Business Showcase about making connections

More than 900 people enjoyed cuddling rabbits with Cotton Candy Clouds, food tasting with Sierra Chef and the Chocolate Shoppe and receiving swag during the annual Business Showcase at the Douglas County Community & Senior Center on Thursday.

Hosted by the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Showcase featured more than 50 organizations and businesses presenting an opportunity for residents to learn what services are available.

The showcase’s featured sponsors included Carson Valley Health, Park Ranch, Tahoe Production House, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County and The Record-Courier.

“Compared to past turn-outs, this year was a little smaller and attendance was lower,” said Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Alicia Main, “but despite that the experience for the businesses and attendees was really good and I think went well.”

This year, new businesses in food, internet and pest control brought fresh faces to the community.

Adding to the food services, were new owners of Nik n’ Willie’s take and bake pizza in the Gardnerville Ranchos, Franda and Matthias West.

The Wests took ownership of the pizza parlor a year and five months ago, according to Franda.

“We’re so excited to be here and want to serve the community,” she said. “We plan to bring in new pizza options and more to please our customers.”

One specialty the pizza parlor is offering is booze infused cookies by Suga Pusha.

“It contains five percent alcohol, which enhances the flavors,” said Franda. “We also have nonalcoholic baked goodies too.”

Franda said as they establish more in the community, they plan to offer more including a patio, new food options such as chicken wings and more.

“Eventually we want to change the name to One Love Pizza and pour our love into the community.”

Nik n’ Willie’s is located at 751 Tillman Lane, Gardnerville. For more information or place an order call 775-265-2775.

Other new services were Maxsip Telecom and Summit Integrated Pest Management.

Maxsip Telecom is a federal affordable connectivity program that offers free high speed internet to those who qualify.

“It’s been very helpful in providing families, households and individuals with affordable internet services,” said Maxsip Telecom Community Outreach Specialist Maye Salavea.

The service connects eligible households to jobs, critical healthcare services, virtual classrooms and more. Eligible programs include Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, WIC, Tribal ID Assistance Programs, Federal Public Housing Assistance, free or reduced school lunch, veterans and survivors pension benefits, Pell grant recipients or if total household income is within 200 percent or less of the federal poverty guidelines. Visit www.Maxsipconnects.com/Reno, email kayla@maxsiptel.com or call 207-814-0338 for more information.

Summit Integrated Pest Management does the work no one else wants to do which is rid of bugs, rodents, weeds and more.

“We take care of it all from top to bottom, you name it and we will take care of it,” said Conrad Lundgren.

Lundgren and owner Garrett Brogan provide services from Reno to Topaz. The two worked together for a bigger pest control provider and recently opened the new service two months ago.

“We’re real small right now, but we are growing,” said Brogan. “It’s a service people need and we enjoy the business and helping people.”

Visit www.summitipm.com., email gbrogan@summitipm.com or call 775-386-3874 for more information.

The Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce promotes the civic and business community through such connectivity events and more.

“On behalf of the Members, Board of Directors, and staff of the Chamber of Commerce, thanks again to our participants for the time, effort and investment in setting up booths and providing services and information to the community and to the attendees for coming,” said Main. “We hope you had the chance to find new opportunities and services and we thank you for thinking ‘local first,’ and supporting the Carson Valley.”

For more opportunities the Chamber is hosting a Job Fair and Volunteer Expo 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 27 at the Douglas County Community & Senior Center in Gardnerville.

Visit www.carsonvalleynv.org, email Alicia Main at alicia@carsonvalleynv.org or call 775-782-8144 for more information.