Elko magazine 2015 by SNMG Interactive

ELK0 economic overview 2015

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ELK0 economic overview 2015

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Future Elko sports complex Downtown plans in NE Nevada Mining companies forge ahead Elko: An economic review Solar-powered irrigation Q & A with Brad Bolotin Q & A with Douglas Schwartz New police HQ in the works

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Northern Nevada Business Weekly

Elko Sports Complex proposed master plan 4-14-15

GAME ON

for giant sports complex plan

By Sally Roberts sroberts@nnbw.com

he City of Elko hopes to break ground next year on phase one of a $20 million sporting field complex on 80 acres. Plans call for the work to be done in four phases, as funding becomes available. The park has been a topic of conversation for decades, said James Wiley, Elko Parks and Recreation director. The city has owned the property along the Humboldt River at Errecart Boulevard and Bullion Road for quite some time, he said. As the need for additional playing fields to accommodate growing

league sports programs became acute, officials looked at several locations. “We did look at other properties,” Wiley said. “This one continued to rise to the top.” Actual planning began about three years ago with presentations to the community of conceptual plans. Designers and the city staff presented two main concepts. One was to cram in as many fields as possible on the acreage, said Dan Sonntag, MGB+A landscape architect, and project designer. The other was to eliminate one field as open space to use as a practice field and a family area. “The community overwhelmingly voted for the second concept,” he said. SPORTS COMPLEX, 4

“We did look at other properties, this one continued to rise to the top.” — James Wiley, Elko Parks and Recreation Director

4 Elko Economic Overview 2015

SPORTS COMPLEX

From page 3

When all planned phases are complete, the complex will feature six baseball/softball fields, two soccer/football fields, a central open space for a playground/picnic/concessions area, parking, a new wetlands configuration, and access to the Humboldt River Trail. Two of the baseball fields will be made with an artificial surface, which will allow soccer fields and other uses to be superimposed over them. There’s even space left over to address some future need. Phase one, expected to cost $11 million, is the most complex and prepares the property for the other phases. “Phase one does all the heavy lifting,” Wiley said. It includes grading the property, connecting to the city sewer, utilities installations, roadway construction, and a parking lot. To minimize the impact to residents bordering the park, phase one includes a landscaped buffer zone and a sound wall. The environmental component of the project involves filling in a manmade wetland, and creating a new enhanced wetland, said MGB+A’s Sonntag, who brings extensive experience in watershed management to the Elko project. “There is a lot of environmental stuff associated with developing in a flood plain,” Sonntag said. “But a park in a flood plain is a good land use.” Other challenges to the design include the topography. “There’s a grade change top to bottom,” Sonntag said. “Fields need to be really flat, so there is terracing.”

Rendering of Elko Sports Complex Phase 1 A natural hot springs and historic bath house in the planning area will be preserved and could eventually be developed with an interpretive trail adding historic and cultural elements to the sporting complex. The complexity of phase one creates funding challenges. Funding for the project will come from the city, work-inkind, and donors. Private foundations, some of which have shown support for the plan from the beginning, are being approached to cover about a third of the project. A large part of the city’s portion will come from a $6 million bond to be paid for by an increase in the transient occupancy tax from 12 percent to 14 percent. “Now we’re almost at the point where we can go out to bid for the project,” Wiley said. “We’d like to break ground next year.” Besides providing badly needed playing fields, planners expect the complex to also drive tournaments to the area. Tournaments mean visitors spending money in the community on hotel rooms, restaurants, shops, and more — a feature tourism and lodging representatives welcome enough to give their assent to the room tax increase. “From the start, (the Elko Convention & Visitors Authority) has always shown support for the sports complex,” said Matt McCarty, vice-chairman of the ECVA, and the general manager of TownePlace Suites by Marriott-Elko. “Tournaments coming into our area help our hotels. Traveling teams bring people who need to fill up cars with gas, go to places to eat, shop at local stores. We have some unique shops in Elko.

