Weekly Newsletter

Our small businesses are the backbone of our economy – and thanks to the Nevada Legislature’s Interim Finance Committee this week, Nevada small businesses could receive a $35 million boost for the next three years through the State Small Business Credit Initiative. This first phase of funding will hopefully lead to up to $105 million over the entire duration of the program to bolster our small business owners. I’m proud of the work done by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, who will now partner with US Treasury to get this program going. Learn more about the program here.  

I was honored to join the Nevada Department of Veterans Services for their ceremony celebrating the Veteran of the Month and Veteran Supporter of the Month and for the first time, the Serving Veterans Youth Award. All of the awardees share a dedication to helping their community and their work inspires others to volunteer and make a difference. I’m always proud to attend this ceremony and honor our volunteers, and put a spotlight on our veteran community and the needs of our veterans.  

As the Las Vegas Aces began the WNBA Finals, I was proud to proclaim September 11-20 as Las Vegas Aces Week in Nevada! The Las Vegas Aces finished the regular season with the best record in the league, the most wins in franchise history – and several awards for players and our coach, all recognizing their incredible leadership, athleticism and grit on the court. Nevada is proud to have the Las Vegas Aces represent our great State and the Sports Capital of the World!

-- Governor Sisolak

Answering Nevada's Questions

There’s a new COVID-19 booster available for those age 12 and older available throughout Nevada for added protection against COVID-19. 

Q: Who is eligible to get the new COVID-19 booster? 

A: Nevadans 12 and older who received their last COVID-19 booster at least two months ago are now eligible for a new COVID-19 booster.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent COVID-19 vaccines for use as a single booster dose, to be administered at least two months after the primary series or initial booster vaccination. 

The Moderna vaccine is authorized as a single booster dose for those 18 and older. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is authorized as a single booster dose for those 12 and older.  

Vaccines are available through primary care providers, pharmacies, local health districts and Federally Qualified Health Centers throughout Nevada.  

You can also get your flu shot at the same time as a COVID-19 booster. To find a vaccine clinic call 800-401-0946 or go to NVCOVIDFighter.org.

This Week’s Nevada Small Business Spotlight: In Plain Sight Marketing LLC

When it comes to telling BIG stories for small businesses, In Plain Sight Marketing LLC (IPSM) shines. Located in Carson City, Nevada, this 100% women owned full-service marketing and public relations agency has told over 10,000 stories for their clients over their first decade in business.

From small and micro businesses serving their customers and communities to non-profits, both locally and nationally, providing essential services to our most vulnerable populations, from construction and statewide workforce development to hospitals providing top-notch health care to our rural communities - In Plain Sight Marketing LLC tells the stories that matter to help build stronger communities.

IPSM specializes in public relations, community and media relations, government relations, content marketing, digital marketing, website development and more.

No matter how small your business is, you have a BIG story to tell...let IPSM help you tell it! 

Resources for Nevadans

Air Quality Monitoring and Health Tips for Nevadans Impacted by Wildfire Smoke 

Smoke from the Mosquito Fire in Northern California has lead to unhealthy and at times hazardous air quality for Washoe County and areas of Northern Nevada. As part of the Governor’s Nevada Climate Series 2022, the State of Nevada compiled air quality tips for Nevadans to follow to stay safe.

If you smell smoke or see ash in the air, follow these tips to protect yourself:

•  Monitor Air Quality: Knowing how much the smoke is affecting the air quality in your area is the first step in better protecting yourself from wildfire smoke. Air quality can be monitored from the following websites
•  AirNow App: Monitor air quality anywhere and view a live fire and smoke map
• AlertWildfire.org: See live videos from areas affected by fire and smoke
• Follow instructions from local officials
• Stay inside with the doors and windows closed
• Use a portable air purifier to reduce indoor air pollution
• Reduce smoke in your vehicle: Close the windows and vents and run the air conditioner in recirculate mode
• Follow your healthcare provider’s advice.

For more information and what not to do when there’s smoke in your area, click here.

Are You in Need of Health Insurance? You May be Eligible to Enroll in a Health Plan through Nevada Health Link if You've Experienced a Qualifying Life Event

Health insurance can bring you peace of mind knowing you're covered for preventative care, chronic illnesses, emergencies, and much more. Nevada Health Links’ Open Enrollment Period begins November 1, but if you are in need of insurance now you may be eligible to enroll if you've recently experienced a Qualifying Life Event.

Vision coverage for children is considered an essential health benefit and is included in all health plans offered through Nevada Health Link. However, most adult health plans do not include vision benefits. Purchasing a qualified health plan is not required to purchase a vision plan. Nevada Health Link is pleased to offer vision coverage directly to Nevadans in partnership with VSP. Visit https://www.nevadahealthlink.com/vision-coverage/ to learn more.

