Here’s the latest business news from around Northern Nevada, with Business Beat from the Northern Nevada Business Weekly.
Reno Restaurants Struggle To Find Staff
If you’ve driven around town, you’ve probably seen lots of help wanted signs at area restaurants.
Gustavo Velasco is the executive chef at the Squeeze In, a popular brunch spot in Northern Nevada. He says he’s been calling hundreds of people who previously applied and has been able to hire just 10. His experience is a microcosm of the staffing woes felt by many small businesses, especially in the hospitality industry.
The Nevada State Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR) told businesses at a recent forum to report people who are receiving unemployment benefits but refuse offers to return to work. But some businesses say they’re too busy dealing with staffing shortages to be able to keep up with the required reports and paperwork.
DETR reinstated the work search requirement for unemployment on May 1.
Read more about staffing issues at Reno restaurants at nnbw.com.
Nevada Treasurer Gathering Ideas On How To Spend Federal Funds
Nevada State Treasurer Zach Conine continued his listening tour throughout the state with a stop in Fallon this month. The goal? To brainstorm the best way to spend billions from the American Rescue Plan Act to improve life in Nevada.
Conine spoke with business leaders, food producers and tribal members to gather ideas that he and the governor’s team can present to the legislature. Locals touted the need for more affordable housing, water solutions and reliable staff.
Read more about federal funding for Fallon at nnbw.com.
Reno Robotics Center Teaching Youth STEM Skills
It’s full steam ahead for a new robotics center in Reno, which local leaders hope will inspire the next generation of tech talent.
The K-12 Robotics Center launched earlier this month with the goal of teaching local students important skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. It is supported by Tesla and the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada.
Read more about Reno’s newest robotics center at nnbw.com.
Kaleb Roedel is a KUNR contributor and reporter with the Northern Nevada Business Weekly. For more business news, check out the Northern Nevada Business Weekly at nnbw.com or in print on Wednesdays.
