Business briefs

The Advertising Association of Northern Nevada is honoring the 2005 Ad People of the Year at a luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Harrah's Convention Center. Cost is $20 for members and students, $25 for nonmembers and $200 for a table of eight. For information call 324-4332 or visit www.a2n2.com.

Reno visitors authority hires VP of sales and marketing

The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority has hired Knud Svendsen fto be vice president of sales and marketing. The position will focus primarily on revitalizing the convention sales efforts and will oversee a staff of 30.

Svendsen worked for PCH Hotels & Resorts, Adam's Mark Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels Corporation and the Continental Companies in various sales and marketing capacities. He is a graduate of Perdue University and holds a bachelor of science degree in hotel/restaurant management and a bachelor of arts degree in political science, with an emphasis in internal relations. His official start date is June 5. For information, visit www.VisitRenoTahoe.com.

Greater Nevada Credit Union opens branch in Dayton

The Greater Nevada Credit Union has opened a 6,300-square-foot, full-service financial institution branch at 555 Highway 50 E. in Dayton. The branch features safe-deposit boxes, three drive-up teller lanes and two drive-up ATMs, and a community meeting facility on-site that will be available for use by civic, charitable and business organizations. For information, visit www.gncu.org.

Gottschalks attributes losses to weather, gas prices

Gottschalks, Inc., reported financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2006. Net loss for the first quarter was $4 million, or $.30 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $2 million or $.15 per diluted share for the first fiscal of 2005. Same-store sales decreased 0.5 percent for the first quarter of 2006. Total sales decreased slightly by 0.4 percent to $143.5 million, from $144.1 million for the first fiscal quarter last year.

Jim Famalette, president and CEO of Gottschalks, Inc. attributes this quarters results to several factors, including unseasonably cool, wet weather, increased supply chain expenses due to higher fuel costs and higher interest rates.

Cycle shop donates motorcycle to benefit cancer center

Michael's Cycle Works, 2680 S. Carson St., has donated a Polaris Ranger 4X4 to raise money for the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center, which opens this fall. The drawing will take place at Carson Valley Days at 3 p.m. June 10 in Lampe Park in Gardnerville. Buyers do not need to be present to win. The unit will be on display at the Carson Valley Inn through June 9.

Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at Michael's Cycle Works, Sharkey's Casino in Gardnerville, Carson Valley Golf Course in Gardnerville, Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center Gift Shop in Carson City and the Carson Valley Inn in Minden.

SCORE seminar on franchising fundamentals

SCORE is sponsoring a full-day seminar from 9 a.m -4 p.m. Saturday focusing on "How to Buy and succeed as a Franchise Owner." Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The seminar is at the University of Nevada, Reno, in Room 101 of the Ansari Business Building. Cost is $50, which includes lunch.

Topics to be covered include:

"How to Turn Your Entrepreneurial Dreams into Reality" - Greg Roquet, FranNet-The Franchise Connection.

"Pitfalls in Franchise Agreements" - Bonnie Drinkwater Esq., Drinkwater Law Office

"Realities of Franchise Ownership" - John Larson, President& Founder of Port of Subs

"How I Bought, Operated and Financed my Franchises" - Lou Muller, Midas franchisee

Call SCORE for information and registration forms at (775) 784-4436 or go to www.score-reno.org.