JULY 2015
www.thechambernv.org
Lost Opportunities By now, there aren’t a lot of words left to write about the 2015 Nevada Legislative Session. While the punditry and analysis have almost been exhausted, we really won’t know the true legacy of this historic session for years to come. The Governor and the Legislature enacted and funded some fundamental changes in the way we deliver K-12 education in this state and our future workforce should be much better prepared for the new economy. Governor Sandoval took a lot of heat for proposing a gross receipts-based tax to pay for his vision and Chamber members were all over the board with their opinions on his plan. The legacy of this fundamental shift in our tax structure is yet to be determined as well. No matter your thoughts on the final revenue plan that was signed into law, the frustrating thing is that the business community and Nevada’s taxpayers did not receive commensurate spending and operational reforms to go along with it. For the first time since 1929, we had a Republican governor, Senate, and Assembly. At the risk of injecting partisanship into this discussion, Republicans have usually been supportive of Chamber reform priorities such as public employee retirement and collective bargaining reform, prevailing wage changes, eliminating the daily overtime law, and other measures that save taxpayer dollars and allow more services to be delivered to more people. While we did make great progress in the area of construction defect reform, we made a little bit of headway with public employee collective bargaining and retirement benefits, but not enough to ensure that our unfunded liability in the latter doesn’t keep growing. Governor Sandoval threatened to veto a daily overtime bill that has been a priority of the business community for years (and is needed by employees who want more hours) and he actually vetoed two tort reform bills that would have protected innocent retailers and distributors from frivolous lawsuits. It is hard to understand why Republican leadership felt that they needed to trade away reforms in the above-mentioned areas to cajole Democrats into voting for a tax increase that they would have voted for anyway. And it is even harder to understand why those Republicans who voted for the revenue package didn’t demand more reforms for their vote. It is very hard for taxpayers to swallow having more money taken out of their pocket when we do not spend the dollars we currently take more efficiently.
this is your chamber! Let The Chamber be your partner for business. We deliver a strong return on your investment through a variety of resources and opportunities. With over 2,000 members, 200 volunteers and a full time staff of experts, we are the largest business organization in Northern Nevada. We advance your business through the power of connection, business referrals, discounts, regional promotion and sponsorship. Take control and be heard As a business person, you know that free enterprise is the foundation of a strong economy and a prosperous society. At The Chamber, we advocate for public policies that help your business thrive. We realize that economic growth and job creation don’t “just happen” and that is why The Chamber’s results oriented, pro-business advocacy efforts are so important to your business and the future of our community. Getting involved The Chamber offers a multitude of programs and committees that benefit our members as well as lead to growth within our business community. Join one of our councils and help shape policy, become an Ambassador and support new members or enroll in one of our many leadership classes and increase your knowledge and awareness of challenges facing our area. Let us help contribute to your personal and professional growth.
We should have been able to walk and chew gum at the same time, but the Legislature, in its zeal to pass a revenue and education reform package, never seemed to realize that they could have done so much more to improve the lives of business owners, and, by extension, their employees. Unfortunately, the new Nevada is too similar to the old Nevada. Except now, it’s a lot more expensive.
Networking Advancing your business through member to member connections, The Chamber hosts a variety of networking opportunities to help you gain that one-on-one advantage that help promote your business or product. • Chamber Mixers • Committee Participation • Membership Luncheons
• New Member Orientation • Biz Talk Blender • Ribbon Cuttings
• DIRECTIONS • The Morning Spark
Marketing & Promotion Membership offers outstanding marketing opportunities to get your message out. Let other members know what makes your product or service unique through an array of opportunities. • Directory Listing & Links on Website • New Member Listings • Social Media New Member Promotion • Sponsorships
• Business Referral • Email New Member Promotion • Member Events Calendar
• Directory Listing • Chamber Lobby Advertising • Custom Publication Advertising
Events & Sponsorship Looking to build your brand? Sponsoring a chamber event helps you reach a key business to business demographic and community leaders. • Annual Golf Tournament • Chamber 101
• B.E.S.T. Kids Program • DIRECTIONS
• Monthly Luncheons • Biz Talk Blender
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CHAMBER CONNECTION | JULY 2015
message from the executive director 775-636-9550 | www.thechambernv.org
OFFICERS: Sarah Sommers – Chair of the Board Solutions At Work Jim McClenahan – Past Chair UNR College of Business Danny DeLaRosa – Chair Elect United Federal Credit Union Mike Hix – Treasurer First Independent Bank Len Stevens – Executive Director The Chamber BOARD MEMBERS: Nik Antone Wells Fargo Josh Bartella Microsoft Greg Boyer Renown Health Tim Crowley Crowley & Ferrato Public Affairs Estella Gutierrez TMCC Bill Hughes Peppermill Doug Knuth UNR Athletics Kimberly Kuntz Noble Studios Helen Lidholm Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center John Maher Reno-Gazette Journal Dennis McGovern Legends at Sparks Marina Marily Mora Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Alan Olive Northern Nevada Medical Center Ann Silver JOIN, Inc. Kris Wells AT&T Abbi Whitaker The Abbi Agency Steve Wolstenholme Grand Sierra Resort Brad Woodring NV Energy
I hope that you are all enjoying the summer. July, August and September provide so many activities in our community. Let’s be sure to give a warm welcome to all of our visitors who travel here for our events. A reminder that The Chamber will host the annual Golf Tournament on July 17th. Check out our website (TheChamberNV.org) for all the details. We only have a few player spots left for the tournament. July also starts the second half of the year. Our outstanding board of directors has accomplished a great deal during the first six months and are constantly working to enhance value to our members. Their dedication, commitment and involvement to The Chamber has been exhilarating. In the coming months you will see movement in workforce development, as well as a NEW Young Entrepreneurs Academy and a NEW Business Summit. These new programs are designed to grow and develop our region’s economic vitality – STAY TUNED!
