We find wearing a mask is much like life without your glasses on. Your brain just doesn’t get all the information it wants and/or is used to so we are a bit fuzzy in our thinking and actions. It starts by not being able to read the person you are with by their smile/frown, and goes from there.
With gaming floors completely dark, Nevada casinos reported just $3.65 million in win for the month of April. That is a 99.6 percent, $932.9 million decrease compared to April 2019 when the casinos raked in $936.5 million. That resulted in a nearly $51 million decrease in gaming tax collections to just $19,107 for the month.
Most folks are aware of the basic annual gift exclusion of $15,000 total gifts in a calendar year to each of as many persons. That can be done and it is not a taxable gift. You do not have to file form 709 U.S. Gift Tax Return and there is no tax to pay to U.S. Treasury (IRS). The Annual Gift Tax Exclusion includes more than just cash (currency) gifts. Another feature of the exclusion is you can pay tuition for someone else and it is not a taxable gift. You need to pay the tuition directly to the educational organization (for the student).
In a sign Nevada’s economy may be turning a corner, continuing claims for unemployment benefits decreased in the week ending May 23 for the first time since March. Continued claims are those individuals filing weekly because they are out of work. There were 343,030 continuing claims at week’s end, a decrease of 26,011 or 7 percent.
As one example, the Crystal Bay Casino plans to bring back all 120 laid-off employees next week. Casino manager Bill Wood he's confident that will work, despite 50% capacity and other restrictions that might suggest bringing back a smaller staff at first.
Stephanie Brooks earned her BS in accounting from the University of Nevada, Reno and her MBA in finance from Western Governors University.
Stephanie Brooks
The Human Resource Connection (HRC, Ltd.) assists local companies and businesses with implementing visionary projects to recruit, retain and develop efficient human resources departments.
Speaking about the COVID crisisn and PPP loans, Plumas Bancorp CEO/President Andrew J. Ryback said that," as of April 30, 2020, we had funded $60 million in PPP loan balances. In May, we expect to fund over $50 million in additional PPP loans, helping close to 1,000 different business clients in our communities."
A fifth generation native Nevadan, Chelsea D. Bibb earned her JD from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' William S. Boyd School of Law, as well as a bachelor's in journalism from the Reynolds School of Journalism at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Nevada Labs, located at 4610 Arrowhead Way, will give away 1-gallon jugs to 100 local business owners to help the effort to reopen under Phase 2 of Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak's plan, which launches today.
A Carson City company says it will give away 1-gallon containers of hand sanitizer on Friday. Nevada Labs, 4610 Arrowhead Way, will hand out 100 1-gallon jugs to local business owners to help the effort to reopen businesses under phase 2 of Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak’s plan.
From The Nevada Independent: Nevada received $4.02 billion by way of 37,712 approved PPP loans through May 23. Arkansas, Mississippi, Connecticut, Utah, Iowa and Kansas — which have similar populations as Nevada — all received more loans.
U.S. Treasury Building Washington D.C.
"I think a lot of the influence on bringing some of these large manufacturers and distribution companies and Google and Switch — what EDAWN has done — to really bring these companies and attention to Northern Nevada has been a huge catalyst in our economy," says Tiffany Novich of Full Tilt Logistics.
Dickson Commercial Group in late April announced that founders Dominic Brunetti, CCIM, and Scott Shanks, SIOR, earned CoStar Power Broker Awards as top office-leasing brokers for the Northern Nevada marketplace in 2019.
Scott Shanks, left, and Dominic Brunetti.
CCMedia Agency provides dynamic clients with sound strategy fueled by data and empowered by relationships.
The 33.5% mark in April for the Las Vegas area equates to 356,652 among a labor force of 1,063,731 out of work. In Reno-Sparks, the 19.6% tally equates to 44,689 out of work in a labor force of 227,600.
This graph provided by DETR shows how jobless rates have increased over the past year, with exponential growth the past few weeks. Go to nevadaworkforce.com for full stats and updates.
Kerri Garcia Hendricks — who was named Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at the University of Nevada, Reno, in April — is a 1992 graduate of the Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism and is a former Wolf Pack student-athlete (tennis).
Kerri Garcia Hendricks — who was named Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at the University of Nevada, Reno, in April — is a 1992 graduate of the Donald W. Reynolds School of Journalism and is a former Wolf Pack student-athlete (tennis).
The partnership Cashman Equipment distributorship rights throughout Nevada and the Eastern Sierra for Interstate Trailers' large-scale products like gooseneck, tag-along and tilt bed trailers.
Temperature checks, table game limits and 50% occupancy mandates are among requirements Nevada's casinos must adhere to upon reopening as soon as June 4, the Nevada Gaming Control Board said Wednesday.
LAS VEGAS — Casinos from Lake Tahoe to Laughlin started announcing plans Wednesday to lure back customers beginning June 4, with one downtown Las Vegas hotel owner buying more than 1,000 one-way airline tickets to boost interest around the country.
Blind Onion's specialty is craft pizza, with a hand-braided crust that customers often pair with honey. The pizza/pub also offers appetizers, salads, wings and a variety of craft beer (when open for dine-in).
