To say the coronavirus sweeping the nation has led to financial uncertainty is a bit like saying Lake Tahoe is kinda deep. Just as Lake Tahoe could entirely swallow the Empire State Building (with plenty of room to spare), the freefalling financial markets have swallowed trillions of dollars of shareholder equity. Despite the troubled financial outlook, it’s not time to hunker down and wait for the wave to pass, says a noted money expert with deep roots in Northern Nevada.
From January through February, the percentage of Nevadans out of work held steady both in the seasonally adjusted and non-adjusted rates. Seasonally adjusted joblessness was 3.6 percent and non-adjusted stood at 3.8 percent statewide. Both those percentages are down from the adjusted 4.1 percent unemployment a year ago and 4.2 percent non-adjusted rate in February 2019.
From the IEDC: At over $2 trillion, there is simply nothing in our past to compare it to as we move further into uncharted territory.
Go to www.iedconline.org to learn more about the International Economic Development Council.
Across Northern Nevada, industries that can are soldiering on — but the months ahead are fraught with great uncertainty as the endgame of the coronavirus remains to be seen.
On March 18, crews started work on a stormwater pollution protection plan between Court Street and Island Avenue in downtown Reno, where CAI Investments is panning a high-rise, non-gaming boutique hotel. The construction industry was exempted from Gov. Steve Sisolak’s order this month to shut down all nonessential businesses, so long as companies follow strict social distancing and sanitizing guidelines.
Rogelio Garcia, a Reno real estate agent, says he's less worried about closing deals already in the pipeline (since the real estate industry usually plans three months out). He is more concerned, however, about generating new business, considering prospective sellers are starting to hold back listings.
An empty beverage container as seen on the Las Vegas Strip after gaming operations were ordered closed by Gov. Steve Sisolak on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.
The announcement of Nevada's eviction pause has created a lot of questions for landlords, lenders, tenants and borrowers alike.
"This is a moment that entrepreneurs need to take a breath and really search your soul for truth ... Do not fall into the trap that the easy access to cash is the panacea that will make your world better," writes Michael Bosma.
“This is great news for all Midtown businesses ... we support their plan to expedite the project,” Rum Sugar Lime business owner Larry DeVincenzi said.
An updated look at the current accelerated construction plan for the $87 million Virginia Street Bus RAPID Transit Extension Project, which is designed to improve safety and provide better access, enhanced transit service and improved mobility for everyone.
Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nv., on Monday launched an online portal designed to help small Nevada businesses navigate the newly-approved federal assistance programs. “Thousands of Nevada’s small businesses and their hard-working employees are struggling as a result of the uncertainty that the coronavirus pandemic has unleashed,” she said.
“We just opened four months ago. We're not Apple. We don't have $500 billion in cash that we're sitting on. We're just two guys who have a coffee shop. And, unfortunately, at UNR they didn't have a class in the business section that said how to open a store during a pandemic.”
Coffee N' Comics owner, Alex Farside carries and order out to an Uber Eats driver on Thursday, March 19, 2020 in Reno, Nev.
Coffee N' Comics owner, Alex Farside carries and order out to an, Daryl Hayne, an Uber Eats driver on Thursday, March 19, 2020 in Reno, Nev.
Coffee N' Comics owner Alex Farside poses for a portrait in front of his shop on Thursday, March 19, 2020 in Reno.
"An improperly structured transaction can create problems for the seller years after they have sold the business."
Since kicking off in April 2013, DJ Trivia Nevada has bloomed into a successful company with 13 part-time trivia hosts who put on 23 trivia nights a week at local businesses in Reno, Sparks, Carson City and Fallon.
The district provides short- and long-term, fixed-rate, low-interest loans to qualified borrowers interested in the creation of new small businesses or the expansion or retention of existing small businesses.
"Our mandate from Congress requires us to assist during times of crisis and natural disasters and we are uniquely situated to help anyone who is having difficulty navigating these government programs for the first time.”
Sunday's announcement came after a coalition of legal aid providers and other advocacy groups called on elected officials to issue a statewide moratorium on evictions.
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak discusses measures to help the public with housing stability amid the COVID-19 public health crisis at the Grant Sawyer Building in Las Vegas, Sunday, March 29, 2020.
Chris Bishop, president of the Nevada Association of REALTORS, emphasized the success or failure of the housing market relies on tenants and landlords alike in what he called a “symbiotic” relationship.
A view of the Courtyard Homeless Resource Center in Las Vegas on Nov. 13, 2019.
Since Tom Adams founded Seven Troughs Distillery in 2012, he said the restaurant, bar and distillery has had its ups and downs, but experienced a steep downturn as COVID-19 reached Nevada.
Nick Bietz, the assistant distiller at Seven Troughs Distilling Co. in Sparks, is seen on March 19. Seven Troughs has started making high-proof alcohol for use in hand sanitizer.
Nick Bietz, the assistant distiller at Seven Troughs Distilling Co. in Sparks, Nev. on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Seven Troughs has started making high-proof alcohol for use in hand sanitizer. (David Calvert/The Nevada Independent)
Regulators in Nevada have conducted “intermittent” surveys of active construction sites over the last few days and that at many work sites, “it is visibly obvious that employees are still being directed/allowed to work in close proximity (less than 6 feet of separation) to other staff.”
Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, as seen on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020.
“We were calling and nothing. I was calling the unemployment offices, too, and they just have you on there forever and ever. It just rings and rings. And other times, you call and it sounds like they just hang up.”
Thai Corner Café in downtown Reno “made a difficult decision to close our restaurant until further notice,” restaurant owners said.