Northern Nevada Business Weekly

Where there’s smoke... Elko Smoke Shop Is Known For Providing: “We were very supportive of (the complex) when it was proposed to the business community. We were excited.” However, when the city decided to use a portion of the room tax increase to pay for an irrigation reconstruction project at the city’s Ruby View Golf Course, which caters to locals, the ECVA and lodging industry expressed concern. “We were disappointed that some of the 2 percent room tax is funding another project,” McCarty said. Golf in Elko “is a type of activity that’s not going to see many room nights (added). Residents and our employees use the golf course, but it doesn’t benefit tourism directly.” McCarty expects funding to be adequate to construct phase one of the sports complex, but is concerned the room tax may not stretch far enough for the other phases. Without build out of the entire project, there may not be enough fields to attract enough tournaments to justify the increased room tax. “If the money is not solely going to the sports complex, it may not be enough bang for the bucks.” Wiley said city officials are working to find other funding sources for the golf course project, which is estimated to cost $3 million. The city put a cap of $1.2 million as the maximum that can be drawn from the room tax. “Our goal is to reduce that as much as possible,” said Wiley, who hopes that with other funding sources, little if any money from the room tax will go the golf course. Possible alternatives include reserve funds from the Water Reclamation Facility, which benefits from the golf course’s use of reclaimed water. It must be approved by the state of Nevada, but Wiley said it looks like the state will OK at least some funds for that use. “The debate will be how much can be used for the golf course,” Wiley said. With funding starting to take shape for the sports complex and a ground breaking slowly nearing reality, Wiley noted how exciting it is to be part of such a large project in the small town. “This is Elko, Nevada,” he said. “This is big. This is a huge leap.” Despite funding reservations, McCarty said the sports complex is good for Elko. “We’ve been very blessed to see active construction in the area; three new hotels, apartments,” he said. “It’s good to see Elko growing and a sports complex will add to that.” n

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A preliminary master plan outlines some of the revitalization envisioned in downtown Elko.

DOWNTOWN revitalization is underway By Don Vetter

he seeds of renaissance are spreading throughout northeast Nevada’s rural downtowns, thanks to a handful of state and local initiatives that are hoped to change the tone and texture of these community cores. The cities of Elko, Wells and Carlin and the Battle Mountain community are taking on the challenges which face rural downtowns that age, sometimes decline in a boom-bust mining economy or give way to retail and service developments that migrate outside their historic core. “Back in the ‘40s we had an bustling downtown Elko with stores, clubs and restaurants and a rancher named Bing Crosby in town. There was a certain vibrancy,” said Elko City Planner Rick Magness. “Today we are focusing more resources that will ignite that and enhance the future of downtown Elko.” Elko has taken an aggressive path with its newly completed Downtown Action Plan and recently formed redevelopment district that will use tax increments; expected to initially raise $200,000 annually for bonding and infrastructure development. This common revitalization technique is being partnered with a unique, and hopefully trendsetting, public-private partnership program that is hoped to bring positive change to the historic business district. “All of these rural communities have older sections of a downtown that are run down, vacant store fronts, and in need of new life,” said Pam Borda executive director of the

Northeastern Nevada Regional Development Authority. “The ultimate goal is to revitalize these areas to economically thriving places of major activity.” The NNRDA, working with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, secured Community Development Block Grant Funds for a Business Storefront Incentive program. The storefront rehabilitation program will match dollar for dollar improvements to a building storefront in the downtown. There is currently $300,000 available in the program that is expected to run 18 months. “The sweet spot for improvements seems to be $20,000 to $30,000 and these things like window treatments, signage and painting,” Magness said. “We are looking at this as a pilot program for rural Nevada downtowns.” The program will pay 100 percent of any up-front design or architectural services, he added. “NNRDA is the coach so to speak,” Borda said of the economic development agency’s role. “We are helping to guide the efforts for each community as there are some basic steps or phases of work to complete in order to determine the outcome. We are working with each community’s leaders and key staff to complete each step and move on to the next. We are providing information on available resources and helping to build the projects in each community. It is a team effort with all parties involved, it is the only way you can succeed.” Borda said Wells is securing CDBG funding to bolster its redevelopment efforts. It has begun a visioning process

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Northern Nevada Business Weekly

to bring community stakeholders into the process. Wells has been mired in the downtown doldrums since businesses migrated to the freeway exits in the 1980s and if that did not cripple the downtown corridor enough, in 2008 a 6.0 earthquake severely damaged the already economically limited structures. Some properties are owned by out-of-town entities and some are owned by elderly or limited-income folks with limited means. Carlin is also seeking state and federal funding to begin an analysis of its downtown corridor and possible redevelopment district just south of Interstate 80. Instigating the public private partnership last year, NNRDA with the funding help of the Governor’s office, invited Michelle Reeves, an Oregon urban strategist with extensive experience in revitalizing mixed-use districts, place-making, retail leasing, development consulting, and project management. She led business focus groups and walking tours in Elko, and later in Battle Mountain and Wells to create building blocks for successful revitalization. The community outreach in Battle Mountain this past spring included interactive workshops, hands-on district tours, and presentations drew nearly 150 participants said Jan Morrison, community services officer for Lander County Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development. “Michele was here to start the conversation, spark discussion and ideas,” Morrison said. One storefront due for renovation is the popular El Aguila Real restaurant on Battle Mountain’s Front Street, which has approved remodeling plans that will include an outdoor

