Nevada Means Business

Nevada Department of Business and Industry

Nevada Means Business is the official podcast of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, hosted by Director Kristopher Sanchez, highlighting the people, policies, and partnerships driving Nevada’s economic vitality. Through conversations with business leaders, state officials, and industry experts, the podcast explores workforce development, economic diversification, innovation, and the programs shaping opportunity across the Silver State.

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August 31 · 35 min
Autonomous Vehicles and Outdated Regulation with Vaughn Hartung, Nevada's Transportation Chairman
Nevada's transportation regulatory framework faces a collision between a 1919 utility structure and the rapid rise of autonomous vehicles and rideshare platforms — and the Chairman of the Nevada Transportation Authority is working to fix it before the 2027 legislative session. Vaughn Hartung, former Washoe County Commissioner and current NTA Chairman, breaks down the policy gaps holding Nevada back and the comprehensive reforms needed to modernize how the state regulates everything from taxis to self-driving cars. The conversation covers why non-emergency medical transportation has no direct statutory definition in Nevada despite serving a rapidly growing aging population, how the NTA and DMV split oversight of autonomous vehicle network companies under NRS 706B and 706A, and what Hartung observed firsthand while riding in autonomous vehicles in Arizona. Hartung explains the critical difference between utility-model regulation — rooted in monopoly-era railroad oversight — and the dynamic market-model regulation that governs Uber, Lyft, and autonomous ride services. Hartung details the inconsistencies between Clark County and statewide taxi regulations, the lack of standardized first responder interaction protocols for autonomous vehicles, and why the NTA's 20-year-old technology platform is being replaced with a digital system. The episode also previews a comprehensive transportation policy paper being developed in partnership with the Lincy Institute at UNLV, aimed at giving legislators a unified framework heading into the 2027 session. Kristopher Sanchez, Director of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, hosts the conversation and outlines plans to merge the Nevada Transportation Authority and the Taxi Authority under a single administrative structure. The discussion highlights how Nevada's biennial legislature creates a regulatory lag that leaves agencies struggling to keep pace with rapidly evolving transportation technology, from AI-driven learning models in autonomous vehicles to the digital transformation of government services.
August 24 · 15 min
Small Business Owners: Every SBA Loan and Program Explained by Deputy Admin Bill Briggs
Small business owners in Nevada looking for SBA loans, federal contracting opportunities, and veteran business programs will find direct answers from SBA Deputy Administrator Bill Briggs in this interview with Nevada Department of Business and Industry Director Kristopher Sanchez. Briggs details how the Small Business Administration supports Nevada's 353,000 small businesses — which employ roughly 45% of the state's workforce — through counseling, capital access, and disaster recovery programs. The conversation covers SBA loan requirements and how to find a lender through sba.gov/lendermatch, the suspension of the CMMC cybersecurity certification that had burdened small defense manufacturers, and specialized programs for veteran-owned small businesses through Veterans Business Outreach Centers at UNLV and UNR. Briggs explains how the service-disabled veteran-owned business certification backlog was cleared in three weeks under Administrator Kelly Leffler. Briggs also breaks down two major policy developments affecting small businesses nationwide: the Working Families Tax Cut provisions that allow immediate expensing of equipment and facilities, and the Made in America manufacturing initiative focused on reindustrialization and onshoring. Nevada's role as a critical minerals mining state and its position within the Southwest aerospace and semiconductor manufacturing corridor — spanning Arizona, Nevada, California, and New Mexico — makes these federal priorities particularly relevant for local business owners. The SBA operates over 900 Small Business Development Center offices nationwide, with more than 16 locations across Nevada offering free or low-cost business counseling. Briggs emphasizes that small business owners should seek mentors through these centers and leverage the full ecosystem of state and federal resources available before pursuing capital.
