Nevada Means Business

Nevada DMV modernization has reached a milestone that most state agencies only talk about — the average Nevada resident now needs to visit a DMV office in person only once every 16 years. Director Tonya Laney sits down with Kristopher Sanchez, director of Nevada's Department of Business and Industry, to explain how a multi-year technology transformation turned one of the state's most publi...

During each biennial session, Nevada's legislature processes up to 1,500 bills in just 120 days, yet 85 to 97 percent pass with bipartisan support — a statistic that contradicts nearly every national headline about political gridlock. Jill Tolles, former three-term Nevada Assembly member and current Executive Director of the Kenny Guinn Center for Policy Priorities, breaks down how nonpartisan...

Nevada's Real Estate Division oversees roughly 40,000 licensees, regulates 3,800 homeowner associations covering nearly 700,000 residents, and is now pushing to move almost every licensing function online. Sharath Chandra, administrator of the division within the Department of Business and Industry, sits down with Director Kristopher Sanchez to detail what that transformation means for agents,...

Nevada's lithium loop — the closed-cycle supply chain spanning extraction, processing, manufacturing, and recycling — positions the state as the only place in America with companies operating across all seven stages of the battery economy. Caleb Cage, president of the Nevada Battery Coalition, explains why the state's unique geology, regulatory climate, and executive support from Governor...

In this episode, Kristopher sits down with Sheldon Mudd, the CEO and President of the Northeastern Nevada Regional Development Authority, to discuss the unique challenges and massive opportunities within rural economic development. Sheldon shares his fascinating journey from the United States Air Force and the Northern Nevada gold mining industry to leading economic strategy across a 40,000-square...

In this episode, Director Sanchez sits down with MJ Maynard-Carey, the CEO of the Regional Transit Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada, for a deep dive into the complex infrastructure that keeps the Las Vegas Valley moving. MJ explains what makes the RTC entirely unique, noting that it is the only agency in the United States to house public transit, roadway funding, metropolitan planning, and traf...

In this episode, Director Sanchez is joined by Victoria Carreon, the Administrator of the Division of Industrial Relations, to unpack the massive scope of her agency. Victoria explains that the primary objective of the Division of Industrial Relations is to put safety and health first by ensuring every Nevadan has a safe workplace. She breaks down the division's various branches, including the...

In this episode, Kris Sanchez welcomes Dr. Kumud Acharya, the President of the Desert Research Institute (DRI), to discuss the vital role the institute plays in solving environmental challenges across the state and around the globe. Dr. Acharya provides an inside look at how DRI’s team of over six hundred scientists and professionals conduct high-impact research on the intersection of human activi...

In this episode, Kris Sanchez is joined by Amanda Hilton, President of the Nevada Mining Association, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of the mining industry. Amanda kicks things off by sharing her personal journey from starting as a staff accountant to becoming the General Manager of the Robinson Mine, Nevada's largest copper mine located in Ely. They dive into how the mining industr...

In this episode, Kris Sanchez is joined by Steve Aichroth, the Administrator of the Nevada Housing Division, for a comprehensive discussion on the state's urgent efforts to tackle the affordable housing challenges. Steve breaks down the two main avenues the division utilizes to help residents: supporting direct homeownership and funding multifamily housing developments. He explains how the &qu...

In this insightful episode, Kristopher sits down with Andrew Woods from the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, to discuss the current and future economic landscape of Southern Nevada. Andrew dives deep into the data behind the Southern Nevada Business Confidence Index and Las Vegas tourism, explaining how the city's reliance on discretionar...

In this episode, Director Sanchez explores the booming world of debt-free career training with two incredible guests: Nevada State Apprenticeship Director Toni Giddens and Dr. Bobbi Damrow, from the Culinary Academy of Las Vegas. Toni kicks off the conversation by explaining how Nevada's unique apprenticeship model allows individuals to earn a living wage while receiving completely free relate...

In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Portteus from the Western Fire Chiefs Association to discuss the highly complex issue of wildfire risk management in the Wildland Urban Interface, also known as the WUI. With Nevada ranking in the top five states for wildfire risk and boasting over 750,000 homes located in the WUI, understanding how to protect our expanding communities has never been more...

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Hill, CEO and President of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), to discuss the massive economic and technological shifts happening in Southern Nevada — and how those developments reflect broader momentum across Nevada’s economy. Steve breaks down the real story behind recent Las Vegas tourism numbers, addressing social media rumors and ex...

In this episode of the Nevada Means Business Podcast, we dive into the world of insurance with Ned Gaines, Nevada’s Insurance Commissioner. He shares insights on the rising costs of auto insurance, the impact of accidents, and the challenges facing consumers across the state. With a focus on collaboration rather than punishment, Ned is working to strengthen relationships between the Division of In...

Welcome to the Nevada Means Business Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Brett Harris, Nevada’s Labor Commissioner, to explore how the office supports both employees and employers through preventative labor care, protections, and partnership-driven programs. From apprenticeships to AI—and a lot in between—the conversation highlights how the Labor Commissioner’s office helps Nevadans underst...

In the first episode of Nevada Means Business, Director Kristopher Sanchez sits down with Peter Guzman, President of the Latin Chamber of Commerce, to talk about the podcast’s goal: connecting government with Nevada’s business community. They discuss how collaboration, innovation, and modernizing regulations can help businesses thrive. This episode explores how leaders in business and government c...