Stories for April 2020

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Thursday, April 30

Hospitality, retail, construction workers hardest hit in Nevada

LAS VEGAS — The number of out-of-work people filing new claims for jobless benefits in Nevada is closing in on 390,000 since casinos and other businesses were shuttered to prevent spread of the coronavirus, the U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday.

Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery to offer virtual wine walk Saturday

With Artsy Fartsy Art Gallery’s virtual wine walk this Saturday, art lovers who still have an appetite for the inspiring, the eclectic and unusual can take a tour of Jeffery Pace’s collection without setting foot in his shop. Pace is offering another chance from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Facebook to take a virtual tour of his artists’ work in his gallery by posting videos on the social media site and keeping his shop accessible in the time of COVID-19 while it remains closed to the public for now.

Twenty Under 40 Q-and-A: Vinnie Lucido of CoAuto in Reno

"I know the Reno community is really close-knit — a lot of generosity from the locals here. When they say the Biggest Little City in the World, it kind of feels like that when you go out in Reno."

Reno airport gets $30 million of $10 billion from CARES Act

This funding will support continuing operations and replace lost revenue resulting from the sharp decline in passenger traffic and other airport business due to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

NNBW Support Your Local Business Sweepstakes profile: National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection)

The National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection) has been a leader within the automotive museum field because of operational and educational programming accomplishments.

Developer: 1.13 million sq. ft. Park at McCarran industrial project to break ground in July

According to Reno Land Inc. and Dermody Properties, the Class A industrial space will be split among five buildings ranging in size from 147,000 square feet to 317,000 square feet. The first two buildings are scheduled to break ground this July. The entire project also includes a 7.5-acre retail component.

COVID-19 not slowing $1.5 million Thompson Garage expansion in Sparks

Sparks-based Thompson Garage Doors — which longtime owner Ken Reyman said generated about $7.5 million in revenue in 2019 — is finalizing a $1.5 million expansion project this spring.

Wednesday, April 29

Casino Fandango launches free virtual game

Casino Fandango in Carson City has created a free virtual game for Players Club members as well as the general public to play each week. Prizes range from dining comps and free play to personal point multiplier days and more that will be available after Casino Fandango reopens. Some participants will have the opportunity to win Amazon gift cards that deliver instantly to a winner’s email inbox.

3 staff at Eagle Valley Children’s Home in Carson City test positive for coronavirus

Three staff members of the Eagle Valley Children’s Home have tested positive for the coronavirus. None of the facilities’ 17 residents have shown symptoms of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, and will be tested only if they become symptomatic, said Donna Clark, executive director. “All of them are perfectly fine,” said Clark.

Northern Nevada Realtors pivot to virtual showings amid pandemic

Buying and selling homes often is a deeply personal experience, and successful Realtors lean heavily on personal references from past clients, as well as their repeat business. These days, however, agents and brokers are working remotely.

'A dream project': Skypointe Reno to feature 6-story office tower, 35,000 sq. ft. of retail

McKenzie Properties Management, Inc. expects to break ground this summer. The 6-story office tower would be just the second speculative office building taller than three stories built in Reno-Sparks in the last 30 years.

Stephanie Kruse: A leader's voice during a crisis – especially this one (Voices)

"If you have done a good assessment of the situation and know that there may be negative consequences, be honest but not brutally detailed with your internal team."

NNBW Support Your Local Business Sweepstakes profile: Heuer Insurance Agency

Heuer Insurance Agency is a full-service residential, commercial and life insurance provider.

Reno-area CEOs talk best ways to lead your company through a crisis

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt business, company CEOs and leaders must show their mettle while making rapid decisions to chart a steady course. And all the while, employees will be looking to their leaders for direction, Scott Pruneau, CEO of ITS Logistics, and Dean Dow, CEO of the Regional Medical Services Authority (REMSA), told the NNBW.

Tuesday, April 28

Masks, separated slots, more cleaning once casinos reopen

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — The coronavirus could be a literal game changer once America's casinos reopen. Many decisions remain to be made. But prepare to have your temperature scanned at the door. Maybe a half or third of slot machines will work. Every other table could be closed, and there could even be plexiglass barriers between dealers and customers or separating slot machines.

Michael Bosma: Entrepreneurial wins in the face of COVID adversity (Voices)

"I encourage readers to take a moment and reflect on your current state. Do you see lemons, or ingredients to make lemonade? If you find yourself at the end of your rope, and ready to get off the business roller coaster, talk to your adviser team to find an exit."

Sparks engineering company: With PPP loan secured, ‘future will be OK'

“I hope our bankers are not put in this position again where they have to digest legal documents on their own during overtime hours so that all of us who rely on them can fill out forms correctly," says Nate Robison of Robison Engineering Company.

Crews tear down historic Café at Adele's building in Carson City

After failed attempts by the Carson City Historical Society to save the property, construction crews demolished the 155-year-old landmark on April 22.

NNBW Support Your Local Business Sweepstakes profile: Ferarri-Lund Realty's Sandra Pastrana

Sandra Pastra, of Ferrari-Lund Realty, is a Realtor who sells and helps buyers purchase new homes, resale homes, land and commercial real estate.

BlackRidge Technology expects strong recovery after Chapter 11 filing

Reni's BlackRidge Technology filed voluntarily for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on March 13 — a necessary step that leaders say "should improve the health of the company."

Monday, April 27

Nevada's small businesses eye fragile future as shutdown tests survivability

“I don't mean to sound terribly negative, but the small business community is suffering tremendously." Ann Silver, CEO of the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce, told The Nevada Independent she worries roughly 50 chamber members may not survive.

Photo: Kevin MacMillan

Wild River Grille in downtown Reno — which is a member of the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce — is seen shuttered on March 21, a few days after Gov. Sisolak's closure order.

Phase 1 plans underway at 4,300-acre Victory Logistics District in Fernley

Phase 1 of Victory Logistics District in Fernley includes everything south of Interstate 80. The first speculative building will be an 815,000-square-foot distribution facility, with additional buildings of 170,000 square feet and 217,000 square feet planned after that.

Reno group forms to provide free meals to displaced hospitality workers

Displaced hospitality workers need to provide an old paycheck stub, nametag, uniform or something reflecting they are in the hospitality industry in order to receive a free meal.

Ann Silver: ‘Curbside Commerce' program would help ailing businesses (Voices)

"We ask the Governor to encourage us to provide ideas and innovative solutions that won't compromise the health and safety of our families and neighbors. Let's kill the virus and not the economy."

Nevada Interrupted: Sparks studio owner develops ‘peace of mind' art kits, crosses fingers for loans

"Since I've already gotten through the application process, I'm in line for this next round, but we'll see," Olivia Franks, owner of All Fired Up!, told The Nevada Independent.

Richard Karpel: Nevada news organizations need your help (Voices)

"The problem is it takes money to run a business and there just isn't enough of it coming in to sustain the operations of all but the largest newspapers and news websites."