As we find ourselves in times of trouble we must all pull together to improvise, adapt and overcome our unseen oppressor. We are fortunate in Northern Nevada to have less opportunity to catch the coronavirus than do other regions of the globe, but we still must act appropriately so those viral cells that do find their way here don’t wreck havoc on our populous.
The decision is important to Carson City since auto dealer sales are by far the capital's largest sales tax generator, accounting for about a quarter of each month's total revenue.
Photo: Getty Images
There are many credit cards around that will pay you rewards in cash, airline miles and other items. The question is “are the rewards taxable income?” The answer is “Yes” if the items charged that give the rewards are business expenses. That is just like a reduction in the cost of the item (expense).
The governor’s COVID-19 response team says car dealerships are allowed to remain open for business during the virus pandemic. “Car sales may continue, but we expect car dealerships to use delivery when possible, to use contactless payment when possible and that dealerships follow the aggressive social distancing protocols for patrons and outlined in the governor's directive and accompanying regulation,” said Nevada Health Response spokeswoman Meghin Delaney.
The state recorded 93,036 new weekly unemployment claims during the week ending March 21, an increase of roughly 1,300 percent, putting an overwhelming strain on Nevada's online filing system.
In a March 27 statement, Storey County Manager Austin Osborne said Tesla announced it will reduce on-site staff “by about 75 percent in the coming days.”
With its online claims filing system rapidly becoming overwhelmed by the number of people seeking benefits, the Employment Security Division is moving to expand that system. “We understand the frustration many are feeling and we hear you,” said DETR Director Tiffany Tyler-Garner. “We are actively monitoring our systems and researching ways to expand our system and staffing levels to meet a monumental need for unemployment insurance support.”
The Carson City School District Board of Trustees is moving its April 14 meeting to April 7 to finalize its tentative budget and complete any changes before submitting it to the Nevada Department of Taxation by the April 15 deadline.
Storey County Manager Austin Osborne says Tesla has decided to cut back its operations at the gigafactory east of Reno. The announcement comes a week after Panasonic, Tesla’s partner at the battery factory, announced it was shutting down operations there because of the coronavirus.
“A lot of companies are worried about 401(k) plans, a lot of employees are worried about what's happening to their retirement funds. The list is endless, as we've never faced anything like this," says Ann Silver of the Reno+Sparks Chamber.
A sign outside Arch of Reno Wedding Chapel in downtown Reno — which is one of hundreds of members of the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce — lets prospective patrons know that the business of issuing licenses and performing weddings is not essential at this time.
“This is one of the many hiccups we will see. We don't know how significant it will be, but I am confident the economy in Northern Nevada is strong and we will come out of this in some period of time and be back to something close to normal before we know it.”
In Nevada, gambling win topped $1 billion for the third consecutive month in February. While that's good news for now, casino win totals for March — likely to tumble to drastic levels — won't be known for at least a few weeks.
Siri's Casino in downtown Reno — seen here shuttered on March 21 — is among hundreds of Nevada casinos that impacted solid casino win totals in February.
The Winnemucca Main Street program was established last year and began in the “Exploring” phase of the national Main Street America program and is now at the “Affiliate” level.
From left, the newly established Winnemucca Main Street board of directors — Wendy Raynor, Claire Buchanan, Brad Borowski, Naomi Leahy, Abel Del Real-Nava and Lily Hangere — held their first board meeting on March 11.
"As far as economic development, we must find a way to recycle the resources, which will open up more doors to technology-based companies relocating here," says Lydia Peri, Emerging Resources Program Administrator at Truckee Meadows Water Authority.
VIRGINIA CITY — Mandy Manyose’s phone kept ringing. It was the evening of Tuesday, March 17, minutes after Gov. Steve Sisolak ordered all of Nevada’s nonessential businesses — everything from restaurants to gyms to casinos — to close for 30 days to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Manyose owns The Roasting House, a coffeehouse/restaurant in the historic town of Virginia City, located 20 miles southeast of Reno.
February gaming win topped $1 billion for the third consecutive month, posting a 3.1 percent increase compared to February 2019. And the reason was almost entirely because of strong performance in the smaller, Northern Nevada markets.
"It's OK to not have all the answers. As business leaders, we think we have to have all the answers. But, because these are uncharted territories, it's OK if you don't know the answer.”
Sierra Tap House in downtown Reno is seen March 21, boarded up and closed until further notice. It’s one of many nonessential businesses mandated to close for 30 days amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the city, the estimated drop would leave a roughly $6.5 million hole in the current budget, by way of an 8.9 percent drop in C-Tax revenue, The Nevada Independent reports.
This slide from the city's COVID-19 revenue report projects a potential 8.9 percent drop in C-Tax revenue — nearly $6.5 million by summer.
Nevada Gov. Grant Sawyer issued a letter on Nov. 23, 1963, asking casinos to close for half a day on Nov. 25, the day of President John F. Kennedy's funeral. But it wasn't an order.
The Silver Legacy Resort casino is seen closed the afternoon of Saturday, March 21, in downtown Reno. The casino is among hundreds in the state that have been fully closed since the governor's original order on March 17.
Amid these uncertain times, protecting capital while resetting and repositioning your financial foundation should be the first priority, says Loral Langemeier.
Virginia City's small businesses, the majority of which fall in the “nonessential” category, rely heavily on a steady stream of tourists to keep the lights on.
The doctors right now are focusing on probabilities, not possibilities. Investors should do the same, writes Incline Village financial advisor David Vomund.
Gov. Steve Sisolak’s order this month that all casinos in the state shut down because of the coronavirus raised the question whether casinos were all closed at any time in the past. But after some research by Kile Porter, custodian of records for the Gaming Control Board, and Professor Michael Green at UNLV, Sisolak’s order appears to be the only time since gambling was legalized by the 1931 Legislature that all gambling houses were ordered closed.
