Message from Lt. Governor Lorraine T. Hunt

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.