Sunday, April 26

CEOs talk best ways to lead your company through a crisis

When things are going well, being the leader of a company can feel like nothing but smooth sailing. The economy is booming, business is rolling in and there are no staff or budget cuts on the horizon. Sure, it’s still possible to make mistakes, but a rising tide tends to lift all boats.

Saturday, April 25

Prelim work underway at 4,300-acre Victory Logistics District in Fernley

The developers of Victory Logistics District in Fernley envision a sprawling 4,300-acre industrial complex built to the most modern standards that could rival one of the most sought-after warehouse and distribution markets in the U.S. The Inland Empire industrial market in Southern California — basically, the greater Rancho Cucamonga-Ontario region — comprises more than 547 million square feet, with almost 90 percent of that space constructed over the past 20 years. By way of comparison, total industrial inventory across Greater Reno-Sparks is about 91 million square feet despite all the new buildings erected over the past decade.

Jim Valentine: A forced pause to reflect

As we continue down this path of Pandemonium it is interesting to see it’s many effects. We aren’t talking about “lowering of the curve,” “saving of lives,” or other causes for the implementation of the restrictions that have impacted our lives, rather it’s the individual personal reactions, mindsets, activities, philosophies, etc. that are most interesting. It is here that we anticipate the most societal change going forward.

Technology to help you work smarter at home

We are entering week-whatever-it-is of the COVID-19 work from home phenomenon. We know at some point, we'll be able to go back to the office or visit with our loved ones, but for now, here's how technology can help you work smarter and see those beautiful faces of your families and friends.

President and Mrs. Trump moved to Florida

President Trump signed an affidavit Sept. 27, 2019, that he is changing to be a Florida resident. Melania Trump signed her similar affidavit Oct. 3, 2019, and both items were recorded in Palm Beach County, Florida Oct. 4, 2019. New York state has a state income tax 8.82% and New York City has an additional income tax of 3.876%. The New York state estate (death) tax rate is 16%. Florida has no state income tax and no estate tax. A Florida resident is still taxable in New York state and city on income earned in New York. They should file non resident income tax returns.

Margi Grein: Spotting scams during the summer building season (Voices)

"Among all the tips and recommendations offered in this article, never second-guess your instincts — they usually guide you in the right direction."

Noble Deeds selects Green Our Planet as 2020 recipient

The conservation-focused nonproft Green Our Planet was selected from nearly 50 applications for this year's Noble Deeds program, according to Noble Studios.

Nevada's Mt. Rose ski resort expansion across highway gets green light

This plan allows Mt. Rose to build a two-stage chairlift, 11 new ski trails, and a skier bridge across the highway to connect the main ski area to new terrain; a water pipeline to provide new snowmaking coverage; and a 5 million gallon water tank to support snowmaking.

Friday, April 24

Sierra Nevada REALTORS® president: Local REALTORS® are taking steps to keep clients safe

During the COVID-19 crisis, real estate transactions are still happening. People are still looking to buy homes and others are still hoping to get theirs sold. The real estate industry has been deemed essential and there are many safety measures local REALTORS® are implementing for the benefit of their clients and the community. If you’re looking at homes in Northern Nevada, you’ll likely be asked to bring a mask to showings and to use hand sanitizer before and after entering a home. REALTORS® are carefully

Photo: Anne Knowles

On April 22, crews demolish the 155-year-old building Café at Adele's building in Carson City.

Courtesy Green Our Planet

Green Our Planet is a 501(c)3 nonprofit conservation organization that runs one of the most comprehensive STEAM school garden programs in the U.S.

Nevada's jobless rate balloons to 16.8% after another 40,000 claims

So far in 2020, as of April 18, there have been 369,670 claims filed seeking benefits, more than any full calendar year in Nevada's history. The overall unemployment rate is now at 16.8 percent, the highest ever.

Photo: Kevin MacMillan / NNBW

Antique Angel Wedding Chapel in downtown Reno, seen here closed March 21, was one of several local wedding businesses that shut down for weeks due to the pandemic.

White House OKs small casinos to apply for emergency SBA loans

In a tweet this morning, Gov. Steve Sisolak said the decision was “a great step forward for our gaming small businesses. I am proud that the Nevada delegation worked hard to secure this aid for our Silver State!”

SBA changes rules to make small gaming businesses eligible for stimulus

Nevada officials are applauding the Small Business Administration’s decision reversing itself to allow gaming small businesses access to Paycheck Protection Program loans. Previously, the SBA refused to allow gaming businesses that receive a third or more of their revenue from gaming to access the funding.

Twenty Under 40 Q-and-A: The Abbi Agency's Ashley Brune

"As a native Nevadan, I have seen Reno transform from a sleepy gambling town to a vibrant business community. People now have the opportunity to work for renowned tech companies without moving to the Bay Area and sacrificing the open landscape that Nevada provides."

Financial firm D.A. Davidson & Co. opens Minden branch

The new Minden branch consists of the Rich Concepts Group, financial advisers with Montana-based D.A. Davidson, who previously worked with Wells Fargo Advisors.

Reno beekeeper sees surge in sales of honey, ‘an apocalypse food'

Because of COVID-19, the festivals Hidden Valley Honey would have participated in this season have been canceled; the business, meanwhile, temporarily suspended online orders to accommodate increased demand for honey in area stores.

Photo: David Calvert

Chris and Karen Foster pose for a photo in 2012. Photo: David Calvert

NNBW Support Your Local Business Sweepstakes profile: Joey Gilbert Law

Joey Gilbert Law opened more than ten years ago with a focus a few distinct areas of law — Personal Injury, DUI Defense, Criminal Law, Workers Compensation, Special Use, Marijuana Law, Privileged License Law and Immigration Law.

Eldorado Resorts to sell Tahoe's MontBleu, Louisiana casino for $155 million

In connection with the transaction, Eldorado terminated its previously announced agreements for the sale of both the MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa and Eldorado Shreveport Resort and Casino to Maverick Gaming and returned their deposits.

Rob Smith: Exploring building alternatives in Northern Nevada (Voices)

Developers, builders and business owners are finding it necessary to consider alternate methods in order to complete construction projects on time and on budget, writes Rob Smith of Montane Building Group.

Thursday, April 23

Reno startup SnapDesk gets $240,000 pre-seed investment

The Reno Seed Fund (RSF) and the Sierra Innovations Entrepreneur Fund (SIEF) are investing $240,000 into Reno B2B text messaging startup SnapDesk.

Lawsuits filed against Vail Resorts, Alterra over lost season pass value due to COVID-19 closures

The plaintiff in the suit against Vail Resorts is Brian Hunt, a Tahoe Local passholder for the 2019-20 season. The lawsuit says Hunt was promised mountain access from October 2019 to June 2020 as long as snow continued to be on the mountain.

Carson CBD manufacturer shifts operations to produce hand sanitizer

Founded in 2014 in Carson City, Centuria Foods plans to provide 100 gallons of its new product to Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center by next week.

Courtesy Centuria Foods

Centuria Foods' manufacturing facility is located at 4610 Arrowhead Drive in Carson City.

