Nevada Primary

THE CARSON CITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE VOI E OF BUSINESS REPRESENTING THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY VOLUME XVII Nevada Primary Elections August 15 Chamber Briefs Page 7 AUGUST 2006 Eminent Domain – one year later By Ronni Hannaman On June 23, 2005, the Supreme Court voted 5-4 that the city of New London, CT had the right to use eminent domain to further their economic development vision allowing the condemnation of private property for the purpose of private development. This decision shocked the nation and made many established businesses nervous. Exactly one year later on June 23, 2006, President George W. Bush issued an executive order (a legally binding edict) stating in Section I that the Federal Government must limit its use of taking private property for "public use" with "just compensation", which is also stated in the constitution, for the "purpose of benefiting the general public." He limits this use by stating that it may not be used "for the purpose of advancing the economic interest of private parties to be given ownership or use of the property taken." Almost a month later on July 20, 2006, a coalition of Southern Nevada governments and business alliances (including the Las Vegas and Henderson Chambers of Commerce and various builders associations) filed a lawsuit hoping to block from the November ballot the proposal to restrict land seizures by governmental agencies. The The opposition states that opportunistic land barons may overvalue their property thus getting rich off the taxpayer. lawsuit maintains that the Nevada Property Owners Bill of Rights also known as the People’s Initiative to Stop the Taking of our Land (PISTOL) should be declared illegal and eliminated from the ballot even though the plan received almost 25,000 more signatures than needed to be placed on the ballot. The coalition maintains that if this initiative passes, it could potentially be crippling to “prudent land planning and government coffers.” The basis for the measure would restrict the use of eminent domain and prohibit governments from acquiring private land through eminent domain proceedings, then reselling the land to private developers. It further protects the private property owner Exercise your right to vote! Nevada has made it easy for each and every registered voter to exercise their right to vote. No waiting in long lines, no crowds of people and no frantic candidates to hand you their literature within certain expressed limits of the polls. And, most important, you have more than one day to vote! Early voting makes it easy for each of us to fit into our busy schedules the opportunity to vote for the candidate of our choice. And, for some of us who like early voting, it relieves our minds from having to listen fully to campaign rhetoric. Author James David Barber (The Presidential Character) reminds us that when you vote, you must choose “from a cloud of confusion, a rain of phony advertising, a storm of sermons, a hail of complex issues, a fog of charisma and boredom, and a thunder of accusation and defense.” When you vote, you are affecting the future of each and every citizen, so vote for the best candidate who has the same vision of the future that you may have regardless of party affiliation. The voter registration statistics count report issued by the Nevada Secretary of States indicates that as of June 2006, there were 24,764 active registered voters: 12,171 Republican; 8,392 Democrat; 3,211 nonpartisan; 731 registered as Independent American Party; 140 Libertarian; and the remainder under Natural Law or other. There are a total of 948,336 voters in the state with less than a 10,000 voter spread between Republicans and Democrats and over 137,000 nonpartisans. Your primary vote is as important as your vote in the general election. Wear your “I have voted” sticker proudly. assuring that their land is to be purchased at the highest price in an open market instead of the lower, fair-market value now in place and is to be developed only for public use. The property owner would also be exempt from attorney fees. The opposition states that opportunistic land barons may overvalue their property thus getting rich off the taxpayer. Further, the opposition states that paying the open market costs would increase costs for public works projects and the ability of governments to control land use. In the 2005 session of the Nevada legislature, Assemblyman William Horne (D) Las Vegas reintroduced his bill to limit redevelopment agencies from using eminent domain unless certain conditions have been met. Governor Guinn signed AB 143 into law on June 17, 2005 with an expiration date of July 1, 2007, hence the proposed ballot initiative. Secretary of State Dean Heller has approved the initiative for November's ballot which is being challenged again on August 14. If passed this November, the initiative would have to be brought before and approved by the voters in the next session before becoming law. ■ Students and teachers to be commended By Dr. Mary Pierczynski, Superintendent, Carson City School District The federal accountability legislation governing public schools