RENO — How has the Target2010 economic development plan introduced four years ago progressed toward the goals set forth by the community-based business, educational and government group that spearheaded the effort? Residents and business owners will hear what’s worked, what’s changed and begin the development of a new action plan to re-build and diversify the Greater Reno-Tahoe economy at the Beyond Target2010 economic forum, scheduled for March 31 at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa. The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN) sponsors the program.

Original members of the Target2010 steering committee and new committee members will be in attendance for a brief economic review, including new initiatives currently underway in education, and innovation and fiscal policy impacting economic development. The priority areas recommended in the Target2010 plan for the region to focus its efforts include the business climate, workforce/education, quality of life, sites/infrastructure and economic development.

“The Target2010 economic development plan was designed to help the region shape future quality growth in key areas,” said Chuck Alvey, president/CEO of EDAWN. “With the significant changes in the national and local economy since 2006, the plan needs to be updated and new strategies developed to capitalize on current market conditions and opportunities to expand our economy and create jobs.”

Mark Sweeney, senior principal with McCallum Sweeney Consulting, a leading national site selection and economic development firm based in Greenville, S.C., will provide an objective perspective and assessment of Reno-Tahoe’s economic development efforts and will analyze the viability of the target industry sectors that EDAWN and its partners have been pursuing for company attraction and expansion, including manufacturing and clean energy. 

The Beyond Target2010 economic forum is $15 for EDAWN members and $25 for non-members and includes a hosted reception. RSVP to Meghan Wagonseller at wagonseller@edawn.org or call 829-3768. For more information, go to www.edawn.org/about-edawn/events.