“Closed until April 16, 2020 or until our deranged Governor comes to his senses and quits hurting small businesses," according to a sign taped to the window of the temporarily closed Lovelock Chevron Casino.
A sign taped the doors at the temporarily closed Lovelock Chevron Casino in late March protests Gov. Steve Sisolak’s closure order.
According to the Retail Association of Nevada's new survey, 69% of those polled feel local retailers have handled the outbreak “very well” or “well,” while 9 percent said “poorly” or “very poorly.”
This graph from the Retail Association of Nevada shows answers to the following question: "On a scale of 1 to 9, how difficult has it been to find the products you need at local stores, with 1 being not difficult and 9 being very difficult?"
Cindi Miller started the new year off starting a new business. She opened Pure Platinum Salon and Spa in the heart of downtown, on the southeast corner of 5th and Carson streets. Before she knew it she had five hair stylists and one manicurist renting space and the business was busy. “I felt so blessed to have the salon fill up,” said Miller.
Carson City residents Steve and Zita Waclo, former passengers recently quarantined on the Grand Princess cruise ship and at the Marine Corps Station Miramar in San Diego, were informed Monday their COVID-19 test results came back negative.
VOICES: In the wake of coronavirus fears impacting many consumers' vacation planning, companies in the hospitality industry should not be tempted to downplay or conceal any risks around coronavirus exposure. Doing so could open the door for lawsuits.
During this health crisis, and as a part of our commitment to this community, we are providing free access to our digital news content, writes NNBW Publisher Peter Bernhard.
To break even and keep their doors open, CoAuto in Reno depends on working on at least 50 cars a week. Shop co-owner Vinnie Lucido told The Nevada Independent that due to recent COVID-related cancelations, he has had to let go of three employees out of a team of 10.
Vinnie Lucido, co-owner of CoAuto, speaks during an interview with The Nevada Independent inside the auto shop at 2155 Dickerson Road in Reno.
CoAuto employee, Ryan Ostler, cleans a customers car with disinfectant wipes on Thursday, March 19, 2020 in Reno, Nev. (David Calvert/The Nevada Independent)
Per the governor, if Nevadans refuse to comply with the directive, local law enforcement agencies have been authorized to issue civil or criminal penalties against them.
The opening of the center means Tesla customers no longer need to travel to Sacramento for vehicle maintenance, such as software diagnostics and adjustments.
When Carson City resident Marge Dolan took a terrible tumble in her home Feb. 6 resulting in a broken neck, Purple Avocado owner Stan Jones would be there to offer a generous gesture to help her and her husband in a bind.
Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada is doubling down its efforts to help the region's poverty-stricken — the nonprofit was one of 18 organizations in the country recently selected to participate in the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship's 2020 Global Social Benefit Institute Pathways Out of Poverty accelerator program.
“I want to set an example for the community, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't feeling scared or confused,” Allie Salas, owner of Allie Salas Fitness, told The Nevada Independent.
Alejandra Salas, owner of Reno Aspire Fitness, is interviewed inside her gym on March 19, 2020.
Displaced employees have the ability to get subsidized healthcare through Nevada Health Link — this is especially important for business owners, since their income will be significantly reduced due to the business being shuttered.
Nevada Treasurer Zach Conine says he is also hopeful that landlords will give their tenants flexibility to delay rent payments if they are furloughed or laid off because of the virus emergency.
Since launching in Southern Nevada eight years ago, The Medicare Store has “helped insure over 10,000 Nevadans," says President/CEO Calvin Bagley.
Gonzale, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Nevada, Reno, began his accounting career at Casey Neilon 2013.
The Little Nugget — home to the World Famous Awful Awful — is seen closed the afternoon of March 21, 2020.
I took a walk through downtown Reno on a sunny spring Saturday afternoon with an iPhone in hand. Normally, the city would be teeming with gamblers, craft beer enthusiasts, tourists and March Madness watchers. Instead, here's what I saw.
The view looking north in downtown Reno early Saturday afternoon, March 21, near the Eldorado Resort on Sierra Street.
Wild River Grille in downtown Reno, seen here March 21, was closed for several due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Eldorado Casino in downtown Reno has been closed since March 18, like all casinos across the Silver State.
Derby Supply Company, a specialty barber in downtown Reno, is seen closed on March 21. The business would be able to open as soon as this Saturday, May 9, under restrictions set forth by Gov. Sisolak today.
RENO — The virus outbreak is taking its toll on media in Nevada, with closures of rural weekly and alternative urban weekly publications and curtailment of sections published in the state's largest metropolitan daily. But it also has prompted a surge in visits to newspaper web sites where the normal pay walls have been dropped as readers clamor for the latest updates on the spread of the pandemic and its affects on their daily lives.
Initial claims for unemployment benefits tripled in the week ending March 14 compared to the previous week. The research team at the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation said initial claims rose from 2,309 to 6,356 as businesses across the state began to close down and tourism visitation fell because of the coronavirus.
The Carson City School Board of Trustees is considering the sale of a portion of district property north of the Professional Development Center at 604 W. Musser St.
Chuck Shapiro, owner of Wild River Grille in downtown Reno, says he is most worried about his staff and what they will do without a source of income during the temporary closure.
Wild River Grille owner Chuck Shapiro poses for a portrait on Feb. 28, 2018 inside his dining room in downtown Reno.
On Saturday, state officials announced the second week of March brought nearly three times the number of initial unemployment claims as the first week — the largest week-over-week jump since 1987.
