APRIL 2015
www.thechambernv.org
The Chamber is honored to announce the 2015 Raymond I. Smith recipient is the Ascuaga family For so many years, the Ascuaga family John, Michonne and Stephen WAS Sparks. John built the Nugget from a small coffee shop to the destination resort that it is today. They provided jobs for thousands of people over five decades and put food on tables all across our region. John and the rest of the family could always be seen “walking the floor” and chatting with their employees and guests. The Ascuagas provided support for many local charities and created staple community events, such as the Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-Off and other opportunities to bring the people of our area together.
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.
The Ascuaga family and the Nugget were beyond generous when it came to education scholarships for Northern Nevada’s youth. Combined giving totaled $720,000 over the 58 years the scholarship program was in place. John was honored with the Raymond I. Smith award for his service to the community in 1983. His son, Stephen, was on the Board of Directors for The Chamber from 2011 to 2014 and was instrumental in starting The Chamber’s Member Value Committee and the Choose Chamber initiative. Join us in honoring and thanking the Ascuaga family at The Chamber Recognition Lunch on May 13, 2015 at the Peppermill. See page 4 for details on the lunch.
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 | APRIL 2015
message from the executive director 775-636-9550 | www.thechambernv.org CHAMBER BOARD 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
As you read this, we are about halfway through the Nevada Legislative Session in Carson City. You are being represented there every day by Tray Abney, our Director of Government Relations. He is fighting on your behalf on a wide range of issues, from daily overtime laws to wage garnishments to fairness for all contractors to frivolous lawsuits. We had an early success with construction defect and school construction measures and things are moving forward on revising the eight-hour daily overtime law and on reforming the Public Employee Retirement System. We have a laser-like focus on government spending and efficiency reform and have been busy advocating for changes to the public employee collective bargaining process, transparency for government contracts, supporting the creation of an inspector-general for state government, and ensuring that we take advantage of all federal funds that we are eligible for.
Of course, the Governor’s tax proposal is grabbing headlines and we are analyzing that to determine what effect it will have on you, our members. We will be looking at all tax proposals to measure how they impact our economic vitality and our ability to create jobs. I urge you to contact Tray directly if you have any concerns or questions about what is happening in Carson City. He is more effective when he can relay how a bill specifically affects a business owner. Be sure that you are receiving Tray’s Weekly Report from the Capital emails every Friday. Contact our office if you want to receive this exclusive inside look of your government at work. His contact information can be found on our website at www.thechambernv.org. Len Stevens, Executive Director, The Chamber
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 LIAISONS: Steve Anderson EDAWN Joe Bozsik YPN Windy Culver Molezzo Leadership Reno Sparks Heather Lunsford Leadership Reno Sparks Linda Meissen Realtors Jake Pereira UNR ASUN Steve Stegmeir Chamber Ambassadors Kris Wells WIN
chamber member spotlight
Tim Crowley Crowley & Ferrato Public Affairs
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Len Stevens Executive Director Tray Abney Director of Government Relations
Jennifer Jones Finance/Administration Manager
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Susan Robinson Events Coordinator Leslie Masterpool Programs Coordinator Sandy Ammerman Membership Relations
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Laurie Pettyjohn Membership Sales Angela Magner Membership Sales Varney Padgett Membership Sales Maria Martinez Intern from UNR
NOTE
The Value of Hiring Employees with Disabilities •
National studies show that people with disabilities make excellent employees. They have equal or higher performance, retention and attendance ratings, as compared to other employees. But not all employers know how to effectively recruit and retain such individuals. VR Nevada, a Division of the Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, makes it simple by connecting employers with reliable and qualified job applicants who can help drive business success. This valuable service is FREE of charge. VR Nevada Makes it Easy to Recruit and Retain Employees with Disabilities
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VR Nevada meets with employers to determine specific recruitment requirements and refers prescreened, qualified job candidates matching those requirements. Assistance to employers includes work readiness skills development, customized on-the-job training strategies, guidance and technical assistance, and assessments of assistive technology needs. VR Nevada provides quality support throughout the recruiting process, and comprehensive follow-up services. VR Nevada has provided competitive edge staffing solutions in these industries and many more: Health Care/Medical Services, Tourism, Gaming & Entertainment, Information Technology, Retail & Customer Service, and Manufacturing.
