Washoe companies see more jobs ahead
A survey of manufacturing and distribution companies in Washoe County shows optimism for job growth and expansion over the next three years.
In the survey by Business Builders, an arm of the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, respondents indicated their intent to create 1,334 new jobs and add 1.5 million additional square footage and nearly $180 million in new capital investment by 2010.
The survey, conducted from August to December, showed
49 of the 79 executives responding positively and 73 percent saying they plan to introduce new products in the next two years.
That signals confidence in the marketplace, said Donna Crooks, business expansion manager for Reno-based EDAWN.
"These key business sectors represent excellent potential for growth, innovation, high-wage job creation and economic impact. They will play an important role in Northern Nevada's future," Crooks said.
The survey's results parallel trends in warehousing-distribution employment.
The latest state jobless report showed an estimated 200 new jobs created in Washoe County in December from a month earlier.
Among other findings in the EDAWN survey:
- 80 percent of companies introduced new products in the past five years.
- 92 percent indicated their budgets for training will increase in the next three years.
- 72 percent reported difficulties in recruiting employees.
- Respondents rated worker productivity at 5.5, stability at 4.2 and quality at 4.0 out of a possible 7.
- Under community services, respondents rated ambulance-paramedic the highest, 5.87 out of a possible 7, and local streets and roads lowest at 3.86.
- The top three strengths of the community as a place to do business were business climate, geographic location and quality of life.
- The top three areas needing improvement were labor force, transportation and cost of living.