August 17 · 30 min
What the Nevada Department of Business & Industry Does for Entrepreneurs with Marcel Schaerer
Marcel Schaerer, Deputy Director of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, breaks down the free resources, licensing steps, and support networks available to Nevada's 353,000 small business owners — and explains why most entrepreneurs never access the tools their own state government built for them. Director Kristopher Sanchez leads a conversation that maps the exact path a new or growing business owner should follow, from local chambers of commerce to technical advisors to state licensing agencies, using the department's interactive roadmap containing over 400 resources. The episode covers the critical difference between startups and small business owners, a distinction that determines which resources apply and which agencies to contact first. Schaerer introduces the "one-three-five mile radius" framework for local market data analysis, a practical method that helps business owners stop drowning in irrelevant information and focus on demographics within walking distance of their location. Sanchez outlines the four state agencies every Nevada business owner must coordinate with — the Secretary of State, Department of Taxation, Department of Business and Industry, and regional economic development organizations including the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance. Schaerer brings 30 years of Nevada entrepreneurship to the conversation, having launched a business in 1996 with $100 and survived both the Great Recession and the pandemic. His background in lean manufacturing informs a performance formula he applies to government operations: performance equals people times process times technology. The discussion also addresses artificial intelligence adoption among small business owners, a frontier Schaerer describes as a "foreign concept" that most Nevada entrepreneurs recognize but have not yet learned to apply profitably, and the department's partnership with UNLV to establish ethical AI research standards for state government use. The Nevada Department of Business and Industry serves as the state's largest regulatory agency and the leading point of contact for entrepreneurs navigating the full lifecycle of starting, running, and growing a business in Nevada.
August 10 · 27 min
What the Nevada Bankers Association Actually Does for Small Business Owners with Phyllis Gurgevich
Phyllis Gurgevich, president and CEO of the Nevada Bankers Association, breaks down how Nevada banks evaluate small business loan applications using the five C's of credit — character, capacity, collateral, capital, and conditions — and explains the specific steps entrepreneurs should take before approaching a lender. Host Kristopher Sanchez, Director of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, presses Gurgevich on how the state's banking ecosystem supports first-time borrowers who feel intimidated by the lending process. The conversation reveals that banks want to find a path to yes, not deliver a rejection, and that free coaching through Nevada's Small Business Development Centers can bridge the gap for entrepreneurs who aren't yet bank-ready. Gurgevich outlines the current health of Nevada's banking industry, describing well-capitalized institutions operating cautiously amid rising interest rates while continuing to make loans. The discussion covers how the dual banking system — state-chartered versus nationally chartered banks — creates competition and drives product innovation that benefits local communities. Nevada business owners exploring lending options will hear specific guidance on which resources exist through the SBA, SBDC, and state programs like SSBCI that provide collateral support and lender participation for qualifying borrowers. The interview surfaces a striking figure: Nevada could lose up to $1.6 billion in community lending capacity if the federal Genius Act's stablecoin provisions allow third-party entities to hold deposits outside traditional banks. Gurgevich also details how Nevada banks deploy artificial intelligence primarily for fraud detection, flagging unusual transactions faster than human review, and describes pending federal legislation — the Scam Act — that would require social media platforms to verify advertisers before running financial ads. A partnership between the Nevada Bankers Association and UNLV has produced a banking career pipeline where finance majors rotate through bank departments in paid positions, while a new freshman financial literacy elective has become one of the most popular courses on campus. The conversation captures how Nevada's banking industry operates at the intersection of federal regulation, emerging financial technology, and community-level economic development during a period of rapid change.
August 3 · 36 min
How LVGEA Is Building a 30,000-Job Diversification Pipeline with Danielle Casey
Danielle Casey, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, breaks down the specific economic diversification strategy Southern Nevada is pursuing to move beyond tourism dependence — including the 30,000 new jobs needed across target industries to shift the region's diversification index from 74 to 77 out of 100, and why the Site Selectors Guild chose Las Vegas for its national conference for the first time. Casey, a certified economic developer and current board chair of the International Economic Development Council, explains why workforce pipeline planning and regional alignment matter more to corporate site selection than traditional tax incentives. The episode covers how LVGEA conducted its target industry analysis, why the organization is narrowing from 20-plus sub-industries to a focused set of sectors including bio life sciences, sports and entertainment technology, and sustainability research. Casey details the "but for" clause that guides responsible public investment in business attraction, and why she is reframing the incentive conversation around long-term community returns rather than corporate subsidies. The discussion also addresses Southern Nevada's class A office space shortage and the infrastructure gaps that have cost the region competitive deals. Casey brings perspective from economic development roles in Maricopa, Scottsdale, Sacramento, and Albuquerque, drawing direct parallels between water-scarce Southwestern markets and the strategies that make them viable for advanced industries. She reveals that LVGEA is pursuing a rebrand, converting from a 501(c)(6) to a 501(c)(3) structure, and co-founding the Nevada Economic Developers Association with EDAWN to train future practitioners and educate elected officials across rural and urban markets statewide. Host Kristopher Sanchez, director of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, presses on the coordination gaps between state agencies handling infrastructure, land use, and economic development in silos. The conversation offers a rare operational look at how a regional economic development organization retools its mission, budget, and staffing to compete for corporate relocation projects against metros like Phoenix and Salt Lake City.
