Laughlin Economic
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
A Community Partnership
Laughlin Economic
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
A Community Partnership
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
A Community Partnership
DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
A Community Partnership
The Laughlin Economic Development Corporation is a 501(C)3 non-profit whose mission/vision is to attract -- and keep growing -- businesses, industries, and housing providers that Laughlin needs, and for which we know our existing residents and visitors can support, in our collaborative venture between civic and business leaders in Laughlin to promote the improvement of the health, welfare, and quality of life for our residents and visitors through steady, sustainable, economic growth as we add to our economic bases of retirement living and gambling-based tourism.
Our mission is to create and implement a collaborative venture among civic and business leaders in the town of Laughlin, to promote the health, welfare and quality of life for the residents of Laughlin through economic development.
The LEDC utilizes information on community assets, gathering facts both internally and externally, in our assessment process. We conduct surveys and business interviews, analyze tax records, and add decades of personal experiences in our assessment of projects that will promote development to improve the health, welfare, and quality of life for Laughlin residents and visitors.
Members of the LEDC have decades of consulting, business ownership, and operations/management experience in the town of Laughlin in southern Clark County. We utilize our experience and information gathered in the assessment process to understand community needs and the direction of our partners strategic investments. Thus we plan feasible goals in line with the mission/vision of LEDC and our partners, especially for businesses and industries not now available in Laughlin.
The LEDC can assist in getting your investment moving faster through utilizing our community network that spans well beyond the borders of the township. Our experienced members will make your development process fow efficiently with the lowest possible cost to your organization. At various stages, the process may require stakeholders from different financial institutions, other appropriate companies, government agencies and regulators.
Once the LEDC assesses and plans community opportunities, we oversee the implementation of the initiative or strategic investment with consulting, connecting you to funding sources, and/or communicating with relevant stakeholders including property owners, business management, county, state, and federal agencies, and most importantly Laughlin residents.
WHY LAUGHLIN
Casino Drive SID
Public Information Meeting
August 10, 2022 at 10AM
Presented by Clark County Public Works
This meeting is open to the public.
This is your chance to learn more, ask questions, and hopefully get answers.
Items for review and discussion:
Speed Limit Increase from 35mph to 45mph
Roadway Issues
Wet Utilities
Timeline
Funding
Location: Laughlin Government Center
101 Civic Way
Laughlin, NV
The LEDC awarded three $1000 scholarships to Laughlin High School students this year. Sean Kolb, Russell Allen, and Daniel Favala Hernandez were the recipients.
The Laughlin Economic Development Corporation had a ten person table sponsorship for the 2022 Las Vegas Perspective.
June 23, 2022
LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA), in partnership with the Perspective Council, hosted the 42nd annual Las Vegas Perspective today at The M Resort. With over 700 registered participants joining in-person and online, the 2022 event is the most attended in-person event in the organization’s history.
This year’s theme centered on “Sustainable Economic Development.” While the LVGEA is celebrating 10 years of bringing high quality jobs and companies to Southern Nevada, there are challenges ahead. LVGEA President & CEO Tina Quigley outlined the region’s main issues moving forward: land, workforce/talent, and water.
“The LVGEA will begin facilitating more community conversations about these very serious issues,” said Quigley. “We have the ability to be agile, to shift, and to pivot. We have the opportunity to show the world that a desert community can survive and thrive. Yes, it’s a lot of pressure, but we’re Las Vegas! If anyone can do it, we can.”
The first speaker, Dr. DeRionne Pollard, President of Nevada State College, brought a national perspective to the higher education and workforce development conversation. She emphasized that economic development is an ecosystem, with workforce and higher education being two elements of that larger ecosystem.
“Each of these elements work in concert with each other,” sad Dr. Pollard. “We each tend to focus on our little part, but if we’re only focusing on one part, we’re missing the bigger picture. We must recognize this isn’t a zero-sum game, and that each of these elements are essential to a collective growth and advancement. We cannot be complacent about any of the elements of the ecosystem.”
Internationally renowned water expert Cindy Wallis-Lage took the stage next to discuss water security and its importance to economic growth. While Southern Nevada has made progress relating to water conservation, Wallis-Lage reiterated that residents and community leaders must undergo an overall mindset shift when it comes to water resources.
“What got us here, won’t get us there,” said Wallis-Lage. “The reality is, things are changing, and we have to change with it. I use the word, ‘drying climate,’ and that’s intentional. Because when we say drought, we’re saying we think this will end. We’re saying we’re going back to where things were. And that’s not the case. We have a new normal.”
Brian Gordon, Principal with Applied Analysis, wrapped up the event with an economic analysis and forecast for the region. He noted that with inflation at a 40-year record high, the one word on everyone’s mind is ‘recession.’
“Things are moving very quickly,” said Gordon. “Just a few months ago, a survey of economists showed only 28% predicted a ‘hard’ landing for the economy, whereas today that number is 80%. Things are changing rapidly, and I think that’s why we’re all feeling a little bit of this economic uncertainty.”