While those laid-off due to the pandemic could get as much as $1,050 per week in unemployment benefits through July, if people decline to go back to work when their company reopens, they're potentially jeopardizing those benefits.
Alana Ridge was recently elected as NCET's vice president of public relations, while Wes McQuillen and Kyle Robertson were both re-elected to the nonprofit's board.
The $10,000 flooring donation from SI Legacy Floor Finishing president Jim Farley will assist the Northern Nevada Children's Cancer Foundation “in keeping a clean and sterile environment for children and families served by the foundation."
As of March 31, Meadows Bank reported Total Loans of $813 million, a 4% YOY growth from $782 million. Total Deposits, meanwhile, were down to $806 million, a $2.5 million YOY decrease.
Sisolak touted a 31-day decline in the state's COVID-19 test positivity rate as one of the main reasons why churches, gyms and bars can reopen with restrictions this Friday.
LAS VEGAS — Nevada gambling regulators said Tuesday they may require the state's shuttered casinos to test all front-line resort workers for COVID-19, plan to isolate infected visitors and take other steps to slow the coronavirus spread before they can reopen.
As Nevada's businesses slowly reopen, they are looking to the federal government for protection from customer and worker lawsuits should they contract COVID-19.
Washington, D.C.
As one of the top three finalists for this year's Nevada Governor's Points of Light Awards in the Nonprofit and Community Organization Volunteer Program Category, Assistance League of Reno-Sparks supports 12 local philanthropic programs.
Assistance League Reno-Sparks.
BuildingBloc, a fintech startup developing a blockchain-based solution to payment issues in the construction industry, was one of four companies to complete the spring 2020 InNEVator.
BuildingBloc’s Gary Spitsen, left, and Dave Spitsen participate in a workshop this spring at the UNR Innevation Center.
Among grant recipients is the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, which has seen a 200% increase in food and meal demand since the outset of the COVID crisis, said Andrew Diedrichsen, Bank of America's Reno market president.
“Now more than ever, I'm honored to have the opportunity to feed and serve my new friends and neighbors,” said Northern Nevada Firehouse Subs franchisee Damon Kreizenbeck.
Nevada has launched a system to accept weekly claims from non-traditional workers for unemployment benefits authorized by the federal government. The Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation announced late Saturday morning that residents eligible for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program could begin filing weekly claims.
“Through it all, there has been a constant flow of communication between colleagues and clients — just trying to keep everyone informed," says Rick Thomas, EVP/Northern Nevada executive of Nevada State Bank.
Due to the destructive nature the COVID-19 pandemic is having on small businesses, it's likely many owners are thinking of throwing in the towel and calling it quits, writes Mike Bosma.
One owner of 15 studio apartments said that while most of her tenants have paid their rent or worked out an agreement — taking on labor around the property or using their security deposit to make up the difference — she is facing some tenants who can't or won't pay.
"I find it hard to believe that as the weeks and months progress, we'll see a corresponding decline (in unemployment). There's just too much uncertainty with the virus and with how robust business operations can be this summer and beyond to be that confident in a commensurate rebound."
Troon Privé, the private club operating division of Troon, will oversee golf and club operations, food & beverage operations, and golf course agronomy and club/membership marketing for The Club at ArrowCreek.
“I could see how much economic activity was going on in Sparks," says Jim Flanagan, who, with help from Agate Construction and MBA Architecture + Interior Design, is rebuilding his gastropub/pizzeria with hopes of opening in August.
In the tech business, we take password safety and security very seriously. Passwords protect private information, our finances, our files, our emails and even our identities. It’s why we celebrated World Password Day earlier this month and why we want you to be aware of common attacks people use to steal passwords, strong passwords tips to stop those attacks and how you can keep those passwords safe.
Ryan Dolan, CEO of Dolan Auto Group, says the month like it’s cursed. “April,” laments Dolan, sighing heavily, “is the worst month we’ve had on my watch. It literally cut our business — it cut everything — in half.” Pausing, he gives a more accurate snapshot: “Actually, I would say it cut our business by 60-75% across the board.”
Carson City resident and photographer Alejandra Rubio recently interviewed several area businesses to learn about challenges and opportunities stemming from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and how various closures and social distancing restrictions are impacting operations now and in the future. Below are highlights from the interviews. Note that some of the responses came prior to Gov. Sisolak’s Phase 1 reopening on May 9.
The income tax law seems to discriminate against married folks. There are several examples of tax laws that cause married folk to pay more than twice what two unmarried single folks pay. The Standard Deduction (a choice instead of Itemized Deductions) gives married folk age 65 or older an additional exemption of $1,300. But a single person age 65 or older gets and additional exemption of $1,650 in 2020. Why the difference?
LAS VEGAS — Free parking, but no valet service. Bartenders, blackjack dealers and waiters wearing masks. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Yes, dice will roll, cards will be dealt and slot machines will beckon. But poker rooms? Closed. Tourists returning to Las Vegas will see changes since gambling stopped in mid-March for the first time ever to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Virus, virus, virus. All we’ve heard for a couple of months now is about the virus and adapting to it being in our midst, living and working (or wanting/trying to work) with it, and the changes it has been making to our lives. The question we are now getting most often is, “What is it doing to the market?” The answers among our peers are amazingly varied and each as correct as the other as nobody knows at this point. As with most such predications, one must assemble the information, establish perspectives, and draw one’s own conclusion. With that, here are some of the variables to put in your think tank.