Nevada Gaming Control outlines rules for casinos to reopen

The big issue is the money on hand required to be inside Nevada's gambling operations at all times, so licensees must provide a schedule for replenishment of funds, including cash, chips and tokens in all areas from machine hoppers to the cage and table game trays.

Photo: Kevin MacMillan

Siri's Casino in downtown Reno, seen here March 21, has been closed since March 18, like all casinos in Nevada, due to mandatory closures ordered by Gov. Sisolak.

Nevada's Jacky Rosen looks to next broad coronavirus relief bill to help small casinos get SBA loans

From The Nevada Independent: On Wednesday, Rosen and Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto wrote a letter with four other Senate Democrats calling on leaders of the Senate Small Business Committee to ensure all legally-operating small businesses and nonprofits be allowed to access future PPP loans and other small business-focused aid.

Photo: Daniel Clark / The Nevada Independent

Congresswoman and Senator-elect Jacky Rosen speaks with media at the Nevada State Democratic Party headquarters in Las Vegas on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018.

NNBW Support Your Local Business Sweepstakes profile: Jobs for Nevada's Graduates

Jobs for Nevada's Graduates is a nonprofit that inspires, supports and mentors students to create a powerful and positive future by graduating and finding a career pathway.

Sierra Medical Center, region's first hospital in 100 years, remains on schedule

Projected to open its doors in early 2022, Northern Nevada Health System's new Sierra Medical Center remains on track to meet all existing deadlines, says CEO Alan Olive.

Wednesday, April 22

Courtesy Mark IV Capital

Mark IV Capital is preparing to construct the first three buildings at the Victory Logistics Center in Fernley. Building A will be a speculative building of 815,000 square feet with 40-foot clear heights to attract a large national tenant.

Courtesy McKenzie Properties

Skypointe Reno is planned for the southeast corner of McCarran Boulevard and South Virginia Street in Reno.

Photo: Getty Images

UNR College of Business accounting faculty recently examined how CPA firms are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With demo done, Reno Public Market eyes May for full-scale construction

Reno Public Market features 16,000 square feet of space on the ground floor and totals about 25,000 square feet with mezzanine and back-of-house space. Doug Wiele of Foothill Partners expects to pull permits to begin construction in May.

Horsford: Nevada's poor PPP performance due to lack of administration guidance, need for quick action

Nevada received $2.01 billion in 8,674 loans by April 16, when the program's funding was exhausted. That placed Nevada 43rd among all states with regard to the number of loans approved. A new federal package, including an extra $310 billion for PPP, could be approved this week.

Photo: Daniel Clark / The Nevada Independent

Steven Horsford speaks during the Nevada Democratic Party election night event at Caesar Palace in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018.

Buzz Harris: Steps to follow when looking to buy a business (Voices)

When it comes to negotiating, buyers (and sellers) must make sure they focus on the issues that are important to them rather than details that are not critical, suggests Buzz Harris.

Nonprofit Spotlight: The Discovery's mission now more important than ever

As a result of the State-mandated closure of all non-essential businesses, The Discovery is experiencing an immediate and severe financial shortfall of $400,000.

NNBW Support Your Local Business Sweepstakes profile: Evoke Fitness Training Facility

Evoke Fitness believes that everyone should be happy, healthy and fit, and the Evoke team help its clients get that way through dedicated workouts and nutritional help.

Sisolak: 'I cannot give you a firm date' about reopening Nevada's economy

“As of right now, I cannot give you a firm date,” Sisolak said Tuesday about reopening businesses, adding that COVID-19 cases have plateaued in Nevada due to social distancing over the past few weeks.

Tuesday, April 21

March jobless numbers in Nevada began rising even before pandemic shutdown

The Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation Tuesday released unemployment numbers showing that the unemployment rate began rising even before Nevada shut down. Those numbers are measured each month in the week that contains the 12th of the month. In March, that was the week before Gov. Steve Sisolak ordered closure of all “non-essential” businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michael Bosma: Relief for employers paying emergency sick leave (Voices)

"Savvy business owners are planning their cash flow models knowing how these credits intersect and interact to maximize cash flow, all designed to ensure the company is able to be in the best position possible when the economy reopens," writes Michael Bosma.

Reno's Midtown launches Bingo for businesses campaign

Last week, Reno's Midtown District, in partnership with Tolles Development Company, launched a community bingo game to support local restaurants and businesses.

Courtesy Instagram

A look at the Midtown bingo card, which you can access via the Midtown District's Instagram page @MidtownDistrictReno.

Nevada OSHA offers new guidance on six-foot social distancing for construction sites, lunch breaks

"Failing to comply with ... may result in the penalizing or closure of any construction site or project that falls under the scope of the Governor's Emergency Declaration,” Jess Lankford CAO of NVOSHA, wrote in the letter.

Photo: Jeff Scheid / The Nevada Independent

COVID-19 sign posted near the construction entrance at Allegiant Stadium on Thursday, April 9, 2020.

Amid COVID's continuing closures, crews are fast-tracking construction on $87 million Virginia St. project

The ramp-up after Gov. Sisolak closed businesses in mid-March required fast communication with local governments, Midtown business owners and strategic construction-operations planning with Sierra Nevada Construction.

NNBW Support Your Local Business Sweepstakes profile: A Master Mechanic

The mission at A Master Mechanic is to provide every customer access to the company's comprehensive system of car care management that supports educated car ownership.

Monday, April 20

Photo: Jeramie Lu Photography

Joey Gilbert is owner of Joey Gilbert Law.

'Consensus in collaboration': Reno-area contractors rally to transform parking garage into temporary hospital

“We're just really proud to be part of a community that's really rallied together. We're really blessed and humbled that Renown trusts us enough to be a part of this emergency project with their team to put something together that is best for the community," says Jarrett Rosenau of Clark/Sullivan Construction.

Courtesy Renown Health

Local construction crews helped transform Renown Regional Medical Center’s Mill Street parking structure into a temporary hospital in preparation for a potential surge in coronavirus patients.

OSHA complaints reveal worker concerns amid COVID-19; agency inspectors eye construction industry

According to information obtained by The Nevada Independent, as of April 16, OSHA has issued 50 citations from its Las Vegas office and 34 citations from its Reno office to various businesses and contractors related to COVID-19 violations, and dozens more cases are being looked into.

Photo: Jeff Scheid / The Nevada Independent

Medical personnel checks the temperature of a woman at the temporary homeless shelter built in the parking lot at Cashman Center on Monday, March 30, 2020. The shelter was set up after Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada temporarily closed its night shelter because a man was tested positive for COVID-19.

Photo: Jeff Scheid / The Nevada Independent

COVID-19 sign posted near the construction entrance at Allegiant Stadium on Thursday, April 9, 2020.

Photo: Jeff Scheid / The Nevada Independent

COVID-19 sign posted near the construction entrance at Allegiant Stadium on Thursday, April 9, 2020.

