Gift catalogue includes eclectic wares 'Made in Nevada'

People who pick up a copy of the Made in Nevada 2005 holiday gift catalogue, out today, will find an eclectic array of Nevada goods and gifts.

Though not particularly focused on holiday consumers - unless a bronze sculpture or a Go-Ped is on your holiday list - the catalogue is a story book about local business. To obtain a 2005 Made in Nevada holiday catalog call 1-800-336-1600, or visit www.madeinnv.com.

John Claudino, owner of Aztec Manufacturing, moved from the Bay area nine years ago to retire from his career as a machinist. Instead he put his skills, and equipment, to use making model railroad accessories.

The 66-year-old is regarded by trade magazines as an expert in his field. Made in Nevada is a state marketing and support program for home-grown business such as Claudino's.

"It's worthwhile belonging because of the networking opportunity with other members," he said Monday. "When you mention Made in Nevada you feel a bond with the other businesses."

This is his second year in the catalogue. Last year most of the 1,000 copies were printed on the program's office computer and assembled over several days by office staff. Made in Nevada Program Director Kimberly Elliott said 2,000 copies of the new catalogue cost $4,000, double what was spent last year.

"This is the first year that we've contracted it out for someone else to do," Elliott said. "And we have 80 members in it this year, compared to 35 last year."

Members get free space in the 28-page catalogue. Five businesses bought advertising, which recouped 12 percent of the cost.

Membership costs $30 a year and is beneficial to those businesses that can't budget for marketing - such as Carson City based JoDog Sport Inc.

Jodie Andersen, co-owner of JoDog Sport, said this catalogue is the best advertising for her because it reaches county officers and state purchasers. She and her brother-in-law invented a step that extends from the bed of a truck when the tailgate is down. The base unit costs $250.

"We have found that in commercial and state utility vehicles it increases safety and reduces workers' compensation issues," she said.

Until about two years ago, Andersen worked as a consultant for small business owners. Now she is one. So far she has sold 100 units. The invention began after her sister slipped and fell while trying to get an ice scrapper out of the bed of her husband's truck. The X-Tend A Step patent is pending.

Botcha-Caloops of Virginia City, is so small that owners Linda and Bruce Larson don't have the money to do their own marketing. The couple make personalized sand-carved and blasted mirrors and glass.

"We always want to be a part of anything they do because (Made in Nevada) helps get our name out there," she said.

The business's name means "character" in Italian, what Linda Larson's grandparents used to call her.

Marketing with Made in Nevada has grown their business in the last year. The business makes retirement plaques for the state and county offices. It was commissioned by four Realtors in Virginia and Carson cities for "Home Means Nevada" personalized gifts for new home owners.

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