Nevada Means Business

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Latest Episodes:

Las Vegas Small Business Owners: How the Latin Chamber Advocates for You with Peter Guzman Jul 27, 2026

Peter Guzman, president of the Latin Chamber of Commerce in Las Vegas, breaks down how the chamber transformed from a financially struggling organization into a 2,500-member advocacy powerhouse by treating its membership like shareholders in a publicly traded company — and why that same mindset of rapid adaptability separates thriving small businesses from those that fail. Host Kristopher Sanchez, director of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, draws out the specific policy wins, workforce programs, and operational philosophies that have defined the chamber's last decade. The conversation lands at a moment when Nevada is experiencing 11 to 12 consecutive months of job growth, and both leaders tie that trajectory directly to intentional policy decisions rather than coincidence.

The episode covers how the Latin Chamber functions as a legislative voice and on-the-ground resource for small business owners who lack the time to engage in policy debates themselves, from advocating for the handyman bill and street vendor bill during the last legislative session to helping members troubleshoot day-to-day operational problems like replacing broken equipment. Guzman explains why the chamber's nonpartisan approach — evaluating elected officials solely on their small business track record — has expanded its influence across political lines.

Guzman traces the chamber's origins back 50 years to founders like Arturo Cambero and first president Otto Merida, who fought to establish Hispanic business representation in Las Vegas. His own path began on 28th Street and Bonanza, moved through valet parking at the Sahara Hotel, and pivoted into a real estate career that has now exceeded $700 million in combined sales and construction under the mentorship of Lynn Wardley. The chamber's current initiatives include the Latino Youth Leadership Conference in partnership with UNLV, Guzman's completed chairmanship of the Public Education Foundation, and an upcoming AI training program led by VP of Special Projects Mayte Salazar.

The conversation reinforces how Nevada's entrepreneurial ecosystem depends on the intersection of responsible regulation, workforce development, and organizations willing to do the unglamorous operational work that makes ribbon-cuttings possible.

Peter helped the Department of Business and Industry launch the Nevada Means Business podcast by hosting the pilot episode and interviewing Director Sanchez. We are delighted to welcome Peter back as the guest for our 20th episode!

Why Nevada Was Chosen as the Site for the $230 Million Deep Synoptic Array with Dr. Katie Jameson Jul 20, 2026

Dr. Katie Jameson, lead project manager of the Deep Synoptic Array, explains how a 1,650-dish radio telescope being built outside Ely, Nevada, will map the entire radio sky multiple times per year at unprecedented sensitivity—and why rural White Pine County became the ideal location for what could become the world's most powerful ground-based radio survey instrument. The conversation with Nevada Department of Business and Industry Director Kristopher Sanchez explores the engineering breakthroughs, hiring and construction challenges of building in frontier Nevada, and what the project means for Nevada's growing role in scientific innovation, workforce development, and economic diversification.

Jameson details how radio interferometry works and why DSA eliminates the computational bottleneck that has historically slowed radio astronomy. What Caltech calls a "radio camera" will generate open-access survey data, expanding opportunities for researchers, students, and citizen scientists while creating new pathways for Nevada institutions to participate in groundbreaking discovery.

Backed by Schmidt Sciences and developed through Caltech's Owens Valley Radio Observatory, the approximately $230 million nonprofit research project represents a significant investment in Nevada while advancing one of the highest-ranked observatory proposals in the U.S. astronomy decadal review. Jameson explains how room-temperature amplifiers replaced cryogenic cooling systems, how NVIDIA GPU solutions dramatically reduced the project's computing footprint, and how neutral hydrogen mapping at the 21-centimeter wavelength could help answer fundamental questions about dark matter and galaxy evolution. She also discusses long-term collaborations with the University of Nevada, Reno, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada's community colleges, and K-12 schools to expand research opportunities, strengthen Nevada's research ecosystem, and connect students across the state—especially in White Pine County—to one of the nation's premier scientific initiatives.

