RENO -- Business leaders have unveiled an action plan to attract industries offering high-paying jobs to Northern Nevada.
They discussed strategies for implementing the plan at a summit Wednesday in Reno sponsored by the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada.
"It's a commitment we take seriously, to make sure we all still want to live here in 10, 20 years," authority Chief Executive Officer Chuck Alvey said.
Among other things, the plan focuses on Washoe, Carson City, Douglas, Lyon, Storey and Churchill counties maintaining a regional effort, and on recognizing that quality of life is a major asset for luring industry.
It also concentrates on attracting and retaining a quality work force and young professionals, and on using the region's abundance natural resources, the Reno Gazette-Journal reported.
Consultant Angelos Angelou of Texas-based AngelouEconomics presented a final report on the plan. His firm was commissioned by EDAWN to come up with the plan last year.
The plan's recommended top industries for growth are software, business/financial services, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, advanced logistics and life sciences.
Experts from the University of Nevada, Reno will help efforts to start ventures in those industries.
Ron Weisinger, executive director of the Carson City-based Northern Nevada Development Authority, stressed the need for regional unity.
"Companies don't see county lines. Our success is based on how we connect as a region," he said.
Angelou praised the region's booming economy, fueled in large part by an influx of businesses and residents from California.
"This plan is about building on your past successes," he said. "It's about charting a new course."
Darik Volpa, president of Understand.com, said he brought his online medical information business to Reno because of the area's financial and geographic advantages.
"This is one of seven states with no corporate income tax," he told the audience. "And there's easy access to the (San Francisco) Bay Area. Fortunately, I don't have to live there."