Business briefs

Barrick Gold Corporation (ABX: TSX; NYSE) has announced that it has commenced its formal offer for NovaGold Resources Inc. (NG: TSX; AMEX) and completed the necessary filings with regulatory authorities in order to acquire all the outstanding shares of NovaGold in order to consolidate its interest in the Donlin Creek project in Alaska. Barrick has also commenced offers to acquire Pioneer Metals Corp., which owns the Grace property adjacent to NovaGold's Galore Creek project in British Columbia.

Naugatuck leases 180,000 square feet at LogistiCenter

The Naugatuck has signed a long-term lease for 180,000 square feet of space at 625 Waltham Way within DP Partners LogistiCenter at East Reno business park. DP Partners' 109-acre business park is located in Storey County with immediate access to I-80 via the Waltham Way interchange. The lease brings occupancy of the 420,000 square foot multi-tenant facility up to 100 percent.

Sierra Pacific signs geothermal contract with Ormat

Sierra Pacific Resources (NYSE: SRP) has announced that it has signed Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) with Ormat Technologies Inc. that will add up to 60 megawatts of new renewable generating capacity to its energy portfolio. The contracts specify purchases from new geothermal power plants to be constructed in Northern Nevada. Each contract is for 20 years and require review and approval by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada.

Carson City Toyota wins award

Carson City Toyota has received the 2005 Toyota Motor Sales President's Award.

Toyota Motor sales recognizes its best dealerships with the award for demonstrating a commitment to maintaining the company's high standard of customer satisfaction. To qualify for the award, dealerships must excel in delivering great products and providing exemplary customer care in all areas of dealership operations.

Carson City Toyota has been recognized for the 18th year because of it's ongoing support of the Boys and Girls Club of Western Nevada and as a major contributor to a program for hearing-impaired high school students in the area.

This is the 20th year the honor has been awarded.

Wells Fargo promotes Bertha Mullins to vice president

Bertha Mullins has been promoted to vice president, community development officer. In her roll, Mullins is one of two community development officers at the Wells Fargo Banking Education Center. She works to help low-to-moderate income communities and families become financially successful. She has worked for Wells Fargo for 25 years, 15 of which were spent working in community development. Before joining Wells Fargo, she spent 17 years as a health coordinator and youth director at the Community Services Agency.

AirTegrity provides Sand Harbor with free WiFi

AirTegrity Wireless, a Stateline-based broadband wireless equipment manufacturer, has installed free high-speed wireless capabilities throughout Sand Harbor, including the theatre and the beach areas, for year-round use by State Park staff and patrons.

Regional business and tech expo comes to Carson

The 2006 Northern Nevada Regional Business and Tech Expo will be 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Nevada Appeal building, 580 Mallory Way in Carson City. Booths are available for exhibitors, starting at $200 for Carson City, Carson Valley, Dayton area and Fernley chambers of commerce members, and members of the Churchill Economic Development Authority. For information about booth rentals, advertising, and sponsorship, visit www.nnda.org.