Employees with disabilities have high levels of performance, retention and attendance. Employers can tap into a diverse talent pool. Employees with disabilities bring unique experiences and understanding that transform a workplace and enhance products and services. Employers can create diversity in the workplace and a culture of inclusion. Over 350,000 Nevada customers with disabilities and their families purchase products and services from employers that hire people with disabilities just like them. Employers turn diversity into business opportunities and those opportunities into lower costs, higher revenues and increased profits.
Contact VR Nevada 775-823-8110 Ken Pierson, Business Development Manager 775-687-6871 Mechelle Merrill, Vocational Rehabilitation Chief mwmerrill@nvdetr.org Janice John, Deputy Administrator Program Services jajohn@nvdetr.org VRNevada.org
upcoming events
CHAMBER STAFF:
Joy Heuer Community & Information Manager
Looking for Talented Employees? VR Nevada Can Help.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 Brown Bag Lunch with MarkUBiz Off-Site SEO – Cheaper Costs You More 11:30am-12:30pm The Chamber Office @ 449 S. Virginia FREE; RSVP required Please visit http://markubizseminars.com TUESDAY, APRIL 14 Morning Spark 7:30-9:00am The Chamber Office @ 449 S. Virginia $5 for Members / $25 for Non-Members RSVP required THURSDAY, APRIL 30 Alive After 5 — Trip Around the World (see page 4 for more details) The Chamber Office @ 449 S. Virginia FREE; Please RSVP For more information on any of these events, please visit www.TheChamberNV.org
Thank you to our 2015 Corporate Sponsors for your involvement and support of The Chamber.
CHAMBER CONNECTION | APRIL 2015
FEBRUARY
new members
Reno Business Interiors Grace Moore • (775) 786-2700 427 Ridge St., Ste. D • Reno, NV 89501 Reno Sunrise Rotary Club Ron Rehn • (775) 322-1863 PO Box 11456 • Reno, NV 89510 Saunders Outdoor Advertising Mark Courting • (775) 343-5337 Reno, NV 89523
Adventure Scuba Center Amy Hagen • (775) 826-5333 4084 Kietzke Lane • Reno, NV 89502
Scott Horejsi (775) 250-3289 16145 Galena Meadows Dr. • Reno, NV 89511
Ascensus College Savings Lisa Connor • (775) 851-4357 59 Damonte Ranch Pkwy., Ste. B214 • Reno, NV 89521
Seven Troughs Distilling Co. Thomas Adams • (775) 219-9403 1155 Watson Way #5 • Sparks, NV 89431
Asian Noodles Ervin Frank • (775) 828-7227 1290 I East Plumb Ln. • Reno, NV 89502
Sutton Hague Law Corporation Yvette Estrada • (775) 284-2770 9600 Gateway Dr., Ste. 100 • Reno, NV 89521
Bender Group Jared Lindwall • (775) 788-8800 345 Parr Circle • Reno, NV 89512
Talent Framework Rob Skinner • (775) 322-5004 5596 Longley Lane • Reno, NV 89511
bioPower10 Mary Antrim • (775) 360-5554 4796 Caughlin Pkwy #104 • Reno, NV 89519
The Club at ArrowCreek Jayson Petersen • (775) 850-4471 2905 ArrowCreek Parkway • Reno, NV 89511
Chris O’Sullivan (775) 232-2767 • Reno, NV 89521
Triggers Boutique Susan Heberger • (775) 420-5087 15 Foothill Rd., Ste 3 • Reno, NV 89501
Clear Line Connect Raluca Bogdan • (775) 376-2572 150 Country Estates Cir., Ste 109 • Reno, NV 89511 Coldwell Banker Thuy Tran • (775) 250-1417 1170 S. Rock Blvd. • Reno, NV 89502 Consign Appliance Joe Kennish • (775) 358-4450 155 Glendale Ave. • Sparks, NV 89431 Depot Craft Brewery Distillery Justin Stafford • (775) 737-4330 325 E. 4th St. • Reno, NV 89512 Dickson Realty Jennifer Arthur • (775) 657-0877 500 Damonte Ranch Pkwy #625 • Reno, NV 89521 Edward Jones Ronette Santos • (775) 825-3788 3740 Lakeside Dr., Ste 100 • Reno, NV 89509 Ferrari Public Affairs Chris Ferrari • (702) 574-8781 4741 Caughlin Pkwy., Ste 2 • Reno, NV 89519 Grand Canyon University Galen Hopkinson • (775) 232-3251 3300 West Camelback Rd. • Phoenix, AZ 85017
ribbon cuttings
Famous Dave’s
United Federal Credit Union at Summit Mall
United Federal Credit Union inside WalMart on Kietzke
Big Brothers Big Sisters Donation Drop Off
Villa Donato George Pinski • (775) 432-1085 725 S. Center St. • Reno, NV 89501 Washoe County Casa Foundation Franz Braun • (775) 574-8820 PO Box 948 • Reno, NV 89504 Wright Nevada Angela Wright • (775) 870-9245 4855 Summit Ridge Dr • Reno, NV 89523 Z Bar Kenneth Flippen • (775) 348-1723 1074 S. Virginia St. • Reno, NV 89501
GREAT NEWS!
