Nev. Governor Wants To Create 50K Jobs By 2014

SANDRA CHEREB

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Gov. Brian Sandoval said he wants to create 50,000 jobs by 2014, a challenge he issued Tuesday in unveiling a statewide economic development strategy that focuses on regionalizing development efforts and broader marketing of Nevada's business attributes.

The plan is "a blueprint for building a vibrant, sustainable economy for all Nevadans," Sandoval said at a news conference at the University of Nevada, Reno. "It puts us in a better position to succeed in the hyper-competitive push to champion a strong economy that creates good jobs."

"Moving Nevada Forward: A plan for Excellence in Economic Development," is the result of AB449, a law pushed by the first term Republican governor to overhaul the state's economic development efforts.

It comes as Nevada continues to lead the nation in unemployment, bankruptcies and foreclosures. Nevada's jobless rate fell to 12.6 percent in December — down from a record 14.9 percent a year earlier — but 166,000 remained out of work.

The law, which had bipartisan support, elevates the state's economic development director to a cabinet level position and provides for a coordinated approach with regional agencies. It also provided for a $10 million "catalyst fund" to create economic growth.

The plan sets out goals for the next three years and a framework to coordinate efforts between government agencies, the private sector and education systems.

"We have one of the most attractive business climates in the United States," Sandoval said. "It's up to us to capitalize on that fact."

To that end, the plan calls for the Governor's Office of Economic Development to focus on "branding and communicating" Nevada's economic advantage.

The office, led by Economic Development Director Steve Hill, "will strive to ensure that the state's regulatory environment does not inappropriately hamper business or impede job creation," the document said, and a working group will be formed to "provide advice about proposed laws and existing regulations."