in our nation, No Child Left Behind, is a demanding piece of legislation which evaluates public schools using test, attendance and graduation data. Student assessments encompass English/language arts and math. In order for a school to be deemed to have made “adequate yearly progress” the total school population, five ethnic groups, special education students, limited English proficient and students at the poverty level must all score at the proficient level. If any one of these sub groups does not reach the proficient level, the entire school is deemed “in need of improvement.” Last year the Carson City schools all made adequate yearly progress when the entire school population was considered, but each of the schools had at least one “sub group” that did not score proficient. Therefore, none of the schools were deemed to have made “adequate yearly progress”. I am pleased to report that this year, the story is quite different. Of the ten schools in the district, eight of them have made “adequate yearly progress.” Students in the district scored well above the state average on the state mandated tests this year. The schools that made adequate yearly progress were Bordewich/Bray continued on page 8 ➤ Watch your business grow Become a part of YOUR Chamber www.carsoncitychamber.com C O M M E N T S F R O M T H E C H A I R Carson City Area Chamber of Commerce BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Chairman of the Board Robert Crowell, Partner Kummer, Kaempfer First Vice Chair Joe Lushina Edward Jones Second Vice Chair Phillip Harrison, Plant Manager Taiyo America Secretary Betty Brogan, owner State Agent & Transfer Treasurer Sarah Hill, Relationship Manager Wells Fargo Bank DIRECTORS John DiMambro Sierra Nevada Media Group Steve Forester Casino Fandango Robin Grayshield Economy Tree Service Ken Hamilton Hamilton Business Machines Kathy McClintock American Family Insurance Bill Miles Miles Brothers Construction Robert Pence Capital Wholesale Electric Mary Pierczynski Carson City School District John Procaccini Brewery Arts Center Jeff Woodward Carson Jeep Nissan Executive Director: Ronni Hannaman Layout & Design Rob Fair The Carson City Area Chamber of Commerce welcomes input, ideas, comments, and suggestions. Members may submit calendar items, story suggestions and business news by the 20th of each month for consideration for the following month’s publication. We reserve the right to edit all materials. Send to: Carson City Area Chamber of Commerce 1900 South Carson Street, Carson City, NV 89701 Phone: 882-1565 ■ FAX: 882-4179 www.carsoncitychamber.com E-mail:director @carson citychamber.com The Voice of Business is a partnership with the Nevada Appeal. Ballot Initiatives: love them or hate them The Nevada Property Owner’s Bill of Rights, a constitutional initiative sponsored by the the People’s Initiative to Stop the Taking of Our Land (PISTOL), was certified by the Secretary of State earlier this month and is currently undergoing a legal challenge in the Clark County District Court. A second constitutional initiative, Tax and Spending Control for Nevada (TASC), was the subject of litigation earlier this year in the Carson City District Court and was recently certified by the Secretary of State. It is believed that this constitutional initiative will likewise see a further legal challenge. The Secretary of State advises that the last day for changes in the 2006 ballot is August 22. Given the level of litigation over these initiatives and the procedural time lines of the Secretary of State, the court system will be moving quickly to resolve the final questions in order to meet the general election deadlines. Ballot initiatives are an interesting facet of our democracy. Some call them the hallmark of direct democracy and others call them an end run around the rigors of traditional legislative enactments. In Nevada, the initiative process, both constitutional and statutory, finds its genesis in the Nevada Constitution. Fundamentally, however, the legal principles applicable to ballot initiatives are rooted in the First Amendment to the United State Constitution. That is, the initiative process is an element of freedom of speech. Indeed, the United State Supreme Court has held that ballot initiatives deal with the political process where the constitutional provisions guaranteed by the First Amendment are at their “zenith.” It is because of the importance of freedom of speech in the political process that courts are generally reluctant to overturn the right of citizens to promote ballot questions. In Nevada, challenges to the legal sufficiency of a ballot question must be made within seven days of the date the Secretary of State certifies the question as having secured the requisite number of signatures. Those challenges can address the procedural process used to secure the signatures as well as the legal sufficiency of the ballot question itself. One of the more interesting questions that will be debated this year with some ballot questions is the Nevada requirement that ballot initiatives embrace only one issue at a time. While the issue has been litigated in other states, this year will present the first time for such