dining patio and nearly double the number of table tops. Battle Mountain is also preparing for a 6.5-acre mixed housing development from a partnership between the Nevada Rural Housing Authority and the Battle Mountain Colony of the TeMoak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indian that will address the town’s housing gap, Morrison said. Another addition to the Battle Mountain core is L & H Industrial which took over a turn-key steel building and yard on 2nd Street. L&H is a field services, manufacturing and repair company that focuses on the mining industry bringing with it with high-paying mining support sector jobs, Morrison said The Lander Economic Development Authority prepared an RFP to investigate a redevelopment district, but those plans were tabled by the Lander Board of Commissioners. The Authority continues to build on the Reeves visit with a gateway program to help identify and enhance the town’s entryways, including a Mining Museum near Broyles Ranch Road and the Cookhouse Museum, Morrison said. Elko’s redevelopment district and downtown plans are going full bore with a volunteer citizen advisory committee and the preparation of an urban design overlay which is stressing mixed use — think store fronts on the ground floor housing above. Currently a draft Downtown Action Plan is underway that focuses on the strengths and opportunities for a thriving downtown, Magness said. “This Action Plan will ensure that we are focused on an approach to place-make, stabilize, revitalize and sustain the downtown area as a destination,” he said. n

Celebrating 50 years on the Carlin Trend

www.newmont.com

Gold is losing some of its shine, but mining companies forge ahead

By U. Earl Dunn NNBW Contributing Writer

old and silver production giants Newmont Mining and Barrick Gold continue to dominate the precious metals industry in Nevada, creating favorable economic activity in the northeastern part of the Silver State, particularly in Elko, which has long been the hub of such mining activity. Introduction of a new process at its Goldstrike mine has Barrick predicting that gold output will once again exceed one million ounces when the plant is running at full capacity. Likewise, Newmont has begun construction at its Long Canyon mine located in eastern Elko County near the Utah border. The company believes the site has gold reserves of 1.2 million ounces and an eight-year mine life. Pam Borda, executive director of the Northern Nevada Regional Development Authority, says the mine is due to begin production in early 2017, perhaps earlier. “Some think this could be bigger than the Carlin Trend,” she says. Newmont began mining in Carlin, Nevada, in 1965. New technologies and mining methods, coupled with revisiting old mine sites, are still paying off. What Borda is particularly pleased about is Newmont’s new mine location. “The majority of the mines in our region are just across our county’s

border,” she says. “We provide all the services, housing and the workers all live here and we aren’t getting any of the net proceeds. This time we will and we are pretty excited about that.” Nevada’s mining and energy industry saw its gross production value in 2014 decline by 16 percent over the previous year to $7.6 billion. Gold, the state’s largest export, saw production fall by 9.2 percent, or to $6.1 billion, yet industry watchers here say they are not concerned. Although gold production fell to its lowest level since the late 1980s, Dr. John Dobra, University of Nevada economist, says the cycle will soon reverse itself. It always has, he says. “The Chinese fueled this big super cycle beginning in 2001. They drove up the prices of copper and iron and those markets were hot for a while. Oil was enjoying a good run and we had a fairly weak dollar. Today all of that has been reversed. The dollar is strong, oil prices are depressed and that’s why gold prices have fallen.” While gold is still king of the hill, most of the other industrial minerals unearthed from the Silver State were demonstrating renewed strength, says Richard Perry, administrator for the Nevada Division of Minerals. His agency keeps tabs on what minerals companies are taking out of the ground, who buys them and how much revenue is produced.

Northern Nevada Business Weekly

“From a natural resources and development perspective, that moly mine would really help balance out Nevada ...” — Richard Perry, Nevada Division of Minerals (Above) Drilling continues at Nevada Copper’s underground copper mine in Yerington. The shaft hit a depth of more than 1,600 feet in January.

