Rural Development Agency hosts forum on economy

Friday, Jan. 15, 2010 | 2:05 a.m.

Small-business owners concerned with creating more jobs and stabilizing their income had the opportunity on Thursday to participate in a forum on jobs and economic growth.

The forum, held in Boulder City, was the first of two that the Rural Development Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture will hold before presenting a report to President Obama about concerns state, community and business leaders have about the economy.

USDA Rural Development State Director Sarah Adler moderated the event and took notes as each resident and panel speaker brought up a topic of interest the federal government might like to explore.

With only a few residents in attendance, Adler said she had hoped more people would participate but was satisfied with the quality of the conversations.

“I came to Boulder City because it would be a small group and people who cared,” Adler said.

The forum consisted of panels about job creation, small-business loans, education and innovation and technology.

Brian Palmer, vice president of GE Energy of Minden, served as the keynote speaker. He said cuts to education funding are hurting the job market.

“For people who are familiar with technology and education, there are jobs,” Palmer said. “My advice to colleges is to focus on an education system and be known for something students can specialize in.”

Other speakers said Nevada should take advantage of its location and consider more renewable energy projects.

Jim Croce, CEO of Nevada Institute for Renewable, said Nevada has the ability to capitalize on energy projects that could create hundreds of jobs and help solve the state’s financial problems. He said the valley has the potential to be one of the leading states in alternative energy.

Small business start-up loans were also addressed at the forum.

Guy Chaffee, vice president and development officer of Nevada State Bank, said banks are looking at Small Business Administration loans and starting to issue more of them to business owners.

He also said the Small Business Administration loans that are now issued up to $2 million might be increased to $4 million or $5 million to help with start-up costs.

Boulder City resident Sarah Weber said she is retired but learned a lot about business options from the forum.

“My one hope is that all of you can help businesses employ more people, (because) it’s the only way we’re going to get out of this,” Weber said to the panel.

The next job forum is scheduled for 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 21 at Western Nevada College, 2201 West College Parkway, in Carson City. Those who are unable to attend a forum can fill out an online survey here.