Area Development
Greater Reno-Tahoe saw an uptick in the number of companies that relocated to and expanded in the region over the past 12 months compared to the previous year pointing to increased business activity in an otherwise still sluggish economy. According to the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) from July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011, the organization and its regional partners assisted 17 companies move to or expand in the region creating 670 new jobs compared to the 11 companies and 513 jobs reported last year - a 55 percent increase in the total companies and a 31 percent increase in the total jobs created year over year.

The 17 included eight companies that relocated to the area, seven expansion projects and two startup companies. Five of the 17 projects included headquarters operations. The top three industries represented included advanced logistics (eight companies), advanced manufacturing (five companies) and business and financial services (three companies). One clean energy company also relocated. The companies represent a combined projected $134 million economic impact to the region in new tax revenue, employee payroll and capital investment, and more than 1.5 million square feet of purchased or leased industrial or office space.

In addition to previously reported companies, four companies announced relocation and expansion plans in the Northern Nevada region during the third and fourth quarters of the 2010-2011 fiscal year, including:

Multifamily Technology Solutions, Inc.
The San Francisco-based company operates a national apartment and home rental website, MyNewPlace.com. The company opened a national marketing/sales office in downtown Reno and plans to employ 25 in advertising and marketing related positions. The relocation represents a one-year annual economic impact of $1,193,632. Dominic Brunetti of NAI Alliance led the real estate negotiations and UNR's College of Business assisted the company with workforce recruitment.

Ziegler and Ames
The distributor of high-quality urns from Bellingham, Wash., is relocating its headquarters to a 24,000 square foot distribution facility in Sparks where it will employ 10 within the first year. The opening of the facility represents a one-year economic impact of $1.5 million. Ziegler & Ames chose Sparks due to its geographic and tax advantages. Neil Krutz from the City of Sparks provided key assistance.

Hedwin Corporation
The manufacturer of plastic containers, liner products for pails and drums and other custom plastic parts, is relocating its warehouse and assembly operation from Carson, Calif., to a 44,000 square foot facility in Reno. Hedwin Corporation will employ 12 people and represents a one-year economic impact of $996,325 to the region. The company cited Northern Nevada's logistics advantages and pro-business climate among reasons for its relocation. NAI Alliance, JobConnect, Truckee Meadows Community College and EDAWN assisted the company in its relocation.

French Gourmet
The manufacturer of artisan frozen dough including croissant puff pastry, strudels and muffin batter in a variety of flavors is moving its headquarters and manufacturing operation from Honolulu, Hawaii to a 71,000 square-foot facility in Sparks, in which it will utilize 32,000 square feet immediately. French Gourmet plans to hire 38 employees and will have a one-year economic impact of $27,912,981. The company said Northern Nevada offered lower utility and shipping rates and greater proximity to its U.S. customer base. NAI Alliance, Nevada JobConnect were key community partners working with EDAWN to assist the company.