In Downtown Reno, an Eldorado Resort Casino employee posts a sign on the door announcing that they will be temporarily suspending operations minutes before midnight on Tuesday night, March 17, 2020, following an executive order from the Governor in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Disaster loans can provide vital economic assistance to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing," says SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza.
“Our supply chain is secure, our grocery stores and pharmacies will stay open, and what they need from you now more than ever is to give them room to do what they do best — provide food and medicine for the communities they serve," says Bryan Wachter of the Nevada Retail Association.
"We want to assure you that this statewide closure of non-essential businesses is very helpful as we look to manage exposures in a proactive manner," writes CEO Tony Slonim and other Renown leadership.
Dr. Anthony Slonim
Founded in 2019, the Nevada Housing Coalition's mission is to create sustainable solutions through community awareness, capacity building and advocacy.
While we cautioned about a virus impacting the market in our article at the end of February, little did we know how quickly and thoroughly it could become a reality and actually decimate financial confidences. We’ve all now seen it occur and the resulting changes to many industries necessitated in the interest of public safety. Most people are adapting well and continuing with “business as unusual”. Changes are occurring through mandates and common sense in our everyday world. That includes the real estate industry.
A senior vice president of the Retail Association of Nevada is urging the state’s consumers to support their local grocery stores and pharmacy retailers during the COVID-9 virus restrictions. "If you can stay home, if you can be flexible, that is what our grocery and pharmacy retailers need right now," said Bryan Wachter, senior vice president of government and public affairs. "Our supply chain is secure, our grocery stores and pharmacies will stay open, and what they need from you now more than ever is to give them room to do what they do best, provide food and medicine for the communities they serve."
Come Monday, Carson City students will have more resources available to them on www.carsoncityschools.com to continue their education at home while school closures remain in place through at least April 6.
From KUNR: "We needed to do something because we were tired of waiting for someone to make that decision," said Joel Stewart said, co-owner of Pangolin Cafe, a 5-month-old business in Midtown.
From KUNR: “I've never had to apply for unemployment. I honestly didn't even know how. I texted my mom and I was like, ‘where do I even go?'"
A row of businesses at McQueen Crossings S.C. sits closed the afternoon of March 18 — save for Wells Fargo, as banks are considered “essential” businesses.
In Carson City, like most Nevada communities, some restaurants that offer delivery and pickup are still managing to survive — while other businesses have been forced to temporarily close.
A closed sign hangs on the front door of Kaleidoscope in downtown Carson City on Friday.
According to the American Gaming Association, if all casinos were to remain closed for eight weeks, the U.S. economy will lose $43.5 billion in economic activity.
Valley Christian Fellowship of Minden has never closed its doors on a Sunday for worship. This Sunday, though, when the church’s worship team takes the stage to sing and Pastor Leo Kruger delivers his message, they’ll address an empty room.
A 2019 U.S. Tax Court decision showed IRS sometimes charges penalties that are not valid and can be cancelled. Gwendolyn Kestin timely filed her 2014 Individual Income Tax Return showing tax due and she paid it. Later, she filed an Amended return claiming what she received was not “wages” and the tax was not owed and should be refunded.
Carson City businesses have felt the impact of COVID-19 and the governor’s orders for non-essential businesses to close to help slow the pandemic. Some restaurants, such as Pizza Factory, that offer delivery and pickup are still managing to survive while other businesses have been forced to temporarily close their doors until further directions are given. Darren Maxfield, owner of Pizza Factory, said the first few days have been positive for his company, despite having to close the dine-in portion of the restaurant
A spokesman for Panasonic announced Friday the factory in Nevada, “will begin ramping down operations early next week and will then close for 14 days.” Jerry Rizzo said the decision was made to safeguard the health and well-being of employees. Panasonic shares the gigafactory at the Tahoe Reno Industrial Complex with Tesla.
From the editor: For the last year, we've been planning our wedding, scheduled for May 30, 2020, in downtown Reno. But, an increasingly likely scenario is we must consider postponing due to situations beyond our control. And you know what? That's totally fine. Because this isn't about us. Now, more than ever, is not a time to be selfish.
"We have seen about $450,000 worth of catering cancellations, so it has been a significant amount. Everybody's canceling for obvious reasons," says Colin Smith, owner of Roundabout Grill.
The Ross Stores location at Ridgeview Plaza in Northwest Reno closed the afternoon of March 18, a day after Gov. Steve Sisolak ordered all nonessential businesses to shut down for 30 days due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Sisolak's latest order allows local law enforcement agencies to impose criminal penalties on businesses that continue to remain open, after all other remedies have been exhausted.
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak speaks during a March news conference.
Moderated by Karyn Jensen, founder and president of HRC, Ltd., panelists include Mike Bosma, principal of CliftonLarsonAllen; Dora Lane, partner at Holland & Hart, LLP; and Meagan Noin, president of MN|G Partners.
The NV Energy Foundation, Microsoft Reno and Bank of America partnered as key funders to get the effort rolling, and Plumas Bank has set up an account free of bank charges.
Reno-area businesses are partnering with the United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra to launch the UWNNS Emergency Assistance Fund in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The American Gaming Association says the coronavirus has put an estimated 616,000 gaming employees out of work nationwide. AGA President Bill Miller said that 95 percent of the country’s 465 commercial casinos and 76 percent of the 524 tribal casinos have been shut down to slow the spread of the virus.
The “COVID-19 Relief Fund” will distribute grants to individuals, businesses, governmental services and charitable nonprofits, says Community Foundation CEO Chris Askin.
According to a March 5 press release, the NV Energy Foundation — which is funded by NV Energy, not its customers — impacted 153 nonprofit organizations through donations of nearly $3.5 million in 2019.