Ways to Prepare for Disaster During National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, an annual opportunity to remind all Nevadans how important it is for individuals, families and communities to plan ahead and be prepared for disasters and emergencies that can happen at any time. Disasters can strike anytime and anywhere and it's important to take the time now to do some simple things that will help keep you safe when disaster strikes. When evaluating and improving your family emergency plan consider building an emergency/disaster supply kit.

Once a disaster strikes, you will not have time to shop or search for supplies, so it’s important to have supplies pre-assembled. A kit should contain basic survival items necessary during an emergency, such as food, water, weather radio, batteries, medication, supplies for each member of your family that will last for several days. Consider the unique needs for all members of your household in case you must evacuate quickly; remember seniors, disabled individuals, children, and pets. Remember to include provisions for infants and medically fragile family members. Because a disaster can strike anywhere, supply kits should be kept at home, at work and in your car.

Throughout September, DEM will post daily preparedness tips on the following platforms:

• LinkedIn 
• Facebook 
• Twitter
• Instagram

DEM also maintains the state’s Plan Ahead Nevada Preparedness website, a one-stop resource for detailed information about what to do before, during and after disasters.   

During disasters, DEM uses the website, and the social media platforms listed above to provide critical information about the incident, including shelter locations, road closures, safety information, photos and more.

Nevada Resilience Project Offers Mental Health Resources

You can develop healthy habits at any point, and our Resilience Ambassadors are here to help. How do you practice self-care? Find self-care tips and other helpful resources at www.NevadaResilienceProject.com.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife’s Annual Chukar Forecast is Now Available!

This forecast is meant to provide upland game hunters with general information on chukar productivity in various areas, offering suggestions of more promising areas to hunt. Based on this year’s surveys, hunting opportunities look good in the central and northeastern portions of the state while mixed results were found in northwestern Nevada. The Chukar Forecast can help with selecting areas that might be more rewarding than others. The youth chukar hunt is October 1-October 9 and the season opener is October 15!

Download the 2022 Nevada Chukar Forecast here to start preparing.

Nevada’s K-12 students invited to participate in Nevada Recycles Poster Contest 

As students get settled into the new school year, they will also have the chance to learn how to promote a clean and sustainable Nevada – and win some cool prizes too! In celebration of America Recycles Day on November 15, Nevada’s K-12 students are invited to showcase their creativity and commitment to protecting our planet by participating in the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection’s Nevada Recycles Poster Contest. To participate, students will need to create a poster that highlights this year’s theme: “Refuse It or Reuse It.” The contest is open through October 13, 2022. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3q4IU6z

Nevadans Reminded of COVID-19 Resources

The Nevada Health Response wants to remind Nevadans to take steps to help reduce the risk of COVID-19 and prevent spread. COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses are available in locations statewide and can protect against serious infection. Pre-exposure medication or oral antivirals and monoclonal antibody treatments are available to those that are eligible soon after infection occurs.

Resources available to help Nevadans mitigate the risk of COVID-19:

• Get vaccinated against COVID-19. Learn about the vaccines available, and where and how to get your vaccination appointment at NVCOVIDFighter.com or call the vaccine hotline at 800-401-0946.

• Get tested if you are exposed or have symptoms. If you have symptoms or know that you have been exposed to COVID-19, get tested to prevent disease spread. Learn more about testing clinics, or free at-home tests available for pickup at https://nvhealthresponse.nv.gov/find-covid-19-testing-in-nevada/

• Learn about therapeutics. COVID-19 treatment appointments can be made through Nevada’s hotline at 800-401-0946. The hotline can help determine if you are eligible for oral antivirals or monoclonal antibody treatments after infection or for pre-exposure medication to increase immune response if you were to be infected in the future. The pre-screening can also be done online at NevadaCOVIDTreatment.com

Getting to Know Your State Government

Office of Small Business Advocacy 

Launched earlier this year, the Lieutenant Governor’s Office of Small Business Advocacy (OSBA) is a one-stop shop for Nevada’s small businesses. Small businesses make up 99% of all businesses in our state, and many have under 100 employees. The OSBA knows that small businesses often don’t have an attorney or HR representative on staff, and navigating the processes of state government can be daunting. Director Sonny Vinuya, based in Las Vegas, and Program Manager Melissa Saavedra, based in Carson City, are ready to help find the correct permit, locate the proper aid, and even find funding, if available. If you have a question about your small business, the OSBA is where you can find answers.

More information and the form to file claims for assistance are available at the Lieutenant Governor’s website.