(Left) Work on two massive capital projects at two of northeastern Nevada’s largest gold mine sites is underway. “We had a really good year in some industrial minerals,” he says. “Historically, Nevada has produced a lot of copper. We still are.” Copper has seen some renewed activity in Lander County near Battle Mountain, and, of course Nevada Copper is sinking a shaft on a large copper deposit near Yerington. The Pumpkin Hollow mine will significantly boost the state’s copper production.” Perry also points to some lesser-viewed minerals where production is on the rebound. “Nevada has been a longtime barite producer,” he says. “Most is used for drilling mud in the oil and gas exploration industry. Some of the big firms here are subsidiaries of Baker Hughes, Halliburton and Schlumberger.” Perhaps the biggest story of the past couple of years is in the mining of gypsum, which is used in many applications, but more specifically in the manufacture of gypsum drywall for the housing industry. “A lot of it is produced in Clark County, but there is a gypsum plant just outside Carson City,” he says. While gold, copper and silver make up the top three metals produced in the Silver State, the fourth-ranked product is aggregate, which has many uses. Perry also points to the longest continuously operating mine in Nevada which produces magnesium carbonate. “That is why the town of Gabbs is there,” he says. “It is a wonderful, very unique deposit used for a number of industrial purposes. It is used for lightweight cement and also in cattle feed to help keep cattle from getting an acidic stomach.” Another mineral drawing renewed interest is lithium. The large Tesla Gigafactory, now under construction in the Reno Tahoe Industrial Park, will require this mineral

when it begins production of rechargeable lithium ion batteries. “Because lead-based batteries are increasingly being replaced with lithium batteries, we know that Nevada has nearly a 400-year supply of lithium based on known reserves and production,” says UNR’s Dobra. Rockwood lithium is the only domestic producer of lithium today at its Silver Peak operation nestled in the Clayton Valley in Esmerelda County. But a company called Western Lithium USA says it intends to begin production of the mineral by 2018 in Humboldt County. Another metal anxiously watched by state minerals chief Perry is owned by a company called General Moly. The company sits on a site near Eureka that is considered to host the world’s largest supply of molybdenum deposits. The metal is used to reinforce steel strength under very high or very low temperatures. Its uses range from pipelines, weapons, aircraft, cars and power plants. “It has taken a long time for the financing stars to line up for this company,” he says. University of Nevada’s Dobra says the world pricing of molybdenum can be very volatile and that, he says, is because of its limited use, primarily to strengthen steel. Right now, the company believes it has a firm commitment for $700 million in loan guarantees from AMER International Group, a Chinese-based company invested in mining and downstream mineral processing. Nevada minerals chief Perry is most hopeful the financing comes to fruition. “From a natural resources and development perspective, that moly mine would really help balance out Nevada because it brings another metal into the fold, a very large producer that would put us not as dependent on precious metals. It is a big world class deposit.” n

10 Elko Economic Overview 2015 A Delta plane takes off from Elko.

ELKO: By Mark Gibbs Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note: The following economic report was prepared by the Elko Regional Airport for the purpose of new airline marketing.

lko is the regional and commercial hub for Elko, Eureka, White Pine and Lander counties. The City of Elko and adjoining Spring Creek serve as the primary residence for those employed for mining in Eureka, Elko, Lander and White Pine counties. Mining is the primary economic industry business for Elko.

An economic overview to increase the number of exploration wells as it proceeds with the federal permitting process. Noble has already committed $130 million into Elko to provide for securing mineral rights, seismology and new wells. Oil production began in early fall 2014; however, it was scaled back when domestic crude fell below $60 a barrel. Future oil/gas exploration is predicated on domestic prices climbing above costs for extraction using hydraulic fracturing. Hotel accommodation and food service is the second-largest employer for the local economy providing an estimated 5,647 jobs. Hotels provide a mix of products to support the region including extended stays, tourist accommodation, event/conference, and travel lodging.

In the past decade, Elko has become the regional hub for mining support services providing heavy equipment, specialized engineering, mining logistics and bulk transportation services. In the last five years, Elko has also started to attract mining manufacturing services at the Northeast Nevada Regional Railport facility. Gold, silver, copper, barite, and molybdenum are the primary mineral resources found in Elko, Eureka, Lander and White Pine counties. It is noted that for each mining job in Elko there are three contractor jobs created to support that mining job.

There are just over 2,440 motel and hotel room rooms provided in the City of Elko. The hospitality/hotel industry performed very strong over the past year with occupancy rates exceeding 62.17 percent average year round and for summer period (May-September), 73 percent. Elko continues to add new hotel rooms with three new hotels under construction and an additional three hotels in the permitting phase for future construction. Hampton Inn is constructing a new 80-room hotel; Ledgestone Hotel is constructing an 80-room hotel and Hilton Home 2 Suites is underway with a new 107-room hotel.