The conversation also explores what it takes to build a world-class observatory in rural Nevada, from recruiting local construction and operations personnel to building lasting partnerships with educators, community leaders, and Nevada institutions. Jameson reflects on joining Director Kristopher Sanchez and the Nevada Department of Business and Industry during the recent Rural Road Trip through White Pine County, reinforcing the project's commitment to becoming an active partner in the community it will call home.

Together, the conversation highlights how collaboration among state government, higher education, nonprofit research institutions, local communities, and industry partners can strengthen STEM education, workforce development, and Nevada's position as a destination for scientific innovation.

How 320,000 Adults Can Finish Their Degree Without Starting Over With Matt McNair Jul 13, 2026

NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair explains how Nevada's Credit for Prior Learning initiative could help 320,000 adults with some college credit finish a degree without repeating coursework, and why the state's eight-campus higher education system is restructuring around workforce alignment, AI readiness, and rebuilding public trust. Host Kristopher Sanchez, Director of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, presses McNair on whether Nevada's second-most-affordable tuition in the nation can sustain competitive faculty recruitment and modern campus facilities simultaneously.

The conversation covers the lifetime earning premium of a four-year degree — estimated between $1 million and $1.3 million over a high school diploma — and why McNair believes certificates, associate degrees, and six-month credentials deserve equal institutional attention. McNair details the Board of Regents' approval of open educational resources designed to reduce textbook costs, and describes the system-level AI sandbox NSHE is developing to give all eight campuses secure access to enterprise AI tools without exposing protected data.

McNair names specific private-sector partnerships driving workforce outcomes, including MGM's College Opportunity Program, which draws over 100 employee applicants annually, and UNLV's provost-led Southern Nevada Summit where local employers directly shape academic curriculum — an approach McNair calls unusual among American universities. He also outlines capital investments funded through a recent special legislative session: a life sciences building at UNR, a new business building at UNLV, and early planning for a veterinary school in Reno. Institutions like Truckee Meadows Community College and Great Basin College in Elko are highlighted for tailoring programs — diesel mechanics, mining operations — to rural Nevada's dominant industries.

Nevada's higher education system faces a possible enrollment cliff that has already hit other states, and McNair's strategy for the upcoming legislative session centers on operational transparency, workforce-aligned programming, and earning back trust from lawmakers, the public, and internal stakeholders across all 13 elected-regent districts.

What Nevada DMV Looks Like After Modernization with Tonya Laney Jul 06, 2026

Nevada DMV modernization has reached a milestone that most state agencies only talk about — the average Nevada resident now needs to visit a DMV office in person only once every 16 years. Director Tonya Laney sits down with Kristopher Sanchez, director of Nevada's Department of Business and Industry, to explain how a multi-year technology transformation turned one of the state's most public-facing agencies into a model for digital government services.

The conversation covers how Nevada DMV used transaction data to prioritize which services moved online first, why the agency adopted an inverted organizational chart that puts frontline staff at the top, and what an "Amazon-like experience" means when applied to vehicle registration and driver's license renewals. Laney details the funding cap structure that forces the agency to solve population growth through technology rather than new brick-and-mortar offices — a constraint that became the catalyst for the entire transformation.

Laney, a 14-year state government veteran appointed to Governor Lombardo's cabinet in March 2024, also addresses Nevada's 86 percent Real ID adoption rate, the agency's expanding cybersecurity team that grew from one person to five, and a new inter-agency working group with the Department of Public Safety and Business and Industry focused on autonomous vehicle regulation gaps. She describes riding in a Zoox autonomous vehicle — an Amazon subsidiary — and confronting the regulatory question of how to ensure roadway safety when there is no human driver to test.

Nevada's push to digitize government services while protecting constituent data and maintaining in-person access reflects a broader challenge facing state agencies nationwide as population growth outpaces physical infrastructure.

What the Guinn Center ACTUALLY Does for Nevada Policy with Jill Tolles Jun 29, 2026

During each biennial session, Nevada's legislature processes up to 1,500 bills in just 120 days, yet 85 to 97 percent pass with bipartisan support — a statistic that contradicts nearly every national headline about political gridlock. Jill Tolles, former three-term Nevada Assembly member and current Executive Director of the Kenny Guinn Center for Policy Priorities, breaks down how nonpartisan policy research is quietly reshaping the way state lawmakers make decisions. Her perspective bridges the gap between lived legislative experience and rigorous, evidence-based analysis produced for both elected officials and the public.

