CEDA banquet honors economic, social contributions to community

Over 115 business owners and government officials filled the country club at The Golf Course at Fallon to celebrate local economic contributions and raise money for the Churchill Economic Development Authority.

Keynote speaker David Thawley, dean of the college of Agriculture, Biotechnology and Natural Resources at the University of Nevada-Reno, explained the goals and work of the department in relation to rural Nevada communities.

"Our college is there to serve the rural communities of the state," he said. "We arguably would like to believe that you're our constituents. "

The development of a plant materials center in Northern Nevada will allow native, foundation plants and seeds to be developed for placement on public land, Thawley said. Local farmers and ranchers can then develop the plants and introduce them to the commercial market.

CEDA awarded six plaques to individuals and businesses who have contributed to the county's economic or social well-being, including Lahontan Valley Environmental Alliance Director Jeannette Dahl and Churchill County Comptroller Alan Kalt.

Over 30 local businesses and individuals donated items for a silent auction, where attendees wrote ever-increasing bids on merchandise. The auction raised $3,742 for CEDA.

The event was successful beyond expectations, CEDA Executive Director Shirley Walker said. This was the sixth or seventh year of the banquet.

"I was very pleased," she said. "I was very pleased with the turnout and very pleased with the bids. I've had wonderful support from the community. I love it!"

Josh Johnson can be contacted at jjohnson@lahontanvalleynews.com