www.thechambernv.orgFEBRUARY 2014

PREMIERISSUE

�014 Chamber Board

Announced

Chamber Says Goodbye to

Lynn Tackman

Chamber’sGovernmentRelations —

Your Businessis Our Business

Not-to-MissChamber Events

A Warm Welcome to our Newest Members

O N N E C T I O N

� CHAMBER CONNECTION | FEBRUARY �014

“I have participated in Sutton Hatmaker’s Monthly Webinars for several years and I would strongly rec-ommend them to any employer that is looking for brief, relevant, cost-effective, well-prepared and easy to understand employment law training on cur-rent issues facing businesses and employers. Brett and Susan do an amazing job.”

Gary Gannon, CFO / HRBS, MBA, PHR, PHR-CATurner Security Systems, Inc.

Seminars are generally scheduled for the first Wednesday each month from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (PST)**

Individual Seminar Cost: $45

Entire Year Subscription Cost: $540.00

Early Registration Discount $350 for the 12 month series ($190 sav-ings). Deadline for dis-count is January 7, 2014.

To Register: Call Laura Dakin at (775) 284-2770 or email laura@suttonhatmaker.com

* Topics and dates aresubject to change

** Schedule exceptions

***Extended program

Employers, owners, managers, accountants, attorneys, and human resource professionals stay informed with up-to-date information on important Nevada employment law issues.

Schedule of Topics*:

Participate from any touchtone phone and submit questions during the program.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabili-ties Act, those requiring special assistance to par-ticipate in the webinar, including but not limited to closed captioning for the hearing impaired, is available upon request. Notification at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the presentation will ena-ble us to provide the ap-propriate auxiliary aids and services.

January 9 Nevada Employment and Labor (Thursday) Law Update**February 5 Obamacare for Employers ***Special 90 minute programMarch 5 Workplace Safety UpdateApril 3 Common Handbook Mistakes**(Thursday)

May 7 EEOC UpdateJune 5 Important FMLA Issues**(Thursday)July 3 Mid-Year Legal Update Including (Thursday) the Hottest Wage and Hour Issues**August 6 ADA Case Studies including the “Poor Attendance Employee”September 3 Workplace InvestigationsOctober 1 Workers’ Compensation UpdateNovember 5 Hiring and Firing Compliance IssuesDecember 3 Workplace Violence and Psychological Issues

www.suttonhatmaker.com

HRCI and State Bar of Nevada Continuing Edu-cation Credit Pending on all Programs.

NOTICE: THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT!

3CHAMBER CONNECTION | FEBRUARY �014

Aswemoveforwardandbegin2014withgreatoptimism,it’seasytogetinundatedwithchange.BetweenNewYear’sresolutionsandeveryone

jumpingonthehabitbreakingbandwagon,it’seasytoseehowchangecanseemdauntingandoverwhelming.Well,I’mheretotellyouifitisn’tbrokedon’tfixit!AstheExecutiveDirectorofTheChamber,Ipromisetoneverchangebutonlyimprovethewonderfulopportunitiesandofferingsthechamberhasbuiltitscorefoundationon. During2013,weworkedhardtodevelopnewchamberinitiatives,goalsandenhancementsthankstothededicationofmanycommunityindividualswhoselflesslyworkedtoofferourmembersmoreopportunities.Together,wehavedefinitelyseenourshareofchange-changeinthenumberofbusinesseswearehonoredtoserve,changesinthenumberofeventswegettoconnectwithourmembersatandachangeintheincreasedamountofresourceswehavetooffer.Whenwelooktochange,westrivetoimproveouralreadyamazingbenefitsweoffer,increasetheresourcesandbusinessbuildingtoolsandprovideevenmoreprogramstodevelopyourworkforcethroughleadershipandeducation. Throughthisongoingchange,wehaveaddedmorestafftohelpactasliaisonsandresourcesforyourbusinesses.Westillcontinuetomovethroughthewebbingofgovernmentissuesthatimpactyourbusinessesthroughadvocacyandeducation.Ourmarketingandcommunicationshavegrownstrongerallowingyoumoreopportunitiestoshowcaseyourproductandbrandthroughsponsorshipandadvertising.Wecontinuetogrowthroughdiversityoutreachandavarietyofeventswhichhighlightthestrengthofonevoiceforbusiness.Wealsocontinuetoimpactthemanyissueswesupportsuchaseducation,economicdevelopmentandbusinessgrowthwithinNorthernNevada. Finally,let’snotforgettheongoingoutreachandcommunityinvolvementthatTheChamberencourages,supportsandparticipatesin.Thechangeshereareonlyintheamountofsupportfromourmembersthathelpmakeourcausesthatmuchmorevisibleandtheoutpouringofgenerositythatmuchmoreemotional.Ican’texpresstheamountofprideIfeelwhenIlookatwhatourChamberhastransformedintoinsuchashortamountoftime.Withthatbeingsaid,pleaseletmebethefirstonein2014tosay“thankyou”fornotchangingyourloyaltywithTheChamber.WhenIgiveyoumypledgethat2014isgoingtobeanamazingyearforTheChamber,ImeanthatweareYOURChamber,YOURvoiceandYOURrepresentation. Cheersto2014andwelookforwardtomovingforwardwithyou.

LenStevens,ExecutiveDirector,TheChamber

Cheersto2014andwelookforwardtomovingforward

LenStevens,ExecutiveDirector,TheChamber

CHAMBER BOARD

OFFICERS:

Jim McClenahan -Chairman of the Board

UNRCollegeofBusiness

Tim Ruffi n - Past ChairColliersInternational

Sarah Sommers - Chair ElectSolutionsatWork

Danny DeLaRosa - TreasurerUnitedFederalCreditUnion

Dennis McGovern- Business Advocacy

LegendsatSparksMarina

Cheri Hill - Events ChairSageInternationalInc.

Pete Copeland- Communications/PR ChairGreatRenoBalloonRace

Brad Woodring - EducationNVEnergy

Larry Hunt - MembershipBayerProperties,LLC

Todd Wilson - LeadershipBenefitResourceGroup

Len Stevens - Executive DirectorTheChamber

BOARDMEMBERS:

Stephen Ascuaga

Mike HixFirstIndependentBank

Alan OliveNorthernNevadaMedicalCenter

John BartellaMicrosoft

Bill HughesPeppermill

Lisa Speth-JonesWellsFargo

Chris BosseRenown

Megan Kiley

Kris WellsAT&T

Gina BrooksTheGlennGroup

Doug KnuthUNRAthletics

Abbi WhitakerTheAbbiAgency

Tammy Cantrelle-SmithMountainAmericaCreditUnion

Kimberly KuntzNobleStudios

Tim CrowleyNevadaMiningAssociation

John MaherReno-GazetteJournal

Audrey DamonteAltusInsurance

Pedro MartinezWashoeCountySchoolDistrict

Estella GutierrezTruckeeMeadows

CommunityCollege

Helen LidholmSaintMary’s

RegionalMedicalCenter

LIAISONS:

Joe Bozsik - Young Professionals NetworkUNRCollegeofEngineering

Mark Tulman - AmbassadorsNevadaAssociationofEmployers

Tina Iftiger - RenoTahoeAirportAuthority

Steve Anderson- EDAWNRBCWealthManagement

Linda Meissen - Realtors Association

PrudentialSierraNevadaProperties

CHAMBERSTAFF:

Len Stevens -ExecutiveDirector

Tray Abney - DirectorofGovernmentAffairs

Christi Quatro -DirectorofMarketing

&Communications

Jennifer Jones -ManagerofFinance&HR

Varney Padgett - AssociateDirectorofMembership

Laurie Pettyjohn -MembershipSales

Susan Robinson -SpecialEventsCoordinator

Sandy Ammerman -MembershipRepresentative

&CustomerService

Leslie Masterpool -ProgramsCoordinator

Joy Heuer - Retention&MarketingSpecialist

messagefromtheexecutivedirector

“I have participated in Sutton Hatmaker’s Monthly Webinars for several years and I would strongly rec-ommend them to any employer that is looking for brief, relevant, cost-effective, well-prepared and easy to understand employment law training on cur-rent issues facing businesses and employers. Brett and Susan do an amazing job.”

Gary Gannon, CFO / HRBS, MBA, PHR, PHR-CATurner Security Systems, Inc.

Seminars are generally scheduled for the first Wednesday each month from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (PST)**

Individual Seminar Cost: $45

Entire Year Subscription Cost: $540.00

Early Registration Discount $350 for the 12 month series ($190 sav-ings). Deadline for dis-count is January 7, 2014.

