Business Briefs

Report: Nevada has second-best small business climate

Nevada was named the second best state for small business in a report released this week by the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, a Virginia-based lobbying group.

The "Small Business Survival Index" measures tax environments and government spending in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., to come up with its ranking.

South Dakota was named the best state, followed by Nevada and Texas, Wyoming and Washington. As for the least friendly states, according to the report, Vermont was at No. 47 followed by New York, California, New Jersey and the District of Columbia in last place.

The report ranked states on a variety of factors such as the number of government employees per 100 residents (Nevada is No. 1 at 4.32 while Wyoming ranks last at 9.19) to gas taxes (the Silver State comes in at No. 43 with 33.1 cents per gallon).

Energy outreach coordinator named

Sean Sever has been named the energy outreach coordinator for the Nevada State Office of Energy, the department announced Friday.

Previously, Sever was a public information officer for the Nevada Public Utilities Commission for two years.

He has a journalism degree from the University of Nevada, Reno and served as chairman of the Carson City Convention and Visitors Bureau. He lives in Carson City.

Solar Store offering workshops

The Solar Store, 1803, N. Carson Street, Suite A, will offer free workshops for those interested in learning about conservation and renewable energy.

The workshops are free and are at 3:30 p.m. on the following dates.

• Solar power, on and off the power grid: Dec. 12 and Feb. 6

• Wind machines - trade-offs and designs: Jan. 9, Feb. 20 and March 20

• Solar hot water and radiant heating: Jan. 23 and March 6

The sessions last about 90 minutes. Contact 775-841-9225 to reserve a seat.

For more information visit www.rainbowsolar.com or e-mail solarsuitcase@sbcglobal.net.

Christmas party for young professionals

The Carson City Young Business Professionals will hold its Christmas Party on Dec. 17

Festivities begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Carson City Chamber of Commerce, 1900 S. Carson St., Suite 200. For more information call 775-882-1565.