The conversation covers how the Guinn Center selects its research agenda through statewide surveys, legislative caucus meetings, and community policy forums — without ever lobbying for or against specific legislation. Tolles explains the center's methodology for hiring researchers driven by intellectual curiosity rather than ideological agendas, and how peer review teams of deliberate "rivals" ensure credibility across partisan lines. Host Kristopher Sanchez, Director of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry, draws parallels between the center's comparative state analysis and the questions his own agency faces during legislative testimony.

Since Tolles took the helm in January 2023, the Guinn Center has published 50 policy reports spanning education, housing affordability, economic and fiscal policy, and governance. During the most recent legislative session, the center was cited 342 times in hearings, and 11 of its specific policy recommendations were enacted into law. An upcoming report on the legislative history of Nevada tax abatements signals the center's continued alignment with emerging interim committee priorities heading into the next session.

The Guinn Center operates as a University of Nevada, Reno affiliate with partnerships extending to UNLV's Lied School of Real Estate, Boyd Law School, and the Center for Business and Economic Research — channeling academic expertise into Nevada-specific policy solutions available free at guinncenter.org.

3 Policy Shifts Creating MASSIVE Impact in Nevada Real Estate with Sharath Chandra Jun 22, 2026

Nevada's Real Estate Division oversees roughly 40,000 licensees, regulates 3,800 homeowner associations covering nearly 700,000 residents, and is now pushing to move almost every licensing function online. Sharath Chandra, administrator of the division within the Department of Business and Industry, sits down with Director Kristopher Sanchez to detail what that transformation means for agents, property managers, and homeowners across the state.

The conversation covers the division's core mission of consumer protection through licensure, education, and enforcement, along with the practical steps any Nevadan can take to verify an agent's credentials and disciplinary history. Chandra explains how pre-licensing, post-licensing, and continuing education requirements shape the profession, and why the industry itself sponsored a technology fee to fund digital upgrades after COVID exposed critical gaps in paper-based workflows.

Specific challenges receive direct attention: the closure of the northern Nevada office that left 20 percent of licensees without in-person access, the jurisdictional limits of property management regulation under NRS 645, and the role of the Ombudsman's Office under Sonya Merriweather in mediating HOA disputes governed by NRS 116. Chandra also describes how cross-agency collaboration with Consumer Affairs, Mortgage Lending, and the Division of Insurance now targets rising online property scams that have even ensnared division staff.

Nevada real estate regulation stands at an inflection point where digital modernization, legislative funding, and AI training through a UNLV partnership converge to reshape how the state serves its fastest-growing communities.

Why Everyone Underestimates Nevada's Critical Mineral Position with Caleb Cage Jun 15, 2026

Nevada's lithium loop — the closed-cycle supply chain spanning extraction, processing, manufacturing, and recycling — positions the state as the only place in America with companies operating across all seven stages of the battery economy. Caleb Cage, president of the Nevada Battery Coalition, explains why the state's unique geology, regulatory climate, and executive support from Governor Lombardo create an advantage no other state can replicate. With 90 percent of critical mineral processing currently happening in China, the urgency to build domestic capacity has never been sharper.

The conversation between Cage and Kristopher Sanchez, director of Nevada's Department of Business and Industry, maps the specific bottlenecks standing between raw lithium in the ground and finished batteries on the market. Topics range from the missing middle of midstream processing to the infrastructure deficits in rural counties where mines are opening, including road access to the TRIC complex in Storey County and the potential revival of dormant rail lines for a north-south freight connector.

Cage details how Silver Peak remains the only operational lithium mine in the United States, with Thacker Pass in Humboldt County and the Ioneer Rhyolite Ridge project in Esmeralda County building on-site processing into their plans to ship directly to offtake partners like GM. A McKinsey study cited in the episode found the average mine takes 29 years from discovery to production — a timeline the Lombardo administration is attacking through the elimination of roughly 900 regulations and a directive to cabinet agencies to remove bureaucratic barriers wherever statute allows.