Gordon did mention that while the region is facing challenges relating to housing, land, workforce, and water, he sees progress when it comes to water conservation and economic diversification into the sports and entertainment industry.
“This is the time for our community to grow up,” said Gordon. “We’ve made great strides, but we’re not there yet. It’s time to make bold decisions and move the economy forward. It’s time to start acting our age.”
Las Vegas Perspective is the region’s go-to source for community and economic development information, analysis, and forecasting. The event and accompanying data book have become a valuable resource for a diverse group of companies and organizations, both large and small in the region.
For photos from today’s event, click here.
Learn more about the event and view the speakers’ presentation slides at vegasperspective.com.
###
The Laughlin Economic Development Corporation mission is to create and implement a collaborative venture among civic and business leaders in the town of Laughlin; to promote the health, welfare and quality of life for the residents of Laughlin through economic development.
In that light, we ask the Laughlin Town Advisory Board to support the Special Use Permit application made by 8 Minute Energy today. This applies to the 4225 acre Southland lease and the transmission corridor to get to the Mohave Switch Station. LEDC has been a long standing proponent of the Solar Generation site in the Southland and the economic diversity it brings to the Laughlin Township.
One of Laughlin’s future opportunities for economic development is clean-green solar-generated electric power and transmission in the western section of Laughlin Township. This project is the start of what we hope are many more projects that would extend west into the US95 corridor. The state of Nevada has committed to the generation and use of renewable energy when it passed the Renewable Portfolio Standard. At least 50% of the electricity used in Nevada by 2030 must come from renewable resources. This project is the first in the Laughlin Township with we hope more to come to utilize the existing Mohave Switch Station and transmission lines that will be needed to meet the clean energy needs of Nevada.
Thank you
LEDC
The Laughlin Economic Development Corporation would like to recognize the outgoing Laughlin Town Advisory Board members on the tremendous impact their terms have had on the future economic development success of the Laughlin Township.
During this last LTAB term, the dredging of the Laughlin Lagoon was completed. As well as the finalization of the SID to perform future maintenance on the Lagoon, entirely paid for by the landowners. The small financial contribution to the initial SID for the dredging by the Fort Mohave Development Act Fund was a huge success. It allowed for the dredging along the public lands, and has resulted in a significant increase in land values surrounding the Lagoon.
Another achievement was the initialization of the SID process for the W Casino Drive improvement. Installing water and sewer infrastructure, which will be entirely paid for by the landowners, with the roadway widening paid for by RTC, will be the economic development jewel for the Township for years to come. We encourage the incoming LTAB members to fully support the SID process and completion of this project in a timely manner. No other project in our Township will return the rewards this one will in the foreseeable future.
The outgoing LTAB members also recognized the threat of an Avi Kwa Ame Spirit Mountain National Monument and the extensive land grab that would consume nearly 240,000 acres of potential renewable energy area. The current solar field development to commence in the next year on the Laughlin Township Southland properties will be the first step with a potential expansion making the Laughlin Township a leader in renewable energy for the state of Nevada. We encourage the incoming LTAB members to stay engaged on the threat of the proposed National Monument and work to reduce its foot print to exclude the lands with renewable energy potential.
Additional successes are the passage of SB172 which created SID accountability and the return of nearly $4 million dollars to the community. Support for a gas tax carve out to provide equality to gasoline prices in Laughlin compared to Bullhead City, as well as support for the Brighter Nevada Student bill to help fund education by placing a fee on all renewable energy exported from Nevada. Lastly, we await the sale and development of the former Mohave Generating Site land.
In closing, the success of the first two elected Town Board’s is a guide for future Town Board members. Clearing the way for projects with appropriate legislation, communication with governmental entities, and focusing on the final product has resulted in all these successes.
Submitted December 3, 2020
by Martin Knauss
President
Laughlin Economic Development Corporation
Read LTAB has Development Impact on Community
Laughlin Times, December 4, 2020
Laughlin Town Advisory Board – November 9, 2021 Meeting:
The Laughlin Economic Development Corporation mission is to create and implement a collaborative venture among civic and business leaders in the town of Laughlin; to promote the health, welfare and quality of life for the residents of Laughlin through economic development.
The National Parks Conservation Association proposed boundaries of the Avi Kwa Ame Spirit Mountain National Monument will eliminate any chance of clean solar-generated electric power and transmission in the area being proposed for the National Monument. Over 200,000 acres of potential land for solar-generated electric power would be forever excluded from use.
The state of Nevada has committed to the generation and use of renewable energy when it passed the Renewable Portfolio Standard. At least 50% of the electricity used in Nevada by 2030 must come from renewable resources. This will not be viable without the use of solar-generated electric power in areas where transmission lines and switch stations exist. The proposed National Monument will severely restrain the ability of Nevada to achieve its goals in an economic and efficient manner.
The Laughlin Township is the site of major regional switch station and transmission lines. An area south of Laughlin (aka the Southlands) is proposed for solar-generated electricity. Laughlin will be the hub of economic development for the entire area of solar installations in the US95 corridor. The proposed National Monument will exclude any development of renewable energy along that corridor.