July 27 · 27 min
Las Vegas Small Business Owners: How the Latin Chamber Advocates for You with Peter Guzman
Peter Guzman, president of the Latin Chamber of Commerce in Las Vegas, breaks down how the chamber transformed from a financially struggling organization into a 2,500-member advocacy powerhouse by treating its membership like shareholders in a publicly traded company — and why that same mindset of rapid adaptability separates thriving small businesses from those that fail. Host Kristopher Sanchez, director of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, draws out the specific policy wins, workforce programs, and operational philosophies that have defined the chamber's last decade. The conversation lands at a moment when Nevada is experiencing 11 to 12 consecutive months of job growth, and both leaders tie that trajectory directly to intentional policy decisions rather than coincidence. The episode covers how the Latin Chamber functions as a legislative voice and on-the-ground resource for small business owners who lack the time to engage in policy debates themselves, from advocating for the handyman bill and street vendor bill during the last legislative session to helping members troubleshoot day-to-day operational problems like replacing broken equipment. Guzman explains why the chamber's nonpartisan approach — evaluating elected officials solely on their small business track record — has expanded its influence across political lines. Guzman traces the chamber's origins back 50 years to founders like Arturo Cambero and first president Otto Merida, who fought to establish Hispanic business representation in Las Vegas. His own path began on 28th Street and Bonanza, moved through valet parking at the Sahara Hotel, and pivoted into a real estate career that has now exceeded $700 million in combined sales and construction under the mentorship of Lynn Wardley. The chamber's current initiatives include the Latino Youth Leadership Conference in partnership with UNLV, Guzman's completed chairmanship of the Public Education Foundation, and an upcoming AI training program led by VP of Special Projects Mayte Salazar. The conversation reinforces how Nevada's entrepreneurial ecosystem depends on the intersection of responsible regulation, workforce development, and organizations willing to do the unglamorous operational work that makes ribbon-cuttings possible. Peter helped the Department of Business and Industry launch the Nevada Means Business podcast by hosting the pilot episode and interviewing Director Sanchez. We are delighted to welcome Peter back as the guest for our 20th episode!
July 20 · 41 min
Why Nevada Was Chosen as the Site for the $230 Million Deep Synoptic Array with Dr. Katie Jameson
Dr. Katie Jameson, lead project manager of the Deep Synoptic Array, explains how a 1,650-dish radio telescope being built outside Ely, Nevada, will map the entire radio sky multiple times per year at unprecedented sensitivity—and why rural White Pine County became the ideal location for what could become the world's most powerful ground-based radio survey instrument. The conversation with Nevada Department of Business and Industry Director Kristopher Sanchez explores the engineering breakthroughs, hiring and construction challenges of building in frontier Nevada, and what the project means for Nevada's growing role in scientific innovation, workforce development, and economic diversification. Jameson details how radio interferometry works and why DSA eliminates the computational bottleneck that has historically slowed radio astronomy. What Caltech calls a "radio camera" will generate open-access survey data, expanding opportunities for researchers, students, and citizen scientists while creating new pathways for Nevada institutions to participate in groundbreaking discovery. Backed by Schmidt Sciences and developed through Caltech's Owens Valley Radio Observatory, the approximately $230 million nonprofit research project represents a significant investment in Nevada while advancing one of the highest-ranked observatory proposals in the U.S. astronomy decadal review. Jameson explains how room-temperature amplifiers replaced cryogenic cooling systems, how NVIDIA GPU solutions dramatically reduced the project's computing footprint, and how neutral hydrogen mapping at the 21-centimeter wavelength could help answer fundamental questions about dark matter and galaxy evolution. She also discusses long-term collaborations with the University of Nevada, Reno, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada's community colleges, and K-12 schools to expand research opportunities, strengthen Nevada's research ecosystem, and connect students across the state—especially in White Pine County—to one of the nation's premier scientific initiatives. The conversation also explores what it takes to build a world-class observatory in rural Nevada, from recruiting local construction and operations personnel to building lasting partnerships with educators, community leaders, and Nevada institutions. Jameson reflects on joining Director Kristopher Sanchez and the Nevada Department of Business and Industry during the recent Rural Road Trip through White Pine County, reinforcing the project's commitment to becoming an active partner in the community it will call home. Together, the conversation highlights how collaboration among state government, higher education, nonprofit research institutions, local communities, and industry partners can strengthen STEM education, workforce development, and Nevada's position as a destination for scientific innovation.