Nevada's battery supply chain represents a rare convergence of natural resources, federal fast-track permitting programs, and state-level economic diversification strategy built over more than a decade of deliberate policy work.

The Reality of Rural Economic Development in Nevada with Sheldon Mudd Jun 08, 2026

In this episode, Kristopher sits down with Sheldon Mudd, the CEO and President of the Northeastern Nevada Regional Development Authority, to discuss the unique challenges and massive opportunities within rural economic development. Sheldon shares his fascinating journey from the United States Air Force and the Northern Nevada gold mining industry to leading economic strategy across a 40,000-square-mile territory that encompasses Lander, Eureka, Elko, and White Pine counties. The conversation highlights the region's incredible logistical assets, including its strategic positioning along Interstate 80 and the Union Pacific Railway, which makes it a prime hub for the Intermountain West.

Sheldon dives deep into how the expectations of corporate site selectors are rapidly changing, noting that companies now demand fully prepared, shovel-ready sites rather than raw land. He explains how rural communities like Wells and Battle Mountain are adapting by publicly funding their own industrial rail parks to stay competitive. The discussion also explores the highly technical nature of modern mining and the urgent need to build a more robust local supply chain to support automated operations that offer lucrative, debt-free career paths for skilled workers.

The episode wraps up with a candid look at the severe housing shortage acting as a major bottleneck for rural economic expansion. Sheldon details how higher rural building costs keep developers in larger cities, leaving towns like Eureka struggling to house an anticipated influx of hundreds of new mining employees. Kristopher and Sheldon discuss cross-border solutions like reciprocal licensing for out-of-state builders before highlighting the Department of Business and Industry's upcoming rural tour to further engage with these essential communities.

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into the industries shaping the future of Nevada.

Las Vegas Transit: AI Tech, High-Speed Rail & The 2028 Transit Challenges with MJ Maynard-Carey Jun 01, 2026

In this episode, Director Sanchez sits down with MJ Maynard-Carey, the CEO of the Regional Transit Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada, for a deep dive into the complex infrastructure that keeps the Las Vegas Valley moving.

MJ explains what makes the RTC entirely unique, noting that it is the only agency in the United States to house public transit, roadway funding, metropolitan planning, and traffic management all under one roof.

The conversation highlights how transportation serves as the absolute economic backbone of Southern Nevada. MJ reveals that the RTC facilitates around one million trips every single week, with eighty percent of those rides directly connecting local employees to their employers. She also discusses the RTC's forward-thinking approach to technology and safety, detailing their first-of-its-kind AI weapons detection systems at transit centers and the deployment of Advanced Intersection Analytics to track near-misses and red-light running. The duo also touches on the massive logistical effort required to manage traffic for hundreds of special events, including Raiders games, and how the city plans to integrate upcoming projects like The Boring Company and the Brightline high-speed rail.

Despite operating the most cost-efficient bus system in the country, MJ issues a stark warning about a massive structural deficit facing the transit division. With a shortfall of $118 million annually and no new transit investments since 2002, the RTC faces a devastating fiscal cliff in 2028. If a sustainable funding solution is not found, the agency will be forced to cut 42 percent of its transit routes, drastically impacting daily commuters, cutting off thousands of paratransit customers, and eliminating specialized services for veterans and seniors.

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more crucial updates on the business and infrastructure shaping the future of Nevada!

Navigating Nevada OSHA, Workplace Safety & DIR Careers with Victoria Carreon May 25, 2026

In this episode, Director Sanchez is joined by Victoria Carreon, the Administrator of the Division of Industrial Relations, to unpack the massive scope of her agency.

Victoria explains that the primary objective of the Division of Industrial Relations is to put safety and health first by ensuring every Nevadan has a safe workplace. She breaks down the division's various branches, including the Safety Consultation and Training Section, which provides free and confidential safety training and on-site consultations for businesses. The conversation also covers the Mine Safety and Training section, which conducts annual inspections without monetary penalties to keep miners safe, and the Mechanical Compliance Section, which oversees roughly sixteen thousand elevators and twenty-five thousand boilers across the state.

