CDM Management Receives Layoff Aversion Grant
Photo Contributed by LEDC
Deborah Markham, CDM Management, receives the Layoff Aversion grant from Martin Knauss, President, LEDC, presented at her office in the Laughlin Professional Plaza in upper Laughlin. (July 10, 2020)
The Laughlin Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) facilitated CDM Management, here in Laughlin, in receiving a Layoff Aversion grant. The grant, developed by Workforce Connections and Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA), was provided for through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds provided by the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR).
The grant covered 50% of the salary of two employees from April 20, 2020 through June 30, 2020.
CDM Management in Laughlin provides HOA management for a number of associations here in Laughlin, NV. Deborah Markham, owner of CDM, expressed her gratitude in the receipt of these funds during this period of uncertainty.
For information about the LEDC, contact President Martin Knauss at laughlinedc@gmail.com; 725-867-8190; or go to laughlinedc.org.
Press Releases - LEDC
LEDC Statement on Proposed National Monument in Laughlin Township
Statement to the Laughlin Town Advisory Board on 2-11-2020
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 request the Board of Commissioners of Clark County to amend the National Parks Conservation Association proposed Awa Kwa Ame Spirit Mountain National Monument boundary in Laughlin Township as proposed in the latest draft.
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. That will require leaving the valleys open to development. As you will see in the NPCA’s latest proposal, the “Blue Peninsula” along the California border to the edge of the existing 8-Minute Energy solar lease decapitates that open area just as the original boundaries would have. Therefore, this proposal, as it stands, would prohibit much of Laughlin’s efforts to diversify its economy.
Thank you. Martin Knauss President - LEDC
LEDC Supports City of Needles in BUILD Grant submittal
By Martin Knauss, President
Laughlin Economic Development Corporation
The Laughlin Economic Development Corporation supports the application of the City of Needles to the United States Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD 2019) competitive grant program for the Needles Highway Project Segment 1B.
The Needles Highway Project Segment 1B extends from Park Rd (connector to I40) north to Budweiser Rd. This encompasses the section of Needles Highway that is in most need of immediate repair and reconstruction.
The LEDC has sent a letter to The Honorable Elaine Chao, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation in support of the City of Needles grant submittal.
For information about the LEDC, contact President Martin Knauss at laughlinedc@gmail.com; 725-867-8190; or go to laughlinedc.org
Latest statistics on Laughlin included in LVGEA 2019 annual Perspective book
May 21, 2019 - Press Release
County lobbyists kill bill to save Laughlin gas pump customers money
April 15, 2019 - Press Release
Separate incorporation bills die in Senate, Assembly committees
April 15, 2019 - Press Release
LEDC favors interstate transportation solutions
Dec. 21, 2018 - Press Release
LEDC Map Presentation to City of Needles
LEDC presents map of Tri-State area to City of Needles
By Martin Knauss
President
Laughlin Economic Development Corporation
At the May 28, 2019 City Council meeting for the City of Needles, the LEDC gifted a wall map of the Tri – State area to the City. Attending from the LEDC was Martin Knauss, President, Jim Maniaci, Vice-President, Cheryl Crow, Board Member, and Robert Bilbray, Strategic Development Advisor. Also attending was Dr. Brian Paulson, Laughlin Town Manager.
Jeff Williams, Mayor of Needles, the City Council members, and Rick Daniels, City Manager, warmly accepted the gift and thanked the LEDC.
The LEDC supports the City of Needles in improving their infrastructure, especially Needles Highway. We hope to work together in the future on a potential Railroad Spur for the area to support commercial development that will provide jobs for the citizens of Needles and
Laughlin.
For information about the LEDC, contact President Martin Knauss at laughlinedc@gmail.com; 725-867-8190; or go to laughlinedc.org.
Patrons / Enhanced Members
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Laughlin Economic Development Corporation
2018 LEDC Achievements
1. Laughlin Lagoon Dredging Special Improvement District (SID) 162A and SID 162 B
- Driving force in getting SID 162A approved, contracted, and project complete
- Continue to work with County on SID 162B for maintenance of Lagoon.
2. The Community Park at the Lagoon project is just now taking off.
- A citizens group has formed to take the ideas generated by the meeting and FB poll in November to create a feasibility plan.
- We are interviewing Park Architects to help us in the initial study.
- That study will be used to present to the Clark County Parks and Recreation department to obtain funding for a more complete design and eventual construction
3. Protection of our RTC and County fuel tax funds
- Publicly voiced defense of non-equitable cost sharing of third bridge costs.
