Economic development conference slated for UNR

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. Tickets are still available for those interested in attending.

Western Nevada Development District has joined forces with the College of Business at UNR and USDA Rural Development to present the three-day program. 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.

Keynoters will include Don Macke and Deborah Markley, co-founders of the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship; Patrick McGaughey, a nationally known expert on win-win negotiations and the creation of business-education partnerships; and Jason Broadwater, author of six books and an expert on creative community development.

“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.”

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.

Organizers describe the event as one-stop shop for officials and business owners to learn about the economy from local, state and global perspectives.

Haymore, in recent comments to a business group, said there is strong collaboration in northern Nevada and public private partnerships are important. Haymore, who is Storey County’s community development director, said the groups are working hard to develop, retain and expand those relationships to create a better economy for the region.

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.

Registration cost for the conference is $150. For information, call 775-883-7333 ext. 2000.