July 13 · 23 min
How 320,000 Adults Can Finish Their Degree Without Starting Over With Matt McNair
NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair explains how Nevada's Credit for Prior Learning initiative could help 320,000 adults with some college credit finish a degree without repeating coursework, and why the state's eight-campus higher education system is restructuring around workforce alignment, AI readiness, and rebuilding public trust. Host Kristopher Sanchez, Director of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, presses McNair on whether Nevada's second-most-affordable tuition in the nation can sustain competitive faculty recruitment and modern campus facilities simultaneously. The conversation covers the lifetime earning premium of a four-year degree — estimated between $1 million and $1.3 million over a high school diploma — and why McNair believes certificates, associate degrees, and six-month credentials deserve equal institutional attention. McNair details the Board of Regents' approval of open educational resources designed to reduce textbook costs, and describes the system-level AI sandbox NSHE is developing to give all eight campuses secure access to enterprise AI tools without exposing protected data. McNair names specific private-sector partnerships driving workforce outcomes, including MGM's College Opportunity Program, which draws over 100 employee applicants annually, and UNLV's provost-led Southern Nevada Summit where local employers directly shape academic curriculum — an approach McNair calls unusual among American universities. He also outlines capital investments funded through a recent special legislative session: a life sciences building at UNR, a new business building at UNLV, and early planning for a veterinary school in Reno. Institutions like Truckee Meadows Community College and Great Basin College in Elko are highlighted for tailoring programs — diesel mechanics, mining operations — to rural Nevada's dominant industries. Nevada's higher education system faces a possible enrollment cliff that has already hit other states, and McNair's strategy for the upcoming legislative session centers on operational transparency, workforce-aligned programming, and earning back trust from lawmakers, the public, and internal stakeholders across all 13 elected-regent districts.
July 6 · 32 min
What Nevada DMV Looks Like After Modernization with Tonya Laney
Nevada DMV modernization has reached a milestone that most state agencies only talk about — the average Nevada resident now needs to visit a DMV office in person only once every 16 years. Director Tonya Laney sits down with Kristopher Sanchez, director of Nevada's Department of Business and Industry, to explain how a multi-year technology transformation turned one of the state's most public-facing agencies into a model for digital government services. The conversation covers how Nevada DMV used transaction data to prioritize which services moved online first, why the agency adopted an inverted organizational chart that puts frontline staff at the top, and what an "Amazon-like experience" means when applied to vehicle registration and driver's license renewals. Laney details the funding cap structure that forces the agency to solve population growth through technology rather than new brick-and-mortar offices — a constraint that became the catalyst for the entire transformation. Laney, a 14-year state government veteran appointed to Governor Lombardo's cabinet in March 2024, also addresses Nevada's 86 percent Real ID adoption rate, the agency's expanding cybersecurity team that grew from one person to five, and a new inter-agency working group with the Department of Public Safety and Business and Industry focused on autonomous vehicle regulation gaps. She describes riding in a Zoox autonomous vehicle — an Amazon subsidiary — and confronting the regulatory question of how to ensure roadway safety when there is no human driver to test. Nevada's push to digitize government services while protecting constituent data and maintaining in-person access reflects a broader challenge facing state agencies nationwide as population growth outpaces physical infrastructure.