Elko is also the first major oil/gas producing region in Nevada. There is an estimated 50 million barrels of recoverable oil found thus far and Noble Energy continues

Elko has continued to increase commercial retail opportunities with new restaurants and stores opening all the time. Elko, in the past two years, saw the opening of

Northern Nevada Business Weekly

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new commercial establishments including: Quiznos Subs, Costa Vida, Round Table, Jack n’ The Box, Subway, Coffee Mug, Kabuki Sushi Restaurant, Simply Delicious Bakery, Harley Davidson Motorcycle, major expansion of the Elko Motors Company (Chrysler/Dodge/Toyota), Riverton Motors (Chevrolet/GM), Gallagher Ford Dealership, Juice & Java, Cold Stone Creamery and Chicago Dogs to name but a few. The two major retail malls in the city have also undergone significant upgrades and expansion. The East End Sunrise Shopping Center completed a $4 million renovation in 2013. Developers opened the Elko Corridors Town Center Mall on Idaho Street in 2013 and the Elko Junction Shopping Mall added new construction to accommodate retailers such as Petco, Jo-Ann Fabric & Crafts, Ross Dress for Less, DressBarn and Marshalls in 2015. Elko Regional Airport is also finalizing a lease to develop a new 12.2-acre retail center using the same developer as the Elko Junction Shopping Mall. A low unemployment rate (5.3 percent) coupled with an average of 2,200 new jobs added each year over the past five years has led to significant latent demand for housing in the Elko market. New home construction has been extremely robust with a record high peak year in 2012. In 2014 Elko added 85 new single-family housing units to the City and seven new multifamily developments. Commercial growth has also saw record highs in 2014 with 58 new commercial additions in the City of Elko. Commercial development leads residential in terms of invested dollars for 2014 and this is a very healthy sign that developers are not building a lot of speculative residential properties, which pose risks to the local economy. Elko also provides the largest regional health care facility serving Eureka, Lander, White Pine and Elko counties. In the center of Nevada’s Great Basin and serving as the only acute care hospital within a 200-mile radius, Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital (NNRH) is the premier provider of healthcare and regional hub for medical services for northeastern Nevada. Built in 2001, the facility features 75 all-private patient rooms, state-of-the-art technology, and an adjacent 50,000-square-foot medical office building. NNRH is fully accredited by the Joint Commission and licensed by the Nevada Department of Health & Human Services. People choose to live in Northeast Nevada because of its very high quality of life and NNRH is a big part of that. Its employees, physicians, volunteers, and administration are all committed to delivering the highest quality care possible to the patients they serve. Of the 1,099 Top

The Elko Convention & Visitor’s Authority (ECVA) estimated roughly 30,556 outside visitors for specific events and conferences in 2014.

Performer hospitals and the 3,343 Joint Commission-accredited hospitals nationally, Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital was one of only 182 to achieve this designation three years in a row and also was the most profitable hospital in Nevada in 2014. In June 2015, Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital opened a new multi-million dollar Cancer Radiation & Oncology Center in Elko. This is the first of its kind in Northeastern Nevada, and provides state of the art cancer treatment options to those living in this region. ELKO GROWTH

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12 Elko Economic Overview 2015

Airline expansion back on deck in 2017 By Mark Gibbs Airport Director Elko Regional Airport In a previous issue of Northern Nevada Business Weekly Magazine, it was reported Elko Regional Airport was promoting a bill in the 2015 Nevada Legislature to establish an Air Service Development Fund for Nevada’s smaller airport markets. Senate Bill 125, introduced jointly by Senator Goicoechea and Assemblyman Ellison, would provide $2 million dollars over two years for the purpose of defraying the financial risk borne by airlines who expand or introduce new airline routes to Nevada communities. The only Nevada airport specifically excluded from participation in Senate Bill 125 was McCarran International Airport. The bill enjoyed widespread support from the City of Elko, Reno/Tahoe International Airport, the Nevada Association of Counties and other private sector businesses across Nevada. Although there was uncertainty with regard to funding, Senate Bill 125 passed through two Senate committees before running out of time in the final hours of the legislative session. Elko Regional Airport plans on reintroducing similar legislation during the 2017 session and hopes to persuade Governor Sandoval to include some level of funding in future budgets for the expansion and retention of commercial air service within Nevada. Recently, Elko Regional Airport received an $8.2 million dollar Airport Improvement Grant from the Federal Aviation Administration to rehabilitate its primary commercial service runway which has not seen major construction since 1987. The construction will suspend airline service to Elko between Aug. 17 and Sept. 28, 20. Regularly scheduled jet service provided by Delta Air Lines will resume on Sept. 29. For more information about Elko Regional Airport please visit www.flyelkonevada.com. n