challenges in Nevada. Once the initiatives that will appear on the upcoming general election ballot are known, the Chamber will be undertaking it review. If you would like to express a particular point of position on an initiative, please feel free to contact the Chamber, preferably by written communication, or simply talk to one or more of your Board members. In any event, don’t forget to vote. And also don’t forget, when you have business to conduct, try a Chamber member first. ■ By Robert L. Crowell By the time this column is printed, the 2006 primary election will be underway with early voting ending on August 15, the date of this year’s primary election. Your Chamber of Commerce does not endorse candidates in any election. It does, however, review all ballot initiatives and ballot questions. The Chamber has a committee made up of a broad spectrum of community leaders that performs this review and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors then makes a considered judgment about the ballot questions. That judgment is expressed as a Board position either supporting or opposing a particular ballot question. Alternatively, the Board can determine that it takes no position. There may be several questions appearing on this year’s general election ballot which the Chamber will review. Locally, there will be a tax neutral $25 million school bond. Statewide, as of this writing, it is unclear which questions will actually appear on the ballot as a result of pending legal challenges. The statutory initiative named the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act and sponsored by the American Cancer Society and other groups survived a district court challenge and is now being litigated in the Nevada Supreme Court. Complete Chamber information, Is this the last year for Nevada Day? Have we captured your attention? Could this possibly be true? It could be if Nevada Day, Inc. does not receive financial support from the community at large. That means support from each and every business and individual. Nevada Day, Inc. is a business run by volunteers who change over the years. Each year, it appears to be a struggle to attract willing volunteers and dollars to stage this great parade that has become so much a part of Carson City’s heritage. This year will be the 142nd Nevada Day Celebration. The purpose of Nevada Day, Inc. is to “keep Nevada Day alive.” The group is “dedicated to the celebration, education, and promotion of our Nevadan Heritage.” The annual celebration and parade has been held in Carson City since 1936. Carson City continues to showcase all the best that Nevada has to offer by keeping this commemoration of our statehood alive. Our parade has been termed “the best hometown parade in the west” and deserves your support. This year’s theme is “Nevada Day Meets the V& T Railway” and will feature as the grand marshal the old steam engine, Inyo, Number 22. Just picture that big ole steam engine rolling down Carson Street! Please help keep Nevada Day alive for generations to come. Send your financial support in any amount to Nevada Day, Inc., P.O. Box 999, Carson City, NV 89701-0999. For more information, log on to www.nevadaday.com is just a “click” away at www.carsoncitychamber.com Advertising in the Chamber Voice makes good “cents” When you compare our rates for the amount of circulation, you can't beat it! The Chamber Voice is mailed to over 1200 Chamber customers the first week of the month, inserted in every issue of the Nevada Appeal the second Monday of each month and is available on our website. That's quite the circulation! To view the advertising rates, go to www.carsoncitychamber.com Grow your business, advertise in the Chamber Voice! The cover of the 1975 Nevada Day souvenir program. 2 ■ www.CarsonCityChamber.com Shaping Our Community by Engineering Our Future Economic development key to a stable community By Joe McCarthy, Carson City's Economic Development & Redevelopment Manager What is economic development? The International Economic Development Council defines economic development as the process of creating wealth through the mobilization of human, financial, capital, physical and natural resources to generate marketable goods and services. It is the response side of business startup and expansion, location and site selection. The economic developer's role is to influence the process for the benefit of the community through expanding the tax base and job opportunities. In basic terms, economic development is the process of creating greater wealth within a community by bringing in new "outside" dollars. This is mainly achieved by: • Retaining, expanding, creating and recruiting “primary” jobs • Attracting new capital investment and real estate investment • Providing a diversity of retail amenities • Building an urban town center • Creating strong, sustainable arts and cultural institutions • Fortifying primary, secondary and post-secondary education opportunities • Attracting visitors to spend money within the community Economic development programs vary based on the needs of the community. There are several benefits of a successful economic development program: • Higher quality public services. By