if they don’t like it, they can pick up and go somewhere else and start basically immediately," says Heidi Rich of Chartwells Higher Education, one of 50 businesses on hand for a job fair last week in Reno.

Amid slow recovery, Nevada's jobless rate likely to remain worst in America

Nevada’s jobless rate is “likely to remain one of the highest rates in the nation and reflecting the long road left to a complete recovery.”

Wildfires don’t stop home buyers from wanting to come to Tahoe

Since last spring, complete cash bids and high priced bidding wars have become common in the Tahoe market.

UNR pilot program could turn to universal iPads to fill technology void

Partnership with Apple comes after pandemic exposes student tech barriers

Dubbed the “Digital Wolf Pack Initiative,” UNR announced a formal partnership with Apple in May that would put an iPad in the hands of every incoming freshman this fall.

People: Antonette Eckert joins Travel Nevada as chief industry development officer

Previously, Eckert worked for the San Francisco Travel Association, where she was senior director of global tourism development.

Friday, September 17

DCG helps Hutchison & Steffen law firm acquire new headquarters near Rancharrah

DCG’s Tom Fennell, CCIM represented the purchasing entity in the recent acquisition of 5371 Kietzke Lane, which closed in late August for $2,600,000. Adjacent to Reno's newest office development, The Village at Rancharrah, the 7,571 square foot office space is conveniently situated in Reno’s Meadowood Submarket within the First Independent Bank Center.

SNC wins spot on $744M Army Cryptographic Device Procurement

Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), the global aerospace and national security company owned by Eren and Fatih Ozmen, advanced its technology expertise in encryption key management technology in being selected for development and competitive production of the new U.S. Army’s Next Generation Load Device-Medium (NGLD-M). The contract award carries a potential value of $774 million over 10 years.

Online company Carvana expands car delivery service to Reno

Carvana has a new hub offering as-soon-as-next-day touchless home delivery to Reno area residents.

People: Tom Kohler joins KPS3 as production artist

A graduate of the Art Institute of Seattle, Kohler has spent most of his professional career in the gaming industry.

People: Lewis Roca's Reid, Matteoni, Scott named among 2022 Best Lawyers in America

Paul A. Matteoni and E. Leif Reid made the Best Lawyers in America list, while Nicole Scott made the “Ones to Watch” list.

Thursday, September 16

Nonprofit Spotlight: treesRus (sponsored)

The true purpose of treesRus is to help reduce our carbon footprint on Earth

The true purpose of treesRus is to help reduce our carbon footprint on Earth. Climate Change is here and if we as a world don’t try to make a difference, we won’t be able to stop it.

Reminder: NNBW Best In Business contest voting begins this week

The voting period for the NNBW's 2021 Best In Business contest begins Wednesday, Sept. 22, lasting through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5.

Carson City businessman Garth Richards dies at 85

Garth Richards was the developer of the Silver Oak project and the Silver Oak Golf Course.

Recharge energy and spirit at Keep Growing in Carson City

Welcome to Keep Growing, a seller of plants, an apothecary, and wellness boutique.

People: John P. Desmond earns 2022 'Lawyer of the Year' honor

Only a single lawyer in each specialty in each community is honored with “Lawyer of the Year” status, according to Best Lawyers.

3 years after launch, Reno-based defensible space company thriving

Wes Hansen launched Wilderness Forestry Inc. in 2018 with his wife, Erica, in response to that year’s wildfire season in California. Three years later, as wildfire conditions worsen, the company's revenue rises in tow.

Wednesday, September 15

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Notice to Creditors

Business Beat: Housing prices stay steady In August, cleaning services seeing demand and challenge

Each week, thanks to a partnership with KUNR, the Northern Nevada Business Weekly helps produce a 2-minute audio recap of recent local business news. Business Beat airs Tuesday mornings during KUNR's Morning Edition show online and on the 88.7 FM dial.

GOED awarded grant to help small businesses in international trade

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development has been awarded a $250,000 grant to help small Nevada businesses

People: Pioneer Center in Reno expands operations, hires three positions

Clark Demeritt joins as Box Office Manager, Christopher Daniels as Theater Services Coordinator and Adam Cates as Education and Development Manager.

Materials disruptions worsening for Northern Nevada builders, contractors

As projects and orders stack up in a rebounding economy in Northern Nevada, construction companies are watching rising costs for materials become increasingly hard to predict and factor into bids, exposing them to potential losses.

Past Pages, Sept. 12, 2011: Nevada Connectors starts to field small business queries

From the archives: "Business owners in Northern Nevada are beginning to take advantage of an online service that lets them tap the expertise of top executives and consultants in the region."

Estee group merges with Great Basin Brewery

The operator of Gardnerville Overland Restaurant and Pub are merging with Great Basin Brewery in Sparks, according to a statement issued Tuesday night.

Tuesday, September 14

Reno software firm: It’s a struggle to attract — and retain — quality developers

“Recently, staffing has become a lot more difficult in the technology field," notes Darryl Rubarth, CEO if Reno-based Synap, which turns 10 years old this year.

