Lombardo looks to diversify, spur economy with Nevada Strategic Growth Initiative

LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — Gov. Joe Lombardo is bringing government, business and labor expertise into a new wide-ranging economic effort spur growth and recruit new businesses to come to Nevada.

Lombardo on Monday announced the Nevada Strategic Growth Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to growing and diversifying Nevada’s economy. Former Wynn Resorts CEO Matt Maddox will chair the board of directors. The board also includes an industrial development executive, the head of the Latin Chamber of Commerce, a marketing expert and the leader of the Nevada AFL-CIO.

The nonprofit will work with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, as well as local and regional agencies “to create new jobs, help existing businesses grow, encourage entrepreneurship, and recruit sustainable new businesses that align with Nevada’s long-term growth opportunities,” according to a news release from the Governor’s Office.

Members NSGI’s board are:

• Matt Maddox , former Wynn Resorts CEO and longtime gaming executive who began in investment banking
• Shirley Folkins-Roberts , community development director for Panattoni Development Company
• Peter Guzman , president of the Latin Chamber of Commerce
• Staci Alonso , entrepreneur and longtime marketing executive
• Danny Thompson , a former state lawmaker and head of the Nevada AFL-CIO

“I’m pleased to announce the creation of the Nevada Strategic Growth Initiative, a privately funded organization dedicated to a shared vision of helping improve the quality of life for all Nevadans through the creation of new high-paying jobs in industries that align with our resources, workforce, and future,” Lombardo said. “I’m grateful to this incredibly talented group of people committed to helping make our commitment to strategic growth a reality. Nevada is open for business, and the Nevada Strategic Growth Initiative is a critical component of our plan to show the world that there is no better place than Nevada to start and grow a business.”

Maddox said the board will work tirelessly with Lombardo and various agencies to bring new industries to the state. “Nevada is quickly evolving into a global destination for innovation and growth,” he said.

Guzman said, “Governor Lombardo has declared Nevada ‘open for business,’ and in his first year in office, Nevada was ranked #1 in job growth and saw more than $5 billion in new economic development.

“Word is out that Nevada is a premier place to start or relocate a business and the Nevada Strategic Growth Initiative will play an important role aligning Nevada’s resources and advantages with companies ready to grow with our state,” Guzman said.

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