Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN)

A new episode of The Growth Pioneers Podcast is live! 🎙️

Doug Erwin sits down with Tristan Po***ck, Managing Director of Electrify Nevada at gener8tor, to discuss Nevada's rise as a hub for energy, advanced manufacturing, AI, and hard tech innovation.

From his journey through 500 Startups and the startup world to helping founders scale faster in Nevada, Tristan shares why Reno-Tahoe is uniquely positioned to attract the next generation of entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

They also explore AI optimism, entrepreneurship, and the power of building in a place where speed, access, and community create real advantages.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platforms: https://startupreno.org/podcast/

Another Brokers & Bogeys is in the books! ⛳

Thank you to Dermody, United Construction Company, and everyone who joined us on the course last week for a great day of golf and connection. A special thanks to the team at Grizzly Ranch Golf Club for once again hosting us in such a beautiful setting.

This annual tradition only happens thanks to the commercial real estate partners who continue to invest in our region. Your dedication helps drive new business growth and opportunity across Northern Nevada.

Here's to another year of strong partnerships and continued progress for Northern Nevada's future! 🤝

Congratulations to Buckeye Corrugated, Inc. (BCI) on the grand opening of their new Reno facility!

This 100,000 square foot West Coast hub combines manufacturing, packaging, and distribution to deliver localized production and faster lead times for customers throughout the western U.S. We were proud to help celebrate this milestone and to see another company strengthening Northern Nevada's advanced manufacturing sector.

Investments like this help support a vibrant and sustainable economy right here in our region.💙

Congratulations to the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County (RTC), and to the City of Reno on the grand reopening of the Arlington Avenue bridges!

The two new bridges replace structures more than 90 years old, restoring a key connection across the Truckee River in downtown's Riverwalk District. With EDAWN Major Investor Granite Construction as general contractor, the project was completed in just over a year, ahead of the original two-season schedule, and saved an estimated $5 million.

Investments like this strengthen the infrastructure behind a vibrant and growing Northern Nevada. 🌉

We had a great time connecting with our Silver Investors last night at our Silver Investor Exclusive Social hosted by the Eddy House.

Our Silver Investors enjoyed a closer look at the Eddy House and learned more about their work supporting homeless and at-risk youth across Northern Nevada through shelter, counseling, workforce development, and the resources young people need to reach independence.

Thank you to the team at the Eddy House for opening your doors and for all you do to serve our community! 💜

Happy !

Today, we are honored to highlight Alise Porto of Switch. Since 2015, Alise Porto has led Switch’s power and sustainability strategy, helping shape the future of resilient digital infrastructure. As Senior Vice President of Power and Sustainability, she oversees nationwide energy strategy, renewable procurement, utility partnerships, and large-scale infrastructure initiatives that support Switch’s long-term growth.

A recognized leader in sustainable energy, Alise drives ESG and operational initiatives that create measurable environmental impact across Switch’s ecosystem. She serves on the boards of EDAWN, the TRI Board, and the Advisory Board for Proximo Congress 2026, and participates in the Regional Transmission Coordination Task Force.

Alise is the only two-time recipient of the WISE (Women in Smart Energy) Award, honored in both 2022 and 2023 for advancing sustainable digital infrastructure. A proud Nevada native, she attended UNLV and completed UC Berkeley’s Sustainable Capitalism & ESG program.

"Switch became a platinum investor with EDAWN in 2015 and proudly continues that partnership because of EDAWN’s incredible leadership and lasting impact on Northern Nevada’s growth, innovation, and economic success."

Thank you, Alise and Switch, for all you do for Northern Nevada! 💙

EDAWN had the opportunity to host Major Investors at Nevada Women’s Fund’s Salute to Women of Achievement Luncheon today at the Downtown Reno Ballroom.

Thank you to Nevada Women’s Fund for another great event recognizing the women shaping Northern Nevada. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees. 💜

Yesterday we brought EDAWN Investors together with the leaders of Northern Nevada's primary industries for our very first Exclusive Primary Industry Breakfast to highlight their key role in our region's economic vitality. These industries consist of the businesses bringing outside revenue into our region, creating high-quality jobs, and helping diversify our regional economy.

We were honored to welcome Governor Joe Lombardo, who shared remarks on Nevada's continued economic momentum, along with a keynote from Jim Emme, CEO of Now Foods, on what it takes to successfully grow a company in Northern Nevada.

Thank you to every company leader, investor, and partner who joined us. Northern Nevada moves forward because of you.💙

Last night, ten energy and climate-tech founders and a roster of regional ecosystem came together at Kiln in Reno to mark the end of the Spring 2026 Electrify Nevada Accelerator cohort. EDAWN co-hosted the evening with gener8tor and Kiln, which also offered guests a first look at Kiln's new Reno coworking space ahead of its June opening.

➡️ Read the full press release here: https://www.edawn.org/edawn-gener8tor-and-kiln-convene-investors-founders-and-regional-partners-in-reno-for-electrify-nevada-accelerator-showcase/

Amanda Berry Jones and Danielle Randol, EDAWN's Directors of Business Development, represented Northern Nevada this week at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, D.C., alongside the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED). 🌎

SelectUSA is the country's premier event for connecting international companies with U.S. markets. Throughout the week, the team met with global business leaders and site selectors to share what makes our region a strategic choice for expansion, from our targeted industry strengths to the partnerships that help companies land and grow here.

➡️ Learn more about doing business in Northern Nevada: https://www.edawn.org/site-selector/