CARSON CITY, NV – August 22, 2018 – Northern Nevada Development Authority (NNDA) today announced the winners of its annual Pioneer Awards (PioneerAwards.com). Winners will be honored and celebrated during the 5th Annual NNDA Pioneer Awards & Gala being held on November 7, 2019. The Pioneer Awards recognize individuals and businesses whose contributions to economic development have supported the growth of Nevada’s Sierra Region, while showcasing the many business success stories of Nevada’s Sierra Region.
• Boundary Peak Exceptional Nonprofit Award: Western Nevada College Foundation (Carson City, NV – WNC.edu/Foundation/). WNC Foundation develops resources and encourages philanthropy in support of Western Nevada College. The organization is being recognized for extraordinary growth in funding streams from 2016- 2019, active board involvement, presence in the community, and support of workforce development initiatives. WNC Foundation Executive Director Niki Gladys said, “We are so honored to receive this prestigious award! The board of directors for the WNC Foundation has worked very hard over the past few years to support students through scholarships, emergency funding and WNC facility improvements in order to contribute to workforce development in this region.”
• Kit Carson Extraordinary Entrepreneurism Award: Kevin Lindseth, CEO, Pure Ground Ingredients (Minden, NV – PureGroundIngredients.com). PGI is an industrial supplier of organic botanicals, spices, chili, and black and green teas. This visionary entrepreneur is being distinguished for his ability to meet market needs, the ongoing refinement of the PGI business model, the company’s growth and environmental responsibility, use of state-of-the-art systems, worldwide community engagement, work with students, and training programs for employees. Kevin Lindseth said, “Pure Ground Ingredients expresses our gratitude to NNDA and our community, our employees and global network of customers and growers. We couldn’t have made it this far without the continued dedication and support over the years!”
• Silver Forge Outstanding Manufacturer Award: Franklin Armory® (Minden, NV – FranklinArmory.com). Franklin Armory specializes in manufacturing quality firearms for sporting, military, and law enforcement applications. The company is being honored as the creator of a new cluster of businesses that support the manufacturing of firearms in Nevada’s Sierra Region, as well as for its innovative manufacturing techniques, community involvement with local law enforcement, growing exports, and recent business expansions. “Northern Nevada continues to provide lower manufacturing costs including real estate, skilled labor, energy, and compliance,” said Jay Jacobson, President. “These competitive advantages allow us to prosper and grow in the Silver State as we satisfy global demand for new products.”
In addition to the award winners, NNDA 2019 Pioneer of the Year Jim Peckham, Executive Director of FISH, will be honored during the gala.
NNDA President & CEO, Robert “Rob” Hooper, said, “The winners of our NNDA Pioneer Awards and our Pioneer of the Year are the movers and shakers who represent what is possible when there is a vibrant and resilient economic ecosystem supporting their efforts.” He continued, “By taking a regional economic development approach and pooling assets, we can achieve economic growth which benefits all of the counties in Nevada’s Sierra Region. At the same time, we can drive growth in alignment with the unique characteristics and goals of each individual county, further strengthening the region’s economy.”
As part of the Pioneer Awards ceremonies, the Nevada Builders Alliance (NBA) will again present its annual Golden Hammer Award that recognizes the construction team whose project had the greatest impact on the economic development of the Sierra Region. 308 Curry Street Project – Metcalf Builders is the 2019 winner of the NBA Golden Hammer Award. The 308 Curry Street Mixed-Use Development in Carson City was envisioned by the owner, The Hop & Mae Adams Foundation, and built by Metcalf Builders (an NNDA Partner). This three-story mixed-use project is now home to retail (The Martin Hotel Restaurant and Squeeze In) on the first floor, offices (Lumos Engineering and Prime Lending) on the second floor, and residential units on the third floor. The project is the embodiment of the mission of the Adams Foundation to provide for the betterment of the people of Carson City and adds tremendous economic impact to its downtown.
The Pioneer Awards & Gala is attended by over 250 influential business leaders, executives, and management teams of companies from the Sierra Region and beyond. Government officials also attend the annual fundraiser. Event sponsorships and ticket sales are used to support NNDA’s mission: To influence, facilitate, and support the ongoing growth and prosperity of the economic ecosystem of the region.