With imagination and steadfast commitment, Carson City can turn some of our economic upheaval into employment for citizens of today and well into tomorrow.

How? New industry and businesses that need employees with 21st century technical skills may be an additional outcome of downtown development, if a refined central library and entrepreneurial center emerges. This in turn will invite private industry to become a part of the new city center landscape.

Carson City's ability to attract and retain cutting-edge industries offering high-paying jobs will follow the library and entrepreneurial center's sophisticated telecommunications infrastructure. These industries range from digital media production to green energy development.

Without a doubt this kind of forward thinking will become increasingly important to the region's economy. For each highly skilled employee supporting new industries, 2.5 jobs are created in other areas such as retail, restaurants and real estate. This is a bona fide representation of the multiplier effect, a long-standing economic development tool. Nevada's enviable tax structure further entices this kind of investment.

The economic downturn has given us a chance to push our own local business “reset” button, and create opportunities not previously available. We can build on our assets and draw healthy industries.

Fortunately the decision to create a cooperative strategy is the primary focus of downtown, city-center redevelopment. Support for this vision can be seen by the efforts of many businesses and business alliances.

For example, the goals of Northern Nevada Development Authority are clearly defined in its economic development strategy and express the imperative to attract new industry. Further, the authority's roll-up-the-sleeves work is evidenced in its day-to-day operations.

Executive Director Rob Hooper and his team field scores of requests for information about the region, escort site-selectors throughout town and host a wide breadth of continuing education seminars.

This is just one example of creative business solutions; many others around town from our savvy realtors in weekly agent meetings, to deft marketers working to keep up with communication trends, all do the same.

The point is hundreds of businesses and caring citizens are working hand-in-hand together toward positive, long-lasting solutions.

• Tammy Westergard is deputy manager of the Carson City Office of Business Development. Send questions and feedback to twestergard@ci.carson-

city.nv.us. For more information go to www.downtowncarsonci

ty.com.