The Northern Nevada native recently joined the law firm's Litigation, Trials and Appeals department after practicing in Los Angeles for the past several years.
Think Stack plans to create between 75 and 100 jobs in Reno over the next five years, with salaries ranging from $45,000 to $150,000, CEO Chris Sachse told us in early March.
Nevada's arts and culture sector represents 4.7 percent of the state's gross domestic product, generating $7 billion annually. By comparison, mining generates $3.3 billion.
Sarah OÕConnell, owner of a small business production company in Las Vegas, has lost business since the coronavirus outbreak. (Jeff Scheid/The Nevada Independent)
Rong Shao, a Pagoda contortionist, performs at the Circus Circus Midway on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, in Las Vegas.
The question is not whether there will be a drop in revenue, but by how much. “That's the million-dollar question,” says Jeff Cronk, chief financial officer for city of Sparks.
The Genoa Bar, affectionately known as Nevada's oldest thirst parlor due to it being established way back in 1853, sits closed at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, for the first time in memory.
“This is something I thought I'd never have to say throughout my tourism career, but please stay home at this time,” says LTVA President Carol Chaplin.
Harrah's and Harvey's casinos in Stateline, Nevada, are closed, as seen Wednesday.
Gov. Steve Sisolak announced Thursday that Nevada has been approved for Small Business Administration loans to small businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic. Those low-interest, federal loans will be available in all 17 of Nevada’s counties as well as neighboring counties in California, Arizona, Idaho, Oregon and Utah.
Employees Verify employees are healthy when arriving at work. Sick employees are advised to stay home and not return to work until they are free of fever for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. Employees who appear to be ill upon arrival to work, or become sick during the day, should be sent home immediately.
According to the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, "since these industries cannot do their work remotely, and do not generally operate in groups or deal with the public in large numbers, like a bar or a restaurant, they are provided this additional guidance as they continue to meet the needs of their customers and the community."
Gov. Steve Sisolak has issued an order waiving the seven-day waiting period before unemployment benefits start along with the requirement that those receiving checks look for suitable work. He instructed the head of the Employment Security Division that suitable work is not currently available for those people temporarily laid off because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Storey County issued a declaration Wednesday, saying all businesses in the county could continue to operate without closing, despite Gov. Steve Sisolak's orders Tuesday that non-essential businesses close.
Tiffany Tyler-Garner, director of the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation in Nevada, said the department has been preparing for an increase in claims.
The homeless shelter in Reno has responded to the pandemic by temporarily ceasing street outreach and is monitoring residents for signs of illness, per The Nevada Independent.
Nevada Senator Jacky Rosen, right, and director of development Sara Meyer talk inside the emergency shelter during a tour of Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada in Las Vegas on Monday, July 1, 2019. (Daniel Clark/The Nevada Independent)
Sleeping mats as seen at the Courtyard Homeless Resource Center in Las Vegas on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019.
Reno Police Homeless Evaluation Liaison Program officer Chris Carter, center inside St. Vincent's Dining Hall in Downtown Reno before leaving to conduct the annual Point in Time Count on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020.
The program offers to help with energy bills for people with income limitations or other unusual circumstances — including those impacted by the virus because of layoffs or who are unable to pay because they are self-isolated.
“Conducting business checks and visibly increasing patrol presence is our first frontline effort to providing overall safety for businesses during this difficult time.
On a trip already riddled with waiting, a few false alarms Saturday didn’t unnerve Steve and Zita Waclo of Carson City trying to get back to their hometown nor reduce their confidence.
"The City of Reno has no desire to take enforcement action on businesses. However ... the City can enforce the Governor's order through multiple actions, which include, but are not limited to: • citations up to $1,000 per day • misdemeanor citations • summary suspension of a business license • revocation of a business license
On Wednesday afternoon, Sisolak's office released a five-page “Risk Mitigation Initiative” giving more details on the statewide shutdown, including what constitutes an essential and nonessential business.
Carson City grocery stores are working with suppliers to keep store shelves stocked. Uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic has caused a run on stores as people stock up for the long haul. Carson City shoppers have reported empty meat counters at some stores and a dearth of items such as toilet paper.
Bryan Wachter of the Retail Association of Nevada says they, like members of the media and others, are still trying to figure out exactly what the definitions of essential and non-essential businesses are.
AFBF President Zippy Duvall says labor, supply chain issues and possible price manipulation top the list of immediate issues farmers are raising with the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
Nevada News Group
Peep No More, which manufactures its products in Reno, was introduced to the public in Reno at the National Bowling Stadium in early 2015. Owned by Carson City native Joey Mares, the company To that end, Mares said Peep No More is on the heels of generating $185,000 in sales in 2019, with a goal of hitting over $1 million by year's end.
“As more of our customers choose to self-isolate or work from home, reliable uninterrupted power is essential to their health, wellbeing and comfort."
Wesley Juhl of the American Civil Liberties Union said a letter has been sent to a number of Nevada cities and counties urging swift action to protect people.
Nevada News Group
In rural Nevada — where it takes even longer to get the results of tests because samples have to be taken by courier to Reno once a day — hospitals and doctors are also taking an abundance of caution with respiratory patients and having them isolate at home.
The inside of a tent set up to treat respiratory patients at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno on Thursday, March 12, 2020.
“We absolutely must take this step for every Nevadan's health and safety,” the governor said. “Please. Please take this seriously. Lives are at stake, and each day passing, this pandemic is growing. Please stay home for Nevada.”
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak steps away from the podium after an update on coronavirus during a news conference in Las Vegas on March 17.
Restaurants will be able to provide takeout and delivery service, but no in-premise dining will be allowed.