To Register: Call Laura Dakin at (775) 284-2770 or email laura@suttonhatmaker.com

* Topics and dates aresubject to change

** Schedule exceptions

***Extended program

Employers, owners, managers, accountants, attorneys, and human resource professionals stay informed with up-to-date information on important Nevada employment law issues.

Schedule of Topics*:

Participate from any touchtone phone and submit questions during the program.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabili-ties Act, those requiring special assistance to par-ticipate in the webinar, including but not limited to closed captioning for the hearing impaired, is available upon request. Notification at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the presentation will ena-ble us to provide the ap-propriate auxiliary aids and services.

January 9 Nevada Employment and Labor (Thursday) Law Update**February 5 Obamacare for Employers ***Special 90 minute programMarch 5 Workplace Safety UpdateApril 3 Common Handbook Mistakes**(Thursday)

May 7 EEOC UpdateJune 5 Important FMLA Issues**(Thursday)July 3 Mid-Year Legal Update Including (Thursday) the Hottest Wage and Hour Issues**August 6 ADA Case Studies including the “Poor Attendance Employee”September 3 Workplace InvestigationsOctober 1 Workers’ Compensation UpdateNovember 5 Hiring and Firing Compliance IssuesDecember 3 Workplace Violence and Psychological Issues

www.suttonhatmaker.com

HRCI and State Bar of Nevada Continuing Edu-cation Credit Pending on all Programs.

NOTICE: THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT!

775-636-9550|www.thechambernv.org

4 CHAMBER CONNECTION | FEBRUARY �014

chambernews

TheChamberannouncestheelectionof15newboardmembersaswellasthere-electionof21boardmembersfor2014.The36memberboardrepresentsover2000memberbusinessesintheNorthernNevadaregionincludingFortune500companiesaswellasmidandsmalllocalentrepreneurs.Theboardwillhelpsetpolicyfortheorganizationaswellassupportmembershipgrowthanddiversity.

New to the Board of Directors are:

Danny DeLaRosa-Treasurer,UnitedFederalCreditUnionTodd Wilson-BusinessLeadership,BenefitResourceGroupMike Hix-FirstIndependentBankAlan Olive-NorthernNevadaMedicalCenterJohn Bartella-MicrosoftBill Hughes-PeppermillCasinoResortSpaKris Wells-AT&TDoug Knuth-UniversityofNevadaAthleticsAbbi Whitaker-TheAbbiAgencyKimberly Kuntz-NobleStudiosTim Crowley-NevadaMiningAssociationPedro Martinez-WashoeCountySchoolDistrictJoe Bozsik-YoungProfessionalsNetworkLiaison, UniversityofNevadaCollegeofEngineeringMark Tulman-AmbassadorLiaison,NevadaAssociationofEmployersSteve Anderson-EDAWNLiaison,RBCWealthManagement

Re-elected Board Members include:

Jim McClenahan-Chair-UniversityofNevadaCollegeofBusinessTim Ruffin-PastChair,ColliersInternationalSara Sommers-ChairElect,SolutionsatWorkDennis McGovern-BusinessAdvocacyChair,LegendsatSparksMarinaCheri Hill-EventsChair,SageInternational,Inc.Pete Copeland-PR/CommunicationsChair,GreatRenoBalloonRacesBradley Woodring-EducationChair,NVEnergyLarry Hunt-MembershipChair,BayerProperties-TheSummitSierraStephen AscuagaLisa Speth-Jones-WellsFargoChris Bosse-RenownHealthMegan KileyGina Brooks-TheGlennGroupTammy Cantrelle-Smith-MountainAmericaCreditUnionJohn Maher-RenoGazette-JournalAudrey Damonte-AltusInsuranceEstella Gutierrez-TruckeeMeadowsCommunityCollegeHelen Lidholm-SaintMary’sRegionalMedicalCenterTina Iftiger-AirportLiaison,RenoTahoeAirportAuthorityLinda Meissen-RealtorsAssociationLiaison, PrudentialSierraNevadaProperties

Chamber Welcomes �014 Board of Directors

Lynn Tackman retires from

Chamber after serving over

�6 years with The Chamber

WewouldliketoCongratulateLynnTackman,ExecutiveAssistantandSpecialEventsCoordinatorfortheChamberonherJanuary17thretirementaftermorethan26yearsofservicewiththeorganization.Duringhertenure,LynnhaswatchedTheChambergrowfromasmallcommunity-basedchambertotheregionalChamberitistoday.WeaskedLynntosharesomeinsightastohowthisjourneybeganandsomeofherpersonalmemories:

How did you get started with The Chamber?

IwasworkingatCoeurExplorations,aminingcompanybasedoutofCoeurd’Lane,Idaho.ThecorporateofficehaddecidedtoclosetheSparkslocation,soIhadsixmonthstoclosetheofficeforthemandlookforanewposition.ThepositionofadministrativeassistantfortheSparksCommunityChamberofCommercewasadvertisedintheRenoGazette-Journalhelpwantedads.IwashiredandmyfirstdayofworkwasAugust10th,1987.IhadreceivedmyAssociatesofAppliedScienceOfficeAdministrationtheprioryear.TheSparksChamberneededtocomeintothe20thcenturytechnology.Theydidnothaveacomputer,onlyanantiquatedelectronictypewriter.Thefirstfewyearstherewereonlytwoemployees,myselfandDonJohnstonwastheexecutivedirector. Withinthefirstsixweeks,theboardofdirectorsapprovedthepurchaseofacomputerandprinter,plusapostagemeter,andthenewtechnologyatthattimea“fax”machine.

continuedonpage13

youdon’twanttomiss

FEBRUARY

�CHAMBER CONNECTION | FEBRUARY �014

upcomingevents

youdon’twanttomiss

FEBRUARYTUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4THE MORNING SPARK7:30-9:00am@TheChamber449S.Virginia,Reno$5formembers;$10fornon-members

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4RIBBON CUTTING- PACIFIC BUSINESS CENTER5-7pm(ribboncutting6pm)@1E.LibertySt.,6thFloor,RenoFREE

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6RIBBON CUTTING-VILLAGE AT ARROWCREEK12-2pm(ribboncutting12:45)@TBD-pleasecheckChambercalendarFREE

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11OPEN HOUSE- GREENBRAE FITNESS5-7pm@670GreenbraeDr.#140,SparksFREE

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1�RIBBON CUTTING-FEDERAL EXPRESS5-7pm(ribboncuttingat6pm)@1501S.VirginiaSt,RenoFREE

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18RIBBON CUTTING-BUSINESSES PARTNERING WITH NON-PROFITS5:30PM-7pm(ribboncuttingat6:15pm)@TheRedDog-76NorthCStreet,VirginiaCityFREE

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19OPEN HOUSE-KNPB CH �5-7pm@1670N.VirginiaSt.,RenoFREE

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY ��RIBBON CUTTING-DRAGON FLY MEDIA5-7pm@TBDFREE

Before any event, please check the events calendar at www.thechambernv.org for any possible additions or last minute changes to events.

4

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DON’T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE THE 2014 GREATER

RENO-TAHOE BEST PLACES TO WORK!

JOIN OVER 41 COMMUNITIES IN THE UNITED STATES BY PARTICIPATING

IN OUR REGIONS 5TH ANNUAL BEST PLACES TO WORK AWARDS PROGRAM.

THERE IS NO COST TO PARTICIPATE!

• THE CONTEST IS OPEN TO COMPANIES WITH 15 OR MORE FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES IN THE REGION.

• PRIVATE AND PUBLIC COMPANIES, GOVERNMENT AND NONPROFITS ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

• NORTHERN NEVADA HUMAN RESOURCES ASSOCIATION

• TRUCKEE MEADOWS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

• THE CHAMBER

• NORTHERN NEVADA BUSINESS WEEKLY

NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN THROUGH FEBRUARY 7TH, 2014

THE AWARDS CELEBRATION WILL BE ON APRIL 24TH TO RECOGNIZE

OUR FINEST LOCAL EMPLOYERS.

6 CHAMBER CONNECTION | FEBRUARY �014

ambassadorspotlight WhatdoesitmeantoserveasanAmbassadorin2014forTheChamberofReno-Sparks-NorthernNevada? Forsome,itmeanstheopportunitytoforgefriendshipsandnetworks,andgrowtheirbusinesses.Forothers,itmeansthevisibilityandrecognitionreceivedinsupportingchamberfunctionsandevents.TheChamberoffersamyriadofresourcestoassistambassadorsinmeetingtheirbusinessobjectiveswhileservinginadiplomaticcapacity.However,thescopeofaChamberAmbassadorencompassesalargerpicture;theresponsibilityofplayingavitalroleintheoveralleconomicdevelopmentofNorthernNevada. ItistruethateverycitizenintheregionisanAmbassadorofNorthernNevada.However,ChamberAmbassadorsenjoytheuniqueroleofrepresentingthearea’slargestandmostdiversebusinessorganization.