increasing the tax base of a community, our local government is able to provide higher quality public services to its citizens. This translates into additional police officers to ensure public safety, effective fire protection, additional parks and recreation areas, cultural amenities and so forth; • More job opportunities. By increasing the number of primary jobs within the community, citizens have more opportunities for employment locally. Primary jobs usually pay a higher average wage than the average per capita income nationwide. “Primary” jobs also create additional “spin-off” jobs within the economy. • Greater protection from economic downturns. Because one of the focuses of economic development is to diversify the economic base of the community, it increases the cushioning in the community against Carson City is fortunate to have the most diversified economy in Nevada. In defining economic development, it’s also important to define a “primary” job. A “primary” job is a job that produces goods and services for customers that are predominantly outside the community. After the sale of goods or services, the employer receives new “outside” dollars in payment. The employer then redistributes that wealth within the community through payroll and the purchase of other goods and services. Above and Below: Telegraph Square attracts locals and visitors alike. continued on page 8 ➤ What is affordable housing? By Lynn Gondorcin, NHRA The technical answer is; housing affordability describes the ratio between a household’s income and the cost of housing. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) specifies that no more than 30 percent of a household’s income should be spent on housing expenses. In practical terms a teacher, fire fighter, or city employee who, in the middle of the company pay scale, is earning $21.32 per hour (far above the minimum wage of $5.15/hr), or about $44,345 per year. This family wants to buy their first home; according to their income they could afford $1,108 monthly payments. The monthly payments on a modest home, with a loan of $250,000 at 6.8% (30-year loan plus taxes and insurance), will be $1,884. Families like these are key to a community’s economic health and wellbeing, but they cannot afford a home in the community where they work, send their kids to school, and vote. Another way to look at affordability is through the eyes of a 20-something single person who works full time in a warehouse for $8.00 per hour. They can afford to rent an apartment at $416 per month. According to standard Fair Market Rents for a onebedroom apartment in the Carson City area, they will likely pay at least $573 per month for rent and utilities. Even more dismal is the outlook for a retired widow depending upon her $1,200 per month Social Security check. She can afford only $360 per month for rent. own home. To assist working families purchase a home NRHA has developed (through tax-exempt bond financing) a firsttime homebuyer mortgage program. This program provides a 5.95%, 30-year loan and 4% down payment assistance grant to eligible first-time homebuyers. Homebuyers have access to mortgage loans (FHA, VA, RHS and Fannie Mae eligible conventional) that provide a grant for down payment and closing cost assistance equal to 4% of the original loan. Prospective homebuyers may apply by directly contacting the following participating lenders: Chase Home Finance, CTX Mortgage, Greater Nevada Mortgage Services, Us Bank Home Mortgage, or Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. For further information about how Nevada Rural Housing Authority is aggressively pursuing affordable housing solutions through its programs, please contact me at 775-887-1178. ■ How Nevada Rural Housing Authority addresses the affordability gap. Nevada Rural Housing Authority (NRHA) is in the business of helping people obtain decent, safe, and affordable housing. For many years NRHA has administered the HUD Section 8 rental assistance program. Currently there are over 525 households in Carson City who receive rental assistance through Section 8, and over 100 senior citizens who receive rental assistance at the NRHA owned Southgate Apartment property. With 1,639 households on the waiting list, NRHA sees no decrease in the need for assistance. NRHA is supporting home ownership by providing a way for families to achieve and afford the American Dream of owning their In practical terms… a teacher, firefighter, or city employee in the middle of the company pay scale cannot afford a home in the community where they work, send their kids to school, and vote. www.CarsonCityChamber.com ■3 The month in pictorial review... pictures speak louder than words. For information on forthcoming events, go to www.carsoncitychamber.com photo credit unless otherwise indicated: Ronni Hannaman Greater Nevada Mortgage Services opened swanky new offices on June 29 at 4070 Silver Sage Drive. Chamber Ambassadors were on hand to cut the ribbon. Pictured from left: Peter Fishburn, Brown & Bigelow; Ken Hamilton, Hamilton Business Machines; Rob Taylor, CEO, GNCU Mortage Services; Marilyn Koschella, Sierra Nevada Associaton of Realtors; GNCU board member Barbara Byington; Nicole