More than 900 people enjoyed cuddling bunnies with Cotton Candy Clouds, tasting food 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 features more than 50 organizations and businesses presenting an opportunity for residents to learn what services are available.
Featured sponsors of the showcase include Carson Valley Health, Park Ranch, Tahoe Production House, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County and The Record-Courier.
“Compared to previous turn-outs, this year was smaller and attendance was lower,” said Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Alicia Main, “but still the experience for businesses and attendees was great and in my opinion think well.”
This year, new food, internet and pest control businesses are bringing new faces to the community.
Adding food services, the new owners of Nik n’ Willie’s take and bake pizza in Gardnerville Ranchos, Franda and Matthias West.
The Wests owned the pizza parlor a year and five months ago, according to Franda.
“We are very excited to be here and want to serve the community,” he said. “We plan to bring new pizza options and more to please our customers.”
A specialty that the pizza parlor offers is Suga Pusha’s booze infused cookies.
“It has five percent alcohol, which enhances the flavors,” says Franda. “We also have non-alcoholic baked goods as well.”
Franda said that as they establish more in the community, they plan to offer more including a patio, new food options such as chicken wings and more.
“Ultimately 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 to place an order call 775-265-2775.
Other new services are Maxsip Telecom and Summit Integrated Pest Management.
Maxsip Telecom is a federal low-cost connection program that offers free high speed internet to those who qualify.
“It is very helpful to provide families, households and individuals with affordable internet services,” said Maxsip Telecom Community Outreach Specialist Maye Salavea.
The service connects eligible households with jobs, critical health care services, virtual classrooms and more. Eligible programs include Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, WIC, Tribal ID Assistance Programs, Federal Public Housing Assistance, free or reduced school lunches, veterans and survivors pension benefits, Pell grant recipients or if the general -household income 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 job no one else wants to do which is getting rid of bugs, mice, weeds and more.
“We take care of it all from top to bottom, you name it and we take care of it,” Conrad Lundgren said.
Lundgren and owner Garrett Brogan provide service from Reno to Topaz. The two teamed up for a larger pest control provider and just opened the new service two months ago.
“We’re small right now, but we’re growing,” Brogan said. “This is a service that people need and we enjoy doing 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 networking events and more.
“On behalf of the Members, Board of Directors, and staff of the Chamber of Commerce, thank you again to our participants for the time, effort and investment in setting up booths and providing services and information to the community and attendees. to come,” said Main. “We hope you have the opportunity to explore 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 am to 3 pm 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.