AmbassadorsofTheChamberareproudtocallNorthernNevadahome.TheyaremindfulofthepositiveimpacttheyplayforTheChamberandtoalargerdegree,thelocaleconomy.Theireffortsgobeyondthenextcontractorbonuscheck.Ambassadorsseethemselvesenrichingotherstohelptheoverallsustainabilityoftheeconomy. So,thenexttimeyouattendaChamberevent,askhowyoucanbecomeaChamberAmbassadortoo,andhelpmakeadifferenceinNorthernNevada. MarkTulmanisabusinessdevelopmentrepresentativeforNevadaAssociationofEmployers.Heisthe2014ChairmanofTheChamber’sAmbassadorprogram.

Definition for a �014 Chamber Ambassador

Mark Tulman

National Study reveals why belonging to a Chamber increases your bottom line It’sfairtosaythatoverthepastcoupleofyears,businesseshavebeenmorediligentaboutevaluatinganddecidingonwheretospendadditionalmarketingdollars.Carefulconsiderationandharddecisionsonwhereandwhattoinvestintokeepyourbusinessaliveandthrivingaresometimeschallenging.Regardlessofthesizeofyourbusinessorwhatindustryyoufallinto,oneprovencomponenttoasuccessfulbusinessisyourChambermembership. TheChamberisoftenviewedasanetworkingoutlet,andalthoughthatisahugepartoftheorganization,today’sChamberissomuchmore.TheChamberfightsforbusinessinterestsandworkstoremoveobstaclesthatmayimpactyoursuccess.Weworkonhighpriorityitemssuchaseducationandeconomicdevelopment,aswellaspartneringwithotherkeyorganizationstoensureeconomicvitality.However,oneoverlookedbenefitofChambermembershipisanincreaseinconsumerconfidenceandpatronage. TheShapiroGroup,anAtlanta-basedresearchfirm,conductedanationalstudyandrevealedanumberofimportantfindingsabouthowconsumersperceivedbusinesseswhoweremembersoftheirlocalchamberofcommerce.ThestudyalsorevealedthatmemberswhohadgreaterinvolvementwithaChamber(servingonaboard,sponsoringanevent,etc.)believethattheirproductsfairbetterthanthecompetition. Someadditionalfindingsincluded:

Do consumers really support businesses because they are chamber members?• Mostconsumers(59%)thinkthatbeingactiveinthelocalchamberofcommerceisaneffectivebusinessstrategyoverall.Itis29%moreeffective,however,forcommunicatingtoconsumersthatacompanyusesgoodbusinesspracticesand26%moreeffectiveforcommunicatingthatabusinessisreputable.

• Ifacompanyshowsthatitishighlyinvolvedinitslocalchamber(e.g.,sitsontheboard),consumersare12%morelikelytothinkthatitsproductsstackupbetterthanitscompetition.• Whenaconsumerthinksthatacompany’sproductsstackupbetteragainstthecompetitionbecausethecompanyishighlyinvolvedinitslocalchamberofcommerce,itisbecauseheorsheinfersthatthecompanyistrustworthy,involvedinthecommunity,andisanindustryleader.• Whenconsumersknowthatarestaurantfranchiseisamemberofthechamberofcommerce,theyare40%morelikelytoeatatthefranchiseinthenextfewmonths.• Whenconsumersknowthataninsurancecompanyisamemberofthechamberofcommerce,theyare43%morelikelytoconsiderbuyinginsurancefromit.• Whenconsumersknowthatasmallbusinessisamemberofthechamberofcommerce,theyare44%morelikelytothinkfavorablyofitand63%morelikelytopurchasegoodsorservicesfromthecompanyinthefuture.

What a Local Chamber of Commerce Membership Shows Consumers:• 63%ofconsumerssaythatyou’reshowingyouareinvolvedinthecommunity• 64%ofconsumerssaythatyou’reshowingthatyoucareaboutconsumers• 69%ofconsumerssaythatyou’reshowingthatyouhaveagoodreputation• 70%ofconsumerssaythatyou’reshowingthatyouusegoodbusinesspractices

Overall,researchshowsthatmembershiphasitsadvantages.Formoreinformationonbecomingamember,ortoreadthefullstudy,pleasevisitTheChamber’swebsiteatwww.thechambernv.org.

ambassadorspotlight

�CHAMBER CONNECTION | FEBRUARY �014

leadershipupdate

The Chamber Announces Members

of the Leadership Reno Sparks

Class of �014

TheChamberannounces38membersoftheLeadershipRenoSparksClassof2014.ThesenewmemberswillspendmuchoftheyearconnectingwithcommunityleadersandlearningaboutissuesandchallengesfacingtheReno,SparksandNorthernNevadacommunities.Theclasswillmeetforday-longworkshopswheretheywillcoverthefollowingtopics:

Education and the CommunityRole of GovernmentLaw Enforcement and Criminal JusticeCommunity Health and WellnessCommunications and the MediaTruckee Meadows: Our History, Arts & CultureTruckee Meadows Economy

Uponcompletionoftheprogram,theseelitefewwilljointheranksofover1,000LeadershipRenoSparksalumniwhoserveascommunityleaders,includingtherecentlychosenDistinguishedAlumniandcurrentNevadaGovernor,BrianSandoval.Bytheendoftheyear,theclasswillberequiredtodevelopandexecuteacommunityserviceprojectoftheirchoice,andparticipateincommunityvolunteerexperiencesincludingAdopt-A-Spot,Adopt-A-Park,and,newlyadded,timeattheNorthernNevadaFoodBank.

New class members are:

Alex Kovacs,Reno-TahoeAirportAuthorityBecca Allured,BigBrothersBigSistersofNorthernNevadaBrandon Towne,UmpquaBankCatherine O’Mara,Snell&Wilmer,LLPCrystal Edwards,WashoeCountySchoolDistrictCurtis McElwee,NVEnergyDarin Balaam,WashoeCountySheriff’sOfficeErin Jones,HometownHealthHeidi Thompson,BenefitResourceGroupJen Henderson,IntuitJoey Ganser,PKElectrical,Inc.John Nichols,UnitedFederalCreditUnionJohn Tennert,LionelSawyer&CollinsJohn Wynn,YouthEmpoweredtoSucceedJoy Heuer,TheChamberKathleen Sigurdson,SelfEmployedKevin Orput,RenownHealthKristen Ivey,CanineRehabilitationCenter&SanctuaryKristi Eash,NorthernNevadaMedicalCenterKurt Althof,CareFlight/REMSALinda Grace,VeteransGuestHouseLisa Lokenvitz,AAANorthernCalifornia,NevadaandUtahLisa Shaffer,NorthernNevadaChildren’sCancerFoundationMarcelo Vazquez,TheUniversityofNevada,RenoMark Casey,WoodRogersNicole Alberti,WashoeCountyNorma Noonan,NevadaStateBankOliver Miller III,RenoPoliceDepartmentRob Gaedtke,KPS3MarketingRobert Sheltley,SignatureLandscapesShaun O’Harra,DicksonRealtySimeon Vance,ParsonsBehle&LatimerSteph Allen,KaempferCrowellStu Bennett,U.S.BankTom Guinn,Lumos&AssociatesTom Miller,AppliedBusinessSolutionsZach Hausauer,WashoeCountySchoolDistrictZack Kelley,FirstIndependentBank

about leadership reno sparks

The Leadership Reno Sparks (LRS) program is a comprehensive program designed to increase knowledge and awareness of issues and challenges facing our community, helping to prepare graduates to become stronger leaders. The vision is to be a highly valued and respected program recognized for the quality and diversity of its members, who remain committed to improving our region through ongoing education, awareness, and involvement. The program was launched in 1984 and has more than 1,000 alumni.

For more information about The Chamber, or its leadership programs, visit www.thechambernv.org.

8 CHAMBER CONNECTION | FEBRUARY �014

government

updateA Quick Update

on State and Local Issues

by Tray Abney,Director of

Government Affairs

BelowisalistofissuesthataffectyourbusinessthatTheChamberhasbeenengagedinthisyear.

