EDAWN Business BUZZ 'Beyond Target 2010' Forum Set for March 31

(Press Release) — Business owners and residents will have an opportunity to participate in an economic development plan update for the Greater Reno and Lake Tahoe region at the Business BUZZ “Beyond Target2010” economic forum, Thursday, March 31 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. The program is sponsored by the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN).

Area business, economic development and education leaders will update and expand the Target2010 economic development plan that was developed in 2006. The plan was intended as a roadmap for the region to shape future quality growth through the development of key industry sectors. A community-based Steering Committee of business, education and government leaders led the original Target2010 effort, many of whom will return for the review and update process, as well as new community members. The Steering Committee is charged with convening after the forum to review the plan in detail and, incorporating community input, update the plan with new priorities and metrics.

The Business BUZZ forum will feature the following:
Mark Sweeney, senior principal of McCallum Sweeney Consulting, a leading national site selection and economic development firm based in Greenville, S.C., will provide an objective perspective and assessment of Reno-Tahoe’s economic development efforts. Sweeney will analyze the viability of the target industry sectors that EDAWN and its partners have been pursuing for company attraction and expansion, including manufacturing and clean energy. Additionally, he will discuss what economic development trends and programs are occurring throughout the United States and how Greater Reno-Tahoe might capitalize.

Chuck Alvey, president/CEO of EDAWN, will present a Target2010 review of what’s been accomplished in the past four years, what’s changed, and current efforts underway in the areas of: business climate, workforce/education, quality of life, sites/infrastructure and economic development.

A panel of regional partners from education, innovation/entrepreneurship and fiscal policy will provide progress reports and share new initiatives impacting future economic development, including:

— Pedro Martinez, deputy superintendent, Washoe County School District (WCSD) has served on the Education Alliance P-16 Advocacy Council and will discuss updates on education initiatives that tie to the Target2010 economic development plan, and what new programs are planned within the school district supporting economic diversification.

— Ky Good, managing director, C4Cube, a business incubator in Reno, will discuss innovation and opportunities within the region to cultivate entrepreneurship and business opportunities.

— Dick Bostdorff, former vice president/general manager of Nevada Bell and business consultant, will discuss how the State's fiscal policy and potential changes might impact economic development.

— Lt. Governor Brian Krolicki, will provide an update on key economic development initiatives from the “New Nevada Task Force” designed to strengthen and diversify Nevada’s economy.

The Business BUZZ is $15 for EDAWN members and $25 for non-members and includes a hosted reception following the forum. RSVP to Meghan Wagonseller at wagonseller@edawn.org or call 775.829.3768. For more information go to http://www.edawn.org/about-edawn/events.

The Business BUZZ economic series is a key tool in the Reno-Tahoe Can Do Business Starts Here community outreach program and one of the ways the community can support economic diversification in the region. Future forums will be scheduled throughout the year. For more on the Reno-Tahoe Can Do Business Starts Here program and how to get involved, visit www.edawn.org/toolkit.

About EDAWN:
EDAWN is a private, non-profit corporation founded by community leaders in 1982. EDAWN works to recruit and expand quality companies that have a positive impact on the quality of life in Greater Reno-Tahoe. Reno was named the No. 1 Place for Doing Business in America 2005 by Inc. magazine. For more information, visit www.edawn.org.

Information provided by: Julie Ardito, Julie Arito Public Relations