Alvin Toffler's message in Future Shock aptly applies to Washoe County's situation, “Change is not merely necessary to life – it is life.”
The industries and economies that got us to today may not be what takes us to the next level. Gaming and housing cannot be the pillars of the future of economic growth for our area. It is abundantly clear that our business and civic leadership, along with our citizenry, must continue to develop an environment that attracts the businesses and workforce that will allow us to successfully molt into the economic vision we see, but are having trouble to realize.
Though the core casinos are doing well, we are not a gaming Mecca. This core group of viably, well managed establishments are a key bridge to the synthesis that Reno is experiencing. They provide entertainment and revenue that is key to this continued change.
Like most cities, housing booms create availability. The cyclical correction will now make pricing of those homes more reasonable, attracting for employer and employee to the region. This correction would have come even without the reckless exuberance of wall street investors (the real reason for the failures of Subprime and alternate home financing...a story for another day!).
The job vacuum that the construction downturn has caused must be backfilled by viable, sustainable employment that can only be created by attracting companies that employ a higher skill level and therefore income that will propel Washoe County to that next level. Organizations such as EDAWN are key to making this a reality. Our state and local governments must do their part, as well.
Finally, it comes down to us, the citizens of this great area. I am doing my part by creating a small business alliance to promote sound business practices with my small business neighbors and continue to be or become good corporate citizens. We are all striving to maintain the quality of life we so cherish in Washoe County, and, at the same time, mature economically.
Now, what can you do?
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