Margins Tax: Asyoumayknow,TheChamberisamemberoftheCoalitiontoDefeattheMarginTaxInitiative,agrowingcitizens’committeeofNevadabusinesses,individualsandgroupsopposedtotheMarginTaxInitiativeonNevada’sNovember2014statewideballot. Todayweareannouncingthelaunchofthecoalition’swebsite,www.StoptheMarginTax.com.Onthatsite,you’llfindinformationabouttheflawedandcostlyMarginTaxInitiative,whichwouldimposeahugetaxincreaseonNevadabusinessesandthreatenourstate’seconomyandjobmarket.Wehopeyou’lltakealookatthesiteandvisititregularlyinthefuture.Intheweeksandmonthsahead,we’llbeaddingmoreinformationabouttheinitiativeandthingsyoucandotohelpusdefeatit. Weaskthatyoupleaseclickoneoftheabovelinkstojoinourcoalitiontoday.Itdoesn’tcostanythingtojoin,anditwillonlytakeamoment.Thesupportofpeopleandbusinessesatthegrassrootslevelwillbecrucialinoureffortstostopthisflawedandcostlyinitiative. Wehopeyou’lljoinourefforttodefeattheMarginTaxInitiative,andpleasebesuretoencourageotherstodothesame.IhaveattachedPDFversionsofourcoalition’sfactsheetandsign-upform,ifyouwouldliketousethesedocumentsinyourownoutreachefforts. ThankyouinadvanceforjoiningusasamemberoftheCoalitiontoDefeattheMarginTaxInitiative.

AB 46: Asyouknow,despitethesupportofTheChamberandmajorbusinessgroupsinWashoeCounty,anddespitethefactthatamajorityofthespoken,called,emailed,andwrittencommentswereinsupport,theWashoeCountyCommissiondidnotmoveforwardonAB46.ThatbillwouldhaveincreasedpropertyandsalestaxesinWashoeCountyinordertopayforthevitalmaintenanceneedsoftheWashoeCountySchoolDistrict. CommissionerKittyJungmadetwoseparatemotionstoapprovethebillandbothdiedforlackofasecond. TheCommissionersseemedtobelievethatdespiteseveralhoursofresearch,presentations,anddiscussionsintheCountyCommissionchambersandelsewhere,thegeneralWashoeCountyvoterwouldbemorecapableofmakingadecisiononthisissuethantheCommissionitself.

TheChamberiscommittedtoworkingwiththeschooldistrict,ourlegislativedelegation,andthecommunitytofigureoutthenextstepsonthisveryimportantissue. Inthemeantime,themaintenanceneedsoftheschooldistrictwillremainandgrowovertime.Andtherepairswillgrowmoreexpensive.Meaningthatevenmoremoneywillneedtobefoundinthefuture.Allinthenameoffiscalconservatism.

Unemployment Insurance: PriortotheGreatRecession,Nevada’sUnemploymentInsurancetrustfundwasover$800millionintheblack.Wehadaveryhealthypotofmoneythatwasusedtopayoutunemploymentbenefits.Afewyearslater,inthedepthsoftherecession,ourhighest-in-thenationunemploymentratepushedusalmost$800millioninthered. Thismeantthatwewerenottakinginenoughmoneyfromemployerstocovertheamountofbenefitsbeingdrawnfromthefundbylaidoffemployees.Theextraamountwasborrowedfromthefederalgovernmentandthenwasrequiredtobepaidbackwithinterest. So,eventhoughemployerssawtheirUIassessmentsincreaseoverthelastfewcalendaryears,theholewasstillgettingbigger.Ontopofthat,allofyousawanextra,one-timeassessmentthatyouhadonemonthtopaytackedontoyourbillsthisyear. Thegoodnewsisthatearlierthisyear,theStateLegislatureapprovedabill,withTheChamber’ssupport,thatallowedforthesaleofbondsontheprivatemarkettopayoffthedebtweowedtothefeds. Justrecently,theStateBoardofFinancevotedunanimouslytoissuebondstopayoffthe$523millionthatNevadaowestothefeds.Inthepastthreeyears,wehavepaidalmost$60millionininterestonthoseloans.Thisstepwillendthosepaymentsandsaveabout$17millionperyear.Theinterestrateowedonthebondswillbelessthanwhattheratewouldhavebeenifwehadmaintainedthestatusquo.Wewillalsobebondingenoughtonotonlyjustpayofftheloansandgetourtrustfundbacktozero,butalsotoreplenishthatfundaswell.Wewanttoensurethatthereismoneybuiltupinthefundforthenextdownturn. ThisresultsinyouraverageUIrateforthe2014calendaryearbeingreducedfrom2.25%to1.95%.Additionally,yourFederalUnemploymentTaxAssessment(FUTA)ratewilldecreaseimmediately.

A Quick Update on State and Local Issues

by Tray Abney,Director of

Government Affairs

The1.95%averageUIassessment,coupledwitha0.5%bondassessment,meansthattheaverageratewillbe2.45%,whichisanincreasefromthecurrent2.25%rate.However,thatrateshouldstaystableandnotfluctuateeveryyearasinrecenttimes. Unfortunately,thebondrepaymentassessmentisbasedoneachemployer’sexperiencerating,whichmeansthosecompaniesthatlaidoffthemost,willhaveahigherrate. Tomakealongstoryshort,wehavebroughtstabilitytothesystemandtoyourratesandwillbeginreplenishingthetrustfund.

Steps Toward a Regional Business License: StaffmembersfromthecitiesofRenoandSparksandWashoeCountyhavebeenworkingdiligentlytogetheronaplanthatwouldallowyoutoapplyforandrenewyourbusinesslicenseonlinewitheachjurisdiction. Currently,allapplicationsaredoneonapaperformatandmustbemailedorphysicallydeliveredtogovernmentfrontcounters.Thisnextstepwouldallowtheseprocessestobemovedonlineandallthreejurisdictionswouldbeusingthesamesystemandcouldcommunicatewitheachother.Developmentplanchecksandotherpermitswouldalsobeincluded. Abigremainingquestion,ofcourse,ishowthisnewsystemwillbepaidfor.Theinitialcapitaloutlaywillbeabout$1.67millionandthenanannualfundingamountofabout$479,000.Thesecostswouldbesharedamongthethreejurisdictions.Oneoptionthathasbeendiscussedisatechnologyfeethatwouldbechargedtoeverycustomertocoverthesecosts.ThisissueisbeingvettedbyTheChamber’sBusinessAdvocacyCouncilandtherewillbepublicmeetingsforyoutovoiceyourconcernsaswell. Thiscontinuesontheprogressthathasbeenmadeoverthelastfewyears,startingwithyourabilitytoobtainabusinesslicensefromallthreejurisdictionsatanyofthethreefrontcounters. Theultimategoalistohavearegionalbusinesslicense,whichwouldmeangettingonelicensethatwouldallowyoutooperateinanyofthreejurisdictions. Whilethereisalwayschatteraboutourlocalelectedofficialshavingdisagreementsandnotgettingalong,yourlocalgovernmentstaffmembersworkverywelltogether.Thisisprogressforeconomicdevelopmentandthevitalityofourregion.

The Southeast Connector: TheChamberrecentlyappearedbeforetheRenoPlanningCommissionandtheRenoCityCounciltosupporttheissuanceofaspecialusepermit(SUP)totheRegionalTransportationCommission(RTC)fortheconstructionofthefinalphaseoftheSoutheastConnector(SE),amajornorth-souththoroughfarethatwillbeconstructedbetweenSouthMeadowsParkwayintheSouthandSparksBoulevardintheNorth. WewereamajorsupporteroftheRTC-5advisoryquestionthatappearedonthe2008WashoeCountygeneralelectionballot.Thatquestionwassupportedbythevotersandtheissuethenmovedtothe2009Legislature.WeworkedwiththeAGCandothergroupstogettheRTC-5billpassed(andpassedagainbya2/3voteafterthen-GovernorJimGibbonsvetoedit).

ThelawresultedintheindexingoflocalgastaxesinWashoeCountytotheconstructioninflationrate,meaningthatourfundingmechanismwouldkeepupwiththecostofbuildinginfrastructure.Duringthepubliccampaignin2008,WashoeCountytaxpayerswerepromisedthatcertainprojectswouldbebuiltwiththeadditionaldollarsthatweweregoingtotakeoutoftheirpockets.TheSoutheastConnectorwasatornearthetopofthatlist.OtherprojectsincludedMoanaLane,theGeigerGraderoundabout,thewideningofMcCarranandothers. ThebottomlineisthattheRTC,TheChamber,andothersupporterspromisedcertainresultsifyourtaxeswereraised.TheSEwasoneofthosepromises.WeareurgingourlocalelectedleaderstostaythecourseandkeeptheirpromisetothetaxpayersofWashoeCounty. Thisprojectwilleasecongestionandprovideforthemoreefficientmovementofpeopleandgoodsthroughouttheregion.WecannotallowtheNot-In-My-Backyardcrowdtoderailthispriority. Twoweeksago,theRenoCityCouncilvoted4-3tomoveforwardwiththeproject.WecommendMayorBobCashellandCouncilmembersSharonZadra,DwightDortch,andNeomaJardonfortheirsupportofeconomicvitality.