The LEDC requests you reject the Avi Kwa Ame Spirit Mountain National Monument as currently outlined. The 200,000 plus acres for potential solar-generated electric power must be excluded. Pathways for transmission lines must be maintained.
Thank you for your consideration. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Martin Knauss - President
Laughlin Economic Development Corporation
“Community Partnership for Action”
(725) 867-8190
9 November 2021
The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) hosted its inaugural VISTA ’22 event providing an in-depth forecast around indicators on regional, national and global levels. Hosted at the M Resort and online, VISTA ’22 brought together Beacon Economics’ Dr. Chris Thornberg and Las Vegas Raiders’ Jeremy Aguero, and a lineup of esteemed panelists to provide the audience with the data and insight needed to do business in 2022 and beyond.
Presentations:
Jeremy Aguero presented the keynote address at the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance's VISTA 2022 forecasting event. The presentation centered on Southern Nevada's six areas of focus: (1) Residents and Workforce, (2) Consumer Income and Spending, (3) Tourism Industry, (4) Commercial Real Estate, (5) Residential Real Estate and (6) National Indicators. The presentation highlighted the current economic landscape in each of these areas and provided insight into what we can expect as we head into 2022.
Christopher Thornberg, Founding Partner of Beacon Economics took a look at the national economy, the effects of the stimulus and government mitigation measures, and whether inflation will be a problem in 2022
Consensus Forecast:
Presentations and data by Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance
[PRESS RELEASE]
LEDC Announces Dr. Brian Paulson As New Government Affairs Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [October 2020]
CONTACT: Martin Knauss, President, laughlinedc@gmail.com
LAUGHLIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ANNOUNCES GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR DR. BRIAN PAULSON TO SERVE AS INTERGOVERNMENTAL LIAISON OF NONPROFIT
LAUGHLIN, Nevada (October 2020) The Laughlin Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) announced Dr. Brian Paulson has been named government affairs director of the nonprofit devoted to promoting the economic health, welfare, and quality of life for the residents of
Laughlin through economic development.
Paulson, the former Laughlin Town Manager, has supported the efforts of the LEDC in the past few years to bring about greater economic vitality to Laughlin.
“All of us at the LEDC see an opportunity to have a greater influence on intergovernmental matters as they pertain to Laughlin economic development,” LEDC President Martin Knauss said. “We are excited to take this next step and retain Dr. Paulson’s wealth of experience and
insight in government for the betterment of Laughlin.”
Paulson’s hiring comes as the nonprofit is actively providing a platform for economic development for business and industry leaders looking to expand their operations to southern Clark County and the advantages the Laughlin community offers to prospecting business.
As governmental affairs director, Paulson will enhance these efforts by working as a liaison and consultant with local, state, and federal staff and representatives, including the offices of Senator Joe Hardy, Assemblyman Glen Leavitt, and other members of the 2021 state
legislature, the Governor’s Office on Economic Development, and the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance. Additionally, Paulson will work closely with both the Henderson and Boulder City Chambers of Commerce along with Laughlin local organizations to promote mutual joint interests. He will monitor state and federal legislative actions in relation to Laughlin economic development and represent the LEDC in legislative and regulatory sessions.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to help build and strengthen a town and a valuable community asset, the LEDC, for the residents of Laughlin,” Paulson said, “and look forward to working with the community again and its many partners in both government and economic development in this new position.”
Paulson served as Laughlin town manager from June 2016 until his retirement from Clark County in August 2020 after 31 years of public service, including over 20 years as the County’s senior community development coordinator for the Community Development Block Grant
program. Paulson is a past president of the National Association for County Community and Economic Development and holds both masters and doctoral degrees in public administration from Iowa State University and the University of La Verne.
The LEDC is a Nevada-based nonprofit whose mission is to create and implement a collaborative venture among civic and business leaders in the town of Laughlin, to promote the health, welfare, and quality of life for the residents of Laughlin through economic development.
A community partnership for action, members provide networking, professional services, financial support initiatives, and community building through economic development in the town of Laughlin.
###
The Laughlin Community Development Advisory Committee, led by members Robert Bilbray and Cheryl Crow, received good news that their effort to secure a Community Block Development Grant was successful (pending final approval). The grant of $4,670,399, through the Capital Improvement Plan Application process in Clark County, is for a multi-generational center at the Spirit Mountain Activity Center located at Mountain View Park in Laughlin.
Cheryl Crow is a Director of the Laughlin Economic Development Corporation, and Robert Bilbray is the Strategic Development Advisor for the Laughlin Economic Development Corporation.
An article in the Laughlin Nevada Times article contains additional details about the CBD grant and plans.
News and Events
The LEDC is always looking for civic and business leaders to join us in our efforts of promoting economic development in Laughlin. If you are interested in getting involved please visit our Membership page for more information.
Copyright © 2018-2021
Laughlin Economic Development Corporation. All Rights Reserved.