Governor, business leaders launch Nevada Strategic Growth Initiative to diversify economy
Tuesday, August 27th 2024
Nevada Gov. Joe Lombardo, along with a dynamic board of Nevada business leaders, announced Monday the launch of a new entity dedicated to developing and diversifying Nevada’s economy.
The Nevada Strategic Growth Initiative will work with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, local and regional economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, and other Nevada leaders to create new jobs, help existing businesses grow, encourage entrepreneurship, and recruit sustainable new businesses that align with Nevada’s long-term growth opportunities.
The Board of Directors, chaired by longtime gaming executive Matt Maddox, includes Panattoni Development Company Community Development Director Shirley Folkins-Roberts, Latin Chamber of Commerce President Peter Guzman, entrepreneur and longtime marketing executive Staci Alonso, and former state legislator and head of Nevada AFL-CIO Danny Thompson.
“I’m pleased to announce the creation of the Nevada Strategic Growth Initiative, a privately funded organization dedicated to a shared vision of helping improve the quality of life for all Nevadans through the creation of new high-paying jobs in industries that align with our resources, workforce, and future,” said Gov. Lombardo. “I’m grateful to this incredibly talented group of people committed to helping make our commitment to strategic growth a reality. Nevada is open for business, and the Nevada Strategic Growth Initiative is a critical component of our plan to show the world that there is no better place than Nevada to start and grow a business.”
The Nevada Strategic Growth Initiative is a 501(c)(6) organization dedicated to:
— Working with the Governor and existing economic development organizations to create and advance strategically impactful opportunities that create good jobs and economic growth.
— Telling Nevada’s unique story.
— Working with policymakers to create the strongest possible workforce and environment to welcome investment and grow our economy.
— Interact with decision-makers about the benefits of living, working and growing in Nevada.
— Support and orchestrate events consistent with the Governor’s stated goal of growing and diversifying the Nevada economy.
The following remarks were made regarding the initiative:
“I am honored to be part of this historic group dedicated to steering Nevada toward economic diversification. It’s inspiring to work alongside such talented Nevadans and with Governor Lombardo, who is committed to making Nevada a leader in job creation and the prime location for business growth,” said Danny Thompson.
“Nevada is quickly evolving into a global destination for innovation and growth,” said Matt Maddox. “This Board will work tirelessly with the Governor and various agencies to help attract new industries that solidify our future and accelerate the possibilities for all Nevadans.”
“Governor Lombardo has declared Nevada ‘open for business,’ and in his first year in office, Nevada was ranked #1 in job growth and saw more than $5 billion in new economic development,” said Peter Guzman. “Word is out that Nevada is a premier place to start or relocate a business and the Nevada Strategic Growth Initiative will play an important role aligning Nevada’s resources and advantages with companies ready to grow with our state.”
“El Gobernador Lombardo ha declarado a Nevada ‘abierta para los negocios’, y en su primer año en el cargo, Nevada ocupó el puesto #1 en crecimiento de empleo y vio más de $5 billones en nuevo desarrollo económico,” dijo Peter Guzmán. “Se corre la voz de que Nevada es un lugar de primer nivel para iniciar o reubicar un negocio y la Iniciativa de Crecimiento Estratégico de Nevada desempeñará un papel importante alineando los recursos y ventajas de Nevada con las empresas listas para crecer con nuestro estado”.
“Nevada is uniquely positioned to be a leader in healthcare, technology, manufacturing and logistics, and other industries that naturally fit into Nevada’s growth plan,” said Shirley Folkins-Roberts. “The Nevada Strategic Growth Initiative is poised to play a critical role in telling Nevada’s story and working with our Governor and economic development experts to grow our economy and increase opportunity for the people of Nevada.
“Since moving to Nevada in 1992 from Atlantic City, New Jersey, my story is the perfect example of an opportunity that the state of Nevada offers those who relocate for an industry,” states Staci Alonso. “Having lived in southern and northern Nevada for over thirty years combined, it is an honor to support our Governor’s commitment to encourage more industries to relocate their business to our great state of Nevada.”