Supporting Air Service Supports Your Bottom Line: Since2005,therehasbeena32%declineindailydeparturesfromtheReno-TahoeInternationalAirport.Inordertoretainandattractadiversityofjobcreatorshere,wemustensurethatweareadestinationthatiseasytogettoandfrom.Reno-TahoeandReno-Steadgenerate$2billionineconomicactivityforthisregion.Theairportisamajorgeneratorofjobsandisakeycoginoureconomicdevelopmentmachine.TheChambercontinuestoworkwiththeAirportAuthoritytodeterminehowtobestassistthemintheireffortstoattractmorepassengerandcargoairservice.Thiswilltakepubliceducation,financialresources,andmaybealegislativesolution.

Reno Looks at Building and Development Fees: TheCityofReno’sBuildingEnterpriseFundAdvisoryCommitteeiscurrentlydiggingintoeveryfeethatischargedonnewandexistingdevelopmenttoensurethatthevariousfeesthatarechargedarenecessary,fair,andaslowaspossible. TheyareundergoingaverythoroughreviewofeverythingfromhealthdistrictfeestoRTCfeestowater

9CHAMBER CONNECTION | FEBRUARY �014

Put the power of Channel 2 to work in growing your business in 2014.

For a free, no-obligation consultation, please

call or e-mail:

Pat CantwellLocal Sales Development Manager

775.861.4282pcantwell@ktvn.com

10 CHAMBER CONNECTION | FEBRUARY �014

GOVERNMENT UPDATEcontinuedfrompreviouspage

heaterconnectionfees.Comparisonsarebeingmadetootherjurisdictionsandresearchisbeingdonetoseeifthereisanyunnecessaryoverlap. TheChamberissittinginonthesemeetingsandwillupdateyouwhenafinalreportisprepared.

Graffiti Task Force: TheChamberisrepresentedontheCityofReno’sGraffitiTaskForce,asweserveastheVice-Chairofthatgroup.Wehavespentourtimelookingintothereasonsofwhypeopletagpublicandprivatepropertyandyoumaybesurprisedtoknowthatmostofitisnotgangrelatedandmosttaggerscontinuetopracticetheir“craft”evenafterbeingsenttojailandreleased.Ithasevenbeensuggestedthattaggingisanaddiction! Wearelookingatseveralanglesoftheissue,including:legislativeandordinancechanges,publiceducation,fundingforadditionalresources,moreabatementequipment,etc. AfinalreportisduetotheCityCouncilintheearlypartofnextyear.

Sparks City Council Studying Sewer Rate Increase: TheCityofSparksislookingatapotentialincreaseinsewerfeestopayformuch-neededprojectsattheTruckeeMeadowsWaterReclamationFacility(TMWRF)andforcitysewerlines.Theseprojectshavebeendeferredandshouldbefixednowbeforeitgetsevenmoreexpensive.TheCouncilseemstobecirclingaroundan8.25%increaseperyearforthenextfiveyears.Accordingtocitystaff,thatwouldbeenoughtotakecareof100%oftheTMWRFandSparkssewerprojectsmentionedabove.Theincreasewouldbeappliedtoresidentialandcommercial/industrialbills.Itisimportanttopointoutthatanyincreasewouldonlyapplytothesewerportionofyourbill.Thestormandfloodfeeswouldremainunchanged. TheChamberwillbeengagedinthisconversationandwillbringyoumoreinformationaswemoveforward.

Term Limits Lawsuit: EddieLorton,alocalbusinessandcommercialpropertyowner,hasfiledalawsuitwiththeNevadaSupremeCourtquestioningwhetherornotindividualswhohavebeentermedoutofservingontheRenoCityCouncil(12yearsmaximum)areallowedtothenrunforMayorofReno.WhiletheoriginalfilingspecificallynamesJessicaSferrazzaandDwightDortch,whohaveannouncedtheirintentionstorun,itwouldapplytoothertalked-aboutcandidatessuchasSharonZadraandDaveAiazzi. Whilewearenotalawyer,therearecertainlyvalidclaimsmadeonbothsidesofthisissue.ThepeopleofNevadavotedtoamendourStateConstitutiontostatethatanofficeholderislimitedtoservingtwelveyearsina“localgoverningbody.”TheRenoCityCharterstatesthatthe“mayorshallserveasamemberofthecitycouncil.”Isthatone,cohesive,“legislativebody?” TheothersideoftheargumentisthattheMayorhasspecialpowersandauthorityseparateandapartfromtherestoftheCouncil,suchaspresidingovermeetings,signingproclamations,declaringastateofemergency,andsuch.

Thiswillbeaveryinterestingcase.Everyoneinvolvedshouldwantaveryspeedyresolutiontothisissue.ThedeadlineforfilingforpublicofficeisMarch14,2014.IftheCourtdoesnotdecidebeforethatandthe“questioned”candidatesfileforofficeandthecourtrulesthattheycan’trun,whathappensthen?Aquickresolutionensuresastableelectionprocessand,ifitdisqualifiestheterm-limitedcandidates,ensuresthattheydonotwastetimeraisingmoneyandrunningacampaign. ThefinalinterestingaspectofthisisthatthecurrentMayorofHenderson,NV,AndyHafen,servedtwelveyearsonthatCouncilbeforetakinghiscurrentoffice.Couldacourtdecisionkickhimoutofhisseat?IstheHendersonCityChartermateriallydifferentfromtheRenoCharter? Staytuned…

Chamber Signs on to Letter Urging Congress to Stop New Health Insurance Tax:

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS:

AsCongresstakesuptaxandbudgetlegislationintheimmediatefuture,theundersignedorganizationsurgeyoutostopthenewhealthinsurancetaxfromgoingintoeffectonJanuary1,2014. Whileourorganizationsbelievethisonerous,counterproductivetaxshouldultimatelyberepealed,asafirststepweaskthatyouco-sponsorH.R.3367,theSmallBusinessandFamilyReliefAct,bipartisanlegislationintroducedbyRepresentativeCharlesBoustany(R-LA)andRepresentativeAmiBera(D-CA)todelaythetaxfortwoyears. Thenewhealthinsurancetaxwillmakehealthcaremoreexpensive,notmoreaffordable.StartinginJanuary,healthinsurancecompaniesmustpaythenewtaxonthecoveragetheyprovidetoindividuals,families,smallandmid-sizeemployers,beneficiariesinMedicareAdvantageandstateMedicaidmanagedcareprograms.Thetaxstartsat$8billionin2014andincreasesto$11.3billionin2015. Expertsagreethatthenewhealthinsurancetaxwillmakehealthcarelessaffordable.In2009,theheadoftheCongressionalBudgetOfficesaidthatthehealthinsurancetaxwillbe“largelypassedthroughtoconsumersintheformofhigherpremiums.”AccordingtoanOliverWymanstudy,thetaxwillraisethecostofsmallgroupfamilycoverageby$360nextyearalone,andastaggering$6,830overthenextdecade.Allowingthetaxtostartasscheduledmeansthatemployer-sponsoredfamilyhealthplanswillbeevenmoreexpensiveforsmallbusinessesandtheiremployees. TheOliverWymanstudyalsofoundthatin2014seniorswhoarecoveredbyaMedicareAdvantageplanwillface$220inhighercostsandreducedbenefits.StateMedicaidmanagedcareprograms,whichservethemostvulnerableAmericans,willseecostsriseby$80perbeneficiary. Withtheeconomystillstrugglingtorecover,smallbusinesses,middle-classfamiliesandpublicprogramenrolleesarenotinapositiontobeartheburdenofthistax. WhilemostoftheAffordableCareActhasalreadybeenimplemented,thehealthinsurancetaxwillnotgointoeffectuntilJanuary1,2014.CongressstillhastimetoprotectconsumersfromhigherhealthcarecostsinJanuarybydelayingthehealthinsurancetaxfortwo

yearsasafirststeptowardrepealingit.Becausehealthinsurancepremiumsfromthepreviousyearareusedtocalculatethecostofcoverageforthecurrentyear,atwo-yeardelayofthetaxmeansthatsmallbusinesses,familiesandpublicprogrambeneficiarieswouldbeshieldedfromthecostofthetaxforallof2014and2015. Thetensofthousandsofsmallandmidsizeemployersweworkwitheverydaysimplycannotaffordthisbignewtaxnextyear.Thenewhealthinsurancetaxgoesintoeffectinjusttwoandhalfmonths–thetimetoactisnow.