chamber member spotlight
CHAMBER BOARD
I want to thank the Board for being forward-thinking in addressing the needs of our business community. I also want to thank our members for their support through involvement and sponsorships of our events and programs. So far, we have had a great six months of membership growth, welcoming 184 new members to The Chamber. I am looking forward to our continued success in providing even more value to our members during the rest of 2015! If you are not yet a member of The Chamber, we would love to talk with you about joining the over 2,000 businesses that CHOOSE CHAMBER!
Members are the heart of United Federal Credit Union They come to us from all walks of life and in various stages of financial health. With millions of dollars at stake, you’d expect a financial institution to only welcome fiscally strong customers and turn away folks who are going through tougher times. You probably know someone who has felt anxious at the mere thought of having to get a loan or credit approval: “If I could get on the right track, I could make a better future for my family. But why would they want to help me? I’ve made too many mistakes for anyone to give me a chance.” We see this story unfold every day at United Federal Credit Union. The situations and details vary, but the concept is the same. Oftentimes, a Member who views UFCU as their advisor recommends us to a friend who needs financial guidance. Why is this story familiar? Because we have a community in need. Many people faced difficult decisions during the recent economic collapse. Others just made mistakes and are now in difficult positions. The good news is,
Len Stevens, Executive Director, The Chamber
no matter the situation, there is a reason for hope—a simple philosophy known as people helping people. UFCU and other credit unions around the country live this mantra. But at United, we also have the UFCU Difference. Our products alone are not why people choose UFCU or why we continue to grow and invest in local communities. The bigger value to our membership is our purpose—to partner with Members and share the benefits. With our help, Members increase their financial education and prosperity so they can meet their goals and realize their life’s dreams. Take the opportunity to stop by a branch soon and experience for yourself what makes UFCU different.
Interested in the Spotlight Section? Contact Joy at The Chamber, (775) 636-9560.
LIAISONS: Steve Anderson EDAWN Joe Bozsik YPN Cadin Fabbi UNR ASUN Heather Lunsford Leadership Reno Sparks
Thank you to our 2015 Corporate Sponsors for your involvement and support of The Chamber.
Windy Culver Molezzo Leadership Reno Sparks Steve Stegmeir Chamber Ambassadors Kris Wells WIN CHAMBER STAFF: Len Stevens Executive Director Tray Abney Director of Government Relations Joy Heuer Community & Information Manager Jennifer Jones Finance/Administration Manager Susan Robinson Events Coordinator Leslie Masterpool Programs Coordinator Sandy Ammerman Membership Relations Laurie Pettyjohn Membership Sales Angela Magner Membership Sales
upcoming events
Linda Meissen Realtors
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 8 Brown Bag Lunch with MarkUBiz Social Media Conversions 11:30am-12:30pm The Chamber Office @ 449 S. Virginia FREE; RSVP required Please visit http://markubiz.com/events/
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Come join the Chamber as we learn more about the exciting trips planned for 2016! We will have light appetizers and wine/beer samples for you to enjoy. Click on the flyers below to learn more about each trip!
FRIDAY, JULY 17 2015 Chamber Golf Tournament 8:00am Shot Gun Start Red Hawk Golf and Resort 6600 N. Wingfield Parkway Sparks, NV 89436 Enjoy a great day on the greens! Get into the competitive spirit with our Annual Chamber Golf Tournament, a fun and competitive tournament held every summer. With a full flight of players competing in a 4-man scramble format, players enjoy quite a day with hole-in-one prizes, skill games, raffles, and more. Registration includes breakfast, lunch, green fee, cart, golf gift, and goody bag.
