Northern Nevada should target defense industry

Churchill and Mineral counties should take aim on the defense industry as one of its primary target industries, according to a recently released study.

The study, commissioned by the Churchill Economic Development Authority, was performed by AngelouEconomics, the same firm that conducted the Northern NVision project last year which studied strengths and growth opportunities for seven northern Nevada counties.

The study said very few states actively target the defense industry, and by designating it as a primary industry, it "sends a clear signal to outside audiences and potential relocating companies that the region and state are committed to their growth and prosperity."

"We have two of the jewels of the military arsenal in our state," said Eric Grimes, executive director of CEDA. "Why not target defense industry businesses to come here?"

Both Grimes and his counterpart in Hawthorne agree with the study's conclusion, and both are ready to implement the next steps.

"I'm writing an implementation plan now," said Shelley Hartmann, executive director of the Mineral County Economic Development Authority. "For us, it's an exciting opportunity. The study showed there's a lot of money we're letting slide to other states."

Hartmann said her agency is already looking at weapons, ammunition and knife manufacturers as potential businesses and sees a golden opportunity to solicit gun manufacturers since eight states are attempting to oust gun manufacturers.

Grimes said the response at the Carson-based Nevada Commission on Economic Development has been good. Because of the state's budget crunch, however, new projects are under intense scrutiny.

Nevertheless, Grimes is prepared to move forward on the study's suggestions and is planning to work with Hartmann on interlocal agreements which would benefit both counties.

The study calls for the formation of a Defense Industry Council as the main group to advance private business in Northern Nevada toward the defense industry.

"The Churchill and Mineral County Economic Development Authorities should lead the formation of the council," the study states, adding that the council will need assistance from state agencies which specialize in defense contracts.

A defense cluster specialist - ideally from the NCED - would focus on industry trends, the study states, while local economic developers should plan yearly visits with local defense contractors.

A non-profit organization funded by private sector money is a part of the long-term marketing plan called for in the study. The money would be used for marketing materials, sales trips to defense industry conferences and lobbying efforts. Grimes said this organization would be similar to CEDA's Business Council arm, which is a privately funded segment of the local economic development authority.

"Ultimately for Fallon I would like to see a small software company that provides software for aircraft, or maybe a small aircraft manufacturing company that manufactures small instruments," Grimes said.

CEDA has already met with public relations firms specializing in defense contracts for a brainstorming session and has shared the study's findings with state economic leaders.

Light industry and high-paying jobs are what Grimes would like to see as a part of Fallon's economy. He said the community needs to educate the defense industry on what Churchill County has available in the way of business sites, open locations and utility costs.

"I would like to see something that's going to benefit our community, create jobs and not be a burden on our community," Grimes said. "I think there's plenty of resources. We just have to get the word out."