Your Political Action Committee (PAC) Board:• Mary Simmons,NVEnergy,Chair• Tim Ruffi n,ColliersInternational• Bruce Gescheider,MoanaNursery• Audrey Damonte,AltusInsurance• Dennis McGovern,Legends• Stephen Ascuaga• Suzanne Shephard,SparksFlorist• Chris Bosse,Renown• Lisa Speth-Jones,WellsFargo• Jim Hunting,SierraPacificFederalCreditUnion• Tiff any East,TheGlennGroup• Jason Guinasso,GuinassoLaw• Lesley Pittman,SierraStrategies• Bill Newberg,Grove-Madsen• Bill Hughes,Peppermill

Your Business Advocacy Council: • Dennis McGovern,Chair,LegendsatSparksMarina• Bruce Gescheider,MoanaNursery• Mary Simmons,NVEnergy• Tina Iftiger,Reno-TahoeAirportAuthority• Cheryl Blomstrom,BlomstromConsulting• Stephen Ascuaga• Cheri Hill,SageInternational• Jack Byrom,TMWA• Megan Jackson,AmplifyRelations• Jim Hunting,SierraPacificFederalCreditUnion• Tiff any Meert,NorthernNevadaMedicalCenter• Teri Bath,GardenShopNursery• Carol Nicholson,Atlantis• Floyd Rowley,JohnsonGroup• George Foster • Bill Newberg,Grove-MadsenIndustries• Randy Brown,AT&T• Nancy McCormick,EDAWN• Reed Simmons,AvisonYoung• Chris Bosse,Renown• Maury Centeno,U.S.Bank• Tim Ruffi n,Colliers• Jim McClenahan,UNR• Morgan Lanzora,Peppermill• Bill Hughes,Peppermill• Rickey Martinez,TheFerraroGroup• Bruce Specter,NVMortgageMan• Jason Lewis,ArborsMemoryCare• Buzz Harris,WBHConsulting• Lindsay Knox,McDonaldCaranoWilson• Viola Cody,Entrevision

Contactusifyouareinterestedinbecominginvolvedinourgovernmentrelationseffortsorwouldlikemoreinformation.

11CHAMBER CONNECTION | FEBRUARY �014

discountprograms

TheChamber,inanefforttohelppromote,supportandencouragememberstodobusinesswithfellowmembers,isproudtoofferaMember-2-MemberDiscountProgram.ThisprogramwascreatedtoprovidecurrentChambermemberswithanotherservicetoaddvaluetotheirChambermembership.TheMember2Memberdiscountprogramoffersauniquecombinationofpromotinglocalmembertomemberbuying,boostingsalesforourmembers,andincreasingmembervisibility.Chambermemberbusinessesandtheiremployeesareencouragedtopatronizefellowmembers. AspartoftheMember-2-MemberProgram,ChambermemberswillhaveexclusiveaccesstodiscountsthatareonlyavailabletoChambermembers.Whetherlookingfordiscountstoyourfavoriterestaurant,needservicetoyourcarorjustlookingtoshapeupforthesummer,thereissomethingforeveryonewithnewdiscountsbeingaddedeverymonth.MemberssimplylogintotheirChamberaccountandprintoffthediscountsfromthevariousprogramparticipants.Choosefromover45differentdiscountsandoffersfromfellowmembers. ThisprogramisfreeforChambermemberswhowouldliketoofferortakeadvantageofthevariousdiscounts.Weencourageourmemberstotakeadvantageofthisopportunitytosavemoney,aswellasgeneratenewexposureandnewclientsforyourbusiness.IfyouareinterestedinaddingyourbusinesstothelistofparticipantsortobecomeaChambermember,pleasecontactSandyAmmermanattheChamberat775-636-9545orsammerman@thechambernv.org.

The Chamber Off ers Member-�-Member Discount Program

1� CHAMBER CONNECTION | FEBRUARY �014

chamberbenefits

Membership has its advantages

TheChamberalsooffersanarrayofbenefitsanddiscountsONLYavailabletoourmembers.Wehaveworkedhardtonegotiatethesebenefitstohelpyouexpandyourbusiness,reduceoperatingcostsandtakeadvantageoftheaddedvalueourmembersdeserve.

• DiscountsatOfficeDepot• Member2MemberDiscounts• FreeSubscriptiontoNorthernNevada BusinessWeekly• FreeEnrollmentwithNevadaDrugCard• FreeBusinessCounselingatSCORE• TwoComplimentaryHotlineCallstoNAE• $500FreeAdvertisingwiththePurchaseof$500 AdvertisingwithUnivision• ConferenceRoomRentalDiscount• CertificateofOrigin• MembersOnlySeminars&Events• FreeU.S.ChamberMembership• DiscountedEvents&Programs• MembershipList• FreeNotary

Know someone who wants to be a member…

FormoreinformationaboutTheChamber,membershiporourbenefits,pleasecallMembershipRelations,SandyAmmerman,at775.636.9545.

RENO OFFICE:449S.VirginiaStreetSuite200|Reno,NV89501

Main:775.636.9550|Fax:775.337.3038Visit us online at www.thechambernv.org

LetTheChamberbeyourpartnerforbusiness.Wedeliverastrongreturnonyourinvestmentthroughavarietyofresourcesandopportunities.Withover2,000members,200volunteersandafulltimestaffofexperts,wearethelargestbusinessorganizationinnorthernNevada.Weadvanceyourbusinessthroughthepowerofconnection,businessreferrals,discounts,regionalpromotionandsponsorship.

Take control and be heard Asabusinessperson,youknowthatfreeenterpriseisthefoundationofastrongeconomyandaprosperoussociety.AtTheChamber,weadvocateforpublicpoliciesthathelpyourbusinessthrive. Werealizethateconomicgrowthandjobcreationdon’t“justhappen”andthatiswhyTheChamber’sresultsoriented,pro-businessadvocacyeffortsaresoimportanttoyourbusinessandthefutureofourcommunity.

Getting involved TheChamberoffersamultitudeofprogramsandcommitteesthatbenefitourmembersaswellasleadtogrowthwithinourbusinesscommunity.Joinoneofourcouncilsandhelpshapepolicy,becomeanAmbassadorandsupportnewmembersorenrollinoneofourmanyleadershipclassesandincreaseyourknowledgeandawarenessofchallengesfacingourarea.Letushelpcontributetoyourpersonalandprofessionalgrowth.

Networking Advancingyourbusinessthroughmembertomemberconnection,TheChamberhostsavarietyofnetworkingopportunitiestohelpyougainthatone-on-oneadvantagethathelppromoteyourbusinessorproduct.

•ChamberMixers •NewMemberOrientation•CommitteeParticipation •BizTalkBlender•RibbonCuttings •DIRECTIONS•MembershipLuncheons •Desayuno•TheMorningSpark(previouslyBizFlash)

Marketing & Promotion Membershipoffersoutstandingmarketingopportunitiestogetyourmessageout.Letothermembersknowwhatmakesyourproductorserviceuniquethroughanarrayofopportunities.

•DirectoryListing •NewsletterAdvertising&LinksonWebsite •EmailNewMember•NewMemberListings Promotion•SocialMedia •MemberEventsCalendarNewMemberPromotion •DirectoryListing•BusinessReferral •Sponsorships•ChamberLobby •CustomPublicationAdvertising Advertising

Events & Sponsorship Lookingtobuildyourbrand?Sponsoringachambereventhelpsyoureachakeybusinesstobusinessdemographicofcommunityandbusinessleaders.

•AnnualGolfTournament •BestKidsProgram•BuyLocalMarketplace •DIRECTIONS•EmployerHealthcareForum •MonthlyLuncheons

This is Your Chamber!