June 29 · 37 min
What the Guinn Center ACTUALLY Does for Nevada Policy with Jill Tolles
During each biennial session, Nevada's legislature processes up to 1,500 bills in just 120 days, yet 85 to 97 percent pass with bipartisan support — a statistic that contradicts nearly every national headline about political gridlock. Jill Tolles, former three-term Nevada Assembly member and current Executive Director of the Kenny Guinn Center for Policy Priorities, breaks down how nonpartisan policy research is quietly reshaping the way state lawmakers make decisions. Her perspective bridges the gap between lived legislative experience and rigorous, evidence-based analysis produced for both elected officials and the public. The conversation covers how the Guinn Center selects its research agenda through statewide surveys, legislative caucus meetings, and community policy forums — without ever lobbying for or against specific legislation. Tolles explains the center's methodology for hiring researchers driven by intellectual curiosity rather than ideological agendas, and how peer review teams of deliberate "rivals" ensure credibility across partisan lines. Host Kristopher Sanchez, Director of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, draws parallels between the center's comparative state analysis and the questions his own agency faces during legislative testimony. Since Tolles took the helm in January 2023, the Guinn Center has published 50 policy reports spanning education, housing affordability, economic and fiscal policy, and governance. During the most recent legislative session, the center was cited 342 times in hearings, and 11 of its specific policy recommendations were enacted into law. An upcoming report on the legislative history of Nevada tax abatements signals the center's continued alignment with emerging interim committee priorities heading into the next session. The Guinn Center operates as a University of Nevada, Reno affiliate with partnerships extending to UNLV's Lied School of Real Estate, Boyd Law School, and the Center for Business and Economic Research — channeling academic expertise into Nevada-specific policy solutions available free at guinncenter.org.
June 22 · 35 min
3 Policy Shifts Creating MASSIVE Impact in Nevada Real Estate with Sharath Chandra
Nevada's Real Estate Division oversees roughly 40,000 licensees, regulates 3,800 homeowner associations covering nearly 700,000 residents, and is now pushing to move almost every licensing function online. Sharath Chandra, administrator of the division within the Department of Business and Industry, sits down with Director Kristopher Sanchez to detail what that transformation means for agents, property managers, and homeowners across the state. The conversation covers the division's core mission of consumer protection through licensure, education, and enforcement, along with the practical steps any Nevadan can take to verify an agent's credentials and disciplinary history. Chandra explains how pre-licensing, post-licensing, and continuing education requirements shape the profession, and why the industry itself sponsored a technology fee to fund digital upgrades after COVID exposed critical gaps in paper-based workflows. Specific challenges receive direct attention: the closure of the northern Nevada office that left 20 percent of licensees without in-person access, the jurisdictional limits of property management regulation under NRS 645, and the role of the Ombudsman's Office under Sonya Merriweather in mediating HOA disputes governed by NRS 116. Chandra also describes how cross-agency collaboration with Consumer Affairs, Mortgage Lending, and the Division of Insurance now targets rising online property scams that have even ensnared division staff. Nevada real estate regulation stands at an inflection point where digital modernization, legislative funding, and AI training through a UNLV partnership converge to reshape how the state serves its fastest-growing communities.
June 15 · 30 min
Why Everyone Underestimates Nevada's Critical Mineral Position with Caleb Cage
Nevada's lithium loop — the closed-cycle supply chain spanning extraction, processing, manufacturing, and recycling — positions the state as the only place in America with companies operating across all seven stages of the battery economy. Caleb Cage, president of the Nevada Battery Coalition, explains why the state's unique geology, regulatory climate, and executive support from Governor Lombardo create an advantage no other state can replicate. With 90 percent of critical mineral processing currently happening in China, the urgency to build domestic capacity has never been sharper. The conversation between Cage and Kristopher Sanchez, director of Nevada's Department of Business and Industry, maps the specific bottlenecks standing between raw lithium in the ground and finished batteries on the market. Topics range from the missing middle of midstream processing to the infrastructure deficits in rural counties where mines are opening, including road access to the TRIC complex in Storey County and the potential revival of dormant rail lines for a north-south freight connector. Cage details how Silver Peak remains the only operational lithium mine in the United States, with Thacker Pass in Humboldt County and the Ioneer Rhyolite Ridge project in Esmeralda County building on-site processing into their plans to ship directly to offtake partners like GM. A McKinsey study cited in the episode found the average mine takes 29 years from discovery to production — a timeline the Lombardo administration is attacking through the elimination of roughly 900 regulations and a directive to cabinet agencies to remove bureaucratic barriers wherever statute allows. Nevada's battery supply chain represents a rare convergence of natural resources, federal fast-track permitting programs, and state-level economic diversification strategy built over more than a decade of deliberate policy work.