Pending evaluation of trends in COVID-19 data over the Memorial Day weekend, gov. Sisolak said he has set a target date of June 4 to reopen the gaming industry.
"Nevada is facing record high unemployment and the sheer numbers are difficult to comprehend," Gov. Sisolak said in a statement Friday.
LAS VEGAS — The bride wore a white beaded dress and a white cloth face mask that said "Mrs." in curly black letters. Her new husband, dressed in black, wore one that said "Mr." Vaughan Chambers and Alicia Funk put the face coverings on shortly after they exchanged vows and kissed in front of a neon-lit sign in a Las Vegas wedding chapel and posed for photos with an Elvis impersonator who officiated at their wedding.
U.S. auto sales hit a 30-year low in April — the industry sold an estimated 633,000 new vehicles, a 53% drop compared to 2019. We spoke with Dolan Auto Group, Carson City Toyota and Rackley Auto Group to talk about impacts to Northern Nevada.
A salesperson at Carson City Toyota, wearing a face covering and gloves, shows a vehicle to a prospective customer on May 15 at the dealer’s lot at 2590 S. Carson St.
The sculpture from famed Reno artist Jeff Schomberg to be erected at the former Cafe at Adele's site in Carson City will be an outline of the state of Nevada and stand 7 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
In April, Reno artist Jeff Schomberg's Love sculpture was installed near the entrance of Renown Regional Medical Center as an homage to Reno's healthcare workers.
Wild River Grille is a full-service bar and restaurant located on the River Walk in Downtown Reno, serving upscale food, fine wine, and unique cocktails in a casual and relaxed setting.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Board and the staff to continue to build on the initiatives and resources that The Eddy House has gathered for at-risk youth in the Northern Nevada region,” says Benjamin W. Kennedy, a member of Dickinson Wright's Reno office.
Carol Chaplin, president of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, whose job it is to bring people to the lake to bolster the local economy, is asking tourists to stay away for now.
Lake Tahoe looks mighty inviting, but officials are asking tourists to stay away a little longer and not visit this Memorial Day weekend.
Work by the artist of Reno’s Believe sculpture is planned for the former Cafe at Adele’s site. The Cultural Commission on Tuesday approved a plan for the art installation presented by Frank Lepori Construction Inc., the contractor for the Jacksons Food Stores and gas station expansion into that now vacant property.
LAS VEGAS — Nevada gambling regulators are calling casino companies to a workshop next week with health and safety officials aimed at sharpening rules for reopening the state's shuttered gambling establishments. With no opening date currently set, the session scheduled for Tuesday by the Nevada Gaming Control Board could help show when Gov. Steve Sisolak will lift his mid-March order that stopped gambling in Nevada and closed casinos to prevent groups from gathering and spreading coronavirus.
Officials with Fuentes Restaurant and Cantina, Axle Crossfit, Gather, Loved Momma Fitness, Rowdy Bar and Silver Strike Crossfit discuss challenges — and opportunities — due to the pandemic.
Claudia Fuentes, co-owner of Fuentes Restaurant and Cantina, wipes down the bar inside the Minden restaurant earlier this month.
"I think we're going to keep growing. I think we will be a trendy, tech hub," says Nevada Association of Employers' Thoran Towler about where he sees Reno-Sparks in 5 years.
Makenna Backstrom has been with SVN Gold Dust Commercial Associates for the past year and a half and is an alum of the University of Nevada, Reno.
Steamboat Hot Springs Healing Center & Spa is Reno's only mineral hot springs. A registered state historic landmark, Steamboat features geothermal water for soaking combined with the relaxation of a spa.
Bobby Stiehler, a co-owner of Mabble Media, didn't want to lay off his 10 staff members due to the pandemic — so he looked for an alternative. The Nevada Independent reports:
Wash-oe Hands graphic used on Facebook, displaying a person washing their hands over the outline of Reno's cityscape.
“City National is proud to join with many other Nevada companies in supporting our state's recovery efforts from COVID-19,” said Paul Stowell, Nevada regional executive for City National.
Paul Stowell
Heather Ashbridge, who started with Nevada State Development Corporation in 2008, previously served in several roles with the organization, including assistant vice president and loan officer. She is based in NSDC's Reno office.
Heather Ashbridge
Sometimes, succession isn't the best solution when it comes to a family run business. An exaggerated example is the humorous commercial on TV where Chip is a newly appointed CEO of a large company simply because he is the outgoing CEO's son. The results are disastrous.
Design on Edge is a full-service boutique creative studio and integrated digital marketing agency specializing in design, logo development, brand strategy, advertising, campaigns, and website design.
According to the contract approved May 12, KPS3 will develop and implement a marketing plan, including creation and maintenance of a website, creation of marketing materials and media access.
