Outdoor Education Lead Kendal Scott of the Division of Outdoor Recreation and Division Administrator Denise Beronio at the Division’s booth.
Photo by Kurt Hildebrand.
Nevada has a great big backyard for outdoor recreation, 15 state parks to explore, and a vast open sky for star gazing, which were highlighted during the Carson Valley Business Showcase on April 17 at the Douglas County Community and Senior Center.
The 27th annual Carson Valley Business Showcase is put on by the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Alicia Main said the Business Showcase is an opportunity for business and the community to come together to network.
“It has been well received and attended over the years,” said Main.
New to the showcase this year, Nevada Department of Conservation and National Resources Administrator Denise Beronio shared the growing outdoor recreation industry in Nevada, highlighting its economic impact and the initiatives undertaken by various state divisions to promote sustainable outdoor activities and encouraging families and residents to get out explore.
Beronio said the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation, the Nevada Division of State Parks, and the Nevada Off Highway Vehicle Program are key players in promoting outdoor recreation.
“We collaborate with federal and state agencies to enhance outdoor recreation infrastructure and economic vitality,” she said.
Beronio highlighted grant funding, including the Education and Recreation grant, which allocated funds to K-12 education and recreation programs across the state. Additionally, the Astro Tourism and Dark Skies certification program aims to boost tourism by protecting night skies from light pollution.
The Off Highway Vehicles program emphases the use of registration funds for grants supporting off-road projects.
“We’re here to encourage residents and family to get out and explore what Nevada has to offer and what is right here in their backyards to explore,” said Beronio. “There is something for everyone to enjoy and we want people to get out and experience it.”
Park Passports were handed out during the event, promoting just that. If all 27 state parks are stamped by a park employee, explores receive a free annual day-use pass good at all Nevada State Parks. Visit www.parks.nv.gov for more information.
Other businesses, services, and nonprofits have been participating in the business showcase either since its inauguration or for at least a long time, like A.J’s Stoves and Family Support Council.
A.J.’s Stove’s Krystle said she’s seen the Carson Valley Business Showcase grow from vendors lined up at Lampe Park in the late 1990’s to what it is today at the Douglas County Community and Senior Center where it has been held since 2015.
“It is very well received in the Valley, and I feel it’s a great way for people to know what’s out there in the community,” she said. “Sometimes people might not know what services are out there or they might not think of something they need until they’re here and it really helps connect the community and those businesses together.”
A.J’s Stoves has been serving the Carson Valley for more than 35 years, which started out as Alan’s Chimney Sweep in 1987 and expanded to the storefront in 1997. Today, A.J’s Stoves still provides chimney sweep services along with fireplace and stove installs, and a variety of accessories, products and services for maintaining fireplaces and stoves.
Gilda Chibante and Jennifer Burke from the Family Support Council shared their services highlighting their efforts in providing programs, advocacy, and shelter for domestic violence or sexual assault victims and conduct educational presentations in schools.
“It’s important to us that the community knows we are here and know what services we provide,” said Chibante. “We are all about community awareness and support.”
The Family Support Council also provides a 24-hour crisis line for those in need. Visit https://www.family-support.org/ for more information.
Danette Lowe of TruNorth Wealth talked about her book, “The Early Start Retirement Plan: Craft a Portfolio of Passions to Enrich Your Life Today and beyond,” and provided information about retirement to attendees.
“People usually think about retirement when it’s about to happen, but it’s best to think about it and plan for it long before that time,” said Lowe.
She and TruNorth Wealth representatives were at the showcase informing attendees of financial tips for their investments and lifestyle, and the importance of making retirement plans and providing advice for the best path that suits each individual.
“My best financial tip is to pay off your credit cards in full,” said Maisie Carney. “When I was younger that was one thing that really got me into trouble, so staying on top of that is definitely one of the best things you can do.”
Lowe said the Business Showcase is one way to get her and others’ services out there, including promoting her book.
“It’s great that the community puts on these sort of events, because that’s what it’s all about is connecting with people and showcasing what is available to them,” said Lowe.
Visit www.earlyretirement.com for more information.