June 8 · 38 min
The Reality of Rural Economic Development in Nevada with Sheldon Mudd
In this episode, Kristopher sits down with Sheldon Mudd, the CEO and President of the Northeastern Nevada Regional Development Authority, to discuss the unique challenges and massive opportunities within rural economic development. Sheldon shares his fascinating journey from the United States Air Force and the Northern Nevada gold mining industry to leading economic strategy across a 40,000-square-mile territory that encompasses Lander, Eureka, Elko, and White Pine counties. The conversation highlights the region's incredible logistical assets, including its strategic positioning along Interstate 80 and the Union Pacific Railway, which makes it a prime hub for the Intermountain West. Sheldon dives deep into how the expectations of corporate site selectors are rapidly changing, noting that companies now demand fully prepared, shovel-ready sites rather than raw land. He explains how rural communities like Wells and Battle Mountain are adapting by publicly funding their own industrial rail parks to stay competitive. The discussion also explores the highly technical nature of modern mining and the urgent need to build a more robust local supply chain to support automated operations that offer lucrative, debt-free career paths for skilled workers. The episode wraps up with a candid look at the severe housing shortage acting as a major bottleneck for rural economic expansion. Sheldon details how higher rural building costs keep developers in larger cities, leaving towns like Eureka struggling to house an anticipated influx of hundreds of new mining employees. Kristopher and Sheldon discuss cross-border solutions like reciprocal licensing for out-of-state builders before highlighting the Department of Business and Industry's upcoming rural tour to further engage with these essential communities. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into the industries shaping the future of Nevada.
June 1 · 35 min
Las Vegas Transit: AI Tech, High-Speed Rail & The 2028 Transit Challenges with MJ Maynard-Carey
In this episode, Director Sanchez sits down with MJ Maynard-Carey, the CEO of the Regional Transit Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada, for a deep dive into the complex infrastructure that keeps the Las Vegas Valley moving. MJ explains what makes the RTC entirely unique, noting that it is the only agency in the United States to house public transit, roadway funding, metropolitan planning, and traffic management all under one roof. The conversation highlights how transportation serves as the absolute economic backbone of Southern Nevada. MJ reveals that the RTC facilitates around one million trips every single week, with eighty percent of those rides directly connecting local employees to their employers. She also discusses the RTC's forward-thinking approach to technology and safety, detailing their first-of-its-kind AI weapons detection systems at transit centers and the deployment of Advanced Intersection Analytics to track near-misses and red-light running. The duo also touches on the massive logistical effort required to manage traffic for hundreds of special events, including Raiders games, and how the city plans to integrate upcoming projects like The Boring Company and the Brightline high-speed rail. Despite operating the most cost-efficient bus system in the country, MJ issues a stark warning about a massive structural deficit facing the transit division. With a shortfall of $118 million annually and no new transit investments since 2002, the RTC faces a devastating fiscal cliff in 2028. If a sustainable funding solution is not found, the agency will be forced to cut 42 percent of its transit routes, drastically impacting daily commuters, cutting off thousands of paratransit customers, and eliminating specialized services for veterans and seniors. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more crucial updates on the business and infrastructure shaping the future of Nevada!
May 25 · 30 min
Navigating Nevada OSHA, Workplace Safety & DIR Careers with Victoria Carreon
In this episode, Director Sanchez is joined by Victoria Carreon, the Administrator of the Division of Industrial Relations, to unpack the massive scope of her agency. Victoria explains that the primary objective of the Division of Industrial Relations is to put safety and health first by ensuring every Nevadan has a safe workplace. She breaks down the division's various branches, including the Safety Consultation and Training Section, which provides free and confidential safety training and on-site consultations for businesses. The conversation also covers the Mine Safety and Training section, which conducts annual inspections without monetary penalties to keep miners safe, and the Mechanical Compliance Section, which oversees roughly sixteen thousand elevators and twenty-five thousand boilers across the state. The duo dives into the regulatory landscape, detailing how Nevada OSHA enforces safety standards in high-risk industries like construction and casino resorts. Victoria shares insights into how the division actively engages stakeholders to develop new policies, such as the recently implemented heat regulations and upcoming rules for workers exposed to wildfire smoke. She also discusses her team's successful efforts to eliminate years-long administrative backlogs in the workers' compensation section by streamlining processes and reallocating staff resources. Victoria was also recently named the Nevada Department of Business and Industry’s 2025 Administrator of the Year, recognizing her leadership and commitment to workplace safety and operational excellence. Finally, Victoria highlights elite recognition programs like SHARP and the Voluntary Protection Program, which reward businesses that invest heavily in comprehensive safety management systems. For those interested in joining her growing team, she announces multiple job openings for OSHA safety specialists, industrial hygienists, and workers' compensation investigators, directing applicants to the state's online application portal. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into Nevada’s business and industrial sectors!
