Winnemucca Futures

Contact: Dave Berns, 702-510-4420

February 22, 2012

WINNEMUCCA -- Sixty community and business leaders met for eight hours Wednesday to discuss the effort to further diversify and develop the regional economy.

Participants in the ongoing Winnemucca Futures Project considered options for building leadership and educational systems to stimulate new thinking and economic opportunities. They discussed methods for further developing innovative economic systems to capitalize on local strengths while embracing emerging technologies.

A 45-minute panel discussion presented a variety of options and tackled the question: "How do Nevada's rural communities contribute to a healthy state?"

Panelists included Assemblyman Ira Hansen, R-Sparks; University of Nevada Economics Professors Glen Atkinson and Tom Harris; Nevada Arts Council Board Chairman Tim Jones; Humboldt Development Authority Chairman Patrick Gray; and Steve Hill, Director of the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development.

The Winnemucca Futures Project is designed to promote the public interest by encouraging community growth and sustainable development through communication and collaboration.

"While mining, agriculture and tourism are still important backbones of the economy, they are now part of a diverse economy complemented by industries such as specialized manufacturing, value-added resources, logistics services and renewable energy," according to a report produced by The Project.

"This diversification has reduced exposure to the 'boom and bust' nature of commodity cycles. The region has become known for its ability to apply creative entrepreneurial solutions and capitalizes on challenges and new opportunities."