THURSDAY, JULY 30 Chamber Travel Presentations — Costa Rica & Ireland The Chamber Office @ 449 S. Virginia
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For more information on any of these events, please visit www.TheChamberNV.org
CHAMBER CONNECTION | JULY 2015
APRIL
new members
JW Meeting Solutions, LLC Julia Willmott • (775) 525-3184 10770 Summer Glen Dr. • Reno, NV 89521 Keller Williams Group One Realty - Jalon Woodard Jalon Woodard • (775) 501-2185 10539 Professional Circle • Reno, NV 89521
AC/DC Bike Camp Kevin McBean • (775) 346-2453 Reno, NV 89501 Anytime Fitness Greg Kudrna • (509) 554-0439 6370 Mae Anne Ave., Ste 3, 4 & 5 • Reno, NV 89523 Apartment Guide Suzanne Richter • (888) 893-8942 561 Keystone PMB 332 • Reno, NV 89509 Avison Young Jamie Nelson • (775) 332-7303 6151 Lakeside Dr., Ste 1000 • Reno, NV 89511 Bella Four Bakery, Inc. Nancy Rodriguez • (775) 883-2253 9460 Double R Blvd., Ste 200 • Reno, NV 89521 Best Buy - Legends Richard Striplin • (775) 352-3439 1315 Scheels Dr. • Sparks, NV 89434 Best Buy - Reno Dylan Kelley • (775) 448-9797 5575 S. Virginia St. • Reno, NV 89502 Best Buy - Sparks Sarah Batzloff • (775) 626-8080 155 Los Altos Pkwy. • Sparks, NV 89436 Brady Industries Brian Cottrell • (775) 398-4620 150 E. Greg St., Ste 106 • Sparks, NV 89431 Burnett Electric, Inc. Jim Burnett • (775) 391-8022 1215 Kleppe Ln #10 • Sparks, NV 89431 Challenge Island Reno-Sparks Jennifer Rasmussen • (775) 843-2118 4089 Royal Sage Drive • Reno, NV 89503 Clean Masters Derek Sine • (775) 453-6309 5450 Riggins Ct., Ste. 3 • Reno, NV 89502 Collette Jay Fehan • (401) 727-9000 505 Scala Pl • Lincoln, CA 95648 Concours Body Shop Gil Grieve • (775) 329-4557 240 Telegraph St. • Reno, NV 89502 Desert Pacific Exploration, Inc. Naomi Duerr • (775) 825-8215 1680 Greenfield Drive • Reno, NV 89509 Doors to Recovery Cricket Dundas • (775) 360-5672 4090 Goodsell Lane • Reno, NV 89523 Employer Business Solutions, LLC Connie Fent • (775) 544-3368 1575 Delucchi Lane #115-39 • Reno, NV 89502 Freedom Mortgage Patrick Thomas • (702) 755-3217 10801 W. Charleston Blvd., Ste 560 • Las Vegas, NV 89135 Grampy’s Vanessa Smith • (775) 626-3600 222 Los Altos Blvd. • Sparks, NV 89436 Grampy’s Vanessa Smith • (775) 356-1535 1125 N. McCarran Blvd., Ste 101 • Sparks, NV 89431 Heather Baxter, M.D. - Individual Membership Heather Baxter • (775) 750-9839 1209 Corporate Blvd • Reno, NV 89502
Keller Williams Group One Sparks - Michael Hays Mike Hays • (775) 336-3800 5050 Vista Blvd, Ste 105 • Sparks, NV 89436 Keller Williams Group One Sparks - Staci Nauman Staci Nauman • (775) 336-3800 5050 Vista Blvd, Ste 105 • Sparks, NV 89436 L Lance Gilman Commercial Real Estate Services Jennifer Barnes • (775) 842-7910 420 USA Pkwy, Suite 106 • McCarran, NV 89434 Michael’s Reno Powersports John Giambastiani • (775) 825-8680 10828 S. Virginia St. • Reno, NV 89511 Paul Mitchell the School, Reno Jennifer Swenson • (775) 284-2901 1600 Holcomb Ave • Reno, NV 89502 Polo Lounge Tim Ferguson • (775) 322-8864 1559 S. Virginia St. • Reno, NV 89502
Brookdale - Sparks
Nothern Nevada JobConnect
Brookdale - Vista
The Jungle
IMBIB
Villas at Keystone