Election 2020
“We have received 212 messages from hygienists who have been fired, who have been threatened, who say they have to reuse PPE because the guiding documents we have are vague and they contradict each other,” Lancette VanGuilder, legislative chair for the Nevada Dental Hygienists' Association, told The Nevada Independent.
Dental Assistant Pam Spottedwolf at the Pyramid Lake Tribal Clinic, on Thursday, May 2, 2019 in Nixon, Nev.
Snell & Wilmer announced recently that The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) elected partner Stephanie Casteel to its Board of Regents for a three-year term.
“Cash flow management should not only be important in times like these, but constant in any business operation,” says Monica Coburn, CEO of Nevada Business Advisors.
LAS VEGAS — Casino giant MGM Resorts International isn't going to charge parking fees at its Las Vegas Strip resorts when they are allowed to reopen after being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the company said. No reopening date has been set. But a spokesman for the owner of properties including Bellagio, MGM Grand, New York-New York and Mandalay Bay said in a statement Tuesday that free parking will be a way to welcome guests back.
"While I cannot say with certainty what the business landscape will look like after the dust settles, I do believe it will never get back to the way it was before the shutdown," advises Mike Bosma.
The long-awaited new program, called Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, launched Saturday and allows workers who have historically been ineligible to apply for benefits.
A pawn shop in downtown Reno on Saturday, May 9, 2020.
BluePeak Technology Solutions designs, deploys and manages complex IT infrastructure systems for companies that depend on technology for growth and efficiency across the U.S.
Sen. Ben Kieckhefer, R-Reno, was among Republican lawmakers opposed to the full transfer, saying Monday he can support moving a portion of the $401.2 million but not all of it until he sees some of the proposed budget reductions.
"First Independent Bank is pleased to help our neighbors and friends through the work of several outstanding initiatives and nonprofits that are addressing immediate needs and longer-term support for community resilience,” said Jim DeVolld, Managing Director of First Independent Bank in Reno.
Kathleen Knight received her B.S. from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, and is currently licensed in Nevada, California and Texas.
“At least at the start, it's going to cost a little more to do business, and our revenue will probably be down for some time. But, hopefully it pays off," says Eric Olson, GM of the Whitney Peak in downtown Reno.
Every year, Virginia City sees up to 1.4 million people — from near and far — funnel into its historic mining town tucked in the hillside of the Sierra Nevada. That won’t be the case this year.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport's traffic flow is down 95%. To put another way, on a normal day, the airport averages 140 commercial flights — that number is now down to around 20, says Vice President of Marketing and Public Affairs. Brian Kulpin
A view of the Lake Tahoe Basin from a Southwest plane.
Three months ago, we made the transition back to a weekly publication. Obviously, a lot has happened since (thanks, COVID-19), but like any business, three months is is a great benchmark to measure successes, identify challenges and opportunities, reevaluate operations, and, if necessary, institute changes for the better.
Projects expected to finish in the coming weeks include construction of two new grocery stores in Truckee — a 40,000-square-foot Raley's off Highway 267, and a 16,147-square-foot Grocery Outlet in the Gateway Area of Donner Pass Road.
Workers labor to complete the Grocery Outlet on Donner Pass Road. The store is scheduled to open in late June or early July.
Lt. Gov. Kate Marshall speaks at a May 4 press conference announcing the launch of Delivering with Dignity Reno-Sparks, while United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra CEO Michael Brazier looks on.
“Serving those in need during these unprecedented times with fresh, hot food from locally-owned restaurants is undoubtedly a win-win situation,” Chef Mark Estee said about the program.
Lt. Gov. Kate Marshall speaks at a May 4 press conference announcing the launch of Delivering with Dignity Reno-Sparks, while United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra CEO Michael Brazier looks on.
Gov. Sisolak said Friday that while a majority of businesses are in compliance, state regulators have made it clear companies that flout the rules could face fines, restrictions and even the loss of their business licenses.
The Glass Die, one of many struggling small businesses in Reno, saw an 81% drop in gross sales in April 2020 ($6,696) compared to April 2019 ($34,972). Looking ahead at a best-case scenario, owner Jeff Carter says if he reopens in July (at 50% capacity) and sales are cut in half ($27,000 in 2019 turns into $13,500) — and 100% of his sales are in the 300%-margin category — his business would still post a negative-$2,640 profit margin.
The Glass Die, a board game bar in Reno’s Midtown District, sits empty on May 12. The business, like countless others across Northern Nevada, faces a long road to recovery amid the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.
I’ve written extensively over the past couple of months about the changes in the real estate industry caused by the COVID-19 virus. Times they’ve sure been a changing and the adaptations have been accepted and applied in the field. So what does it all mean to the consumer? Is everyone protected equally? It seems as if changes have been made that protect consumers from recognizable consequences, but what about some of the not so visible unintended ones?
The Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation reports that initial claims for unemployment benefits fell by almost 7,000 to 21,635 last week. That is the second consecutive decrease in initial claims but officials point out that 440,744 people have filed in just the last nine weeks following the governor’s order to close most businesses in the state.
