Economic development focus of conference

A wide-ranging look at economic development across northern Nevada is expected to draw up to 500 of the region’s leaders to Reno for the Nevada Economic Development Conference

Scheduled for May 19-21, it will be held at the Joe Crowley Student Union on the University of Nevada, Reno campus.

Discussion will range from an analysis of the economic impact of the Tesla gigafactory to the strategic use of social media by the tourism industry to tools and programs to recruit, retain and develop the local workforce. Subject matter experts speaking at the conference include Nevada experts as well as presenters from across the nation.

“Northern Nevada has seen a remarkable recovery since the darkest days of the recession,” said Dean Haymore, board president of the Western Nevada Development Agency. “This conference is an opportunity to take a close look at our progress and, more important, to begin moving toward our next set of goals.”

Western Nevada Development District has joined forces with the College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno, and USDA Rural Development to present the three-day Nevada Economic Development Conference.

Focus subjects in conference tracks will include access to capital, agri-business, economic vitality, energy, manufacturing, tourism, transportation and workforce development.

Half-day institutes and tours will provide detailed looks at key topics in the region’s economic development

Tours include Tahoe Reno Industrial Center Tour, spotlight on Nevada’s agribusiness industry, Reno Start Up Row and Institutes subjects include expert presentations on making small towns the location of choice, the development of Carson City’s innovation district, and investment in parks and recreation as a tool to attract businesses and jobs.

Early-bird registration for the conference is $125.

For additional information on registration, call 775-883-7333 ext. 2000.