Block, State Agent & Transfer Co.; John Hoy, Doc John's Restorations. Karen Coleman (center not in bathing attire) received a singing birthday salute on the day of her birthday (July 19) from the BAC actors who performed at the July Chamber mixer. And, no, we won't give away her tender age. ➤ Eileen Webb of Streamline Consulting is welcomed to the Chamber membership by Chair Bob Crowell at the Chamber's annual meeting. Dr. Mary Pierczynski presents new members Michael and Carol Peterson of Houseworks, LLC with their new member certificate at the July Mixer. Dr. Mary Pierczynski, Superintendent of the Carson City School District, thanks host John Procaccini, executive director of the Brewery Arts Center, for hosting the fun July outdoor mixer featuring talented kids who gave a preview of "Go Go Beach." 4 ■ www.CarsonCityChamber.com E Y E O N C A R S O N You bet there are ghosts in Carson City, according to Joy Evans (far left), Events Coordinator for the Carson City Convention & Visitors Bureau, who led the Chamber leadership class on a ghostly tour of historic downtown. Next month, the class meets the communication gurus of our city. Ghosts in Carson City?… Mayor Marv Teixeira, members of the board of supervisors and other city officials assist Sheriff Kenny Furlong in shoveling dirt on the official groundbreaking of the new Sheriff's facility on July 7. photo by Hallie Murphy The Sheriff's DARE department gave kids the opportunity to learn how to "knock out meth," over the 4th of July weekend during the three day steam up at the Nevada State Railroad Museum. www.CarsonCityChamber.com ■5 M E M B E R P R O F I L E Upcoming Chamber Events 8/10 Leadership Class: Communications, Media & State Government 8/10 Live taping: Voice of Business Live - Carson City School District 8/15 Leadership Planning: 4 p.m. Chamber board room 8/16 August Mixer: Come celebrate the 5th Anniversary of Little People's Portraits, 5-7 P.M. 3246 N. Carson, Ste. 127 (near Eagle Fitness in the former K-Mart center) Make sure you look your best for we'll be doing some photos right on the spot! 8/24 Board of Directors Meeting: Nevada Appeal Board Room, 11:30 a.m. 8/25 14th Annual Beer Tasting: Brewery Arts Center, 883-1976 8/25-8/27 Jazz & Beyond Festival: Special three day event sponsored by the Mile High Jazz and the Brewery Arts Center featuring over 20 musicians. A great annual event not to be missed. Free to all. 9/5 September Breakfast Club: Valerie Straw invites you to enjoy a continental breakfast at Western Title Co., 2310 S. Carson, Ste. B in Quail Park. Bill Gibson, Jr. 9/20 September Mixer: The Nevada Appeal will host the September mixer. If you are interested in hosting a breakfast club or mixer in 2007, call us at 882-1565. Always check the website at http://www.carsoncitychamber.com for the latest information. New to our chamber community and new to the region, Bill Gibson, Jr. director of sales at Thunder Canyon, is fast making his mark as one you most want to see at any chamber function. His ready smile and handshake has already made him many new friends. In his current job for a little over three months, Bill comes to Thunder Canyon from a sales background in the computer software industry in Reno. He is a 1988 graduate of UNR and commutes daily from his home in Spanish Springs. Bill feels that this opportunity is perfect for his sales talents – and, oh yes, he is a golfer and loves to eat, a perfect combo if you are directing sales at this beautiful golf resort. When asked how he is enjoying our Chamber functions, Bill replied, “I think your Chamber is great! You are far more personal than the Reno Chamber and I find it easier to communicate with the members.” Did we mention that Bill generously provides us with great prizes for our breakfast club and mixer raffles? We appreciate Bill’s involvement and know that you will enjoy meeting him as well. When you are enjoying Thunder Canyon, make certain to pop in and say hello or shag a ball or two! “I think your Chamber is great! You are far more personal than the Reno Chamber and I find it easier to communicate with the members.” Ambassadors have long been a tradition with the Chamber as shown in this old photo that we recently found tucked away in a drawer. The photo is undated and shows the ribbon cutting ceremony at Westside Square. Who these folks are is unknown to your current staff. If you know who ALL these folks are, Ronni Hannaman, executive director, will take you to lunch. If you want to know how to become an ambassador, call the Chamber at 882-1565. Welcome! Accounting Solutions, LLC Freya Oberer-Brown 204 N Minnesota - 89703 Accounting Consulting, Bookkeeping – Controller level 775-841-7878 If it’s accounting solutions you are seeking, Freya knows her stuff and has many local satisfied clients. AD CO, Ltd. Meghan Cole 2533 N Carson Street - 89706 Advertising, Direct Mail, Printing, Design AD CO can handle all your direct mail needs from design to mailing. 775-885-0748 TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS… New members to meet this month: Carol Perry & Associates, LLC Carol Perry 896 West Nye Lane, Ste 102- 89703 Financial Advisor, Broker If you want to grow your nest egg, Carol can teach you how. It’s never too early to prepare for the future. 