A resource for troubling credit reports and talking houses

In November I wrote a column about how to order your credit report online, which was recently made available free for Nevadans. I found the process to be simple and quick. Others weren't as lucky. For those who can't access your report or who need to correct any mistakes on it, you have a resource.

The Consumers Union has an online guide which gives detailed advice on how to order the report, review it for accuracy and correct mistakes if you find them. View "Your Credit Matters" at www.consumersunion.org. The link is in the blue box underneath "Featured Campaigns." Call the Consumers Union at 1-415-431-6747.

Nevadans have free access to their credit reports, located online at www.annualcreditreport.com or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP.

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Froelich Consulting Engineers Inc. promoted Carson City native LuAnn Hawley to a partner. Froelich provides structural engineering design and consulting services in Portland and Bend, Ore.

Hawley has worked for the company since October 1991 and was promoted from director of operations. Hawley is a graduate of Carson High School and the University of Nevada, Reno.

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The Nevada Business Support Network now includes a full open-community discussion area called the NBSN Forum. Access the forum at http://nbsn.ecosq.com/kb.Forum topics include the upcoming legislative session and the Nevada Youth Entrepreneurship Group.

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The Internal Revenue Service released the 2004 Federal Tax Products on CD-ROM. It includes: all 2004 tax forms for individuals and business filers, related instructions, search and retrieval capabilities. The CD-ROM costs $27, or if ordered online, $22 at http://bookstore.gpo.gov/ irs/taxprod04.html. To order by phone call 866-512-1800.

The IRS also has Publication 600, Optional State Sales Tax Tables, on its Web site, which taxpayers may use for their 2004 returns. The IRS also will sent Publican 600 to all taxpayers who get a Form 1040 tax package.

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Rhodes Homes became the 150th member of the Builders Association of Western Nevada Self Insured Group. The group is Nevada's largest and fastest growing self-insured group for the building industry. It provides tools necessary for members to reduce accident exposure and control claim costs, according to the group. For information on saving on workers' compensation costs visit www.saveoncomp.com or call 800-859-3177.

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Carson City and Reno financial advisor Patrick Gaskill was named one of the top 50 producing Waddell & Reed financial advisors in the country.

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Klarquist Sparkman LLP, an intellectual property law fire based in Portland, opened its Reno office and added two attorneys. Attorney Kyle Rinehart will be joined by Robert Ryan and Ryan Heck.

Robert Ryan has more than 25 years of experience in obtaining, enforcing and exploiting intellectual property.

Ryan Heck has experience in all aspects of intellectual property law, including litigation, patent prosecution, opinion work, and assisting clients with transactional work.

For information contact 824-0104.

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Sierra Pacific and Nevada Power are accepting applications for the second year of a statewide program that rewards electric customers for using solar energy.

Customers who install solar panels are eligible for a rebate of $4 per watt of electricity produced. For information call 866-PV-Nevada or Program Administrator Larry Burton at 834-4464.

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Citizens for Affordable Homes recently became a certifying organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award, a national program recognizing Americans who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service. As a certifying organization, CAHI is responsible for verifying service hours, nominating potential recipients and delivering the award.

For information about volunteering with CAHI call Jeff Coulam at 883-7101, ext. 108. For information on the President's Volunteer Service visit www.PresidentialServiceAwards or call 1-866-545-5307.

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Carson City Realtor Silver Oak Properties recently debuted several "Talking Houses" in the area. Homes with a "Talking House" sign have a radio transmitter about the size of a small VCR inside the home. The transmitter broadcasts a personalized five-minute message up to 300 feet from the home. Home shoppers can tune their radio to a designated AM frequency for a detailed report on the home - all without leaving the car.

For information on the location of "Talking Houses" call Rachel Ekberg at 882-6300. For information on the system visit www.talkinghouse.com.

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The University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Administration and Extended Studies will begin a new program for Carson City-Douglas County residents to earn credits toward a master's in business administration. The evening classes will be conducted at Western Nevada Community College's Douglas campus in Minden. For information on requirements call Reed Scull at 687-6406 or e-mail wrs@unr.edu. Space is limited and all application materials are due by March 15. To apply visit www.unr.edu/grad.

Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.