Business Briefs

Leaders elected to NNDA committee

Bonnie Betts has been elected chairwoman for the Northern Nevada Development Authority's banking and finance advisory committee. Larry Rodriguez has been selected vice chairman.

Betts, of Waddell and Reed in Carson City, was elected by the committee members to lead the committee and will be offered a seat on the NNDA board of directors.

Rodriguez works for Wells Fargo Commercial Banking Division.

Young professionals mixer planned

Young Business Professionals of Carson City will have its July mixer from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday at Abowd & Rose Financial Group, 680 W. Nye Lane, Suite 204.

Food and drinks will be provided by the hosts Abowd & Rose Financial Group. This is a free event, but donations and tips are encouraged and will be given to charity.

People in migration

United Van Lines says it moved 149 households into Washoe, Lyon, Douglas counties and Carson City in the first half of this year.

The company says it moved 113 households out of the region.

Commission picks new PR firm

The Nevada Commission on Economic Development announced that The Ferraro Group was chosen as the public relations firm to assist the research and business development division through 2011.

NCED plans to position Nevada as a center of renewable energy, according to Executive Director Mike Skaggs. The focus is part of the commission's new diversification plan that includes working with renewable energy industry leaders and the Nevada Legislature to enact tax abatements for renewable developers based in Nevada.

"The Ferraro Group's proven ability to craft unique, results-driven public relations campaigns make them the ideal organization to partner with," said Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki, NCED chairman. "Their experience will undoubtedly help our organization in the competition to entice great businesses, including renewable energy developers, to relocate or start-up in Nevada."

The Ferraro Group, with offices in Reno and Las Vegas specializes in integrated public affairs, strategic communications, public relations and special event planning. The firm's diverse client roster includes the Nevada Resort Association, NV Energy, Acciona Solar Power, Applied Analysis, Orgill/Singer & Associates, EMPLOYERS, Century-Tel, Nevada Title Company and JPMorgan Chase.

The NCED's public relations contract was previously held by Carol Infranca & Associates. The contract expired June 30.

Social networking breakfast planned

The Carson City Chamber of Commerce monthly breakfast meeting in August will feature a program about how social networking can help local businesses.

The pancake breakfast and seminar takes place at 7:30 a.m. Aug. 4 at the Elks Club, 515 N. Nevada St. Kirk Caraway will discuss how to connect with customers using tools like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Cost is $10, and advance reservations are required. Call 882-1565 for details.