KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video - Can Carson Become the Silicon Valley of Nevada?
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If Carson City planners have their way the area will one day become the Silicon Valley of Digital Media. As technology continues to develop they hope to get a piece of the action and build it into jobs.
"For years we've banked on gaming and tourism. Now we're working on a plan to create a whole new foundation for jobs. We want to build a knowledge center, a business incubator, a transportation hub, events venues and even housing to revitalize the downtown," says Joe McCarthy, Director of Carson City Business Development.
And here's the most innovative part of the plan. The Carson Nugget, that's been one of the area's biggest employers for 53 years is a part of building it. The Nugget is donating nearly 8 acres of parking lot space in the downtown core for the effort. And through a foundation focused on youth services and creating jobs, they are helping fund the project financially.
"We are broadening Carson's economic base and we're adding depth," says Mark Lewis, the man credited with developing Reno's Ballpark. "A ton of low-paying jobs isn't what we need. We need some real jobs that pay here. And we want this community to be able to see it's youth go to high school here, to college and then actually get jobs so they can support families. And this plan will do that."
They say they have big names already on board to bring in digital industries, including animation, pre-production and post graphics work and computer technology.
However they aren't unveiling names nor their financial plan until December 10th.