- Focused on using RTC and County fuel tax funds in an appropriate and beneficial way for Laughlin residents
4. Demanding attention statewide to our need for and placement of medical services.
- Discussions throughout the year with representatives to push forward policies that will allow for the opening of a medical facility in Laughlin
5. Working with CC business license, SOS office and Metro—
- Enforcement of out of state unlicensed contractors and service providers
- Ensuring that out of state service providers have required DMV license
6. Securing $4,090,000 in three SID refunds for the residents of Laughlin.
- The SID’s had been lingering for decades and would still be today but for the efforts of the LEDC.
- ~1600 property owners received refunds.
- LEDC is sponsoring an amendment to State Law SB 172 so that this will never occur again.
7. Awarded two $500 scholarships to Laughlin High School Seniors
- We are investigating establishing a Scholarship Fund so LEDC members could donate directly to that for additional scholarship awards.
LEDC & the Governor’s Office of Economic Development meet
Martin Knauss, President, LEDC, and Robert Bilbray, Strategic Development Advisor, LEDC, met with Executive Director Michael Brown, Deputy Director Kristopher Sanchez, and Director of Business Development Melanie Sheldon on January 24, 2020. Joining the discussion was State Senator Joe Hardy, State Assemblyman Glen Leavitt, and Jared Smith, LVGEA.
Discussed during the meeting was the status of economic development in Laughlin including paths forward to bring small business, light industrial, and commercial entities to Laughlin. Focus was on the Fort Mohave Development Law and its past use, former and current Special Improvement Districts and their success, the Mohave Generating Station land, and the Southland properties including the solar energy area.
Mr. Brown shared state-wide economic development trends and drilled down on what items that GOED could assist with in Laughlin.
A commitment was made for Mr. Brown and team to visit Laughlin in the near future and further the discussions with the LEDC.
"Twilight over Laughlin"
"Twilight over Laughlin"
The Board of our South Bay Homeowners Association accepted and acrylic evening photo donation from Robert Bilbray the Strategic Development Advisor for the Laughlin Economic Development Corporation for display inside their clubhouse. South Bay has and remains and integral part of the economic history and future for our Laughlin Community.
LVGEA State of Economic Development Event
LVGEA State of Economic Development Event
The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance hosted the State of Economic Development Event on February 13th at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas. The State of Economic Development brings together elected officials, as well as community and business leaders from Southern Nevada and across the state, to celebrate our advancements and gain insight on the investments being made in Nevada through economic development and job creation. Martin Knauss, President of the Laughlin Economic Development Corporation, was one of the speakers at the event. Read more below about the event from the
Laughlin Nevada Times article published on 2-21-20:
News
Third Bridge Proposal from Laughlin to Arizona
Dec. 11, 2018 - Agreeing with the LEDC, the Laughlin Town Advisory Board voted 3-1 at its monthly meeting on December 11, 2018 to ask the Clark County Commission and the Regional Transportation Commission to stop spending money on a third bridge over the Colorado River from Laughlin into Arizona. Learn More
Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance Annual Awards Dinners
Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance Annual Awards Dinner 2019
The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance Annual Awards Dinner was held on September 26, 2019.
Guests at the LEDC sponsored table included Gail Anderson, the Deputy Secretary for Southern Nevada for the Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske and Melanie Sheldon, Director of Business Development, Governor’s Office of Economic Development. Invited guests Senator Joe Hardy and his wife Jill along with Dr. Brian Paulson, Laughlin Town Manager, were unable to attend.
In attendance from the LEDC were Board members Gina Mackey, Cheryl Crowe, and Lisa Hardin along with Martin Knauss, President and Robert Bilbray, Strategic Development Advisor.
Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft stopped by the table for a group photo. LEDC wants to congratulate North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee being selected for the Chairman’s Award and Jeremy Arguero, Principal Analyst, Applied Analysis for the Leadership Award.
Photo (L to R) - Lisa Hardin, Manager Nevada Made Marijuana; Cheryl Crow, Board of Directors LEDC, Owner Kruz N Kuts; Gina Mackey, LTAB Chair; Martin Knauss, President LEDC; Gail Anderson, Deputy Secretary for Southern Nevada, Office of the Secretary of State; Michael Naft, Clark County Commissioner District A; Melanie Sheldon, Director of Business Development, Governor’s Office of Economic Development; Robert Bilbray, Strategic Consultant, LEDC
Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance Annual Awards Dinner 2018
Laughlin Economic Development Corporation's Table
Aria Hotel, Las Vegas, September 20, 2018.
