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Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 7:54 AM

Northern Nevada Economy Fueled By Growth in Tech and Manufacturing

Northern Nevada Economy Fueled By Growth in Tech and Manufacturing

59 Companies, 29 Headquarters and More Than 5,600 Jobs Reach Unexpected Milestones During the Pandemic

RENO, Nevada (Dec. 16, 2021) – Fifty-nine companies that relocated to Greater Reno-Sparks-Tahoe, Fernley, Washoe County, Storey County areas and several local companies that expanded their workforce in 2020 and 2021, were honored at EDAWN’s “10th Annual New and Expanded Companies” welcome reception held at the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino. Technology and Manufacturing, two of the fastest growing industry sectors in Northern Nevada comprised over 60 percent of all the companies that relocated and expanded here in the past two years. The influx of 29 corporate headquarters are strong indicators of their commitment to long-term growth and partnership in our community and with this, also brings many high-paying jobs. Approximately 5,600 new jobs over the next 5 years are directly attributed to these 59 companies and points to EDAWN’s efforts and the support of the community to diversify and grow our economy. As efforts continue to move in the right direction, average salary also rose in 2021 to $64,000 annually.

The local economy also benefits from the investment these companies are making, not just in capital expenditures, which were estimated to be more than $800 million, but also in research collaboration with our educational institutions and workforce development programs that support the changing needs of businesses. EDAWN is also committed to supporting local initiatives that promote innovation and technology. Examples such as seed funding, hackathon, robotics studio, STEAM programs, the University of Nevada Reno research and technology, and many others should be credited with the successes we are seeing community-wide.

The Reno-Sparks unemployment rate continues to drop, from 6.7 percent to 3.5 percent in the past year, well below the national average of 4.8 percent and less than half that of Las Vegas at 7.4 percent. Our strong economic activity is a direct result of the diversification of our economy. Our manufacturing, logistics, distribution, and technology employees are working and spending money. Additionally, this economic activity coupled with our remarkable quality of life is attracting talent to the region. We recently received top ten rankings for the attraction of Millennials and Gen Z members to the region, and a top 50 ranking for best places to live. 

“Despite the pandemic, our region has continued to grow,” said Mike Kazmierski, CEO of EDAWN. “More importantly, we are attracting quality companies bringing the higher paying “jobs of the future” to our region. The continued development of our advanced manufacturing and technology sectors will continue our diversification efforts and lead our community to economic success for many years to come,” he said.  More than 400 business and government leaders attended this year’s celebration including Ed Lawson , Mayor City of Sparks; Naomi Duerr, Councilmember City of Reno; Roy Edgington, Mayor City of Fernley; Jay Carmona, Storey County Commission Chair; Vaughn Hartung, Vice Chair Washoe County who participated in the announcement.


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C Comment author: Carl C. HagenComment text: Maybe there is more to this story than what is reported, but it seems to me that the businesses that are causing this problem ought to be paying for this, or at least a major portion of it. Why does the County have to pay the whole bill? Just my opinion.Comment publication date: 5/7/26, 10:26 AMComment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-rampComment author: Alan ReederComment text: Great guy, laughed easily, had fun with his students, enjoyed our time together at FHS!Comment publication date: 4/23/26, 10:23 PMComment source: Howard David JacksonComment author: Jack & Nancy CookComment text: Wonderful man. Created a precious family with Linda. Will always respect and admire his contribution to teaching at FHS.Comment publication date: 4/18/26, 10:27 AMComment source: Howard David JacksonComment author: JeffDickersonComment text: Very well reported, even though our motion was denied.Comment publication date: 4/15/26, 11:05 AMComment source: Judge allows Fernley City Council to proceed with corrective agenda item in Lau expulsion caseComment author: Todd fossumComment text: Hi my name is todd fossum i'm clarence's stepson, I was wondering if he had any siblings. I think he said he had a sister that just survived cancer. If she can get ahold of me or any buddy, my number is 916. 3 4 3 1 1 7 7.Thank you have a blessed dayComment publication date: 1/16/26, 4:33 PMComment source: Clarence L Shields C Comment author: Carl HagenComment text: So just curious, what is the point of a franchise agreement if it is not exclusive?Comment publication date: 12/15/25, 4:18 PMComment source: Council approves non-exclusive franchise agreement for waste collection
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