ELKO

From page 11 Tourism is primarily driven through regional conventions, western experience events, hiking, ATV, mountaineering, ranching experience, mining tours, ghost-town exploration, hunting, fishing, and casino/hotel entertainment. The Elko Convention & Visitor’s Authority (ECVA) estimated roughly 30,556 outside visitors for specific events and conferences in 2014. Convention business in Elko has dramatically grown over the past five years and ECVA has had to turn away customers wanting convention/meeting space. As a result, the EVCA is building a 30,000-square-foot addition to the convention building opening in fall 2015. With this addition, Elko is keen to increase its convention business and expand economic opportunities in Northeastern Nevada. Elko is also capitalizing on a robust sports tourism industry and the large influx of sport teams from across the region. The current city athletic facilities are at capacity during the summer season. The City of Elko through a public/private partnership is moving forward with a multi-million multisport complex on the banks of the Humboldt River. Starting in spring of 2016, the first phase of the Bullion Road Sports Complex will begin with a $10.2 million ball field complex, nature trails, vending, and soccer fields. n

Elko Economy Highlights • Oil/Gas: Noble Energy in 2014 began production on oil/ gas reserves in area between Wells and Elko Nevada. Expect peak oil production in 2020 with 50,000 barrels a day and 1,000 new full time jobs for Elko County. • General Moly Mt. Hope Molybdenum Mine: General Moly with regional headquarters in Elko is expected to start construction on a $550 million new mine in Eureka. Mine employment and support will be handled from Elko with an estimated 700 new employees necessary during construction and 300 employees required for production. Estimated mine production lifespan 42 years. •Newmont Long Canyon Gold Mine: Newmont with regional headquarters in Elko started construction in April 2015 on a $2.33 billion dollar gold mine in Elko County. The mine has proven reserves as large as the Carlin Trend, which has been in active production for the past 50 years. Newmont’s Long Canyon Gold Mine plans on adding between 300-400 new employees. Mine production is expected to employ between 300-500 miners. The estimated mine production lifespan is 50+years. • Mining, Oil/Gas and Construction related jobs account for 32 percent of the economy’s workforce. The average salaries for these professions are well over national averages and provide significant untapped discretionary income. • Elko had a housing market that did not bust with Nevada in 2008. 33.3 percent of houses are valued between $100,000-199,999 and 38.8 percent of houses are between $200,000-499,999.

Northern Nevada Business Weekly

Ranchers REAP funding to support solar-powered

irrigation By Kelly Clark

f you are a farmer or rancher in rural Nevada with irrigation costs that are making you wince, it might be time to consider developing a more energy-efficient system. Dianne and Lee Hutchens, owners of Lander Land and Livestock, took the plunge into solar energy using USDA Rural Development’s Rural Energy for America (REAP) grant and are glad they did. This past winter, they began earning credits from NV Energy; in April they began using the credits to power two circle pivots on 160 acres of irrigated pasture. “We are happy with solar — for us it is easier to manage than wind. You might have to hose it off after a dust storm, but that is about it,” Mrs. Hutchens said. The Hutchenses, who live 17 miles southwest of Austin, successfully applied for a REAP grant last year and received $41,098 towards the purchase of a 50kw solar system with 178 panels in a solar array. The system was developed to provide power to the ranch’s deep-well irrigation pump (75 horsepower) that is used to pivot irrigate 160 acres of pasture grass where the couple run their cattle. The solar array went on line in September. The system is designed to generate 90 percent of the power for the irrigation pump. The Hutchenses worked with Mark Williams, USDA RD’s energy coordinator in Nevada, to finalize their application, and also were able to receive a $25,000 solar rebate from NV Energy. A tax credit helped reduce the overall project cost. The REAP grant can pay for up to 25 percent of the overall renewable energy system cost. “We’ve had some great guidance, from Tahoe Solar, Hamilton Solar, and from Mark Williams at USDA,” Mrs. Hutchens said. “We recommend people research their contractor and their system needs carefully. Everyone has to figure out

COURTESY PHOTO

Dianne and Lee Hutchens took the plunge into solar energy using a Rural Energy for America grant to build a 50kw solar system with 178 panels in a solar array. whether these systems will work for them for the long term and whether it is economical. For us, the REAP grant shortened the payout from 13 years to seven years. I am all for green energy, but it has to pencil out, it has to work economically. “ Rural small businesses, and farmers and ranchers are eligible to apply. The systems the grant can fund are either for renewable energy systems like solar, hydro and wind power, or for systems that increase energy efficiency-such as variable speed drives for well pumps or new energy efficient lighting, heating or air conditioning systems. “REAP also offers a guaranteed loan for energy efficiency or renewable energy projects,” said Williams. “Rural businesses that have been considering borrowing to upgrade HVAC systems for example, may be able to save 25 percent by pursuing a REAP grant/loan combination.” USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, which includes Elko, has an active portfolio of more than $208 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural areas. n

“We are happy with solar — for us it is easier to manage than wind. You might have to hose it off after a dust storm, but that is about it.” — Dianne Hutchens

