5 Questions for Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ronni Hannaman

On this week's installment of Carson Now's Five Questions series, we speak with Ronni Hannaman, Executive Director of the Carson City Chamber of Commerce about her position with the chamber, advice for business owners, and more.

1) How long have you been working for the chamber? What is the purpose of the chamber?

I became the Executive Director in February 2006 and have lived and worked here since late 1998. The Carson City Chamber is a private non-profit 501 c 6 organization dedicated to keeping Carson’s business community thriving.

2) What do you think of as Carson City's greatest strength?

Carson City has many strengths. As the capital of the state, it is here that Nevada’s history was made long before many other cities were established; therefore, I would say the history is a major strength and one of the top reasons so many visitors find their way here. We have a steady employment base because we are the seat of state government and that provides many good paying jobs.

We are nicely positioned as a central point: 25 minutes from Reno and the airport, 20 minutes from Lake Tahoe, 20 minutes from Minden, Gardnerville, Genoa, 25 minutes from historic Virginia City and we now have the shopping and a wonderful hospital that attracts people from across this region to work or play here. And, because we are small — 144 square miles — we are a community in the truest sense and are able to get to know our neighbors and participate in the many events that are planned throughout the year without having to drive miles and miles.

3) Is there something in particular you hope to see happen for Carson City during this upcoming year?

It is exciting to see more of the city being reimagined. South Carson Street is the fiscal engine that drives Carson City and should be upgraded to reflect the importance of this corridor on the City’s bottom line. With all the new homes and apartments now being built in this area, this will become a very desirable area for those Millennials we all think so important to the future of our city.

I would like to see a much stronger tourism effort that would bring visitors here year ‘round. When there is a strong tourism effort, the economy grows and provides more quality of life for locals because new shops, dining establishment, and more open. To this thought, I would like to add that it is my sincere hope that the Nevada State Prison opens this summer to add to the attractions we can promote. This would add to our wonderful museums and could become a major venue for concerts and so much more.

4) What do you think is the biggest challenge the City is facing currently?

Lack of “affordable” housing for the workforce we so rely upon outside of government. But, that is not just Carson City’s issue, it’s a nationwide and worldwide issue. I think homelessness could become more of an issue than it is today. “Affordable” is hard to define. What is affordable for one is not for another. Private enterprise drives prices.

The decaying roads in our neighborhoods is an issue of major concern. It has been shown at the polls that voters do not wish to pay additional taxes to repair roads, so this makes it difficult since there are separate funding sources for road repair only.

5) Do you have any advice for new business owners?

It is always a pleasure to hear of new businesses opening in our city. New business growth show the city is growing and prosperous. The most important advice to any new business is to get out into the community and make yourself known. Advertise. Join the Chamber. Be a part of the community. Attend the many functions that are mostly free. This is a community where a handshake and looking one in the eye is still important. Know your customers and their wants and react.

Check back each week for our Five Questions series, where you will get to know your community members here in our great capital city!