May 18 · 36 min
Inside Nevada’s Global Science Hub: Wildfires, AI & Water Solutions with Kumud Acharya
In this episode, Kris Sanchez welcomes Dr. Kumud Acharya, the President of the Desert Research Institute (DRI), to discuss the vital role the institute plays in solving environmental challenges across the state and around the globe. Dr. Acharya provides an inside look at how DRI’s team of over six hundred scientists and professionals conduct high-impact research on the intersection of human activity and the environment. He explains DRI’s critical work in monitoring the health of the Colorado River Basin and the innovative technologies being deployed to combat the increasing threat of wildfires, including the use of drone technology and sophisticated smoke modeling. The conversation also touches on the institute’s focus on the future, exploring how artificial intelligence is being integrated into scientific research to better predict and manage natural resources. Beyond the laboratory, Dr. Acharya shares DRI's commitment to building a sustainable scientific pipeline in Nevada by engaging with local high schools and community colleges. He details recent outreach efforts, such as hosting school principals to demonstrate how environmental science can become a rewarding career path for the next generation of Nevadans. This episode highlights why DRI is considered a "jewel" of the state, providing essential data and smart solutions that keep Nevada at the forefront of global environmental science. Be sure to subscribe to the channel for more interviews featuring the leaders driving Nevada’s economic and scientific growth!
May 11 · 30 min
The Future of Nevada Mining with Amanda Hilton
In this episode, Kris Sanchez is joined by Amanda Hilton, President of the Nevada Mining Association, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of the mining industry. Amanda kicks things off by sharing her personal journey from starting as a staff accountant to becoming the General Manager of the Robinson Mine, Nevada's largest copper mine located in Ely. They dive into how the mining industry has completely transformed through cutting-edge technology, moving far beyond outdated stereotypes to deploying fully autonomous haul trucks that carry two hundred and forty tons of material and massive house-sized autonomous drills. Amanda breaks down Nevada's critical role on the global stage, noting that the state produces 70 percent of the United States' gold, houses the country's only lithium mine, and was recently named the number one mining jurisdiction in the world by the Fraser Institute. The conversation also tackles the harsh realities of the domestic supply chain, exploring how China's dominance in mineral processing and a 29-year average permitting process create massive hurdles for United States mineral independence. Finally, they discuss the incredible career opportunities currently available within the industry, which employs over 30,000 Nevadans with an average annual salary of $120,000. With 40 percent of the workforce nearing retirement age in the next five years, Amanda highlights the urgent need for a new generation of tech-savvy workers and dispels outdated myths by revealing that modern mining safety statistics are now comparable to the finance sector. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into Nevada's economic future!
May 4 · 37 min
Addressing Nevada's Affordable Housing Challenges with Steve Aichroth
In this episode, Kris Sanchez is joined by Steve Aichroth, the Administrator of the Nevada Housing Division, for a comprehensive discussion on the state's urgent efforts to tackle the affordable housing challenges. Steve breaks down the two main avenues the division utilizes to help residents: supporting direct homeownership and funding multifamily housing developments. He explains how the "Home Is Possible" program provides critical down payment assistance, allowing renters to transition into homeownership and begin building generational wealth. On the construction side, Steve details the highly complex process of using federal tax credits and tax-exempt bonds to subsidize large apartment projects and keep monthly rents affordable for low-income families. With Nevada currently facing a shortage of nearly 78,000 attainable housing units, the conversation highlights the massive legislative investments actively working to close that gap. Steve outlines the monumental impact of the Home Means Nevada initiative and the overwhelming bipartisan support for the Governor's Housing Access and Attainability Act (AB 540). This legislation specifically targets development and assistance across the affordability spectrum, including crucial funding for the often-overlooked "missing middle" workforce. The duo also explores the future of homebuilding, discussing how pending federal legislation like the 21st Century Road to Housing Act could revolutionize the use of manufactured and modular housing to rapidly increase the state's housing supply. Finally, Steve shares a powerful update on Windsor Park, a historic redlined community that was built over a sinking aquifer and left to deteriorate for decades. Thanks to dedicated state-backed efforts and recent legislation, new homes are officially under construction right now to safely relocate the displaced residents. Subscribe to the channel for more insights into Nevada's economic landscape and business future!