13CHAMBER CONNECTION | FEBRUARY �014

chamberforgood

TheChamberrecentlylaunchedanewcommunity-buildingservicecalledChamberforGoodwhichallowslocalcharitiestoraisetheirvisibilitywithinthecommunityandalsoprovidesbusinessesandphilanthropicindividualsaneasywaytobecomeawareoflocalcharitableneeds,causesandevents.Itistheultimatecommunitybuildingtool! Bringingindividuals,organizationsandbusinessestogethertoachievegreatthingsisakeyfocusofTheChamber.TheChamberforGoodsystemprovidesaclearinghousethatservestoconnectalllocalcharitableorganizationsandcauseswiththeindividualsandorganizationswithinourcommunitythatareeagertosupportlocalneeds.ChamberforGoodmakesitEASYtoGiveLocal. “Thistoolallowsustoharnessthegoodnessofourresidentsandbusinessesandreallystrengthenourcommunityinawaythatwehaven’tbeenabletobefore”,explainedLenStevens,ExecutiveDirectorofTheChamber.“It’samazinghowmanylocalneedsgounnoticedbyindividualsandorganizationsthatwouldgladlyvolunteertime,donateitemsorfinancialhelpiftheyonlyknewaboutthem.TheChamberforGoodwebsiteraisesthevisibilityoftheselocalcharitiesandcausesandallowscommunitiestoreallymakeanimpactwiththosecharitiesthatservethepeopleandcausesinourownbackyard.” TheChamberforGoodtoolallowsresidentsofourcommunitytoviewlocalcharitableneedspostedbylocalcharitiessortedintothreeareas:financialneeds,volunteerneedsanditemneeds.AlllocalcharitiesthatfittheeligibilityguidelineshavetheabilitytocreateapublicprofileontheChamberforGoodsite,thenpostneedsinthethreeareasastheyarise.

Residentsnotonlyhavetheabilitytobrowselocalcharitableneeds,butcanalsomakeitemandvolunteeroffers. Stevensfurtherexplained,“Forexample,alocalindividualorgroupcangotoourcommunity’sChamberforGoodwebsiteandclick‘offervolunteertime’,thengiveabriefdescriptionofthedateandtimethey’reavailabletovolunteer,andthensendittoalllocalcharitiesorjustthosecharitieswithinacertaincategory.Thecharitiesareinstantlynotifiedviaemailandcanrespondbacktotheindividualorgroupmakingtheoffer.” Anotherexamplegivenisabusinessthatneedstounloadanumberofchairsnolongerinuse.Thebusinessclickson“offeritemstocharity”,describestheitems,thenclickssubmit.Instantlyalllocalcharitiesaremadeawareoftheitemsandcanrespondtothedonatingindividual. ResidentsareencouragedtogotothelocalChamberforGoodwebsiteandentertheiremailaddresstowardthebottomofthehomepage.Bydoingthistheywillbenotifiedonceperweek,byemail,ofthelocalneedsthatexistamongthecharitableorganizationsandcausesthatoperatewithinourcommunity. ThelocalChamberforGoodwebsitecanbefoundbyclickingonthe‘GIVELOCAL,ChamberforGood’banneronTheChamber’swebsitehomepage,whichcanbefoundatwww.thechambernv.org.Additionally,thelocalwebsitecanbefoundbygoingtoChamberForGood.com,selectingourstate,thencommunity.

Nonprofit Spotlight

Tackmancontinuedfrompage4

What is the biggest change you have seen over the years with your job at The Chamber?

WhenIwashired,Iansweredthephone,waitedontourists,organizedevents,didallofthebookkeeping/financialsandpayroll…prettymucheverythingthatneededtobedone,otherthantheexecutivedirector’sresponsibilities.Asthechambergrewovertheyear’semployeeswereaddedandwiththemergingwiththeHispanicChamberin2008andReno/SparksChamberin2011,someofmyresponsibilitiesweredelegatedtonewemployeesorotheremployees.What will you miss most now that you are retired?

Iwillmissalotofthings,butmostlytheinteractionwithmembers.Iwasalwaysamazedatthediversityofourmembersandtheirprofessionalismandkindness.Also,myfriendshipsformedwithsomeofthechamberstaffandLenStevens.LenisatreasuredassettotheChamberandourcommunity.What do you have planned now that you are retired?

IhaveanewlittleGrandsonnamedTriston,andheandGrammyarehangingouttogethereveryworkdaywhenMomandDadareatwork.Willdosometravelingalsoastimeallows.Ihavetwosistersandonebrotherandtheyareallretiredalso,sowemaydosometravelingtogether.

14 CHAMBER CONNECTION | FEBRUARY �014

newmembers

OCTOBER MEMBERS

� LinxEssenceMoultrie•775-351-7396

Advertising&Marketing

Apex Performance SolutionsNicoleDenison

730SandhillRd.,Ste.310•Reno,NV89521775-337-2739•www.solutionsbyapex.com

Business&ManagementConsultant

Blue Dolphin EnergetixMelissaNicholas

491CourtSt.•Reno,NV89501775-772-9462•bluedolphinenergetix.com

HealthService

Communications UnlimitedShellyGrubb

775-473-1019•www.communlimited.netCommunications

Cyndy Houck530-721-7574•www.axiahomeloans.com

IndividualMembership

Darby Law PracticeTriciaDarby

4777CaughlinPkwy•Reno,NV89519775-322-1237•www.darbylawpractice.com

Attorneys

Draper Strategies & CommunicationsMikeDraper

748S.MeadowsPkwySte.A-9Box144Reno,NV89521•775-303-3252

Advertising/Marketing

Faces 4 Fun, LLCCindyHammond•775-971-3553

Entertainers/Entertainment

Flag Store Sign & BannerEricSmith

155GlendaleAve.,Ste.9•Sparks,NV89431775-355-0506•www.eventflags.com

Flags&FlagPoles

Frosted View Productions, LLCRicFrost•775-376-4656

P.O.Box2243•Sparks,NV89432VideoProductionServices

Gerald Morrissey Real EstateJerryMorrissey•775-828-3308

3450NormanCir.•Reno,NV89509RealEstate-Commercial&Industrial

GourmeltJessieWatnes

775-410-4124•www.gourmeltreno.comMobileFoodVendor

Great Basin Brewing Co.TomYoung

5525VirginiaSt.•Reno,NV89502775-355-7711•www.greatbasinbrewingco.com

Brewery

HIH Consulting, LLCHeatherHoffman

775-830-4474•www.hihconsulting.comNon-ProfitOrganization

Integrity Staffing SolutionsKenMcCarthy

135N.SierraSt.,Ste.B•Reno,NV89501775-980-9840•www.integritystaffing.com

EmploymentAgencies/Service

ISchoolsKathrynKelly

329FlintSt.•Reno,NV89501775-581-1123•www.ischools.us

Education

Legends of the GameGracieHampton•775-250-5630

legendsofthegamecelebritytour.comSpecialEvents

Living Gracefully, LLCBrendaDo

P.O.Box51137•Sparks,NV89434855-811-5483•www.livegracefully.com

Vitamins,Supplements&Nutrition

Marked Studios, Inc.MarkMcKinnon

945W.MoanaLn.•Reno,NV89509775-209-1612•www.markedstudios.com

TattooStudio

Mary Kay CosmeticsJanyeceNarducy

775-230-1611•www.marykay.com/jnarducyCosmetics

MetLife Auto & HomeMelissaNicholas•775-829-0626P.O.Box18029•Reno,NV89511

InsuranceBroker

NDI Plumbing, Inc.CrystalMatthews

39GlenCarranCir.•Sparks,NV89431775-745-8791•www.ndiplumbingreno.com

PlumbingServices

Novo Nordisk Inc.JasonDouglas•303-905-3894

HealthServices

One Big Tree DesignsCindyRyder

22HillcrestDr.•Reno,NV89509775-224-5709•www.onebigtreedesigns.com

Jewelers

PaychexLoriDaniel

6566S.McCarranBlvd.,Ste.CReno,NV89509•775-527-2521HumanResourceManagement

Plexus SlimDawnForbus

775-843-8070•www.4plexus.infoHealthService

Prime MeridianRogerFinnell•805-320-2288

HealthService

Regina Lockwood RealtorReginaLockwood

3700LakesideDr.,Ste.100•Reno,NV89509775-843-5133•www.reginialockwood.com

RealEstate-Residential

Reno Paint MartBradBecker

201E.MoanaLn.•Reno,NV89502775-826-2900•www.renopaintmart.com

BuildingMaterials

Shelter InsuranceSethRediger

1817W.Broadway•Columbia,MO65218573-214-4252•www.shelterinsurance.com

Insurance-Commercial&Personal

Simply MassageJulieRosenthal•775-852-7575

5270LongleyLn.•Reno,NV89511Massage

Spine NevadaDebbieKoch•775-325-3604

9990DoubleR.Blvd.,Ste.200Reno,NV89521•www.spinenevada.com

Physicians&Surgeons

The Bookkeeper & Service CenterJasonBang

2185GreenVistaDr.,Ste.211Sparks,NV89432•775-356-7077

BookkeepingServices

The Village at Arrow Creek ParkwayCorennaVance•775-852-2787

750ArrowcreekPkwy•Reno,NV89511Apartments

Travel Centers of AmericaAmberRamociotti

200N.McCarranBlvd.•Sparks,NV89431775-359-0550•travelcentersofamerica.com

Trucking/TruckStop

Tropical Carpet & Tile CleaningJulioRetana

P.O.Box4403•Sparks,NV89432775-830-7639•www.tropicalcarpetreno.com

CarpetCleaners

UBS FinancialJohnDeming•775-789-4023

6900S.McCarranBlvd.,Ste.1020Reno,NV89509•ubs.com/fa/johndeming

FinancialServices

Un Caffé Enterprises, LLCdbaUnCafféItalianBistro

AndrewGuinosso9333DoubleR.Blvd.,Ste.600Reno,NV89521•775-853-7801www.uncaffeitalianbistro.com

Restaurants

Welcome Home Property Management & Investments Inc.

