Tesla, social media topics at economic conference

An ambitious, wide-ranging look at economic development across Northern Nevada is expected to draw up to 500 of the region’s leaders to Reno for the Nevada Economic Development Conference scheduled May 19-21 at the Joe Crowley Student Union at the University of Nevada, Reno.

Discussion will range from an analysis of the economic impact of the Tesla gigafactory to the strategic use of social media by the tourism industry to tools and programs to recruit, retain and develop workforce. Subject matter experts speaking at the conference include Nevada experts as well as presenters from across the nation.

“Northern Nevada has seen a remarkable recovery since the darkest days of the recession,” said Dean Haymore, board president of the Western Nevada Development Agency. “This conference is an opportunity to take a close look at our progress and, more important, to begin moving toward our next set of goals.”

Western Nevada Development District has joined forces with the College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno, and USDA Rural Development to present the three-day Nevada Economic Development Conference.

Top executives of large and small companies, economic-development experts, elected officials and leaders of government and nonprofit organizations will be rubbing shoulders and sharing ideas during the three-day premier event.

“The opportunities to network and share ideas informally is one of the most valuable aspects of this conference,” said Haymore. “The sparks of creativity begin flying when the region’s best thinkers inspire one another.”

Nationally recognized experts in creative economic development and workforce development will deliver keynote presentations during the conference, and eight tracks will provide in-depth looks at cornerstones of economic growth.

Keynoters will include Don Macke and Deborah Markley, co-founders of the Center for Rural Entrepreneurship; Patrick McGaughey, a nationally known expert on win-win negotiations and the creation of business-education partnerships; and Jason Broadwater, author of six books and an expert on creative community development.

Focus subjects in conference tracks will include access to capital, agri-business, economic vitality, energy, manufacturing, tourism, transportation and workforce development.

Half day institutes and tours will provide detailed looks at key topics in the region’s economic development:

Tours include Tahoe Reno Industrial Center Tour, Spotlight on Nevada’s Agribusiness Industry, Reno Start Up Row and Institutes subjects include expert presentations on making small towns the location of choice, the development of Carson City’s Innovation District, and Investment in parks and recreation as a tool to attract businesses and jobs.

The Nevada Economic Development Conference is presented by the Western Nevada Development District, the College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno, and USDA Rural Development. It was recently recognized by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) as a professional development event that counts towards the recertification of Certified Economic Developers (CEcDs).

Registration for the conference is $150. The fee includes lunch, programs and parking on Wednesday and Thursday.

For more information or to register, call 775-883-7333, ext. 2000.