April 20 · 49 min
The Future of the Las Vegas Economy: Tourism, AI & Economic Forecasts with Andrew Woods
In this insightful episode, Kristopher sits down with Andrew Woods from the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to discuss the current and future economic landscape of Southern Nevada. Andrew dives deep into the data behind the Southern Nevada Business Confidence Index and Las Vegas tourism, explaining how the city's reliance on discretionary spending makes it a leading indicator for the national economy. They explore the shifting demographics of visitors, the negative impact of rising costs and price gouging perceptions on domestic travel, and why convention attendance remains a crucial, stabilizing pillar for the Las Vegas Strip. Andrew also highlights shifting consumer habits, noting how national spending has heavily consolidated into budget-friendly giants like Amazon, Walmart, Costco, and TJ Maxx. The conversation then shifts to the future of the Nevada workforce, tackling the realities of the soft skills gap and how artificial intelligence might actually increase the overall demand for certain white-collar jobs by significantly improving efficiency. Andrew also shares his vision for economic diversification in Las Vegas, highlighting the explosive growth of the healthcare sector driven by an aging demographic of new residents, while making a strong case for bringing a massive, large-scale manufacturing gigafactory to Southern Nevada to truly transform the region. Finally, Andrew provides his expert economic forecast on whether the United States is heading into a recession, breaking down the warning signs of a cooling job market that is heavily reliant on healthcare growth. However, he balances this with an optimistic look at the incredible post-pandemic boom in local entrepreneurship that currently makes Nevada the third most entrepreneurial state in the country per capita. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the business world!
April 6 · 47 min
Inside Nevada's "No Debt" Apprenticeships & The Culinary Academy - Toni Giddens & Dr. Bobbi Damrow
In this episode, Director Sanchez explores the booming world of debt-free career training with two incredible guests: Nevada State Apprenticeship Director Toni Giddens and Dr. Bobbi Damrow, from the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas. Toni kicks off the conversation by explaining how Nevada's unique apprenticeship model allows individuals to earn a living wage while receiving completely free related training and instruction. She details the massive expansion of the state's programs to nearly 9,000 apprentices, highlighting the highly successful teacher apprenticeship pathway with UNLV, as well as emerging opportunities in advanced manufacturing and healthcare to meet the state's growing demands. The episode then shifts to an inside look at the hospitality industry with Dr. Bobbi Damrow. She discusses the Culinary Academy's incredible 33-year legacy of partnering with major Las Vegas resorts and labor unions to provide rapid, highly effective skills training. Dr. Damrow reveals how the Academy removes barriers to entry for students and details their massive campus expansion that includes exact hotel room replicas built by properties like the Wynn, Bellagio, and Caesars Palace for real-world housekeeper training. She also highlights the success of their professional cook and barista programs, offering a fast track to lucrative careers on the Las Vegas Strip. Whether you are looking to avoid massive student loan debt or seeking to transition into a new high-paying industry, this episode provides a complete roadmap to finding success in Nevada. Discover how you can attend upcoming No Debt Career Fairs and connect with resources that will change your financial future. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into Nevada's business landscape! To learn more about the No Debt Career Fair events and register to attend, visit: https://labor.nv.gov/Apprenticeship_Council/No_Debt_Career_Fair/ Dr. Bobbi Damrow – https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbidamrow/ Toni Giddens – https://www.linkedin.com/in/toni-giddens-330a3153/ Culinary Academy of Las Vegas – https://www.linkedin.com/company/theculinaryacademyoflasvegas/

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