Business Briefly 5/6

Layoffs on horizon for Horizon Casino

Layoffs are expected at the Horizon Casino Resort as Lake Tahoe Realty I takes over the lease agreement in the next month, according to a Tropicana Entertainment press release.

"Horizon will no longer offer table games and, depending on business levels, may also downsize slot operations from its current level of 600. The changes will necessitate the elimination of approximately 75 table game and support positions," according to the press release.

In the next 30 days, Lake Tahoe Realty I, a new company owned by an affiliate of Columbia Sussex Corporation, will take over management of the Horizon Hotel and will assume responsibility for employees, staffing levels and associated payrolls. That includes food and beverage operations and the parking garage, too.

Casino operations will be limited to no more than 200 gaming positions. Tropicana Entertainment will continue to operate the casino on a limited basis under a lease with The Edgewood Companies until Lake Tahoe Realty I has been licensed by the Nevada Gaming Commission.

Pending home sales jump in Reno-Sparks

RENO (AP) " Pending sales of existing homes in the Reno-Sparks area rose 27 percent from February to April, a sign that consumer confidence in the region may be improving, local realtors say.

The 748 new active pending sales last month were more than double the 361 reported in April 2008, the Reno-Sparks Association of Realtors said.

The pending home sales index nationally rose 3.2 percent in March, according to the National Association of Realtors.

BAWN hosts program on going 'green'

The Builders Association of Western Nevada is hosting a program on May 14 and 15 so builders can learn how green homes provide buyers with lower energy costs and higher value.

This two-day course for building professionals discusses strategies for incorporating green-building principles into homes without driving up the cost of construction.

Topics include how green homes provide buyers lower maintenance, better indoor air quality, and better long-term value; techniques for competitively differentiating green homes with increased indoor environmental quality as well as energy and resource efficiency.

Fees for the class for BAWN members are $350, and $380 for non-members. You can register for the class at www.bawn.org.