The top tourism official for Virginia City says the town's revenue is projected to be down 25% for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. Zooming out, a 40% drop is already being forecast for the 2020-21 fiscal year — and 'that's provided we still have a decent summer.”
Revenues in Virginia City are down 25% for the fiscal year due the COVID crisis, said Deny Dotson, tourism director of the Virginia City Tourism Commission.
After weeks of waiting, independent contractors and gig workers in Nevada can apply for unemployment starting Saturday. Benefit amounts range from $181 to $469 a week, and claims will be backdated to as early as Jan. 27.
Total Home Experience is a home concierge business, offering home cleanings, organizational projects, lawn trimming and maintenance services, moving assistance and more.
Nicole Watson was born and raised in Reno and attended the University of Nevada, Reno where she graduated with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies. She joined the Quest board in 2018.
“Any sense of urgency that you place on a buyer is really not fair," offers Jacob Warwick, CEO of Reno-based Discover Podium. "While your temporary financial gain may help you today, it's going to cause a lot of problems downhill."
Regional business leaders and CEOs are encouraged to set a personal fundraising goal of at least $3,000 and raise money between May 14 and July 1. Funds will go toward the 2020 Northern Nevada Heart & Stroke Walk campaign.
Taylor Allison, who's also executive director of Partnership Douglas County, was initially appointed to the Northern Regional Behavioral Health Policy Board in 2017 by former Governor Brian Sandoval.
Taylor Allison
According to RSAR, the median price for a single-family set another record at $416,500 in April, an increase of 10.5% from last year. This comes despite a 39.8% decrease in number of homes sold compared to April 2019.
This graph from RSAR's April 2020 report shows the trend of median prices for single-family homes across greater Reno-Sparks the past three years. Go to rsar.net/reno-sparks-market-reports for the full report.
Not only will the health of the planet suffer from the massive quantities of single-use containers Blue Water Day Spat and other businesses will switch to using due to COVID-19 precautions — so will the company's bottom line.
The owner of Blue Water Day Spa in Heavenly Village in South Lake Tahoe says many things are going change.
Amethyst Payne, owner of Therapeutic Massage by Amethyst, told The Nevada Independent she hopes that unlocking unemployment benefits will help replenish her depleted savings and allow her to stay current on rent at her home and at her massage studio.
"A more open, honest discussion about mental health and access to mental health services. I think that's the most important thing that people should focus on," says Auburn Harrison of Communities In Schools of Western Nevada, regarding the biggest opportunity for improvement across Reno-Sparks.
Alec West is a Reno native and graduate of Bishop Manogue Catholic High School. His appointment comes after working as a Miles Construction intern for the last two years.
Rounds Bakery opened in 2015 in Reno, with the understanding that the best moments of any day are the ones shared with friends, community and sometimes even strangers, and often around food.
“Remember, nothing replaces the boss picking up the phone and asking, ‘How can I help you?' … it has to fall on your shoulders to be the boss, regardless of your own fears and insecurities," writes Ira Gostin.
Since launching the emergency fund on March 19, with the backing of several local businesses, UWNNS has dispersed over a half-million dollars in COVID-19 aid to regional groups and nonprofits.
As president of United Construction, Mike Whittaker will continue overseeing day-to-day activities with a focus on enhancing operations and company culture, which he has done as chief operating officer since returning to the company last year.
Just because the 2020 Reno Rodeo was canceled due to COVID-19 doesn't mean the Reno Rodeo Foundation continues to be hard at work safely serving area children.
Reno Rodeo Foundation providing comfort to children with extraordinary needs.
As the current crisis accelerates workforce trends that began to emerge toward the end of 2019, we can expect to see companies fast-track the move to a leaner workforce, advises Amy Fleming of EDAWN.
Quick Space provides site services and storage solutions to all the Sierra region, including Northern Nevada and parts of Northern California.
Ty Rogers is Director of Business Development at Quick Space in Sparks.
Reopening with restrictions doesn't come without challenges. For example, on Sunday, staff at Fox Brewpub in Carson City was spraying sanitizer on a table and a gust of wind carried it to the next table. “The patron was upset. We offered to pay for her lunch,” said owner Jim Phalan, but she wrote a bad online review instead.
A look at the outdoor dining area at the Fox Brewpub in Carson City. The business reported that its patio would open May 9 at 50% capacity — meaning 11 tables set at least 6 feet apart to maintain social distancing.
Prior to joining CCNN, Meredith Montoya worked for 14 years at Wolf Pack Athletics at the University of Nevada, Reno, serving in donor services and sales positions, as well as with the Reno Bighorns and Sacramento Kings.
Employment in Nevada's casino industry has been upended twice in the last two decades — after the terrorist attacks on 9/11, and in the years surrounding the Great Recession. But nothing can match the closure of every casino in Nevada during the ongoing pandemic.
NV Energy's longstanding plan to woo back large businesses and other major electric customers from leaving utility service has a promise by the utility that the program won't cost residential and other ratepayers.
