County officials mull joining NNDA effort

Lyon County commissioners will come up with a list of names of people to serve on a business development board, but held back on approving funding for the project.

Ron Weisinger of the Northern Nevada Development Authority said 25 appointed people from around the region would serve on the board and work with NNDA's new business development director.

Some county officials will also serve on the board.

County Manager Dennis Stark said he will serve, as will the city managers from Fernley and Yerington.

Assemblyman Tom Grady has also agreed to participate, Stark said.

One person from each district will join the advisory board, Weisinger said.

Complete participation will require $24,000 in county funds, and Stark said he wanted to be sure it's worthwhile.

"We want to see results, not just funnel money to an agency," he said.

Stark said it was important to work with Fernley and Yerington officials on economic matters, and this was one avenue to use.

The Northern Nevada Development Authority aims to assist companies in relocating to Carson City, Douglas, Lyon and Storey counties to provide job growth and stimulate economic development.

The commission will get quarterly reports on economic impact numbers.

"We want to make this happen," Stark said. "We need to have the economic development happen. This is one way to do it."

Commissioner Phyllis Hunewill said she would like to have feedback on economic development, but Commissioner LeRoy Goodman needed some convincing.

"If we're going to do this, I want to see others do it," he said.

Goodman was also concerned about private partners rather than public partners. He said the private sector is what drives development.

With the support of the other commissioners, Goodman relented.

"I support the concept, but don't get high hopes," he said. "Things aren't very active right now. I don't want people sitting on an advisory board that doesn't do a whole lot. But if you want to try this, I'll go along."

Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or call 881-7351.