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak seen in this file photo.
RENO — All bars, nightclubs, restaurants and gyms will close in Reno by 5 p.m. Friday in an effort to reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus outbreak, Mayor Hillary Schieve announced. Schieve initially included casinos on the closure list late Monday with plans to begin the shutdowns Tuesday morning. But she quickly rescinded that directive and further clarified restaurants can continue carry-out orders and keep drive-thru windows open.
"I'm excited about the growth, I think it's only going to make our city better, as long as we as a community hold on to what makes us special," says Porterhouse Marketing owner Sarah Porter.
Sunday, who works as Manager of Communications and Public Affairs for Renown Health, is an alum of UNR.
Empty casinos and shrinking hotel occupancy rates caused by fears of the spreading novel coronavirus will have ripple effects beyond mass layoffs and plummeting stock prices, The Nevada Independent reports.
The exterior of the Nevada Legislature is seen in Carson City.
Vail Resorts was the first to announce that it would suspend operations, doing so on Saturday, and now has become the first to announce the season is over.
Kirkwood Mountain, and the rest of Vail Resorts' mountain operations, is being shut down for the season.
Ann Silver, CEO of the Reno-Sparks Chamber of Commerce, said she was torn when she heard the news because “the intent is very pure and sincere” but the fallout could be “astronomical.”
Reno City Hall.
"We are doing this to save lives ... and if that's not enough, I don't know what is ..." Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve said in a virtual press conference Monday afternoon.
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve speaks during a virtual press conference Monday afternoon.
Russo spent the last several years working with The Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce, where he built up a vast network of builders, developers and real estate companies in Northern Nevada.
The RE/MAX Top 100 lists agents in the United States with the highest residential commissions for 2019.
Phase two focuses on the center portion of the enclosed mall area, starting at the far east end of the building near Cold Stone Creamery and working westward.
"I'm of the mindset that, while short-term economic impacts will be damaging, this too shall pass. Still, I'm no health professional, so in serious situations like these, I feel it's important to rely on the experts. My advice? Don't panic, but be prepared and practice appropriate precautions."
The Carson City School District Board of Trustees on Tuesday voted to change the Eagle Valley Middle School attendance zone effective next fall so students promoting from or living within Fremont Elementary School’s boundaries will begin attending Eagle Valley.
"I believe that fortunes are made in calamity rather than calm," writes Michael Bosma.
Officials say the Truckee Meadows Public Lands Management Act is a delicate balancing act to provide land needed to build homes for all the new residents coming into the region while at the same time protecting the quality of life current residents expect and demand.
Copyright - Jeramie Lu Photography | www.JeramieLu.com | available for travel worldwide
Here, a new home is being constructed as part of the Cliffs at Somersett project on Northwest Reno. The future of development in Washoe County is at the heart of the Truckee Meadows Public Lands Management Act.
President John Cassinelli has announced that Travel Nevada and the Nevada Commission on Tourism have awarded the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center a $3,500 rural tourism marketing grant. The money will be used to develop an 18" by 22" full size printed map that will be on the stands for two years. Ten thousand maps will be printed and distributed across the area, including distribution in the California Gold Country. (The California Gold Country has 140 distribution sites and many of its residents travel to Nevada on a regular basis.)
It is surprising how fast time flies. If you have not reviewed your estate planning documents for more than two years, or if you moved to Nevada and your documents were done in another state, please review your plan and documents with an attorney. In 2020 the gift and estate combined exclusion from tax is $11.58 million. That means most folks can make gifts and still have most or all of the exclusion available to avoid paying death tax.
For customers isolated or experiencing financial hardship because of the coronavirus pandemic, NV Energy officials announced Friday they are suspending disconnections for non-payment. Utility CEO Doug Cannon said they are seeing the effects the virus is having on their customers and made the decision to provide them with some peace of mind during this period.
Real estate technology has come a long way since we marveled at the new NCR paper, No Carbon Required. It replaced the need of putting a piece of carbon paper between your original and the copy you were making when you wanted to make a duplicate of your contract or letter for the file. Of course that went in to your typewriter to prepare. Most successful offices and agents had the IBM Selectric at $1,000 a copy.
Amy Fleming
Amy Fleming
The Carson City School District has no plans to close schools and has advised students and staff that travel outside the state is not endorsed amid lingering concerns about the COVID-19 virus.
Bryan Wachter of the Retail Association of Nevada said his organization is “very concerned about disruptions to the supply chain.”
Volunteers pack meals for the Kids Cafe program at Three Square in Las Vegas on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018.
“The way this is playing out, we're starting to see another 9/11," says Global Market Advisors Partner Brendan Bussmann about the pandemic's impact on Nevada's resort industry.
On Tuesday, the Bently Heritage Estate Distillery became the first distillery in the U.S. to complete the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold Certification process.
Thompson will join Drs. O'Brien and Bearfield at the NNMC family medicine clinic at 5575 Kietzke Lane in Reno.
Work beginning on March 16 on Virginia Street between Interstate 80 and Lawlor Events Center will initially include demolition of the section on the east side of Virginia between 8th and 9th streets.
While Nevada’s raw unemployment rate actually increased in January, the seasonally adjusted rate fell a tenth to 3.6 percent. According to Dave Schmidt, chief economist for the Department of Employment Training and Rehabilitation, that is the lowest jobless rate reported in the state since 1976 and the first time since July 2007 that the Nevada rate has matched the national rate.
A statewide database tracking high-interest, short-term payday lending is beginning to get off the ground and possibly start documenting such loans by summer.
The exterior of a MoneyTree branch in Carson City.
