Ranchos improves in economic rankings

The Nevada Commission on Economic Development reports the Gardnerville Ranchos has improved in the 2006 Policom Economic Strength Rankings.

The Ranchos improved from 148 to 129 in the ranking of the nation's 577 micropolitan areas, which include Elko, Fallon and Fernley.

Elko's ranking improved from 412 to 289, the Fallon area went from 148 to 76 and the Fernley area was ranked 204th in 2006. Data for Fernley was not available in 2004.

Economic strength is the long-term tendency for an area to consistently grow in both size and quality. Data for 23 sectors over a 20-year period was used to create the rankings, which are now posted at www.policom.com.

"This independent study validates that Nevada is on a steady path to economic prosperity," said Lt. Governor Lorraine Hunt. "I'm proud to have had the opportunity to work with Gov. Guinn and his administration to create the business-friendly environment that fosters prosperity."

Policom analyzes local and state economies, determines whether they are growing or declining, identifies what is causing this to happen and offers ideas and solutions to improve the situation.

"We are pleased with these results because they confirm that economic conditions have improved significantly in both the urban and rural areas across the state and this reflects the diversity of industries and communities that are thriving," said Joe Reel director of research and business development for the Nevada Commission on Economic Development.

Two Nevada cities are among the top 20 in the nation in the 2006 Policom Economic Strength Rankings.

In the Policom study, Las Vegas Ð Paradise ranked 10th and Reno-Sparks ranked 17th of the 361 metropolitan areas surveyed in the nation.

The 2006 figures for Nevada show continued economic strength and better ratings for Southern Nevada with Las Vegas-Paradise receiving rankings of 46 in 2004, 23 in 2005 and jumping to 10th in 2006.

Reno-Sparks figures for 2006 at 17 are better than the 2004 Policom rating of 33, but not quite as high as the ranking of 16 in 2005.

The Nevada Commission on Economic Development is the state agency in Nevada, which provides services, support and assistance to communities to help them diversify and develop their economies so they remain viable.

For more information on the commission, visit www.expand2nevada.com or call (775) 687-4325.