NNBW Editor column: The answer is blowing in the wind

After the COVID pandemic sank its chaotic claws deep into the fabric of our society, "to say the 'times are a-changin' might be the understatement of the decade."

USDA unveils tool to help rural industries address COVID-19

The COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide is a “first-of-its-kind resource" for farmers, ranchers, producers, rural communities, and rural-based businesses and organizations.

Medicare Store opens free help line for insurance questions amid pandemic

"Some callers are concerned about their coverage and what it will cost them to get tested for COVID-19 or treated if they get sick," says Calvin Bagley, President and CEO of The Medicare Store.

Reno restaurants, breweries ponder: when we reopen, will it ever be the same?

“I knew early on that we were f--ked if we didn't do something aggressive. We knew it was going to be something that was going to gut our industry.”

Photo: Eli Gross / Duckfat & Chorizo

Colin Smith, owner and chef of Roundabout Grill in Reno, preps his team before a previous League to Save Lake Tahoe benefit. Smith said he’s been able to retain about 85% of his staff through the coronavirus crisis thanks to finding new revenue streams.

Sunday, April 19

Planning for a new normal

RENO — A few weeks ago, Brewer’s Cabinet owners Zachary Cage, Michael Connolly and Chris Kahl were standing inside their brewery in west Reno, canning beer to be shipped to grocery stores. A vendor walked in to take a respite from his workday. Being on break, he cracked open a beer — releasing that unmistakable snap and hiss into the air.

Saturday, April 18

Nevada Interrupted: Old World Coffee owner moves business online, awaits action on federal loans

"This is one of the hardest decisions I've had to make as a business owner. I believe in a sovereign, gracious and loving God, who will bring Old World through this in a way he sees fit,” owner Chris Garrison told The Nevada Independent.

Jim Valentine: Life in the Quarantineation

Things are stabilizing as we are all understanding how to live with our new social protocols. We’ve talked about some of them over the past few weeks as we encountered this new way of life. It seems that as we get used to one set of guidelines, new ones come along, however the real estate industry is now in a relatively stable position that allows most buyers and sellers to continue forward with their lives as it pertains to real estate.

Friday, April 17

New unemployment claims drop in Nevada; continuing claims rise

New claims for unemployment benefits fell by more than 20,000 in the week ended April 11. The total 58,641 initial claims as the lowest weekly total since Gov. Steve Sisolak ordered most businesses in the state shut down to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Right after the shutdown, there were more than 91,000 initial claims filed by furloughed or laid off workers.

Sisolak: When Nevada's economy re-opens, it won't be ‘a light switch'

“Some people were more concerned with the business side of this than the human toll this virus is taking," Gov. Sisolak said Thursday.

Photo: Kevin MacMillan

Thai Corner Café in downtown Reno, seen here March 21, “made a difficult decision to close our restaurant until further notice,” restaurant owners said.

NNBW Support Your Local Business Sweepstakes profile: Reno Tahoe Limousine

Reno Tahoe Limousine is a full service luxury ground transportation company focusing on corporate and leisure travel in Northern Nevada and Northern California.

Investment banker says Nevada casino recovery will be slow; locals market positioned for a rebound

In Nevada, some 320,000 gaming and tourism workers faced layoffs, furloughs or salary reduction. Only three companies — Las Vegas Sands, Wynn Resorts and Red Rock — have agreed to pay workers through May 15.

Photo: Jeff Scheid / The Nevada Independent

A Southwest Airlines flight departs McCarran International Airport on Tuesday, May 2, 2017.

USDA announces funds for economic development in rural areas

Eligible applicants and projects must be located in a rural area and support the implementation of a strategic economic development or community investment plan on a multi-jurisdictional basis.

Twenty Under 40 Q-and-A: Courtney Pino of Assured Partners Consulting

"I hate to say this, but I kind of like that the gaming industry is not our biggest industry here anymore. We still need casinos for our economy, but it's not the casino industry anymore, and that's not what Reno is known for anymore."

Photo: Kaleb M. Roedel

Courtney Pino is a 2019 Reno-Tahoe YPN Twenty Under 40 award winner.

Access to loans broadened for gambling, but many Nevada taverns still left out

“We had the CPA read through it, saying ‘we're good.' And then you went to the SBA portal where you sign up, and then if you're any one of these things then you don't qualify.”

Photo: Jeff Scheid / The Nevada Independent

A woman walks past shutdown gaming machine at Golden Nugget on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.

Outlets at Legends' Great Full Gardens giving back via Hero Sponsorship program

Great Full Gardens at the Outlets and Legends will match donations and supply and coordinate meals delivery to people in need or regional healthcare workers on the front lines of the pandemic.

Photo: Getty Images

Great Full Gardens at the Outlets at Legends in Sparks is giving back by donating healthy meals to people in need and healthcare workers during the COVID crisis.

Parsons Behle & Latimer launches free COVID-19 center for businesses

The portal provides free access to legal advice from Parsons Behle & Latimer attorneys. You can also register for free webinars to gain a better understanding of COVID-19 related issues and business impacts.

Thursday, April 16

Amodei protests rule barring stimulus money to gaming employers

Rep. Mark Amodei, R-Nv., says while the federal government has moved rapidly to approve funding for many Nevada small businesses, it is denying loans to businesses that receive more than one-third of their income from legal gaming. He said that decision based on a 25-year-old regulation ignores the plain language of the stimulus legislation.

NNBW Support Your Local Business Sweepstakes profile: Orangetheory Fitness

Orangetheory Fitness, with two locations in Reno, is a 1-hour, full-body workout, focused on training endurance, strength and power.

Nevada Interrupted: An uncertain future for baseball, Greater Nevada Field

Greater Nevada Field's 51 full-time employees are still working, but the 150 to 200 people who work for food service and staff events are not getting any hours right now, Eric Edelstein, president of the Reno Aces and Reno 1868 FC, told The Nevada Independent.

Nevada businesses to get $1.3 billion under SBA's PPP; funds have already run out

More than 4,200 loans comprising more than $1.3 billion were approved in Nevada in the first seven days of the SBA's Paycheck Protection Program, according to the Nevada Bankers Association.

Northern Nevada dairy industry in ‘crisis mode' amid COVID declines

Milk prices that had just this spring reached a high of $20 per hundredweight tumbled to about $13 last week, a decrease that has regional dairy farmers in Northern Nevada in "crisis mode."

Photo: Steve Ranson

The family-run Perazzo Brothers Dairy in Fallon will cut back its herd because of falling demand and dropping prices due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

UPDATE: 58,641 Nevadans filed for unemployment last week; 330,174 so far in 2020

The new figures released today bring the running total the past month to about 22 million out of a U.S. workforce of roughly 159 million — easily the worst stretch of U.S. job losses on record.

US job losses mount as economic pain deepens worldwide

WASHINGTON — The ranks of Americans thrown out of work by the coronavirus ballooned Thursday to more than 20 million in just four weeks, an unprecedented collapse fueling widening protests and propelling President Donald Trump’s push to relax the nation’s social distancing guidelines. Trump planned to announce new recommendations later in the day, despite warnings from business leaders and governors that more testing and protective gear are needed first.