NV Energy corporate headquarters in Las Vegas is seen on Nov. 22, 2017.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has emerged as a champion of defying stay-home orders intended to stop the coronavirus from spreading, picking up support — as well as critics — on social media. Among the supporters was President Donald Trump, who on Tuesday morning tweeted that Tesla's San Francisco Bay Area factory should be allowed to open despite local health department orders that it stay closed except for minimum basic operations.
"Unfortunately, nowhere does the current guidance contain the level of detail necessary to address these issues with any degree of certainty. This is incredibly frustrating, as borrowers hear threats of SBA audits, fraud charges and bad publicity, but they lack clear rules to guide decisions."
Noble Pie Parlor is a full-service pizza restaurant and bar serving oven-fired pizza, wings, craft beers, hand-selected wine and cocktails.
Noble Pie is a full-service pizza restaurant and bar serving oven-fired pizza, wings, craft beers, hand-selected wine and cocktails.
The Whittier Trust Company of Nevada, Inc. recently announced the hiring of Tagore Evans as Vice President, Client Advisor at the firm's Reno location.
Local governments say they have taken a gentle approach to enforcement, focusing on educating businesses and residents rather than bringing down the hammer on crowds. Meanwhile, businesses that reopened Saturday across Reno and the Silver State say they're navigating a world of broader safety precautions and lower volumes — but grateful to break out of cumbersome delivery-only models.
A Vape Shop in Sparks displays a "COVID COMPLIANT" sign on Saturday, May 9, 2020.
Village Barber Shop in Reno, Nev. opens with COVID-19 procedures on Saturday, May 9, 2020.
Hand To Paws dog groomer in Reno, Nev. with a sign explaining COVID-19 procedures on Saturday, May 9, 2020.
Wingfield Park in Dowtown Reno, Nev. along the Truckee River on Saturday, May 9, 2020.
Village Barber Shop in Reno, Nev. opens with COVID-19 procedures on Saturday, May 9, 2020.
"Thursday's announcements represented the imperfect dichotomy of our current reality: even as the economy begins to reopen, the road to recovery will be a long and painful one."
In addition to having staff work to produce "ear savers" for area healthcare workers, SNC owners Eren and Fatih Ozmen launched a campaign to support COVID relief efforts and veterans impacted by the pandemic, personally committing to personally match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $200,000.
A Sierra Nevada Corporation engineer wears a facemask with an “ear saver,” a device the advanced manufacturing company started producing to donate to healthcare workers in Reno-Sparks.
The directive allows the state flexibility to hire temp staff and contractors, as well as to rehire retirees or former employees to process claims alongside regular state workers through the end of this year.
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak.
Due to COVID-related business closures — especially the casinos — Nevada finance officials project a shortfall between $741 million and $911 million this fiscal year, which ends June 30.
With nearly 16,000 students in the Washoe County School District not having access to a computer at home, ITS Logistics is spearheading a project to collect hundreds of laptops from area businesses and individuals.
From left, Cris Claudio, of ITS Logistics; Adam Hopkins, of the Reno Cigar Lions Club; and Brett Drumwright, of ITS Logistics, stand with a pallet of donated laptops to be distributed to Washoe County students without access to computers.
“We're probably not as bad off as other segments of the agriculture industry around the country, but we may also be looking at having our day of reckoning ahead of us,” Doug Busselman, EVP for the Nevada Farm Bureau, told The Nevada Independent.
Volunteers fill bags of food at the Food Bank of Northern Nevada mobile harvest site at Grand Sierra Resort and Casino on May 6.
According to a recent survey by the Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) called “Today's Girls, Tomorrow's Entrepreneurs,” 92% of girls that are ages 8-17 say they are smart enough to be an entrepreneur, and 89% are already engaged in entrepreneurial activities.
“As the crisis continues, it becomes clear who needs help,” Community Foundation President and CEO Chris Askin said in a statement. “Those who don't qualify for government support or unemployment are showing up in desperation at nonprofit organizations that offer health care, food, and other basic critical assistance.”
Despite declining revenue, Rick Boyd, owner of Brewforia in Incline Village, has major concerns about reopening restaurants even with social distancing guidelines still in place as the virus continues to impact processing plants and factories, creating shortages.
After closing for six weeks, Black Cabin Coffee in South Lake Tahoe reopened on May 1 with a walk-up window to serve customers.
Concert venues, opera houses, dance halls — all have been shuttered amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As people have stopped gathering in groups of any significant size and adopted social distancing, any business activity that relies on assembly has been crushed. We spoke with the Pioneer Center, Reno Little Theater and Reno Phil to talk about short- and long-term impacts.
Since mid-March, the Reno-based Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts has been “in complete hibernation” due to the coronavirus pandemic, said executive director Dennyse Sewell.
Initial claims for unemployment benefits fell by a third in the week ending May 2. The total 28,550 claims is the lowest since the COVID-19 business closures. But that is still the seventh highest number of initial claims in state history. That is almost exactly the same number as the week’s increase in continuing claims — 28,723 for a total of 303,573.
