Carson City's businesses lauded

Several Carson City businesses will receive recognition from Gov. Kenny Guinn and other businesspeople at tonight's 20th annual Governor's Industry Appreciation Awards program.

One of those will be Harley-Davidson Financial Services. It received the Commitment to Nevada Award.

Donal Hummer Jr., Harley-Davidson community and government affairs vice president, said Monday it earned the award not just because of the company's expansion into a new building but also because of its dedication to the community.

Harley-Davidson has contributed to Western Nevada Community College, the Carson-Tahoe Cancer Center and Citizens for Affordable Homes Inc.

"It's more than just staying here - though that is important - it's about staying here and giving our time, effort and support to the community," he said.

Harley-Davidson Financial Services finances both Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealers and buyers. It also insures riders and gives extended service. This month about 500 employees are moving into the company's new $23 million building on Technology Way.

It's one of the city's largest for-profit employers, according to the Nevada Commission on Economic Development.

Past governors Bob Miller and Richard Bryan will also honor companies that have moved to Northern Nevada, and acknowledge the area's established companies for substantial growth.

Production Pattern & Foundry will receive a New to Northern Nevada Award. Relocation Manager Dave Shultz said the company attracted attention because it'll bring 100 jobs to the area.

The company is closing its San Leandro, Calif., foundry, and moving into a newly expanded building in Mound House. He said the 100,000-square-foot building on five acres is about 80 percent completed. Production Pattern & Foundry makes aluminum casting for the trucking industry. Its largest customer is Peterbilt trucks.

"We'll start producing at the end of the month," Shultz said. "And we'll be completely moved in by January. We started hiring five local employees last week."

Company owner Arlene Cochran of Genoa will accept the award.

Other area businesses honored tonight: Quoin International Inc. of Carson City, Modern Stainless & Design of Dayton, Pacific Coast Flange of Mound House and James Hardie Building Products of Storey County.

Quoin International Inc. Vice President Cathy Jacobson said the company is busy producing its PowerQuick personal-lifting device, but she'll make time to attend tonight's program.

"We are so excited because we're new in the area and to be recognized already for the work we put in has just been phenomenal," she said. "One reason why we came here was because Nevada takes care of its people."

Quoin is a tech-development and management company specializing in dual-use technologies. That means the product is sold in both military and commercial markets.

One Carson City business was recognized for its expansion.

Odyssey Business Services CEO and founder Charles Harrall said he is proud to accept their award for expansion. The company's president is Sandra L. Harrall.

"We opened four satellite offices in the last year and we have expanded our headquarters in Carson City to 5,000 square feet," he said. "We have a total staff of 33 people now and we will continue to expand our product and services in 2005."

Sportif USA of Sparks won distinguished business of 2005.

Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.

If you go

What: The 20th annual Governor's Industry Appreciation Awards

Time: 5:30 p.m.today

Where: John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks

Keynote speaker: Jeffrey Finkle, president/CEO of International Economic Development Council

Topic: "The Election's Effect on Economic Development"

Co-hosted by: Reno, Sparks, Tahoe Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada and Northern Nevada Development Authority