CEDA Executive Director Nathan Strong resigns

Nathan Strong, executive director of the Churchill Economic Development Authority, has resigned after serving in his current position since April 2017.

He had succeeded Rachel Dahl, who had taken a similar position in Mesquite in late 2016 before returning to Northern Nevada in March 2018.

Strong served as interim director until he was officially appointed to the post. He informed his staff Thursday morning of his decision and the CEDA Business Council later in the day. County Commissioner Pete Olson, chairman of the board of directors for CEDA, said the board will begin the process of looking for a new executive director at its next meeting in December.

As the executive director of CEDA, he pursued economic development activities in Churchill County. He worked with Churchill County, the city of Fallon, various regional and rural development agencies and the CEDA Business Council.

Including his time as interim director, Strong spent more than three years leading CEDA. Before that, he worked on special projects for almost two years. Strong has lived in the Fallon area for more than 20 years. When he was officially appointed, Strong told the LVN that part of his long-term plan was to revitalize downtown Fallon and promote doing business there. He said the historic location and major traffic corridor make it a good place for businesses. He was also a big proponent of the Fallon Food Hub, which began during Dahl’s time as executive director.

With the development of a new industrial park in Fernley and with the expansion of the Tahoe Reno Industrial center, Strong said U.S. government figures show about 3,000 Churchill County residents, except military, commute daily to jobs around the region. Churchill County is beginning to see additional growth, he said, with the addition of more residential housing.

Mark IV Capital announced in July plans to develop a 4,300-acre premier distribution, manufacturing and commercial center east of Fernley.

During his tenure, development in Hazen increased with a rail-hub project after being championed by Dahl. He told the LVN added the assets of the area, railroad access and being located close to Interstate 80 as well as Highways 50 and 95, would be big selling points for some businesses.

“That’s our mission here, we attract, retain and develop,” Strong said at the time. “If you aren’t here, I want to bring you in; if you are, I want to help you stay and develop.”

Strong said Omaha Track has partnered to build a rail center to serve Omaha Track and local businesses as part of Churchill County and Northern Nevada’s growing rail-served industrial development. The rail park is located at the beginning of the Mina Branch and the Fallon Industrial Lead north of U.S. Highway 50 alternate. Strong looked at the development as the next major step for Churchill County to grow as a logistics center strategically situated at or near the crossroads of major highways.