The duo dives into the regulatory landscape, detailing how Nevada OSHA enforces safety standards in high-risk industries like construction and casino resorts. Victoria shares insights into how the division actively engages stakeholders to develop new policies, such as the recently implemented heat regulations and upcoming rules for workers exposed to wildfire smoke. She also discusses her team's successful efforts to eliminate years-long administrative backlogs in the workers' compensation section by streamlining processes and reallocating staff resources. Victoria was also recently named the Nevada Department of Business and Industry’s 2025 Administrator of the Year, recognizing her leadership and commitment to workplace safety and operational excellence.

Finally, Victoria highlights elite recognition programs like SHARP and the Voluntary Protection Program, which reward businesses that invest heavily in comprehensive safety management systems. For those interested in joining her growing team, she announces multiple job openings for OSHA safety specialists, industrial hygienists, and workers' compensation investigators, directing applicants to the state's online application portal. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into Nevada’s business and industrial sectors!

Inside Nevada’s Global Science Hub: Wildfires, AI & Water Solutions with Kumud Acharya May 18, 2026

In this episode, Kris Sanchez welcomes Dr. Kumud Acharya, the President of the Desert Research Institute (DRI), to discuss the vital role the institute plays in solving environmental challenges across the state and around the globe.

Dr. Acharya provides an inside look at how DRI’s team of over six hundred scientists and professionals conduct high-impact research on the intersection of human activity and the environment. He explains DRI’s critical work in monitoring the health of the Colorado River Basin and the innovative technologies being deployed to combat the increasing threat of wildfires, including the use of drone technology and sophisticated smoke modeling. The conversation also touches on the institute’s focus on the future, exploring how artificial intelligence is being integrated into scientific research to better predict and manage natural resources.

Beyond the laboratory, Dr. Acharya shares DRI's commitment to building a sustainable scientific pipeline in Nevada by engaging with local high schools and community colleges. He details recent outreach efforts, such as hosting school principals to demonstrate how environmental science can become a rewarding career path for the next generation of Nevadans. This episode highlights why DRI is considered a "jewel" of the state, providing essential data and smart solutions that keep Nevada at the forefront of global environmental science. Be sure to subscribe to the channel for more interviews featuring the leaders driving Nevada’s economic and scientific growth!

The Future of Nevada Mining with Amanda Hilton May 11, 2026

In this episode, Kris Sanchez is joined by Amanda Hilton, President of the Nevada Mining Association, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of the mining industry. Amanda kicks things off by sharing her personal journey from starting as a staff accountant to becoming the General Manager of the Robinson Mine, Nevada's largest copper mine located in Ely.

They dive into how the mining industry has completely transformed through cutting-edge technology, moving far beyond outdated stereotypes to deploying fully autonomous haul trucks that carry two hundred and forty tons of material and massive house-sized autonomous drills.

Amanda breaks down Nevada's critical role on the global stage, noting that the state produces 70 percent of the United States' gold, houses the country's only lithium mine, and was recently named the number one mining jurisdiction in the world by the Fraser Institute. The conversation also tackles the harsh realities of the domestic supply chain, exploring how China's dominance in mineral processing and a 29-year average permitting process create massive hurdles for United States mineral independence.

Finally, they discuss the incredible career opportunities currently available within the industry, which employs over 30,000 Nevadans with an average annual salary of $120,000. With 40 percent of the workforce nearing retirement age in the next five years, Amanda highlights the urgent need for a new generation of tech-savvy workers and dispels outdated myths by revealing that modern mining safety statistics are now comparable to the finance sector.

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into Nevada's economic future!

Addressing Nevada's Affordable Housing Challenges with Steve Aichroth May 04, 2026

In this episode, Kris Sanchez is joined by Steve Aichroth, the Administrator of the Nevada Housing Division, for a comprehensive discussion on the state's urgent efforts to tackle the affordable housing challenges.

Steve breaks down the two main avenues the division utilizes to help residents: supporting direct homeownership and funding multifamily housing developments. He explains how the "Home Is Possible" program provides critical down payment assistance, allowing renters to transition into homeownership and begin building generational wealth. On the construction side, Steve details the highly complex process of using federal tax credits and tax-exempt bonds to subsidize large apartment projects and keep monthly rents affordable for low-income families.