Commerce Matters: Nursing workforce must be a priority (Voices)

“The nursing shortage is compounded by baby boomers retiring at record rates and changing attitudes about where and how to work," says Ann Silver of the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce.

EDAWN’s first large-scale event in 20 months set for Sept. 23

The last large-scale, in-person event EDAWN held was its annual “State of the Economy” luncheon on Jan. 23, 2020.

Business takes lead in getting Nevadans vaccinated, Wynn director says

Private businesses, including the Las Vegas Raiders, have become major influencers in getting people in Nevada to take the COVID vaccine.

People: Reno attorney Cecilia Lee makes 2022 Best Lawyers in America list

In 2-15, Lee and attorney Elizabeth Fletcher launched the Reno firm Lee High Ltd., which earlier this year was renamed to Fletcher & Lee.

Monday, September 13

Nevada's mining workforce remains a concern as demand for critical minerals grows

The need for more miners is growing in Nevada and across the U.S. as America looks to secure the domestic supply chain for rare earth elements and other important minerals in electric car batteries and renewable energy such as lithium.

Reno + Sparks Chamber health fair set for Sept. 24

"This event will stimulate everyone’s interest in self-care and how to be mindful of others

People: Parsons Behle & Latimer's Goodenow, Kealy earn 'Lawyer of the Year' status

Both attorneys, among others in Parsons Behle & Latimer's Reno office, were honored in The Best Lawyers in America 2022 edition .

Treasury awards $135.6M to expand broadband service in Nevada

“The COVID-19 pandemic has made crystal clear just how important access to reliable internet is for our state,” said U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen.

American dream celebrated during Small Business Week (Voices)

National Small Business Week starts Monday, Sept. 13.

Friday, September 10

Reno-Sparks median price stays at $530K, inventory improves slightly

While prices were relatively unchanged compared to July, Reno-Sparks' median price of $530,000 in August is up nearly 20% from August 2020’s median of $444,900.

Leadership team announced for Legends Bay Casino in Sparks

The leadership team will be led by Reno native Court Cardinal, who also is president and general manager at Casino Fandango.

Sisolak plans to reconstitute Nevada mining oversight board

The 10-year-old board hasn't met since in 2015

It is unclear how the still relatively new commission will function and what oversight it will provide an industry that carries significant influence throughout state government.

Speech-language pathology practice opens in Reno

The practice was co-founded by Katie Allen and Amanda Morrissey, both of whom studied at the University of Nevada, Reno.

People: Shayna Gaedtke, Jena Esposito join KPS3

Gaedtke was hired as a human resources specialist, while Esposito joins as a public relations manager.

Thursday, September 9

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Notice of Hearing

Six Northern Nevada companies land on 2021 Inc. 5000 list

Among those who made the list this year is American Duchess Company, which saw its revenue grow 356% from 2017 through 2020, says Lauren Stowell, cofounder and CEO.

Past Pages, Sept. 5, 2011: Reno Bighorns buyers focus on building a brand

From the archives: Developing stronger brand recognition to spur local interest is one of the keys toward building the Reno Bighorns into a successful basketball franchise, new owner Herb Santos Jr. says.

RSCVA: July 2021 was biggest month ever for tax revenue

Per the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, July’s Taxable Room Revenue in Washoe County of $53,859,311 was the highest ever for a single month.

Business Beat: Hemp production down In Nevada, wedding industry bounces back

Tap the link to listen to this week's NNBW Business Beat segment with KUNR.

People: PBS Reno's Kurt Mische reelected to California Public Television Board

Mische is also a member of the Nevada Broadcasters Association Board of Directors.

Wednesday, September 8

Q-and-A with Northern Nevada Development Authority's Phil Cowee

For as long as he can remember, Phil Cowee has been interested in economic development. After all, Cowee’s mentor growing up was his grandfather, Julius Bunkowski, a developer in Lyon County.

UNR tech research aims to assist Nevada’s alfalfa production

Researchers at the University of Nevada, Reno are using new technologies to try to equip Nevada alfalfa growers with “smart” irrigation scheduling.

Rising rents, enrollment growth have UNR students facing new kind of housing crunch

With UNR’s on-campus housing prices up almost 27 percent over the last decade and off-campus rent prices at an all-time high, students have to get creative.

Nevada joins rail coalition to address supply chain issues

The Southwest Supply Chain Coalition will "better connect markets and lower costs, while at the same time addressing urgent climate change, safety and congestion issues."

People: Kyle Snyder promoted to VP role at Reno's Ormat Technologies

Kiley Moore brought on as Director of Business Development-Geothermal Origination

Snyder was promoted to the role of Vice President of Business Development-Energy Storage, while Kiley Moore joins the company as Director of Business Development-Geothermal Origination.

Tuesday, September 7

Nevada partners with Texas company to connect students with industry pros

Nepris is partnering with the Nevada Department of Education and Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation to provide its career learning platform to all 567 middle and high schools dotting the Silver State.