14 Elko Economic Overview 2015

Q&A In his own words: Brad Bolotin, CEO, Encore AV Design and Sleep Source Mattress Gallery

THE BASICS Name/title: Brad Bolotin, CEO, Encore AV Design and Sleep Source Mattress Gallery Number of years with company: Four years Number of years in the profession: More than 35 years Education: University of California, Santa Cruz, BA Favorite movie: The Deer Hunter Favorite musical group: Bruce Springsteen and The Shins Spouse, kids or pets: Wife: Kathleen, three sons, one daughter, a Golden Retriever named Finn and a Cocker Spaniel named Murphy Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your company and the duties of your position: Brad Bolotin: As the CEO, I do everything from hiring employees, purchasing, sales, deliveries and most importantly customer service. NNBW: How did you get into this profession? Bolotin: I started in college at a local stereo store in Santa Cruz, Calif. and worked my way into management. I opened my own company Wild West Sound in Las Vegas 1978 and expanded to Reno in 1979. NNBW: Is there anything new going on at your company or in the industry itself? Bolotin: On the home theater side, 4K LED and OLED TVs are hot right now. 4K gives you four times 1080P resolution for your viewing and OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) is a higher-end display for your television. For the mattress business, “hybrid” mattresses, which combine both an AirCool Memory Foam and Advanced Pocketed Coils, are extremely popular and very comfortable. We also carry a line of “Green” mattresses that are made with natural and organic materials. NNBW: When your business slowed down some years back in Reno you opened a second store in Elko. Was this a good move? Bolotin: Opening a store in Elko was an excellent decision. The Elko area was way underserved for the home theater and mattress buyers. The Elko community did not experience the downturn Reno did because of the price of gold. NNBW: What is the difference between the two markets? Bolotin: Elko residents are used to driving 100-plus miles to shop. I provided two less categories they had to leave town for. Reno residents are a little more spoiled

when it comes to choices for purchasing. It does not matter where you live, everyone appreciates competitive pricing, knowledgeable sales technicians and great customer service. NNBW: I understand you commute 800 miles per week between Reno and Elko. How do you spend your time during the drive? Bolotin: My commutes between Reno and Elko are made much more pleasant with XM Radio. I like #32 SportsNation and #20 Bruce Springsteen channels. NNBW: From your perspective, where do you see the Elko economy headed? Bolotin: I see Elko as having a very strong future and a stable market. Miners are still employed and the mines are expanding. NNBW: What do you enjoy most about working in your field. Bolotin: There is nothing like getting someone the right mattress to provide them with a great night’s sleep…right? Mattress technology is high tech now. We have a system called REVEAL that has been used in the healthcare industry to map out your sleeping patterns for help in choosing the right type of mattress. For Encore Audio Visual, technology is constantly changing. I have customers who want the latest technology and they have done their homework before they come. They walk in knowing exactly what they want. Other customers come in just wanting a new television and they don’t even know all the things that this new technology can do. We have home theater systems in all price ranges. With either type of customer, I love providing them the home theater experience they want that’s in their budget. NNBW: What’s the most challenging part about your job? Bolotin: The two most challenging parts about my job are getting my employees to care about the customer as much as I do and making time to spend with my family. NNBW: What advice would give anyone who wants to get in your profession? Bolotin: Not everyone is cut out for sales. Certainly not everyone is cut out to own their own business. The rewards can be great; however, if you do not want to work 60-plus hours a week, this is not for you. NNBW: What was your first job? Bolotin: My first job was at the age of 14 working in my grandparents’ furniture store in Chicago. NNBW: What are your hobbies? How do you spend your time away from work? Bolotin: I like to watch sports and I especially enjoy going to a live baseball game when I get the chance. Other than that, my spare time is spent with my family. n