With Nevada currently facing a shortage of nearly 78,000 attainable housing units, the conversation highlights the massive legislative investments actively working to close that gap. Steve outlines the monumental impact of the Home Means Nevada initiative and the overwhelming bipartisan support for the Governor's Housing Access and Attainability Act (AB 540). This legislation specifically targets development and assistance across the affordability spectrum, including crucial funding for the often-overlooked "missing middle" workforce. The duo also explores the future of homebuilding, discussing how pending federal legislation like the 21st Century Road to Housing Act could revolutionize the use of manufactured and modular housing to rapidly increase the state's housing supply.

Finally, Steve shares a powerful update on Windsor Park, a historic redlined community that was built over a sinking aquifer and left to deteriorate for decades. Thanks to dedicated state-backed efforts and recent legislation, new homes are officially under construction right now to safely relocate the displaced residents.

Subscribe to the channel for more insights into Nevada's economic landscape and business future!

The Future of the Las Vegas Economy: Tourism, AI & Economic Forecasts with Andrew Woods Apr 20, 2026

In this insightful episode, Kristopher sits down with Andrew Woods from the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to discuss the current and future economic landscape of Southern Nevada.

Andrew dives deep into the data behind the Southern Nevada Business Confidence Index and Las Vegas tourism, explaining how the city's reliance on discretionary spending makes it a leading indicator for the national economy. They explore the shifting demographics of visitors, the negative impact of rising costs and price gouging perceptions on domestic travel, and why convention attendance remains a crucial, stabilizing pillar for the Las Vegas Strip. Andrew also highlights shifting consumer habits, noting how national spending has heavily consolidated into budget-friendly giants like Amazon, Walmart, Costco, and TJ Maxx.

The conversation then shifts to the future of the Nevada workforce, tackling the realities of the soft skills gap and how artificial intelligence might actually increase the overall demand for certain white-collar jobs by significantly improving efficiency. Andrew also shares his vision for economic diversification in Las Vegas, highlighting the explosive growth of the healthcare sector driven by an aging demographic of new residents, while making a strong case for bringing a massive, large-scale manufacturing gigafactory to Southern Nevada to truly transform the region.

Finally, Andrew provides his expert economic forecast on whether the United States is heading into a recession, breaking down the warning signs of a cooling job market that is heavily reliant on healthcare growth. However, he balances this with an optimistic look at the incredible post-pandemic boom in local entrepreneurship that currently makes Nevada the third most entrepreneurial state in the country per capita. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into the business world!

Inside Nevada's "No Debt" Apprenticeships & The Culinary Academy - Toni Giddens & Dr. Bobbi Damrow Apr 06, 2026

In this episode, Director Sanchez explores the booming world of debt-free career training with two incredible guests: Nevada State Apprenticeship Director Toni Giddens and Dr. Bobbi Damrow, from the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas.

Toni kicks off the conversation by explaining how Nevada's unique apprenticeship model allows individuals to earn a living wage while receiving completely free related training and instruction. She details the massive expansion of the state's programs to nearly 9,000 apprentices, highlighting the highly successful teacher apprenticeship pathway with UNLV, as well as emerging opportunities in advanced manufacturing and healthcare to meet the state's growing demands.

The episode then shifts to an inside look at the hospitality industry with Dr. Bobbi Damrow. She discusses the Culinary Academy's incredible 33-year legacy of partnering with major Las Vegas resorts and labor unions to provide rapid, highly effective skills training. Dr. Damrow reveals how the Academy removes barriers to entry for students and details their massive campus expansion that includes exact hotel room replicas built by properties like the Wynn, Bellagio, and Caesars Palace for real-world housekeeper training. She also highlights the success of their professional cook and barista programs, offering a fast track to lucrative careers on the Las Vegas Strip.

Whether you are looking to avoid massive student loan debt or seeking to transition into a new high-paying industry, this episode provides a complete roadmap to finding success in Nevada. Discover how you can attend upcoming No Debt Career Fairs and connect with resources that will change your financial future.

Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more insights into Nevada's business landscape!

To learn more about the No Debt Career Fair events and register to attend, visit:
https://labor.nv.gov/Apprenticeship_Council/No_Debt_Career_Fair/

Dr. Bobbi Damrow – https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbidamrow/
Toni Giddens – https://www.linkedin.com/in/toni-giddens-330a3153/
Culinary Academy of Las Vegas – https://www.linkedin.com/company/theculinaryacademyoflasvegas/

Tackling the Wildfire Challenge: Insurance, Technology & the WUI with Matthew Portteus Mar 23, 2026

In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Portteus from the Western Fire Chiefs Association to discuss the highly complex issue of wildfire risk management in the Wildland Urban Interface, also known as the WUI. With Nevada ranking in the top five states for wildfire risk and boasting over 750,000 homes located in the WUI, understanding how to protect our expanding communities has never been more vital.

Matthew dives deep into how the fire service is bridging the gap between traditional blue-collar firefighting and cutting-edge technology. He also addresses the growing challenge of homeowner insurance non-renewals across the Western United States. Matthew clarifies a crucial point: we do not actually have an insurance problem, but rather a risk problem on the ground. He outlines the development of the WUI Data Commons, a centralized platform designed to share aggregated community mitigation data directly with insurance modelers. By making this hard work visible to insurers, communities can improve insurance availability, stabilize property values, and protect local tax rolls and economies from the downward spiral caused by uninsurable markets.

Finally, Matthew emphasizes the need for local community champions and collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies to drive behavioral change and secure Community Wildfire Defense Grants. Whether you are a homeowner, a city planner, or a local leader, this episode provides a comprehensive roadmap for building resilient communities.

The Vegas Loop, NBA Expansion, & Billions in Strip Investments with LVCVA CEO Steve Hill Mar 09, 2026

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Hill, CEO and President of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), to discuss the massive economic and technological shifts happening in Southern Nevada — and how those developments reflect broader momentum across Nevada’s economy.

Steve breaks down the real story behind recent Las Vegas tourism numbers, addressing social media rumors and explaining why billion-dollar strip investments—like the transition of the Mirage to the Hard Rock and upcoming Bally's projects— highlight the scale of private investment flowing into Las Vegas and what it signals about Nevada’s continued economic growth. The conversation dives deep into the future of Vegas transportation, covering the decade-long Harry Reid International Airport expansion, the potential for a new Ivanpah airport, and the highly anticipated Brightline high-speed train.

The episode also explores cutting-edge transit technology reshaping the resort corridor. Steve shares operational insights on Elon Musk’s Boring Company and the Vegas Loop, the integration of autonomous vehicles like Waymo and Zoox, and vital updates on a bi-state coalition working to fix the notorious I-15 corridor traffic.

Finally, learn the inside details about the billion-dollar expansion and renovation of the Las Vegas Convention Center that is revolutionizing mega-events like CES and World of Concrete. Steve and Kristopher also discuss the evolving AI workforce skills gap and why Las Vegas is positioned perfectly to land the next NBA expansion team.CHAPTERS:00:00:00 Intro: Steve Hill on the Future of Las Vegas & LVCVA00:01:30 The Truth About the Las Vegas Economy & Tourism Rumors00:04:20 Billion-Dollar Vegas Strip Mega-Projects (Hard Rock & The A's)00:07:08 Harry Reid Airport Expansion & The Proposed Ivanpah Airport00:10:21 Fixing the I-15 Traffic Crisis Between LA and Las Vegas00:14:30 Elon Musk's Vegas Loop & Autonomous Vehicles (Waymo & Zoox)00:18:16 Inside the $1 Billion Las Vegas Convention Center Expansion00:23:05 How Las Vegas Pulls Off the Super Bowl & F1: The Workforce00:27:02 The Tesla Effect: How Tech Transformed Nevada's Economy00:30:22 LeBron James & The Las Vegas NBA Expansion Team Rumors

Costs, Claims & Consumer Protection - Insurance Commissioner Ned Gaines Feb 23, 2026