775-841-4277 Houseworks, LLC Michael Peterson 2205 Glenn Drive Carson City, NV 89703 Handyman, Carpentry, Painting, Electrical, Plumbing Specializing in high end cabinetry, Michael can build your dream furniture and can fix anything. 775-315-2371 AllCom Nevada, LLC Marc Ellis PO Box 1680 - 89702 Telecommunications: Installation & Repair VOIP Marc can handle all your telecommunication and installation needs fast and efficiently. 775-283-0289 Candy Bouquet Mary Anne Teeple 584 Ranch Rd Fernley 89408 Florists, Gifts You’ll want to keep the candy bouquet (chocolate & more) instead of sending it out to your friends and relatives. A great alternative gift idea certain to please! 775-835-0370 6 ■ www.CarsonCityChamber.com C H A M B E R CARSON CITY ROADS RECEIVE FACE LIFT It’s always exciting to see our roads being upgraded and that is what you have seen around town as the city has slurry sealed the various roads downtown and is now in the process of marking lanes. While a few may have been inconvenienced for a day finding alternative routes and parking spaces, the newly sealed streets give a nice fresh appearance enhancing the downtown. The new WalMart entrance off Roop Street is a welcome addition and soon there is to be a light at Roop Street and Northridge, a much welcomed traffic light for those who live in that neighborhood. B R I E F S BUSINESS TECH EXPO SLATED FOR 10/4 This year, the surrounding Chambers will be working with NNDA to put together their biggest and best Business Tech Expo to showcase member services on October 4 at the Nevada Appeal. Your Chamber is one of the partners and will not hold a separate showcase. For information and rates, contact 882-1565. …for those who like their information capsulated IS IT THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG? NNDA is spearheading Northern Nevada’s first incubator facility in Fernley designed to foster entrepreneurship and help startup companies, usually technology-related, to grow through the use of shared resources, management expertise and intellectual capital. For more information, Contact NNDA at 883-4413. USE YOUR U.S. CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP We’re paying our dues to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce so you can use their many varied services for free! Yes, all of our members are federated members of this important business association that protects businesses in the U.S. legislature while we monitor happenings at home. If you have a question about running your business, go to the U.S. Chamber website directly by going to our website and clicking on the button located on the right hand side of our homepage. We update our list to the U.S. Chamber monthly. All of our members have their own membership number and should be receiving weekly updates directly to their computers. HOW FAT CAN YOU GET? The NV Restaurant Association has asked us to support them on U.S. Senate bill 908 in passing the “Commonsense Consumption Act of 2005” stating that the food service industry cannot be held liable for those who do not know when to stop eating or eat the wrong foods. Hard to believe that a bill such as this must be voted upon to curb our obesity problem, which is a personal problem. How does one regulate personal eating problems anyway? And, legislation? FREEWAY ON TRACK NDOT assures us that the timetable for the remainder of the freeway bypass is on track and the second phase will be put out to bid. The final phase (2B) is in the final design stage. 2010 is still the completion date. You will begin to see more work on relocating utilities underground. HAVE YOU TRIED JAC? If not, try it. Costs only 50 cents for seniors and $1.00 for the rest of the folks. No parking problems, no hot car to enter and a true bargain with gas prices the way they are – not to mention less wear and tear on your car. Children are welcome to ride JAC to their games freeing up the family car. And, those who work in the industrial area will find JAC a welcome alternative to driving or biking in this heat (or in the cold in the winter.) JAC has convenient stops and is adding more as ridership increases. beginning in 2004 with the first quarter ’06 pricing overvalued at 45.6%. That’s good for realtors and Carson City Assessor Dave Dawley. Reno is overvalued by 48.6% and Las Vegas is overvalued by 41.8% according to the same study. Perhaps this is why we are having a downturn in the market at the moment. The study analyzed 71 metro areas across the country. Want affordable housing? Relocate to Texas where most of the cities are undervalued: Abilene (-9.2%), Dallas (-18.9%), Houston (-15.8%). Don’t even think about Naples, Fl where the overvaluation is at 102.6%. MIXERS AND BREAKFAST CLUBS BRING BUSINESS We’d love to see more of our members attend our networking functions. These are fun events that allow you to meet new business acquaintances in a relaxed and informal setting. Visit the chamber website at www.carsoncitychamber.com to view the current list of events. KEN BEATON JOINS CHAMBER STAFF You’ll be seeing a familiar face around town as Ken Beaton pops through