State briefs

(Staff report) Gov. Kenny Guinn has appointed Tim Rubald executive director of the Nevada Commission on Economic Development.

He has been interim director since June when Bob Shriver left the position. Before that, he was director of business development for the commission.

"Tim has demonstrated both expertise in economic development and commitment to building and diversifying Nevada's economic structure," said Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt, chairwoman of the commission.

He will oversee economic development programs including the Nevada Film Office, Procurement Outreach, Community Development programs, marketing and business development.

Reid urges expanded programs at Hawthorne

(Staff report) Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., has called for expansion of military and other programs at the Hawthorne Army Depot.

Reid was instrumental in saving Hawthorne from closure earlier this year after the Pentagon's Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommended shutting it down. He argued this week that Hawthorne should be expanded.

"The Hawthorne Army Depot has immense potential and provides a unique training environment," he said. "The first step in long-term strengthening of the base is to expand it's role and its vast capabilities."

Reid has already sponsored legislation that would let Hawthorne offer services to other branches of the military such as creating Navy SEAL and Army Special Forces training facilities.