There are now 1.56 million workers in the state of Nevada, an increase of 327,500 from the bottom of the recession in 2010.
On April 30, the Manufacturing Institute will recognize 130 recipients of the STEP Ahead Awards — including Katie Feser of Carson City-based Click Bond — at a reception in Washington, D.C.
Talage's staff of 12 is expected to increase to more than 20 by the end of the summer, and “ramp up from there as the need increases," says CEO Adam Kiefer.
A 21-year resident of Searchlight, Nevada, Deever previously worked in travel journalism and as an assignment adventurer with National Geographic.
Courses are available in English and Spanish, and topics include budgeting, paying for college, understanding credit scores and reports, and much more.
The program was created to help NIAA student-athletes and families “build financial strength and stability."
Chris Sachse is CEO of Think Stack.
According to RSAR, greater Reno-Sparks posted a median price of $390,000 in February, while the median price in Reno (including North Valleys) was $405,373. Both figures are down 4 percent from January.
This infographic created by RSAR shows February 2020 statistics for single-family home sales in the Reno market (which includes North Valleys), compared to the same stats in February 2019.
"Regardless of how our economy continues to diversify, automation will continue to impact our landscape as work functions across industries are becoming more efficient," says Amy Fleming of EDAWN.
Chairman James DeVolld said Monday he thinks his new duties will deal with major litigation between the state and marijuana businesses that argued they were unfairly denied potentially lucrative dispensary licenses.
"One of the things I'm passionate about is telling stories about the human side of business, and often there's no better way to do that than to consistently cover the cross-section of philanthropy and business."
As a colleague of City National Bank's Reno branch, John Chrispens will report directly to Stacy Asteriadis, vice president and branch manager.
"From a business perspective, we need to continue to innovate as a society, and if all of the younger generation is just working for the older generation, there's probably a lack of innovation."
Marijuana is displayed inside Inyo Fine Cannabis Dispensary on Monday, Feb. 5, 2018.
Amy Fleming
The Carson City Department of Arts & Culture in partnership with the Culture and Tourism Authority will host national arts data and policy specialist Randy Cohen on March 17-18 for a series of presentations highlighting the impact of the arts to the local economy. Cohen is vice president of research at Americans for the Arts – the national advocacy organization for the arts – where he has been empowering arts advocates since 1991. He is a noted expert in the field of arts funding, research, and using the arts to address community development issues.
Molyneaux was awarded the Top Office Lease in a Small Market, the Top Office Sale in a Small Market and Most Transactions in a Small Market at the annual SIOR Northern California/Nevada Chapter Awards Luncheon.
"Feel free to discuss the “why” about a deduction. You don't have to be an expert, but any tax professional worth their salt can explain in lay terms how the law works and applies to their situation."
The Carson City Historical Society raised just $22,000 in an effort to raise $100,000 to move the 145-year-old building from Carson Street to a new location.
Karpen was previously an investment manager at City of Hope, where he helped oversee a $3 billion portfolio across asset classes, including global equities, fixed income, private equity, real assets and hedge funds.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the second half of 2020.
A review of the applications submitted for the initiative revealed that out of the 4,628 proposed housing units, only 3 percent of the units are considered affordable housing — 160 units designated as senior housing. Price points for all of the units are not yet available.
Construction in Verdi, on the western edge of Reno.
Princess Cruises, owner of the Grand-class cruise ship Grand Princess that is carrying 3,500 in quarantine from the coronavirus, announced to its passengers Monday that it will provide a full refund of cruise fares to all guests in a letter from president Jan Swartz.
Sands Connect will include a “selfie area,” festival tent, beer garden and open promenade, in addition to exhibit space for RV shows, outdoor shows, farmers' markets and more.
An artist rendering of the new Sands Connect event space near downtown.
Prior to joining CCNN, Lisa Genasci served in a variety of grant and analyst roles for the state of Nevada, University of Nevada, Reno and in the business sector.
After years of planning, preliminary work is underway on the multibillion-dollar Spaghetti Bowl overhaul. How will area businesses be impacted?
A rendering of the new Reno-Sparks Spaghetti Bowl. Initial work began this month, according to NDOT, in the form of geotechnical soil surveys and engineering design for future construction of the first phase of the multibillion-dollar project.
A seasoned real estate agent can help you in many ways other than showing you a house. Anybody can walk in the front door, open the first closet door and proclaim, “This is the coat closet.” The true worth of a professional agent goes far beyond that. The buying and selling process of real estate has many components and nuances. You don’t need to know them all if you have a good agent.
Helen Lidholm, who resigned Jan. 31 from her post at Saint Mary's, is the new CEO of Northern Nevada Medical Center, effective March 2.
If approved, the tax is estimated to generate $2.2 million in revenue for road maintenance. That funding would be split between the county and the two cities, Fernley and Yerington.
Cost associated with Phase I is $9.5 million. The project will utilize over 3.83 acres on Wedge Parkway in the South Valleys Regional Sports Complex.
The Jennifer M. O’Neal Community Ice Arena aims to open this year.
The Manufacturing Institute has announced it will award Katie Feser with the Women in Manufacturing STEP Ahead award. The STEP Ahead Awards honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C suite. On April 30, the Manufacturing Institute will recognize 130 recipients of the STEP Ahead Awards at a reception in Washington, D.C.
As flattered as I am, I must disappoint some friends when they come to me and ask a tax question. Unfortunately, I have not been able to memorize all 4 million lines of U.S. Tax Code. Recently added to all that is the New Trump Tax Law (now in it’s second year) which was designed to make it easier for many folks to prepare their own returns. When you embark on the adventure of self preparing your own tax return, here are some “Tips” to help guide you.