In this episode of the Nevada Means Business Podcast, we dive into the world of insurance with Ned Gaines, Nevada’s Insurance Commissioner. He shares insights on the rising costs of auto insurance, the impact of accidents, and the challenges facing consumers across the state. With a focus on collaboration rather than punishment, Ned is working to strengthen relationships between the Division of Insurance and insurers and industry partners to promote transparency, compliance, and better outcomes for Nevadans. He also highlights the Division’s commitment to consumer protection, including recovering more than $9 million on behalf of Nevada consumers in 2025 alone.Tune in to learn how to better navigate the insurance landscape and what steps are being taken to ensure fair, accountable practices in Nevada’s insurance market.Be sure to follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/department-of-business-and-industryCHAPTERS:00:00:00 Insurance Commissioner Ned Gains00:02:33 What Drives Auto Insurance Rates?00:05:55 Uninsured Motorists00:07:41 Does The Division Play A Role in Setting Rates?00:08:45 Are Carriers Staying or Leaving?00:09:29 Commercial Insurance Marketplace00:11:55 How Do Insurance Companies Determine Risk?00:16:00 What Is Non-Renewal?00:18:36 The Number Of Non-Renewals00:20:02 Trends in Policy Making00:24:30 What Will Ned Change?00:26:16 What Consumer Protections Are Put in Place?00:28:10 Helping Consumers Monetarily00:29:05 Is This An Industry That Innovates?

Preventative Care, Protections & Partnership - Brett Harris, NV Labor Commissioner Feb 09, 2026

Welcome to the Nevada Means Business Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Brett Harris, Nevada’s Labor Commissioner, to explore how the office supports both employees and employers through preventative labor care, protections, and partnership-driven programs. From apprenticeships to AI—and a lot in between—the conversation highlights how the Labor Commissioner’s office helps Nevadans understand their rights, address workplace issues early, and resolve matters efficiently. With thousands of matters handled each year, the focus is not on running up fees, but on delivering real results for Nevada’s workforce while assisting employers in doing things right and staying compliant. The message is clear: partnership and prevention lead to better outcomes for everyone.CHAPTERS:00:00:00 Brett Harris - Labor Commissioner00:01:28 The Office Of The Labor Commissioner00:02:47 Working With Employees And Businesses00:03:54 Unpacking The 9,000 Complaints00:07:19 Getting A Hold Of The Commission00:08:16 Building Policy For 202700:10:06 General Funded00:10:48 Fixing The Next Gap00:13:06 Fluctuations In The Economy00:14:37 Apprenticeships00:18:16 Trends in A.I. and LLMs00:20:07 New Initiatives00:21:25 Partnering With The Labor Commissioner00:22:08 Lesser Known Areas Of Worker Protection00:24:20 Filing Claims00:27:24 Applying For Apprenticeships00:27:55 Misconceptions Of The Labor Commissioner00:30:42 Getting Help From The Office Of The Labor Commissioner

Transforming Nevada's Business Landscape Jan 27, 2026

In the first episode of Nevada Means Business, Director Kristopher Sanchez sits down with Peter Guzman, President of the Latin Chamber of Commerce, to talk about the podcast’s goal: connecting government with Nevada’s business community. They discuss how collaboration, innovation, and modernizing regulations can help businesses thrive.

This episode explores how leaders in business and government can work together to improve transparency, public service, and Nevada’s competitiveness. We also encourage the community to share their ideas so everyone has a voice in shaping Nevada’s business landscape.

Tune in to learn how Nevada supports businesses at every stage and hear the stories behind the people, policies, and partnerships driving the state’s economic growth.

CHAPTERS:

00:00:00 Introducing Kristopher Sanchez

00:04:59 Role of Podcasts in Government

00:08:14 Innovation in Government Regulatory Agency

00:10:23 Technology and Government Operations

00:11:36 Innovation in Regulatory Agencies

00:15:04 Transparency and Trust in Government

00:16:14 Role of Technology in Government Transparency

00:17:05 Measuring Public Service Effectiveness

00:20:32 Regulatory Modernization and Competitiveness

00:23:08 Collaboration for Improved Outcomes

00:25:15 Regulatory Modernization and Nevada's Competitiveness