A wonderful evening representing our Laughlin Community's Economic Development hopes and dreams! Attendees pictured:
Brian Paulson – Laughlin Town Manager, Michele Shafe – Clark County Assessor, Bob Bilbray – Strategic Development Advisor, Phil Klevorick – Clark County Economic Development Program Mgr., Martin Knauss – Vice President, L.E.D.C ., James “Jim” Maniaci – Chairman, Laughlin Town Advisory Board & President, L.E.D.C. , Sunny Maniaci – Wife of Jim Maniaci , Rebecca Leavitt – Wife of Glen Leavitt, Glen Leavitt – Republican Candidate NV State Assembly – Dist. 23
Tour of 4225 Acre Solar Generating Site
Recent tour of our Community renewable energy 4225 acres solar generating site within the 9000 acre Fort Mohave Development Area in South Laughlin, off Needles Hwy set for lease bidding by the end of 2019.
Pictured left to right are David Bobzien, Director, Governor's Office of Energy; Robert Bilbray, Strategic Development Advisor, Laughlin Economic Development Corporation; Brad Crowell, Director, Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; State Senator Joseph Hardy, Senate District 12; Amy Lahav, Nevada Energy Corp, Senior Project Manager, Renewable Energy and Smart Infrastructure
Laughlin Lagoon River Park
Laughlin Bay Lagoon Groundbreaking
Laughlin Bay Lagoon Groundbreaking
Laughlin Community "River Park"!
An overhead view of the 40 acre "River Park" public recreational site encompassing the entire south end of the Laughlin Lagoon.
The recently completed Laughlin Lagoon dredging project formed the grade for the 15 acre parking lot and developing the 2000 LF of beach extending from the levee to the Marina and adjacent to our 150 acre Big Bend State Park. A Community meeting was held in Laughlin on November 7th to gather input from Laughlin residents about what they would like to see at the proposed park. Learn More
Laughlin Bay Lagoon Groundbreaking
Laughlin Bay Lagoon Groundbreaking
Laughlin Bay Lagoon Groundbreaking
Laughlin Bay Lagoon Groundbreaking
Sept 4th, 2018
A Special Evening in the History of the Laughlin Community!
In appreciation of the decades long effort by US Senator Harry Reid and unending support by Clark Commissioner Steve Sisolak, Senator Joe Harty, Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske and 95 honored guests who collectively with 13 property owners, created this "public/private partnership" for the recreational and economic development future of the Laughlin Community.
This celebration to the finest team of project design, planning, permitting, financing and construction will now proceed to create for our Community a 175 acre still water bay which will be a legacy for each of us who have been honored to play a part will cherish for decades to come and which will impact the lives of thousands who follow our lead. Thank you all so very much for your professional and personal commitment to the existing and future residents of our Laughlin community. Watch Video of the Event
Laughlin Lagoon Dredging Project
Laughlin Bay Lagoon Groundbreaking
Laughlin Lagoon Dredging Project
Formed in 1962 when the federal government channelized the Colorado River to improve water flows and virtually eliminate navigational barriers formed by ever-changing sandbars in the curves of the river -- thus the name Big Bend of the Colorado Nevada State (Recreational) Park south of the Lagoon -- the Lagoon's internal navigation channels in a 150-acre aquatic gem were last dredged in 1999, resulting in extensive silting.
In 2012 the LEDC launched a campaign to remove the silt and keep it cleaned out. State Sen. Joe Hardy, whose district includes Laughlin, got the Nevada Legislature to add waterfront projects to the Nevada Revised Statutes. Working with the Nevada Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Department's State Land Division and State Parks Division, along with many Clark County Departments, the LEDC during the administration of Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak whose district includes Laughlin,had the County form a pair of Special Improvement Districts in which the owners of lots fronting the Lagoon paid for bonds for most of the project that was expanded to include State lands turned over to the county for a public beach and (eventually) a park.The owners also will pay for the maintenance of the Lagoon through the second SID.
LEDC Welcomes The Market at Laughlin
LEDC President Martin Knauss presented an engraved crystal plaque commemorating the Grand Opening of The Market at Laughlin on Saturday, September 26, 2020 to Darin and Valerie Hill, owners of the Hill Grocery Company. Steve Stewart, General Manager for The Market at Laughlin, and new member of the LEDC, was also in attendance.
LEDC member Ashlyn Sainz was instrumental in assisting Mr. Hill and his organization in finding contractors to quickly manage the remodeling of the store in a very short time period.