This opinion column was submitted by columnist Mike Kazmierski of RGJ columnist, president and CEO of the Western Nevada Economic Development Authority.
The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year at the Economic State Luncheon on January 26, open to the public. Most would agree that our economy in 2023 is very different from 1983. As the sole economic development agency in the community, EDAWN has much work to do in this transition. How did EDAWN start and what has it done to help reinvent our economy?
The recession in the early 1980s forced the community to consider economic development. In 1982, Reno had just lost Hewlett-Packard, a key prospect in finding a location for their new factory. This decision revealed that potential customers see communities as communities dominated by gaming culture, city officials do not support economic development, and inadequate regional planning. Nevada’s unemployment rate is up to 10%, construction activity has almost come to a halt as mortgage rates hover around 16%, the region’s tourism and gaming industries are starting to come under competitive pressure from local businesses. New casino opening in Atlantic City. It’s time for a change.
EDAWN was born. A group of business leaders who have been meeting for lunch for many years to discuss the region’s economy have decided the time is right to set up a professional economic development organization, conscientious. Bob Lewis, an executive with Sierra Pacific Resources, led the effort to bring the new economic development organization to life. For more than a year, Lewis has been meeting with representatives of local governments, schools, businesses and nonprofits to support economic development. In early 1982, a community summit led to the creation of an 18-person steering committee to establish the structure of the economic development team. That summer, legal paperwork was filed and the nonprofit Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) was born.
the first 30 years. EDAWN began operations in early 1983 from a small office at Reno-Cannon International Airport. Shelby Dill, who helped stabilize Colorado Springs’ economy, was hired as EDAWN’s first chief executive officer. Ken Lynn succeeded Dill from 1988 to 1998; Followed by Chuck Alvey from 1998 to 2011; and Mike Kazmierski have been president and chief executive officer since 2011. The region has enjoyed some impressive economic development since the founding of EDAWN. Porsche Cars North America established its headquarters here; RR Donnelly broke ground in 1985 on a key printing facility in Stead. By the end of 1984, EDAWN reported having attracted 33 companies, employing more than 5,000 workers.
EDAWN’s 2012 pivot. After the Great Recession of 2009, with the Indian game now available in most states and the collapse of the housing market, EDAWN adjusted its approach to maximize the diversification of the economy. regional economy. The decision to focus on advanced manufacturing, technology, and corporate headquarters has spawned a number of notable successes, including Tesla, Google, Panasonic, Apple, Switch, etc. The organization also works closely with other companies. our current employers to maximize their success and support their expansion efforts. In addition, supporting startups and developing the startup ecosystem becomes EDAWN’s top priority. Startups have created hundreds of jobs in the region, and by 2021, venture investments in fledgling companies have set a record of more than $1.4 billion.
Economic development is a team sport. The next 40 years will likely be very different from the last 40 years. Still, the continued focus on cutting-edge manufacturing, technology and entrepreneurship will keep the Reno-Sparks economy on track. Community development (EDAWN’s new focus), workforce development, and support for our existing companies and entrepreneurs should always be a top priority, not only for EDAWN but also for entire community. EDAWN’s small nonprofit team and community-based board can only do so much. Economic development is a team sport, and our ability to diversify and reinvent the economy has earned the support and cooperation of the entire community. Our success over the next 40 years will require the same commitment and support.EDAWN’s Northern Nevada Economic Update Luncheon will be held on Thursday, January 26, with presentations by Mike Kazmierski of EDAWN and Brian Gordon of Applied Analytics. For details, contact Sheila Imsdahl at [email protected] or 775-829-3704.
RGJ columnist Mike Kazmierski is the president and chief executive officer of the Western Nevada Economic Development Authority. Much of the historical information in this article is based on research conducted by John Seelmeyer.
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