ErikaLamb606W.PlumbLn.,Ste.2•Reno,NV89509

775-200-1331•www.welcomehm.comRealEstate-PropertyManagement

&Maintenance

1�CHAMBER CONNECTION | FEBRUARY �014

Prime MeridianRogerFinnell•805-320-2288

HealthService

Regina Lockwood RealtorReginaLockwood

3700LakesideDr.,Ste.100•Reno,NV89509775-843-5133•www.reginialockwood.com

RealEstate-Residential

Reno Paint MartBradBecker

201E.MoanaLn.•Reno,NV89502775-826-2900•www.renopaintmart.com

BuildingMaterials

Shelter InsuranceSethRediger

1817W.Broadway•Columbia,MO65218573-214-4252•www.shelterinsurance.com

Insurance-Commercial&Personal

Simply MassageJulieRosenthal•775-852-7575

5270LongleyLn.•Reno,NV89511Massage

Spine NevadaDebbieKoch•775-325-3604

9990DoubleR.Blvd.,Ste.200Reno,NV89521•www.spinenevada.com

Physicians&Surgeons

The Bookkeeper & Service CenterJasonBang

2185GreenVistaDr.,Ste.211Sparks,NV89432•775-356-7077

BookkeepingServices

The Village at Arrow Creek ParkwayCorennaVance•775-852-2787

750ArrowcreekPkwy•Reno,NV89511Apartments

Travel Centers of AmericaAmberRamociotti

200N.McCarranBlvd.•Sparks,NV89431775-359-0550•travelcentersofamerica.com

Trucking/TruckStop

Tropical Carpet & Tile CleaningJulioRetana

P.O.Box4403•Sparks,NV89432775-830-7639•www.tropicalcarpetreno.com

CarpetCleaners

UBS FinancialJohnDeming•775-789-4023

6900S.McCarranBlvd.,Ste.1020Reno,NV89509•ubs.com/fa/johndeming

FinancialServices

Un Caffé Enterprises, LLCdbaUnCafféItalianBistro

AndrewGuinosso9333DoubleR.Blvd.,Ste.600Reno,NV89521•775-853-7801www.uncaffeitalianbistro.com

Restaurants

Welcome Home Property Management & Investments Inc.

ErikaLamb606W.PlumbLn.,Ste.2•Reno,NV89509

775-200-1331•www.welcomehm.comRealEstate-PropertyManagement

&Maintenance

Wild West ChevroletPhillipMcCann

750GoldfieldAve.•Yerington,NV89430775-463-3456•www.wildwestchevrolet.com

AutomobileDealers

Younique Products/ Beauty by PerisStephaniePeri•775-287-8697

175BrinkbyAve•Reno,NV89509www.youniqueproducts.com/beautybyperis

Vitamins,Supplements&Nutrition

NOVEMBER

ABEL’s Authentic Mexican CuisineAbelDelReal•775-3495-2232

2905U.S.Highway40W.•Verdi,NV89439Restaurants

Clean Comedy MinistriesAnthonyWidemon

P.O.Box3833•Reno,NV89505775-673-5233•www.cleancomedy411.com

Non-ProfitOrganization

Code 3 Carpet Cleaning, LLCJamesWeishaar

P.O.Box20801•Reno,NV89515775-737-1774•www.code3carpetreno.com

CarpetCleaners

De Novo ClinicSteveLittig

550W.PlumbLn.,Ste.C•Reno,NV89509775-826-4075•www.denovoclinics.com

WeightLoss

Dent DoctorMichaelDecker

280TelegraphSt.•Reno,NV89502775-828-1840•dentdoctorofnevada.com

Automobile-Repairs&Service

Diesel SalesDaveWipf•775-345-7607

P.O.Box1242•Verdi,NV89439TruckDealers/Service&Repairs

Edible ArrangementsFelipeValois

2868VistaBlvd.,Ste.124•Sparks,NV89434775-351-1513•www.ediblearrangements.com

Florist

Fitness ConnectionDavidLuna

5390LongleyLn.•Reno,NV89511775-853-7373•fitnessconnectionusa.com

HealthClub

Fitness ConnectionGlennDawson

255DiscDr.•Sparks,NV89434775-359-9393•fitnessconnectionusa.com

HealthClub

Franklin American MortgageMelanieGalvin•530-448-9696

200S.VirginiaSt.,8thFl.•Reno,NV89501www.franklinamerica.com/melaniegalvin

MortgageBankers,Loans&Brokers

Immunize NevadaHeidiParker

427RidgeSt.,Ste.C•Reno,NV89501775-624-7117•www.immunizenevada.org

HealthService

Kiwanis Club of Downtown SparksEllenJacobson•775-337-1717

561Keystone,Box246•Reno,NV89503Non-ProfitOrganization

Lexington Inn & SuitesFrankLarson

2050MarketSt.•Reno,NV89502775-786-2500•www.lexingtonreno.com

Hotels/Motels

Los CompadresRafaelValencia

1250DiscDr.•Sparks,NV89431775-800-1822•www.loscompadresreno.com

Restaurants

Mindful Media ServicesMarciaO’Malley

P.O.Box34624•Reno,NV89523775-338-5485•mindfulmediaservices.com

VideoProductionServices

Omega Capital PartnersDanielLandis

8630TechnologyDr.,Ste.B•Reno,NV89512775-737-9844•www.omglending.com

MortgageBankers,Loans&Brokers

Safe ShotJimHarwin

9425DoubleR.Blvd.,Ste.C•Reno,NV89521775-284-8984•safeshotindoorrange.com

SafetyTraining

Safety Consultation and Training SectionStephenRodgers

4600KietzkeLn.,Ste.E-144Reno,NV89502

775-824-4630•www.4safenv.state.nv.us/Government-StateofNevada

Sierra Integrative Medical CenterJessicaHudson

9333DoubleR.Blvd.,Ste.100Reno,NV89521

775-828-5388•www.sierraintegtrative.comMedicalClinic

Well Fit BlissCrystalMarieScott

310-562-7596•www.wellfitbliss.comWeightLoss

Western Trade Alliance, LLCNateLance

255W.Peckham,Ste.5•Reno,NV89509775-636-8191•www.westerntradealliance.com

MerchantRewardsProgram&Cashback

DECEMBER MEMBERS

A+ Window Cleaning, Inc.BrianMick•775-329-3108

1607GregSt.•Sparks,NV89431renosparkswindowcleaning.com

JanitorialServices&Supplies

Elements Cannabis CenterShaneSmith

2005SierraHighlandsDr.,Ste.115Reno,NV89523

775-378-2894•www.nvelements.comMedicalClinic

Farmers InsuranceSueMeador

9640S.McCarranBlvd.,Ste.200Reno,NV89523•775-358-8750Insurance-Commercial&Personal

Gilmore Graphix Inc.RyanGilmore

1250E.GregSt.,Ste.20•Sparks,NV89431775-301-5253•www.gilmoregraphix.com

GraphicDesign&Printing

Keller Williams Group One RealtyGailMyatt

10539ProfessionalCir.,Ste.100Reno,NV89521

775-750-1293•www.kc.comRealEstate-Residential

NDI Plumbing, Inc.CrystalMatthews

39GlenCarranCir.•Sparks,NV89431775-745-8791•www.ndiplumbingreno.com

PlumbingServices

Need � Speed, LLCBorisPodteterieff

6895B.SierraCenterTownPkwyReno,NV89511

775-851-7223•www.n2sreno.comRecreation

Pacific Business CentersChristineLucido

1E.LibertySt.,6thFl.•Reno,NV89501775-360-2000•www.pbcoffices.com

RealEstate-OfficeLeasing

Sparks Masonic Building AssociationRobbieSnyder

2425PyramidWay•Sparks,NV89431775-356-6300•sparksmasonicbuilding.com

Associations

StageNVEdieDiDio

775-721-1013•www.stagenv.comRealEstate-Residential

Stallings Legal Nurse ConsultingAprilStallings•775-848-9537

LegalServicePlans

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The Chamber Connection.

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