Wednesday, April 15

Nevada opens new call center for general questions about jobless claims

“While there are tools online to assist with navigating the unemployment insurance process, we absolutely understand the need to connect with a human voice to get questions answered," DETR Director Tiffany Tyler-Garner said Wednesday.

Sisolak: Nevada's unemployment system not designed to handle load

As of late Tuesday, the state had paid out more than $200 million in unemployment benefits. The state's Trust Fund started the pandemic at $1.9 billion.

NNBW Support Your Local Business Sweepstakes profile: Davidson's Organics

Davidson's is a locally owned tea company offering only USDA Organic Certified products. Davidson's has been committed to providing the freshest, purest teas for over 40 years.

Blockchain investment grows in Nevada; technology is 'tailor-made for supply chain management'

“The reality about blockchain is most people will never see it,” Sen. Ben Kieckhefer (R-Reno) said in a recent interview with the Nevada Appeal. “It's a background function. Things will be running on blockchain and people will never know it so people don't have to understand it for it to have a dramatic effect on their lives.”

Nevada Realtor group president moves to Zoom meetings, virtual home sales during pandemic

Chris Bishop, president of the Nevada Association of Realtors, says he is excited about the stimulus package, which provides $1,200 for adults and $500 for each dependent, and hopes people put that money back into Nevada's economy by using it for their rent or bills rather than saving it.

Photo: David Calvert / The Nevada Independent

Signs advertising new houses in Verdi, Nev. on Friday, March 6, 2020.

Reno's Custom Ink partners with Urban Roots on shirt fundraiser

The fundraiser routes critical dollars back to the nonprofit Urban Roots while keeping some Custom Ink team members busy during the global pandemic.

WETLAB donates $8,610 to Food Bank of Northern Nevada

In lieu of hosting its annual Victory Run on April 19 due to COVID-19, WETLAB is redirecting funds gathered as of March 31 to the Food Bank.

Tuesday, April 14

Tahoe's Lakeside casino to close permanently amid COVID pandemic

"We hoped that we would be able to resume operations once this COVID-19 situation improved. However, that's just not in the cards for us."

As COVID creeps into rural life, Nevada's small towns reckon with uncertainties

From Ely to West Wendover to Battle Mountain to Winnemucca to Tonopah to Fernley and beyond, the fragile economies of Nevada's rural towns are slowing to a crawl amid the COVID-19 pandemic, reports The Nevada Independent.

Photo: Shadrach Michaels

Ely Mayor Nathan Robertson works the check-out register at Ridley’s on March 21, 2020. Robertson has been volunteering during senior hours at the grocery store in recent weeks.

NNBW Support Your Local Business Sweepstakes profile: Ivone Cruz – Aflac

Ivone Cruz is an Independent Benefits Advisor with Aflac, specializing in Supplemental Insurance for small to large businesses.

Michael Bosma: How to survive, and perhaps thrive, post apocalypse (Voices)

"Having many sources of income is better. Personally, I am shooting for 10. The minimum is two: one, your job, and two, your retirement/savings/other income account," advises Michael Bosma.

City National pledges $2M to COVID efforts in bank's 'single largest donation ever'

"As a country, we are resilient, and I know we will get through this," says City National Bank CEO Kelly Coffey.

Nevada Gold Mines provides $1.875 million in initial COVID-19 support

Nevada Gold Mines Executive Managing Director Greg Walker said the company committed an initial $1.5 million to the state of Nevada's COVID-19 Response, Relief and Recovery Task Force, among other donations.

Amodei: Mnuchin's comments on casinos indicate he will discriminate; SBA plagued by 'cultural arrogance'

When the SBA launched the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help businesses with fewer than 500 employees, it relied on long-established SBA policies to write the rules for the loan program, including language that excluded businesses that make over one-third of revenue from gambling.

Photo: David Calvert / theNevada Independent

Republican Rep. Mark Amodei speaks at a town hall event in Carson City on Feb. 22, 2017.

Northern Nevada’s economic leaders discuss path to COVID recovery

RENO — Back in late January, at the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada’s annual State of the Economy, Mike Kazmierski touted the Reno-Sparks area’s jump in job creation, drop in unemployment rate and overall economic growth. A celebratory scene, more than 1,000 smiling members of the area’s business community filled the room. A lot has changed since.

Monday, April 13

Even before COVID-19 pandemic, Nevada's withered unemployment insurance system struggled to handle workload

From The Nevada Independent: With 39 positions eliminated last spring and years of successive budget cuts driven by dwindling federal dollars for administration, Nevada's unemployment insurance system headed into the pandemic with near-record low staffing and funding to help get the money out the door.

Photo: Kevin MacMillan

An entry to the Harrah's casino in downtown Reno is seen boarded up on March 18 after closing amid Gov. Steve Sisolak's order for non-essential businesses to temporarily cease operations.

Dayton, Smith Valley farms’ sales rise in pandemic as supplies run low

RENO — When grocery stores started running out of eggs, some savvy shoppers knew where to look – their local farm stand. "I'm having more people show up wanting eggs," said Josh Renner, owner of Renner Farm in Smith Valley. He sells his eggs at a small kiosk on his family's 100-year-old ranch. "Our eggs are completely sold out every day within hours of me putting them down there."

Nevada Interrupted: For libraries, COVID closures have sped up transition to digital resources

Since the coronavirus hit, libraries in the Washoe County Library System and throughout the state sit dark and empty, having closed their doors to foot traffic to help stop the spread of the virus, per The Nevada Independent.

Photo: David Calvert / Nevada Independent

More than 300 Democratic voters wait in line inside Sparks branch of the Washoe County Library in Sparks, Nev. on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020, the first day of early voting.

Bently Heritage in Minden shifts to sanitizer production

The Minden distillery — which is among hundreds of so-called non-essential businesses temporarily closed across Northern Nevada — released its first batch in late March.

From D&D to PPE: Reno company shifts gears to print face masks amid pandemic

While GriffinCo regularly produces miniatures and figurines for the popular tabletop game Dungeons and Dragons, owners Katie and Andy Muth have shifted gears to print 100 visor pieces for face masks per day.

Note from the publisher: The importance of supporting local journalism

We are now accepting donations to help offset decreased advertising revenues as a result of temporary business closures and other coronavirus impacts across Northern Nevada.

'Create in times of chaos': Amid pandemic, global tech accelerator launches in Reno

On April 2, RNOX began accepting applicants for the inaugural fall class of its premier entrepreneurship acceleration program, called R.E.A.L. (Rapid Entrepreneurial Accelerated Launch).

Sunday, April 12

Saturday, April 11

Jim Valentine: Time has come today

In these most interesting of times we find ourselves in one of the side benefits is the break from our harried normal daily life routines and the extra time we have each day. Extra time, what a concept. Typically, when one finds extra time it is due to a vacation and the time is used to recuperate to make a run at life again. This is different in that it came in us suddenly without notice with many consequences, the least of which is not time.