Q&A

Northern Nevada Business Weekly

In his own words: Douglas R. Schwartz, President/ CEO, Elko Federal Credit Union THE BASICS Name/title: Douglas R Schwartz, President/CEO, Elko Federal Credit Union Number of years with company: 2 ½ years Number of years in the profession: 32 years Education: BS, Corporate Training – Idaho State University Last book read: The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon Favorite movie: Conagher Favorite musical group or genre: Country Spouse, kids or pets: Wife Diane and four children Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about your company and the duties of your position Douglas Schwartz: Elko Federal Credit Union was chartered in 1960 and now serves the residents of Elko, Lander and Eureka counties. The fundamental goal of the credit union is to provide a wide range of products and services to its members. The credit union currently serves almost 14,000 members with assets totaling approximately $150 million. As President/CEO, I am responsible for the overall operations with the objective of ensuring financial stability commensurate with the best interests of the members. I am charged with ensuring compliance with policies set by the board of directors and rules and regulations of local, state and federal agencies. NNBW: How did you get into this profession? Schwartz: I was working part time and attending college when I was offered a position with a finance company. Four years later I went to work for a credit union and have been working for credit unions for the past 27 years. NNBW: Is there anything that you do that differently than your competition? Schwartz: There is a significant difference between the Elko Federal Credit Union and many other institutions. We’re a nonprofit and wholly owned by our membership. Whatever profits that are earned are given back to the membership in the form of dividends and low-cost services. NNBW: What do you enjoy most about working in your field? Schwartz: I find great enjoyment helping people to realize their financial goals. Helping them to purchase a car, a home or a business brings real satisfaction. NNBW: What the most challenging part about your job? Schwartz: The ever-changing regulatory mandates. The responsibility to understand new laws, develop policies and

procedures to adhere to new or revised regulation is a challenging task. NNBW: What advice would give anyone who wants to get into your profession? Schwartz: Working at a financial institution can be wonderful profession. As technology continues to impact the banking world there is an ever-increasing need to balance high tech with high touch. A one-size-fits-all approach leaves many behind. There is a constant need to make sure you are serving a broad base of individuals and families. NNBW: What was your first job? Schwartz: As a youth growing up I worked in a hardware store. I really enjoyed the interaction with all of the customers. NNBW: What are your hobbies? How do you spend your time away from work? Schwartz: Over the years I have been involved in many activities from coaching youth, to playing golf and participating in rodeo and everything in between. NNBW: Do you have a favorite vacation spot? Schwartz: Kauai, the oldest island of the Hawaiian Islands. NNBW: If you had one moment in time to cherish for the rest of your life either professionally or personally what would it be and why? Schwartz: The births of my children mean the world to me. To me my family is central to my happiness. The main reason I work is to provide for them. NNBW: Last concert or sporting event attended? Schwartz: I attended a high school basketball game. There is something special about high school sports and what they can do for student athletes. NNBW: What did you dream of becoming as a kid? Schwartz: My dream was to be a high school teacher and a coach. NNBW: If you had enough money to retire right now, would you? Why or why not? Schwartz: As tempting as it sounds I wouldn’t retire. I need to stay actively engaged in a good cause. I enjoy my job and the opportunity it brings me. NNBW: Why did you choose a career in northern Nevada? What do you like about living/working here? Schwartz: After living and working in southern Nevada for 19 years, I moved to northern Nevada to work for Elko Federal Credit Union. I truly enjoy living here. I like the Elko and Spring Creek area and the rural life style afforded me. The people are real, down to earth, and they have a strong sense of community. n

16 Elko Economic Overview 2015

Elko getting new police headquarters

Calder are among those who have worked to carry the ball for the project through the years. “We recognized the need for a fter decades conducting new police station a long time ago,” police business out of a Calder said. building constructed as The city retrofitted the current a church 65 years ago, the city Rendering of new Elko police HQ police building in the early 1980s of Elko has broken ground for and upgraded for ADA compliance a new police station. in the 1990s. But there’s only so much that can be done. The $6.1 million project marks the first time the police deDue to the small space, it lacks a meeting room, evidence is partment has occupied a building designed specifically for law stored in several places, the wiring can’t handle modern elecenforcement. At 16,600 square feet, it’s double the footprint of tronics and the air system is inadequate. the current police station. Even worse, the city has repeatedly mitigated for black mold “Elko hasn’t taken on a project this big for many years,” said in the basement caused by leaky water pipes. Mayor Chris Johnson. “It’s important for the quality of life … “It’s not safe anymore,” Calder said. an investment back into the community.” The city has been socking away money from the facilities The new police station has been in play for nearly a decade — fund for years. When the police station fund reached 50 perdelayed by the search for funding, political capital, changes on cent of the expected costs, the city council approved a medithe city council, and an ailing economy. um-term bond for $3.3 million to fund the rest. “Efforts came in little spurts, stops and starts,” said Police A shovel-ready 3-acre parcel at Silver and 14th streets, a Chief Ben Reed, calling it a “long fight” for his predecessors. few blocks from the current police station, was purchased for “I came on (as police chief ) one and half years ago and I’m $315,000. proud to have helped put it into the end zone with a lot of other LCA Architects of Elko designed the police station and MGM people.” Construction, based in Salt Lake City, brought in a low bid of Johnson, who served on the city council for eight years before $5.4 million and was awarded the construction contract. being elected mayor in 2011, and 12-year City Manager Curtis The station is expected to be complete in early 2016. n By Sally Roberts

sroberts@nnbw.com

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