Marketing Tip of the Month
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.
People are talking about you online, do you know it? Are you responding? Your online reputation is critical. Did you know that 85% of people read online reviews to determine a business’ quality AND they trust online reviews as much as a personal friend? You need to proactively ask for reviews and manage them on the major review platforms (Google, Facebook,Yelp!, etc...).
We encourage you to look into this program and see what it can offer you.
Hearthstone of Northern Nevada Lindsey Gay • (775) 626-2224 1950 Baring Blvd. • Sparks, NV 89434
Join the Chamber Program today! www.saveatofficedepot.com/thechambernv
Henriksen Butler Ian Anderson • (775) 323-3023 211 W. 1st St. • Reno, NV 89501
Men Wielding Fire, Inc. Jack Lyons • (775) 324-3473 1537 S. Virginia St. • Reno, NV 89502 Micone Staffing Resources, Inc. Michael Micone • (702) 339-1113 714 Jones St. • Reno, NV 89503
MRD Global Foundation Olivia Tearnan • (775) 848-2224 4790 Caughlin Pkwy #160 • Reno, NV 89519 My Hearing Centers Mark Butler • (775) 624-9540 6490 S. McCarran Blvd., Bldg D1 Ste 31 • Reno, NV 89509 Neuro Sense Consulting Susan Strating • (775) 884-3000 674 Buzzy’s Ranch Rd. • Carson City, NV 89701
Morning Spark The Morning Spark is a morning business class/presentation for members and busy professionals. The Morning Spark is put on by Chamber members, ensuring highly acclaimed speakers who share the latest business trends, training and development with fellow members. The Morning Spark is a business development & training program designed for professionals and business owners on the go.
Information Date & April 14: SCORE: Legal Updates and Best Practices for Small Businesses Kerry Eaton & Bonnie Drinkwater of Drinkwater Law Offices topics: Val Clark of Clark & Associates and Solutions At Work
June 9: 11 Ways to Double Customer Base in 4 Weeks Steve Stegmeir; ActionCoach
Nevada Sign Association Patti King • (702) 286-2864 17235 N. 75th Ave., Ste D-145 • Glendale, AZ 85308 North Star Online School Cambria Miller • (775) 348-0326 350 Hunter Lake Dr. • Reno, NV 89509 Pioneer Nut Company Jon Murphy • (775) 343-1880 2999 Waltham Way • Sparks, NV 89431 Prologistix Brad Stewart • (775) 323-4888 5580 Mill St., Ste 100 • Reno, NV 89502 ProSpinal Inc. Jerilyn Cox • (775) 284-4900 10635 Professional Cir., Ste B • Reno, NV 89521
MarkUBiz.com 888-354-6196 We get you business, because we get your business!
ITS Logistics, Inc. Dan Allen • (775) 358-5300 620 Spice Island Dr. • Sparks, NV 89431
Movement Mortgage Patrick Winchell • (775) 562-1027 10663 Professional Circle, Ste. B • Reno, NV 89521
Take Action! • Implement a process to ask happy customers to review you. • Setup a time on your calendar to check the major review sites and respond to ALL reviews. Remember, always be positive!