The Purple Avocado owner Sue Jones usually sets out one or two chairs before Mother’s Day each year for last-minute shoppers looking for that something special. For 2020, with COVID-19 taking its toll, today might be unusual if it makes the staff spread some chairs more than 6 feet apart for an even longer line and more extended waits. Jones and her husband Stan on Friday scurried quickly with their preparations after Gov. Steve Sisolak announced Thursday he would ease restrictions for Phase 1 and allow certain retailers to reopen as of midnight today.
We’ve all been working through the pandemonium of COVID-19 together and are now being given hope that we can soon have a sense of normalcy return to our lives. Operative word, “sense” of normalcy. Things won’t be as they were for some time as scientists, doctors, politicians and leaders get a sense of what it is we are truly facing and its current and predictable status. What does all that mean to real estate? We must assume that many of our current “virus practices” will continue. We might see a different practice for local buyers versus out-of-state buyers.
LAS VEGAS — Andrea Bensmiller and three bandmates were onstage at the Planet Hollywood resort on the Las Vegas Strip, performing for conventioneers during a big mid-March construction trade show when word came that she and thousands of other musicians, acrobats and entertainers were out of work.
The number of jobless workers filing for benefits in Nevada equates to almost 30% of the 1.4 million workers who had jobs in Nevada in February, when the Nevada unemployment figure was a record-low 3.6%.
RV Country in Sparks is donating the use of a 2015 Holiday Rambler Vacationer motorhome, offering nurses, doctors and assistants at Northern Nevada Health System a place to rest or meet.
In "The Fix: Overcome the Invisible Barriers That are Holding Women Back at Work," author Michelle P. King points out that alterations in the workplace that benefit women also benefit their male co-workers in ways they may not have realized they need.
"The Fix"
Reno Engineering provides consulting engineering services for commercial and industrial projects. This includes hotels, shopping centers and logistic centers.
State officials have not set a date for when casinos might reopen. Gov. Steve Sisolak has they won't reopen at the beginning of “Phase 1” — a stage that was originally expected to start before May 15, but now has been bumped up to May 9.
The marquee at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa in Reno includes a message telling people to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic on Thursday, March 19.
Based on the state's progress in handling the outbreak of COVID-19, businesses like bookstores, clothing stores, florists, and sporting goods stores, in addition to manufacturing and logistics operations, will be allowed to reopen with modifications.
A COVID-19 testing site opened in Kings Beach this week, on Lake Tahoe's North Shore.
“The beginning of opening our economy is not the end of coronavirus," Gov. Sisolak said Thursday.
LAS VEGAS — Nevada gambling officials approved rules Thursday to limit customers, keep gamblers spaced apart from each other and disinfect dice and cards when the state's casinos are allowed to reopen. The Nevada Gaming Commission, which is considered the final authority on regulations and licensing, unanimously approved the guidelines that were released last week by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, which sets rules and regulations.
Per the Sierra Business Council, the fund aggregates donated and invested money into a revolving fund for small businesses to access as low-interest micro loans, most ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, for use as operating capital.
In the first two weeks of the program, the Nevada HIP team served over 630 meals, feeding approximately 1,900 people. Starting today, the program expands to Carson City.
Nevada HIP volunteers pose during the first round of the program at Liberty Food & Wine Exchange in downtown Reno.
Petroni Law Group has more than 30 years of experience in various areas of law including estate planning, probate, business, bankruptcy, custody, real estate and divorce.
"This community is super inviting and super open to helping and I think that's what's awesome. And I think the younger generation continues to have that spirit here, and I hope that never goes away," says Alphonse Polito of Three Sticks Productions.
Last week, Sand Hill Dairy in Fallon gave away 1,400 gallons of milk. The owner says the handouts had nothing to do with the COVID-related challenges dairy producers are facing across the country — instead, the business wanted to help the community.
Sand Hill Dairy, which is home to roughly 500 cows, is located on Trento Lane in Fallon.
In an interview this week with The Nevada Independent, new Nevada DETR leader Heather Korbulic — who was appointed to the role after Tiffany Tyler-Garner's May 1 resignation — discussed what her agency is doing to bring help to those stuck in jobless limbo.
The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada has scheduled a June 24 consumer session to receive comment on Southwest Gas Corporation’s application to raise natural gas rates. The total proposed increase would raise about $38.3 million statewide but the vast majority of that, $35.2 million, would come from Southern Nevada customers.
The first round of the campaign from Stitches Clothing Co. will feature donations to 20 local businesses, including The Holland Project, Süp, Coffee N' Comics, Pitch Black Printing, Craft Wine and Beer, and State 36 Clothing, among others.
A look inside Stitches Clothing Co. at 990 Spice Islands Drive in Sparks.
As businesses in Northern Nevada slowly begin to consider a new normal, now is a good time to experiment, suggests Alex Stettinski of the Downtown Reno Partnership.
Jeramie Lu, owner of Jeramie Lu Photography, is a professional commercial, wedding and portrait photographer whose job is to tell stories with images and in turn show others what they see in themselves.
Among other recommendations, UNITE HERE wants casinos to not compel employees to come to work if COVID-19 has been detected within 14 days in the state — and not to challenge claim to unemployment benefits if they stay home in “involuntary layoff” status.
