LAS VEGAS -- Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval is in Las Vegas to promote his plans for diversifying the state's economy. He said a new roadmap is now in place to help navigate out of the recession.
The governor sounds very optimistic about his plans to expand the economy beyond the businesses seen on the Strip. He said the idea of diversification is not a new one, but this time the results will be different.
"I am personally meeting with companies. I am making the phone calls. We have to help businesses we have here. That's where most of the growth is going to come from is our existing businesses and allowing them to expand," he said.
Sandoval laid out the plans at the annual Nevada Development Authority luncheon at the Bellagio. The ideas are part of a new report that laid out strategies for bringing new industries to the Silver State. Sandoval said having a new cabinet agency is key to consolidating efforts to grow industries like health care and technology.
Las Vegas-based Switch Communications is one high-tech company that has expanded significantly since it opened in 2000.
"There's a ton of technology here in Vegas. So much so that people don't know about it. We want to get the word out that Las Vegas is an excellent technology buy and it's just going to keep getting bigger." said Missy Young, Executive Vice President at Switch.
The NDA released a new TV campaign in southern California, promoting the idea that Nevada is not only where you come party, but also a great place to call home. Last year, the NDA was able to attract 24 new businesses from around the world, ranging from manufacturing to clean technology. But they admit part of the new approach is to be realistic about growth.
Last year, the NDA helped create 1,200 new jobs. They said they want to keep that momentum going as we make our way out of this recession.
