When I took office as Lt. Governor two years ago, I
realized the Nevada Commission on Economic Development must identify ways
to give Nevada a competitive edge in the emerging global economy. As Chair
of the Commission, I am delighted to report that this past biennium has been
very exciting and productive.
Suitable economic diversity is important to Nevada�s long-term economic stability.
As such, the Commission has been working to bring high-wage, primary jobs
to our state. During the past two years we have focused our efforts on strengthening
international economic development, pursuing the high-tech industry and expanding
the film and television industries in Nevada.
In order to accomplish these goals, I have worked during these two years to
foster relationships with representatives from the global community. I have
met with delegates from Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Russia, China and Germany in
an effort to increase prospects for Nevada exporters and to showcase Nevada
as a viable business location. These meetings have presented many opportunities
for dialogue exploring the sharing of advances in areas such as fiber optics,
technology and environmental sciences.
Moreover, there have been numerous occasions to convene the public and private
sectors in an effort to establish a technology strategy for Nevada. I am pleased
to tell you that we did this by bringing together representatives of science,
engineering and technology in both the public and private sectors in our NED-SET
1 gathering in Carson City in May 1999, and again in September 1999 in Las
Vegas at the Governor�s Conference on Economic Development. Both gatherings
culminated in a study we commissioned to create a strategy for future economic
development efforts.
In addition, as a long-time proponent of the film and television industry
in Nevada, I am working closely with Congressman Jim Gibbons on the issue
of U.S. runaway productions, or movies produced in other countries. This effort
will help maintain Nevada�s status as a premier location for the movie industry
� an industry that generated nearly $200 million for the Nevada economy during
the past two years. I am pleased to introduce the report that follows, where
you will discover how the day-to-day operations of the Nevada Commission on
Economic Development seek to provide business expansion opportunities, community
development assistance and a stable economy both today and for future generations
of Nevadans.