your door to find out what further services your chamber can provide. He’ll be attracting new members and making sure the current members are happy. Ken has considerable sales experience and will work with Deanne Jamison, Chamber manager, to keep our records current. AREA HOUSING OVERPRICED? Once Carson City became an urban area (after reaching 50,000 souls), we now find ourselves on lists that we didn’t even know existed. We are in the company of the big boys now and nowhere on these lists do you see Dayton, Minden or Gardnerville (they’re just too small). Carson City is now on the very same lists as Reno and Las Vegas! According to the study produced by Global Insight/National City Corporation in June 2006, Carson City housing was undervalued in 2002 and 2003 and then overvalued NNDA MOVES HEADQUARTERS Just a few buildings to the east from their original site, NNDA has moved to a spacious new office at 704 W. Nye Lane – second floor. NNDA has been most gracious in allowing members the use of their board room with advance reservations. The phone number remains the same. We will miss Senator Lawrence Jacobsen who passed away on July 27, 2006, and echo the sentiments of Governor Kenny Guinn when he stated that “Nevada lost a treasured public servant.” www.CarsonCityChamber.com ■7 Students and teachers to be commended continued from page 1 ➤ Elementary, Mark Twain Elementary, Fritsch Elementary, Seeliger Elementary, Carson Middle School, Eagle Valley Middle School, Pioneer High School and Carson High School. Carson Montessori Charter School also made adequate yearly progress. Congratulations to the students and staff of these schools! Considering how difficult it is for any school with a diverse population to meet the requirements to make “adequate yearly progress,” they are to be commended! (Editors note: The Chamber congratulates the CCSD in its continuing efforts to meet the strict NCLB standards on school districts with a diverse population. Not all children who enter our schools are proficient in our language and the tests make no distinction for the ethnic diversity. One child can cause a school to be labeled “in need of improvement.” Our administrators and teachers have worked hard to leave no child behind.) Economic development key to a stable community continued from page 3 ➤ economic shocks. A community with a diverse economic base is better equipped to handle the impact of major lay-offs or job losses. Carson City is fortunate to have the most diversified economy in Nevada, with its strong mix of public sector employment, a robust local construction industry, legal and accounting, finance, insurance and real estate services, and hundreds of boutique manufacturing firms. The three main functions of an economic development program are to provide information to potential and existing businesses; market the community to businesses and work with elected and public officials to ensure a positive business climate. Economic development programs do not create jobs; they only strive to influence business decisions on behalf of the economic health of the community. One of the ways that economic development programs can influence a business decision is to provide the most comprehensive and current information on the community and local economy. This information includes local demographics, costs of doing business, infrastructure solutions, available real estate, quality of life and business assistance programs. The second function of an economic development program is to market the community to existing and potential businesses. Like any company, if a consumer isn’t familiar with your product, they won’t purchase the product. An economic development program markets the community to specific businesses and industries that fit with the community’s current and future vision. Marketing activities often include print advertising, public relations, recruitment trips to targeted industries, tradeshows, multi-media presentations, direct mail campaigns, and so on. Finally, an economic development program works with public officials, elected officials and community partners to ensure that a positive business climate exists within the community. The same things that attract new employers will retain the existing firms. There are several reasons why companies thrive in certain communities and struggle in others. These factors include a sufficient trade area to justify investment, close proximity to markets, ease of travel, labor skills and availability, tax and regulatory environment, quality of life, costs of doing business, stable political leadership, In basic terms, economic development is the process of creating greater wealth within a community by bringing in new “outside” dollars. incentives, proximity to educational institutions, concentration of existing businesses and telecommunications. Economic development programs strive to strengthen any gaps related to business needs. This simple focus continues to make Carson City attractive to existing and potential businesses. Joe McCarthy is a regular contributor to Voice of Business and welcomes your ideas, suggestions and comments at jmccarthy@ci.carson-city.nv.us or 775-887-2101 x1208 ■