By late April, the company had donated nearly 500 mattresses and mattress sets to shelters across the Silver State, including Our Place Families and Youth in Reno and the Samaritan House Emergency Shelter in Elko.
In Recycled Records' 42 years of existence, owner Kyle Howell said the store endured road construction, location changes and a variety of owners. But the pandemic created the worst economic situation for the business to navigate.
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Casino workers across the country want their employers to provide them with protective equipment and adopt tough new cleaning and social distancing policies before the gambling halls reopen during the coronavirus outbreak. Union leaders and workers from casinos in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, New Orleans and Biloxi, Mississippi, held a video press conference Tuesday to call for all workers to be tested at the casinos' expense before returning back to their jobs.
"Loan forgiveness remains a significant issue, as both current and future participants in the PPP are dealing with the lack of guidance related to the forgivable amount of loans under the program. This issue is frustrating lenders and borrowers alike," writes Mike Bosma.
"These are jobs of the 21st century and if there are going to be displaced workers due to automation, then there are going to be new jobs for the future," Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto told the NNBW.
The Brewer's Cabinet in Reno is a small batch brewery designed with the idea of creating fresh, exciting and unique beers.
From left, Chris Kahl, Zachary Cage and Michael Connolly are longtime friends and owners of five local food and drink establishments, including The Brewer’s Cabinet in Reno.
Elko Mining Group — a subsidiary of Toronto-based Waterton Global — is contributing $250,000 to several causes in Nevada dealing with the pandemic , in addition to distributing 2,500 gallons of hand sanitizer.
The COVID-19 pandemic is posing unprecedented challenges for many of today's producers. Each week, free online sessions will focus on the following industries and topics: meat packing and pricing; backyard poultry production; pork industry; and dairy farms and milk dumping.
University of Nevada, Reno Extension is offering online sessions, “Agriculture: Living Beyond a Pandemic,” to assist producers. Pictured: Ranchland in Gardnerville, with storm clouds rolling over Job’s Peak.
In mid-April, Reno-based Breadware officially announced it was acquired by StoneAge Inc., a manufacturer of industrial water-blast tools and automated equipment headquartered in Durango, Colorado.
LAS VEGAS — When Nevada casinos eventually reopen, customer numbers will be cut in half, nightclubs will remain closed, convention groups will be limited and gamblers will have to keep safe distances apart, according to new rules from state gambling regulators. "Plans should ... address how licensees will disinfect cards and chips," the Nevada Gaming Control Board guidelines said.
Heather Korbulic, the newly-appointed director of DETR, told lawmakers last week the department is receiving 10,000 new claims for benefits every day amid the pandemic.
"That's what I miss the most about working in an office: face-to-face interactions — truly connecting — with colleagues, peers and sources, whether we're talking shop or bonding over the highs and lows of parenting," writes NNBW Reporter Kaleb M. Roedel.
Surrounded by his new "co-workers," NNBW Reporter Kaleb M. Roedel holds his nearly 6-month-old son, River.
"This has been five years of hard work. It'll be the first in the country for this ice. … The entire package is what was used in the last Olympics," says Joel Grace of Reno Ice.
An overview of the plans
Per the governor's plan, when the state moves to "Phase 1" — expected by May 15 or sooner — bars and nightclubs, malls, large sporting events, large in-person worship services and concerts will remain prohibited. Casinos would also not open during Phase 1.
Between April 27 and May 1, Nevada had 21,963 loans approved under round two, totaling $1.9 billion as of Sunday. Between April 3 and April 16, Nevada had 8,674 loans approved totaling $2.01 billion.
East front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., as seen July 16, 2018.
“They're actually the heroes of this. Without Northern Nevada farmers, we would've been up s--t creek like every other grocery store. I think that's actually why we got a ton of business, because we were able to stay stocked," says Amber Sallaberry of the Great Basin Community Food Co-op.
Many things happen along the way when buying or selling real estate. No matter how simple or solid a situation may appear to be, things can come up that disrupt the harmony. Handling problems is the essence of a real estate agent’s job. Problems can be big or small, but if they impede the sale or closing of an escrow they are equally important until they are resolved.
Well greetings! As we languish in continuous lockdown, many of us have now received our stimulus checks. There are many rumors running around about whether they are an advance on our 2020 tax refund, or that we have to report them as taxable income in 2020, etc.
“This is the first time our chapter has won the coveted President's Cup Award, and we couldn't be more honored that our efforts have been recognized on an international level," said Carole Brill, Chapter President 2018-19.
Researchers at the UNR College of Business recently examined how public accountants, their employees and their clients are navigating the pandemic and its economic and social consequences.
The commitment and dedication to clients, coupled with broad experience, makes The Liberty Group of Nevada Northern Nevada's most professional Business Brokerage firm.
Plumas Bank announced April 15 first quarter 2020 earnings of $3.3 million, or $0.64 per share, a decrease of $502,000 from $3.8 million, or $0.74 per share, during the first quarter of 2019.
Rob Abel, director of OnTrac, told the NNBW as of mid-April there were 281 employees working at the hew $35 million facility, and the company was hiring for 25 positions due to increase in volume thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