August 8: Protecting, Managing & Marketing your On-Line Reputation Kelly Smith; WebSmith Group
October 13: Establishing a Business Succession Plan
David Chaidez; Chaidez & Associates
November 10: Privacy Mandates & Regulations: What Applies to You
Barry Johnson; Dara Security
Time:
7:30AM to 9:00AM
Location: The Chamber 449 S. Virginia St. Reno RSVP:
TheChamberNV.org
NOTE: payment due day of event
Price
Members: $5.00 Non Members: $25.00
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CHAMBER CONNECTION | APRIL 2015
B.E.S.T. Kids 2015 Through the B.E.S.T. Kids (Business Education Skills Training) is The Chamber’s annual middle school student recognition program. Top students are chosen by school faculty and The Chamber honors them and their families. Find out how The Chamber has honored Washoe County School District students for almost 22 years and see how you can participate in this amazing program. This year there are 325 middle school students from 4 Sparks middle schools and 8 Reno middle schools participating in the B.E.S.T. Kids program. This year’s students are from Clayton, Dilworth, Mendive, O’Brien, Swope, Shaw, Sparks, Vaughn, Cold Springs, Depoali, Traner and Billinghurst Middle Schools. The 2015 B.E.S.T. Kids t-shirt was designed by Alexis Cuevas, who is in 8th grade at Sparks Middle School.
The kids took field trips to Aces Ballpark in midMarch. They were treated to the “Home Run Tour” where the students were exposed to a backstage look at what it entails to run a sporting enterprise, and received many presentations from the various employees of different departments at the Aces. The emphasis of the tour was to show why their academic skills are so invaluable to getting and keeping a successful career or the ability to run their own business. Sponsors of the B.E.S.T. Kids program for 2015 are Rail City Casino, United Federal Credit Union, Model Dairy, Frontier Financial, EBARA, Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows and Port of Subs. The celebration Bar-B-Que will take place on April 22nd at the Boys and Girls 9th street site.
Harold (Hal) LeRoy Plummer February 15, 1936 - March 2, 2015 On March 2, 2015, Hal left this earth the same way he lived life, with peace and dignity passing into the arms of the Lord. The cause of death was Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis - a lung disease that has no apparent cause. Hal was a third generation Nevadan that was born on February 15, 1936, in Fallon, NV. Hal was blessed to spend time with the people he loved, especially his loving wife and best friend
of the past 30 years, Janice. His children and grandchildren and other dear relatives and friends were able to visit with him over the past several months at his home, which pleased him greatly. Hal served as Reno Chamber of Commerce Board Chair from 1989-1990. The Chamber Board of Directors appreciates his dedication to the business community and The Chamber.
THE CHAMBER
2015 Annual Recognition Awards May 13, 2015
Join Us at the Peppermill Hotel Casino 11:30am to 1:00pm
Alive After 5
Trip Around the World The Chamber invites you to Alive After 5! For this event The Chamber has partnered with fellow members for sampling of eats, treats and sips from around the world. Bring your business cards AND guests and come join us for networking and making new connections!
Chamber Members $30
Tickets
Table of 8 $240
Non-Chamber Members $50
Raymond I Smith Award Ascuaga Family Non-Profit of the Year Award
This award recognizes a non-profit organization that has had a significant impact on the community in the previous year.
Community Spirit Award
This award recognizes a business that has used their organization to make a difference in the community.
AWARD SPONSOR
PROGRAM SPONSOR
Business of the Year Award
DATE: Thursday, April 30, 2015 TIME: 5pm to 6:30pm LOCATION: The Chamber, 449 South Virginia St. Eats, Treats and Beverages Sponsored By:
This award recognizes a business that demonstrated sustained success and has also established their business as an integral support of the community.
Member of the Year Award
This award recognizes a Chamber member that has demonstrated sustained support of the Chamber through service and participation. Questions? Contact The Chamber at Info@TheChamberNV.org or (775) 636-9550
www.TheChamberNV.org
This is a FREE event for Chamber Members Please RSVP at TheChamberNV.org or call (775) 636-9552.