As jobless benefits stop for close to 150,000 Nevadans, observers fear tough road ahead

“I hope you're gonna see a surge in employment. We have well over 22,000 job openings in Northern Nevada. We have 90,000 job openings in Vegas. So, we have enough jobs to absorb the people that are unemployed," notes Randi Thompson, of the Nevada Federation of Independent Businesses.

Carson Conversation: Crisis management defines a community (Voices)

"Not all counties should be considered equal when it comes to managing a pandemic," says Ronni Hannaman of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce.

People: Trevor Macaluso named CEO of Eddy House

Macaluso is a native Nevadan who has a B.A. from the University of Nevada, Reno; he's spent the past decade working with nonprofits in Southern Nevada.

Carson City, Chamber hosting job fair on Sept. 10

Employers representing manufacturing, retail, gaming, staffing agencies, utilities companies, home health, security and more will be on hand.

Monday, September 6

As pandemic persists, commercial cleaning industry evolves in Reno

With Delta variant cases continuing to spread across the region, the coronavirus has changed what it means to commercially clean — possibly for good.

Registration open for AngelNV bootcamp for local entrepreneurs

Last year's bootcamp culminated in 52 investors awarding $220,000 to one company and $55,000 investments to two runners-up.

People: Joel Learner joins Barnard Vogler & Co.

Learner earned a B.S. in civil engineering with a minor in business administration from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Reno + Sparks Chamber to host Sept. 14 job fair

“Our economy can’t sustain itself without those willing to learn, work and pursue careers," Chamber CEO Ann Silver said.

Last chance: Best In Business nomination deadline is Sept. 7

The nomination period expires at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, during which readers can nominate any person or business in any of the 18 categories.

Friday, September 3

Coeur aims to resurrect historic gold mine in rural Northern Nevada

Coeur Mining’s intent is to bring the old Lincoln Hill mine into production in late 2022 or early 2023; the project would allow Coeur to generate high returns, higher margins and strong cash flow.

Sisolak expands vaccine rules for large Nevada events, conventions

The governor's updated directive notes that it is not a requirement to show proof of vaccination but an option if a convention operator chooses to do so.

Washoe County to take over regional homeless services

County will oversee $38 million in upgraded services

Officials with the City of Reno, City of Sparks and Washoe County estimate the transition will ideally finish by July 2022.

People: Cassie Viola promoted to marketing manager at Sierra Nevada Properties

In her new role, Viola will be responsible for marketing management, overseeing the company brand and specializing in agent marketing.

NV Energy Foundation donates $25,000 to National Judicial College

The grant will go to support the The National Judicial College's Reading & Robes youth program.

People: Hyatt Tahoe's Kressa Olguin promoted to director of marketing

Olguin has held previous positions under the Hyatt brand in Maui, San Francisco, Monterey and Austin.

Thursday, September 2

Study: ‘Red-hot’ industrial market driving Carson economy

“A red-hot industrial market is an indication of a strong economy in spite of recent economic stresses,” according to the study from NAI Alliance.

Nonprofit Spotlight: Public Relations Society of America’s Ethics Month (sponsored)

Following an ethical path in public relations

To celebrate PRSA’s Ethics Month, Sierra Nevada chapter members April Conway and Ira M. Gostin provide insight about ethics in practical PR situations.

Bently Nevada opens remote center in Singapore

Bently Nevada, which celebrated its 60th anniversary of relocating its headquarters to Minden in 2018, employs more than 1,500 people in nine countries, 600 locally.

Reno Type acquires Sparks-based company CDMS

“There’s a lot of opportunity in our market, but it’s expanding rapidly while experiencing supply chain disruptions,” Reno Type President Kurt Hoge said.

People: Alyssa Nishihira, Emmy DeLong join Hall & Wrye Plastic Surgeons

DeLong comes on as a Registered Nurse Injector, while Nishihira is a Physician’s Assistant at Hall & Wrye.

Wednesday, September 1

EDAWN: 2,567 high-paying jobs added in past fiscal year

The average annual wage of those jobs — added mostly in the advanced manufacturing and technology sectors — was nearly $64,000, notes Mike Kazmierski, president and CEO of EDAWN.

Past Pages, Aug. 29, 2011: ​​​​​Tourism recovery sparks flurry of new businesses

Ten years ago, tourism officials were celebrating the reopening of the renovated Mizpah Hotel in Tonopah — and the grand opening of The Discovery in Reno.

Business Beat: Oxygen bar offering relief from wildfire smoke, casinos setting record wins

Tap the link to listen to this week's NNBW Business Beat segment with KUNR.

Reno's Krch Realty announces agent ownership program

The program is part of a nationwide expansion planned over the next few years for Krch Realty, says owner Kyle Krch.

People: Matthew J. Graves joins Donor Network West in VP role

Most recently, Graves was the Regional Director of Operations for Nevada Donor Network.