Preferred Networks Inc Karen James • (775) 847-4000 PO Box 877 • Virginia City, NV 89440 Reno Auto Wrecking Rick Anderson • (775) 329-8671 2429 W. 4th St. • Reno, NV 89523 Rise Academy for Adult Achievement Victor Sherbondy • (775) 337-9939 1301 Cordone Ave., Ste 200 • Reno, NV 89512 Sierra Nevada Ballet Nicholas-Martin Kearney • (775) 247-4928 21 Heath Circle • Reno, NV 89509 Sierra Nevada CRS Fred McElroy • (775) 742-1966 Reno, NV 89519 Squeeze In - Northwest Reno Shila Morris • (775) 787-2700 5020 Las Brisas Blvd., Ste A5 • Reno, NV 89523 Squeeze In - South Reno Shila Morris • (775) 853-6090 25 Foothill Rd. • Reno, NV 89511 Squeeze In - Sparks Shila Morris • (775) 626-0100 4670 Sparks Blvd. • Sparks, NV 89436 Sterling Health Plans Brian Rothe • (775) 826-4194 3785 Baker Ln., Ste. 102 • Reno, NV 89509 Tahoe Sierra Aesthetic Laser Jeff Camp • (530) 582-3665 10956 Donner Pass Rd., #120 • Truckee, CA 96161 Tahoe Sierra Eye & Optical Jeff Camp • (530) 582-3667 10956 Donner Pass Rd., #120 • Truckee, CA 96161 Tahoe Tattoo Removal Jeff Camp • (530) 582-3664 10956 Donner Pass Rd., #120 • Truckee, CA 96161 TapSnap1156 Tim Atwell • (775) 453-4720 216 Lemmon Valley Drive • Reno, NV 89506 Tholl Fence Gina Bonar • (775) 358-8680 800 Glendale Ave. • Sparks, NV 89431 Wimmer Solutions Stacy Silva • (775) 823-5600 6160 Plumas St., Ste 200 • Reno, NV 89519 Zulily Josh Krueger • (775) 473-1661 3200 USA Parkway • McCarran, NV 89434
Holland & Hart LLP James Newman • (775) 327-3000 5441 Kietzke Ln., 2nd Fl. • Reno, NV 89511
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ribbon cuttings
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CHAMBER CONNECTION | JULY 2015
2015 Chamber Board of Directors The Chamber is proud and fortunate to have a diverse Board of Directors that has the interests of our membership top of mind. The Chamber board meets once a month to discuss business trends, policies and value of membership. The board works to ensure that the interests of the broad business community are taken into account and that the services the Chamber offers matter to YOU. The Chamber is our membership and our Board represents you. Below please find the 2015 Chamber Board of Directors: Officers • Sarah Sommers, Chair - Solutions at Work • Danny DeLaRosa, Chair Elect - United Federal Credit Union • Mike Hix, Treasurer - First Independent Bank • Jim McClenahan, Past Chair - UNR College of Business • Kimberly Kuntz - Noble Studios • Kris Wells - AT&T Board Members • Abbi Whitaker, Abbi Agency • Alan Olive, Northern Nevada Medical Center • Ann Silver, JOIN, Inc. • Bill Hughes, Peppermill Casino Resort Spa • Brad Woodring, NV Energy • Dennis McGovern, Legends at Sparks Marina • Doug Knuth, UNR Athletics • Estella Gutierrez, Truckee Meadows Community College • Greg Boyer, Renown • Helen Lidholm, Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center • John Maher, Reno Gazette-Journal • Josh Bartella, Microsoft • Marily Mora, Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority • Nik Antone, Wells Fargo • Tim Crowley, Crowley and Ferrato Public Affairs • Steve Wolstenholme, Grand Sierra Resort Liaisons • Joe Bozsik, Young Professional Liaison UNR College of Engineering • Linda Meissen, Realtors Association Liaison Re/Max Affiliates • Steve Stegmeir, Ambassador Liaison - ActionCOACH • Steven Anderson, EDAWN Liaison RBC Wealth Management • Kris Wells, WIN Liaison - AT&T • Windy Culver-Molezzo, Leadership Council Liaison Hometown Health • Heather Lunsford, Leadership Council Liaison Carrara Nevada
GREAT NEWS!
Chamber Members can now receive the significant savings of the Chamber Office Depot Program in the OfficeMax Retail Stores. Print your store purchasing card and go to any Office Depot OfficeMax retail store to receive discounts of up to 60% from a list of 650 commonly-purchased business essentials including paper, ink and toner. You can also save up to 70% on your copy and print needs and 40% off finishing. We encourage you to look into this program and see what it can offer you. Join the Chamber Program today! www.saveatofficedepot.com/thechambernv