Ten Business Predictions for 2009

Posted January 5th, 2009

Two words apply well for the year just ended: Whoa, Nelly! With the financial markets in chaos, the jobs landscape littered with layoffs, and the most audacious outpouring of federal funds since the Great Depression, most of us are ready to look forward to cheerier times in 2009. BusinessWeek logo

Here at BusinessWeek, we’ve again donned our prognostication helmets and took a gander into the old crystal ball for a few (educated?) guesses at what this new year holds in store. True, we failed to predict the two major events of 2008—the election of Barack Obama and the financial meltdown rippling across the world economy. But we did nail one call: 2008 was the year of $100-per-barrel oil—we just didn’t anticipate its stunning slide back to $40. Read full story:

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National Geographic to feature UNR student in documentary

Posted January 5th, 2009

The National Geographic Channel will feature Wendy Orr, a University of Nevada, Reno graduate student, in a one-hour documentary on Canyonlands National Park that will air this spring.Wendy Orr, left (in blue) is interviewed by the National Geographic Channel in Canyonlands National Park.

Orr, a research assistant in Mackay School’s Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering,  found the experience to be incredibly unique.

“It was very surreal,” said Orr, who graduates with a master’s degree this spring in geology from the College of Science.

The documentary shows Orr presenting her case that Upheaval Dome is an impact crater formed as a result of a meteorite impact event. Orr credits the University for helping her get to this point in her career. Read full story:

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Entrepreneurs - Survival of the Fittest

Posted January 4th, 2009

At 11 p.m. on a recent Wednesday a dozen men in their 30s and 40s bobbed on stationary bikes and pumped iron in a Snap Fitness club on a busy freeway in Pine Brook, N.J. Members, already in their workout togs, pulled up, parked within feet of the club and headed for the cardio equipment or the weights. After spending 50 minutes, on average, working out, they left–without showering. “There are no lines, it’s cheap,” says Richard Prochov, one of the members. “I’m in and out.”pic

Snap Fitness may be a rarity: a gym chain that can thrive during a recession. Bally’s Total Fitness recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in 17 months. But 24-hour Snap Fitness clubs are cheap and convenient. Membership fees for the 910 clubs–60 opened in December–with 400,000 members in 46 states are only $35 per month and are easily canceled or put on hold without penalty. Read full story:

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FCC chairman Kevin Martin to speak at CES - Jan 8-11

Posted January 4th, 2009

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) ® recently announced that Kevin Martin, International CESchairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will be a featured speaker at the 2009 International CES® as part of the Industry Insider Series. Produced by CEA, the 2009 International CES is the world’s largest consumer technology tradeshow and returns to Las Vegas, January 8-11, Chairman Kevin J. Martin2009.

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin will join CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro for a one-on-one discussion addressing Chairman Martin’s tenure at the FCC, as well as challenges likely to confront the incoming Administration and the consumer technology industry, including the upcoming digital television transition, cable compatibility and broadband. Chairman Martin’s session is slated for 1:30-2:30 p.m., Saturday, January 10 at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), North Hall, N255-257. This will be his third Industry Insider appearance at the International CES. For additional details, click HERE.

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Save the Date - NCET’s 10th Anniversary Dinner and Fundraiser - Reno - March 9

Posted January 3rd, 2009

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March 9, 2009

Atlantis Hotel, Reno

Cocktail Reception - 5:30 pm

Dinner and Awards - 6:30 pm

Featuring the Reno Gazette-Journal’s 2009 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

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