Reno-Sparks median price hits record $415K in March, but how long will it last?

RENO — Since the Great Recession, the real estate market in Northern Nevada has grown strong and steady. Thanks to a booming economy and swelling population, housing prices and demand have surged across greater Reno-Sparks over the last decade. As the first quarter of 2020 wound to a close, however, the COVID-19 pandemic had shut down the state’s non-essential businesses, left many area residents jobless, and forced Nevadans to stay quarantined at home.

Friday, April 10

USDA extends deadline to April 15 for $550 million in rural broadband grants

“USDA is extending the application deadline for round two of ReConnect Pilot Program funding to give rural businesses, cooperatives and communities extra time to apply for this critical assistance."

Bette Brand

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand says the funds will help bring high-speed broadband connectivity to rural communities, including those in Northern Nevada.

NNBW Support Your Local Business Sweepstakes profile: Western Title Company

Western Title is one of the largest providers of title insurance in Northern Nevada, and also one of Nevada's oldest companies, having been founded in 1902.

Laid-off Nevada workers sought to fill much-needed manufacturing jobs

Nevada Industry Excellence is trying to help the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development identify which manufacturers are interested or have the capabilities to produce PPE or have materials that can contribute to the shortage.

Mark Anderson

Mark Anderson

Northern Nevada's economic leaders discuss path to COVID recovery

Regional economic leaders from EDAWN, GOED, UNR and more agree that the greater Reno-Sparks region is a in a good position to rebound well from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo: Getty Images

Regional economic leaders agree that the greater Reno-Sparks region is a in a good position to rebound well from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nevada Interrupted: Budtenders hit the road as cannabis goes delivery-only

Nevada's cannabis industry is seeing a drop in overall volume as jittery customers hold tightly to their money and don't have as much discretionary income to spend at a dispensary.

Photo: Curtesy Curaleaf

Wysouri “Z” Smith is a budtender at Curaleaf dispensary in Las Vegas who has transitioned to doing delivery-only.

Thursday, April 9

Reno-Tahoe’s $438 million wedding industry faces uncertain outlook in pandemic

By the start of spring, Erik Riekenberg, owner of Reno-based Epik Weddings and Events, typically has a work calendar booked through the fall. This year, however, is shaping up to be anything but typical for the wedding industry.

Number of Nevada jobless claims soars to 245,000; U.S. total nears 17 million

The numbers released this morning show that 1 in 10 U.S. workers have been forced out of a job since the crisis took hold — the biggest, fastest pileup of job losses since record-keeping began in 1948.

Photo: Kevin MacMillan

An entry into the Eldorado Resort Casino in downtown Reno is chained and boarded up on March 21, 2020. The casino is among hundreds in the state that have been closed since the governor's March 17 order.

Almost 80,000 more new jobless filings in Nevada

LAS VEGAS — Nearly 245,000 people have filed for unemployment in Nevada since casinos and other businesses closed in mid-March to keep people from congregating and spreading the new coronavirus, according to U.S. Department of Labor figures posted Thursday.

NNBW Support Your Local Business Sweepstakes profile: CoAuto

CoAuto has established a reputation as the go-to, community-based auto repair shop in Reno, providing the community with exceptional auto repair/maintenance and five amazing community programs.

Twenty Under 40 Q-and-A: Washoe County School District's Emily Ellison

"I think our state's done a nice job of laying out target industries and in-demand professions. To me, it seems like those really capture where our national economy and global economy is headed."

Sisolak expands shutdown to include religious gatherings, golf courses

The governor's 13th emergency directive also provides new guidelines for grocery stores, including a ban on self-serve items such as salad bars or whole-sale dry foods like nuts.

Courtesy YouTube

Gov. Steve Sisolak speaks during a press conference Wednesday evening in Las Vegas.

Lyon County officials: So far, so good amid stay-at-home orders

“Things are starting to shift to what the expectation to the new normal is, and most people are convinced it's going to (extend) past April or the end of summer,” says Shayla Holmes, Lyon County's Human Services director.

Wednesday, April 8

Las Vegas-area home prices set record before coronavirus

LAS VEGAS — A trade association says Las Vegas-area home prices hit a record high in March, ahead of the economic shutdown prompted by the coronavirus pandemic. Las Vegas Realtors reported Tuesday the median sales price of previously owned single-family homes climbed to $319,000, topping the previous record of $316,000 set in February and up 6.3% from March 2019.

Reno-Sparks median price hits record $415K in March, but how long will it last?

Today, RSAR published its newest monthly market report, revealing a median price for single-family homes of $415,000 for Reno/Sparks in March.

Courtesy RSAR

This graph shows March 2020 median home price stats for the greater Reno-Sparks region. Go to to rsar.net/reno-sparks-market-reports to access the March report from RSAR.

Reno, Sparks, Washoe Co. field over 350 complaints of businesses staying open

As of April 7, Washoe County and the cities of Reno and Sparks received over 350 complaints about non-essential businesses remaining open. Compliance staff is investigating and giving initial courtesy notices — no citations have yet been given.

Courtesy

Go to the Regional Information Center website at covid19washoe.com to stay up to date on the COVID-19 situation across the region.

NNBW Support Your Local Business Sweepstakes profile: Platinum Wealth Management

Platinum Wealth Management is a woman-owned and women-led local business that works with you to build a long-term financial plan that can adapt for your unique life situations and whatever gets in your way.

Survey: Prior to pandemic, Nevada's small businesses were bullish on 2020

Back in January, on the heels of a robust 2019, the vast majority of small business owners (82%) surveyed felt Nevada's economy was heading for more growth this year, says Rick Thomas, executive VP/Northern Nevada of Nevada State Bank.

Photo: Nevada State Bank

Rick Thomas, of Nevada State Bank.

Working Together: Reducing risk of employee burnout amid COVID crisis (Voices)

It's important to note that layoffs are certainly playing a role in our environment, but our focus here is on threats to and strategies for retaining the employees you intend to keep, writes Amy Fleming of EDAWN.

Gas prices hit 27-year low; dip below $2 a gallon in Reno

The national gas price average is hovering around $1.90 a gallon. That is 10 cents cheaper than a week ago, 48 cents less than a month ago, and 81 cents less than a year ago.

Courtesy AAA

This graphic shows that as of April 6, the national gas price average was $1.92. That is 9 cents cheaper than last March 30, 48 cents less than a month ago and 81 cents less expensive than a year ago.

$2 million approved for Nevada emergency rental assistance

Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford said $2 million will be transferred to United Way of Southern Nevada and United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra.

Photo: Getty Images

Photo: Getty Images

Tuesday, April 7

Blockchain investment growing in Nevada, but what is it?

Correction: This story has been updated to reflect $400 million investment in Nevada As more and more companies work to use blockchain for a long list of financial and other purposes, the questions most often raised by regular folks are, what the heck is blockchain? And how does it work? Technically, it’s what is referred to as a “distributed ledger” — in effect a database that exists not just in one place or on one computer but in dozens or hundreds of computers, each of which maintains a copy of every transaction or “block.”