Active mining started in early December, and commercial-level gold production is expected before the end of the second quarter of 2020.
“We're not just putting the burden of workforce housing and transportation issues on the lodging community. Any business that benefits from tourism should be part of the solution.”
Starting as a one-man web design and IT company, 15 years later, D4 Advanced Media has evolved into a full-service agency with more than 200 clients and a staff of 15.
Rick Gray, of Osborne Gray Marketing; Rick Lattin, of Lattin Farms; Ann Louhela, of Western Nevada College; Natalie and Cameron Andelin of Andelin Farms; and Shari Bombard, of Travel Nevada gathered recently to talk about Northern Nevada's growing agritourism industry.
Both campaigns were aided by Reno marketing firms The Abbi Agency and The Augustine Agency, both of which have long served as communications partners with the North Lake Tahoe Marketing Cooperative.
The North Lake Tahoe Marketing Cooperative won big at the Visit California Poppy Awards in San Diego on Feb. 11 for their “Treasures of Tahoe” and “Human Nature” marketing campaigns, which were created in part by Reno marketing firms The Abbi Agency and The Augustine Agency.
The Fallon Cantaloupe Festival, seen here from last summer, is one of Nevada’s premier agritourism events.
One area of focus will be the Sparks industrial district, where many businesses operate during non-traditional hours and trucks shuttle in and out like clockwork.
Brian Reeder, who grew up in Fernley, previously worked with the Nevada Chapter of the Associated General Contractors in Reno. He also holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from UNR.
Copyright - Jeramie Lu Photography | www.JeramieLu.com | available for travel worldwide
Each year, the program from Noble Studios in Reno provides more than $200,000 in pro bono digital marketing services to one or more Nevada nonprofits.
In the past two years, Tahoe Trail Bar's revenue jumped from $450,000 (2017) to $1.2 million (2019), and its staff increased from two to five employees, who all work at the company's Reno headquarters on Airway Drive.
The new GNCU branch located on the corner of 12th and Idaho streets in Elko is scheduled to open late summer 2020.
On Feb. 11, Greater Nevada Credit Union broke ground on a new branch at the corner of 12th and Idaho streets. Pictured, from left are GNCU Board of Directors members Rob Joiner, Bill Arensorf, Vernon Dalton (emeritus), and Alex Talmant; Elko Chamber of Commerce CEO Billie Crapo; City of Elko Mayor Reece Keener; and GNCU President/CEO Wally Murray.
"When Harrah's closes this summer after the final purchasing agreements, we'll have a front row seat to one of the largest renovation projects in recent years."
As Northern Nevada drifts away from its longtime gaming roots, its preferred lodging model also is drifting away from the bright lights of the casinos.
Ryan Garaventa has worked at Alpine Insurance in various capacities for the past 25 years.
The move comes after the launch last summer of Gilbert' Reno-based real estate company, Champion Expert Advisors.
The conference brings together active angel investors and rising startups to showcase Northern Nevada's growing ecosystem of technology and talent.
Social media has given people free reign to not be held accountable for their words ... now, people can just hide behind a pseudonym — or worse, create fake accounts in order to spread hate.
The Hampton Inn & Suites in Northwest Reno was built by Tanamera Construction and completed in 2015. It's one of several hotels built in the region over the past few years that doesn't include a gambling component.
Earlier this year, CAI Investments released a rendering of the Reno City Center, which would eventually replace Harrah's.
Joey Gilbert
"I think there are more opportunities for entrepreneurs to have support and funding and mechanism for growth through people in our communities than ever before," says Tiffany Banks, general counsel for the Nevada Realtors.
Holcomb, an advisor at Morgan Stanley's Lake Tahoe Wealth Management office in Stateline, has worked for the firm since 2002.
Oliver Luxury Real Estate of Lake Tahoe and Reno and Bay Area's Zephyr Real Estate were recently acquired by the Corcoran Group in New York.
WIN Executive Director Philip MacDougall says "attendees will have the opportunity to talk to each person for four minutes, before being directed to move, allowing everyone the chance to connect with new people they might be interested in doing business with or working for.”
At many colleges across America, key administrators struggle to find meaningful ways for diverse populations to feel welcome and comfortable on campus. At UNR, the Black Business Student Association was created in 2018 to help those who are often underrepresented.
Originating in fall of 2011, the University of Nevada, Reno College of Engineering's biannual career fair has grown from 19 employers to 74.
A look inside one of the homes Corcoran Global Living (formerly Oliver Luxury Real Estate) has listed for sale.
Members and advisers of the University of Nevada, Reno's Black Business Student Association are pictured last spring.
Gregg Rosenberg, who graduated in 2015 from the University of Nevada, Reno with a degree in mechanical engineering, now works at the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection.
The $1.038 billion Nevada casinos took home in January is up a 5.5 percent compared to January 2019.
In his new role at LP Insurance, Cushard will focus on acquisitions, operational enhancements and growth throughout the company.
JSX — formerly known as JetSuiteX — will offer daily roundtrip flights from RNO to Burbank and Las Vegas starting May 8.
JSX operates a fleet of 30-seat Embraer 135 and 145 aircraft.
Prior to joining Tolles Development Company, Hunt was director of research and analysis at Applied Analysis. He previously worked for GOED and was senior policy analyst under former Gov. Brian Sandoval
"Lithium-ion batteries are highly efficient energy storage devices that have transformed personal electronics and enabled the market introduction of electric vehicles."
Lithium-ion batteries — a sample of which is seen here — are highly efficient energy storage devices.
With the extended economic recovery showing no signs of slowing, GOED has begun updating the state's 2012 Economic Development Plan to bring in more in line with the state of Nevada's economy.
