The University of Nevada, Reno, often at the center of conversations about education, research and athletics, also is a large part of Northern Nevada’s economy. Indeed, the most recent edition of “The Economic Impact of UNR on Nevada’s Economy,” completed in 2003, showed state and local economy expenditures of $437 million.

The previous report, compiled in 2000, listed those expenditures at $339 million. Thus, in three years, the university’s impact on the local economy grew by almost 30 percent.

Thomas Harris, director of the Center for Economic Development, which compiles the reports, says the numbers will continue to grow.

First and foremost, “We’re becoming a bigger institution,” he notes, pointing to an increase in Nevada’s student-age population and out-of-state transfers. Enrollment spikes an increase in Department of Education appropriations, in addition to tuition and fees.

“We cause a number of other multipliers to occur,” explains Harris. “When a business has to provide us services, they have to add staff, increase their spending, and that causes tax revenue to grow.”

One example of how the University’s growth results in spending in the community is the new Joe Crowley Student Union.

Growth benefits builder

PENTA Building Group broke ground in April on the $47 million project, which also is the company’s first in Northern Nevada. “This has had a very positive impact on our Northern Nevada operations,” says Lou Primak, area manager for PENTA. “We were really able to make a big splash in the market on a high-profile job.”

The builder’s successful first year in a new market is directly attributable to the university’s project, Primak says.

“It’s a significant project in its size and complexity that allows us to demonstrate our talents and strong points,” says Primak. “It has given us the exposure to a lot of good subcontractors.”

More than 40 subcontractors and 250 individuals are involved with the project — all people and companies that PENTA might have taken years to get to know.

David Silverman, chef and co-owner of Silver Peak Restaurant and Brewery and Silver Peak Grill & Taproom, says several of his employees are UNR students.

“We also have a fairly large number of guests that are either employed by or students of UNR,” Silverman says. “We do work for UNR for events, things of that nature, supporting the athletic department, fundraising events — we donate beer or food gift certificates, too. It’s a good relationship.”

The bigger picture

The largest factor in the University’s impact on economic growth comes from the people — visitors and new residents — that UNR attracts to the area.

“There have been studies that show creative people in their 20s through their 40s are especially attracted to a certain kind of community,” says UNR President Milton Glick. That includes, “Lots of arts and culture, educational prospects for their kids, recreational offerings and a strong pro-business climate.”

Of equal importance: “Locating in an area with a university they can collaborate with, engage and learn from.”

And through interaction with local industries such as IGT and utility Sierra Pacific, programs are being developed at the school to offer degrees and research that are relevant for companies looking to grow as well as those considering a move to Northern Nevada.

“As the economy of Northern Nevada, particularly Reno/Sparks, is moving from being largely driven by gaming to being a much more diversified economy,” Glick says, “UNR has to become a critical support structure and catalyst

for that.”

Source: UNR Center for Economic Development