Greater Commercial Lending: Over 400 businesses have applied for PPP

By mid-day April 6, over 400 Nevada businesses had submitted PPP applications to Greater Commercial Lending. The business will continue to accept applications from all Nevada businesses, regardless of whether they have a current relationship with the company.

Why ‘The Biggest Little Logistics City' will overcome COVID crisis (Voices)

"This crisis will only fuel e-commerce's exponential growth and fuel the need for more building locations for companies to operate from. The demand for space will continue to be served by new development here in The Biggest Little Logistics City," writes Matthew Harris.

Greater Commercial Lending is an SBA paycheck protection program preferred lender

Greater Commercial Lending (GCL) continues to accept applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), authorized by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as a result of the recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). The company is one of the earliest business lenders to fully adopt the PPP in the State of Nevada since opening applications on Friday, April 3. By mid-day on Monday, April 6, over 400 Nevada businesses had submitted applications to GCL.

NNBW Support Your Local Business Sweepstakes profile: Urban Market

The Urban Market, affectionately known as “UM,” is downtown Reno's only grocery market, carrying approximately 2,000 different products from traditional grocery to specialty products.

Courtesy Urban Market

Dale and Denise Barcomb are owners of Urban Market in downtown Reno.

NNBW Editor: Doing our part to support Northern Nevada businesses

This week, we launched the Support Your Local Business Sweepstakes. We're partnering with many regional businesses who are offering prizes valued at $50 or more for various goods and services, like restaurant gift cards, gym classes, photography packages and much, much more.

Reno commercial landlord: Suspending rents ‘common sense' amid crisis

“Since I'm a small business owner, when all of this hit, it was like, holy smokes, what does that mean for everybody? I guess I wanted to be preemptive about it instead of them asking, ‘what are you guys expecting?'" Reno's Vince Griffith told the NNBW.

Nevada Interrupted: Reno brewery channels frustration into generosity for first responders

Matt Johnson of IMBIB Custom Brews told The Nevada Independent he is banking on SBA loans to survive right now, but he is unsure of when the money from the loan application will arrive.

Photo: Joey Lovato / The Nevada Independent

The outside of IMBIB Custom Brews at 785 E. 2nd St., Reno. The brewery, like all others in Washoe County, will be allowed to soon reopen under restrictions.

COVID-19: Sisolak's order addresses eviction fears; tenants still vulnerable to predatory landlords

“[Weekly motels] are still posting eviction notices and late fee assessments in the hopes Nevadans won't be aware of their new rights,” Bailey Bortolin, of the Nevada Coalition of Legal Service Providers, told The Nevada Independent.

Photo: Jeff Scheid / The Nevada Independent

A home at 7061 Mandy Scarlet Court in Las Vegas is seen on in 2017.

Analysts: Nevada likely hardest hit economically by COVID-19 pandemic

Moody’s Analytics, a nationally recognized economic analysis and research company, says Nevada is likely to be the nation’s hardest hit state by the coronavirus pandemic. The company looked at six metrics that the virus would impact and Nevada is at the top in several categories. That includes demographics of the state, trade and travel disruptions and tourism.

Monday, April 6

Sportsbooks are dark and odds are long in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS — Nobody would have given odds on this. Inside the glittering casinos that line the Las Vegas Strip, the slot machines were turned off and the sportsbooks were dark. On what would have been the biggest Monday of the year for bookies, not a dollar changed hands. No big national championship game bets, no wagers on Tiger Woods to win the Masters. No sports means no action, even for the most hardcore gamblers.

Nevada agencies asked to prep for potential $687 million in budget cuts

The cuts would come as a direct result of reduced tax collections caused by business closures across the Silver State due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo: Kevin MacMillan

Derby Supply Company — a barber/grooming business in downtown Reno — is among hundreds of temporarily closed businesses in Nevada.

Nevada bankers call for patience in standing up new small business loan program

“Sheer volume won't be the only reason the program will take time to implement. Financial institutions still need guidance from federal agencies and regulators to move forward with PPP loans," says Phyllis Gurgevich of the Nevada Bankers Association.

Photo: Getty Images

Lenders who already participate in the SBA 7(a) loan program are approved to provide loans under the PPP.

Michael Bosma: Breaking down the $2.2 trillion CARES Act (Voices)

With the $2.2 trillion stimulus package, the government, rather than relying on unemployment, has decided to channel funds to small businesses to “keep the lights on," writes Mike Bosma.

Carson Tahoe Health CEO: Stay home to keep our health staff safe (Voices)

"It takes a village, especially now, to succeed in this complicated and dynamic crisis. We must all do our part to keep these caregivers healthy — we need you to be heroic and stay home. Disrupt your normal lifestyle," urges Alan Garrett of Carson Tahoe Health.

2020 NCET Tech Award finalists, winners unveiled; ceremony set for summer

For the first time in the NCET Tech Awards history, women and women-owned businesses make up half of this year's award winners.

Photo: Frank Haxton / Digiman Studio

Winners from the 2019 NCET Tech Awards pose with NCET President/CEO Dave Archer in April 2019.

Reno-Tahoe's $438 million wedding industry faces uncertain outlook for 2020

NNBW Reporter Kaleb M. Roedel spoke with a few local DJ/photography businesses who've lost thousands of dollars in revenue — and stand to lose thousands more — due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

EDAWN, NNDA confident economy will bounce back

Recession. It’s a word that has resurfaced and is being used more and more as the COVID-19 pandemic has tightened its grip on the U.S. economy. With businesses shut down across the country and Americans shut indoors, experts are beginning to forecast which areas of the country may be hit hardest by a COVID-19 recession. Despite its impressive rebound from the last recession, Reno-Sparks may be one of the most vulnerable regions in the U.S., according to a recent analysis.

Sunday, April 5

Technology allowing Carson City doctors to continue seeing patients

Widespread use of telemedicine is letting Carson City’s medical community continue to see patients during the coronavirus crisis. Physicians and other medical personnel with Carson Tahoe Health, Carson Medical Group and Nevada Health Centers — the city’s major medical practices — are all keeping up their appointment schedules by seeing patients remotely whenever possible.

Saturday, April 4

Jim Valentine: How do I buy a house today?

Our society as a whole has seen an amazing number of changes in recent weeks that have had a direct impact on our lifestyles. Our social constrictions aren’t as drastic as other states and cities, but we have some that are in place that restrict our mobility and interaction. Regardless, the real estate industry continues to serve.

Friday, April 3

3 weeks of jobless claims in Nevada outstrip all of 2019

Unemployment claims were down 20 percent from two weeks ago but still set the second highest weekly total of new claims in state history. Altogether, for the week ending March 28 there were 71,942 initial claims. That’s more than 20,000 less than the more than 85,000 filed the previous week.

