Nevada Means Business

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...

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 La...

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.

T...

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 Sectio...

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 exp...

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 cut...

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 critica...

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 ...

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 ...

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 t...

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-do...

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 indu...

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 r...

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 impr...