Reno contractors working with Renown to convert parking garage into hospital rooms

Clark/Sullivan Construction, Curtis Bros. Construction, PK Electrical, Ainsworth Associates Mechanical Engineers, Intermountain Electric, Mt. Rose Heating & Air Conditioning and Frank Lepori Construction are all assisting Renown Health on the effort.

Courtesy Renown Health

Area construction crews are working with Renown Health to create a temporary patient care area within the Mill Street parking structure at Renown Regional Medical Center.

Biz & Books review: 'A World Without Work' addresses a future of automation

If you worry about your future workday, "A World Without Work: Technology, Automation, and How We Should Respond" by Daniel Susskind is definitely worth a read.

Photo: Suki Dhanda

Daniel Susskind is the author of “A World Without Work.”

Calm before the storm: Nevada hospitals grapple with mask shortages, staying safe as COVID cases grow

“It's kind of hard. This is happening nationwide,” a critical care nurse who works at Renown Health told The Nevada Independent. “This isn't just a Renown issue. Nationwide, nurses and providers are being forced into these situations where they have to choose if they're going to take care of this patient or if they're going to walk away."

Former Governor Sandoval exits MGM Resorts, will apply to lead UNR

Last October, sitting UNR President Marc Johnson announced he was stepping down this spring, following eight years as the university's president.

Awaiting license, new owners of Reno's Forsaken River distillery helping with hand sanitizer shortage

Under new ownership as of Feb. 1, Forsaken River Spirits in Reno is allowed to create alcohol without an active license to assist amid the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis.

Vail Resorts CEO gives up salary, furloughs hourly employees, cuts salaries

According to published reports, Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz earned roughly $3.6 million in 2019; of that, roughly $960,000 was his annual salary.

Thursday, April 2

Change Companies owner organizes help for laid off workers in Carson City

“We got a lot of smiles and a lot of tears,” said Gina Lopez Hill, executive director of the Brewery Arts Center.

Sherwin Williams paint company donates masks, gloves to state

Attorney General Aaron Ford has announced that Sherwin-Williams paint company is donating masks and gloves to supply first responders and healthcare workers in Nevada.

Nevada Interrupted: Salon owner hopes for clearer direction from government, compassion from landlord

“I'm just scared to death. When I finally seem to be getting ahead and doing good, all of a sudden, bam, we get hit with this … All we're doing is just hoping for the best and just praying that it'll work out," says Alana Davis, owner of Aesthetically Speaking in Reno.

Photo: Joey Lavato / The Nevada Independent

Alana Davis, owner of Aesthetically Speaking on March 19, 2020.

Q&A: How can the huge congressional aid package help you?

WASHINGTON — An unprecedented $2.2 trillion economic rescue package will provide one-time checks for most Americans and significant enhancements to unemployment benefits. Both will provide much-needed help to those recently laid-off and to financially stressed households as the coronavirus shuts down much of the economy. Here are some questions and answers about how the legislation can help you:

A record 6.6 million seek U.S. jobless aid as layoffs mount

WASHINGTON — More than 6.6 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week - doubling a record high set just one week earlier - a sign that layoffs are accelerating in the midst of the coronavirus. The stunning report Thursday from the Labor Department showed that job cuts are mounting against the backdrop of economies in the United States and abroad that have almost certainly sunk into a severe recession as businesses close across the world.

Twenty Under 40 Q-and-A: Paterson Pacific Parchment's Josh Grace

"I have been reading a lot about entrepreneurial technology companies moving over from San Francisco and starting to set up shop here because of the better business community. And I like that. I think that's cool," says Josh Grace.

Nevada awaiting guidelines from feds on expanded unemployment coverage

On Thursday morning, the U.S. Labor Department reported that a record 6.65 million Americans filed jobless claims in the week ended March 28. Combined with last week's report that 3.3 million people sought unemployment aid two weeks ago, the U.S. economy has now suffered nearly 10 million layoffs in the past several weeks.

Photo: Kevin MacMillan

Formerly known as Reno eNVy, Home Means Nevada in downtown Reno (seen march 21) was among hundreds of local businesses shut down in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sisolak activates Nevada National Guard; ‘begging, urging' non-essential workers to stay home

Gov. Steve Sisolak made it clear Wednesday night his latest directive urging as many Nevadans as can to stay home is not martial law but a plea for everyone not in a critical, essential industry to not go out and possibly spread the coronavirus.

Wednesday, April 1

Courtesy Epik Weddings & Events

Erik Reikenberg, owner of Reno-based Epik Weddings and Events, DJs a wedding.

Gas below $2 per gallon at some Carson City stations

Some fuel outlets in Carson City are selling regular unleaded for $1.99 per gallon on Wednesday afternoon. Nevada Appeal employees saw $1.99 posted at the South Carson Street Sinclair station a little after noon. GasBuddy.com lists three stations selling for $1.99, including Carson City Gas and Carson Central on North Carson Street.

Sisolak issues 'Stay at Home' order; business closures extended to April 30

On April 1, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak formally issued a “Stay at Home” directive for Nevadans and extended closures of nonessential businesses, gambling and school closures to April 30.

Nevada Interrupted: Reno therapist shuts doors, moves to remote counseling

Reno therapist Frank Lemus, whose business has taken a hit as clients have put counseling sessions on hold, said the fear among his clients is clear — “there's no question about it," in terms of magnified anxiety issues.

Photo: Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez / The Nevada Independent

Dr. Frank Lemus, seen here in a June 4, 2019, photo, has had a decrease in clients since the COVID-19 outbreak, but remains focused on helping his remaining clients weather the public health crisis.

Renovated Maytan building in Midtown Reno earns commercial design award

The Northern Nevada Chapter of the American Institute of Architects recently presented Hawkins and Associates with the 2019 Commercial Architecture Citation Award for Design Excellence for the renovated building.

What's Up Downtown: Small business resources during COVID shut-down (Voices)

In this climate, the Reno community has pulled together and become stronger, but our business community still needs help, writes Alex Stettinski of the Downtown Reno Partnership.

Truckee limits short-term rentals to ‘critical' functions during COVID-19 pandemic

“We cannot close borders as some people have asked. We cannot say Truckee is for locals only ... What we can do is we're going to try to work with people," says Andy Morris, town of Truckee attorney.

Courtesy VRBO.com

Some short-term and vacation rental property owners have been advertising properties as places to "shelter in place" during the coronavirus epidemic. Regional governments are now limiting use of short-term rentals for 'critical' needs.

Nevada's hemp industry: Farmers tour greenhouses in Lovelock

"You're looking at $14,000 per acre. Profit for alfalfa right now is $600 an acre. We're talking about easily competing with the alfalfa market," says Rich Thompson of 5 Star Botanicals.

Photo: Debra Reid

5 Star Botanicals co-owner David Graves, left, explains hemp seed production during the March 7 open house.

'Nonessential' craft beer producers fear the worst as state limits pickup, delivery

While craft beer isn't “essential” in the sense that it's needed by people to survive, many of the 48 craft brewers in Nevada have complained that halting curbside pickup or beer delivery is damaging to the industry.