Studied ecology and econometrics at the University of Nevada, Reno. Could not resist the appeal of analysis and statistical investigation. Reporting the story numbers tell, through graphs, maps and presentations motivates me.
Abstract: Using individual business surveys, this study examines the most important factors for firms’ decisions to relocate or expand in the past as well as their intention to relocate or expand in the future. Results indicate that factors related to firms’ internal characteristics, features of location sites, and the general economic environment may affect firms’ past and future decisions. These factors are found to be generally consistent in their impact upon the past and future decisions with several noticeable differences. The hypothesis of footloose firms is supported by this study.
Abstract: Mercury (Hg) concentration, reservoir mass, and Hg reservoir size were determined for vegetation components, litter, and mineral soil for two Sierran forest sites and one desert sagebrush steppe site. Mercury was found to be held primarily in the mineral soil (maximum depth of 60 to 100 cm), which contained more than 90% of the total ecosystem reservoir. However, Hg in foliage, bark, and litter plays a more dominant role in Hg cycling than the mineral soil. Mercury partitioning into ecosystem components at the Sierran forest sites was similar to that observed for other US forest sites. Vegetation and litter Hg reservoirs were significantly smaller in the sagebrush steppe system because of lower biomass. Data collected from these ecosystems after wildfire and prescribed burns showed a significant decrease in the Hg pool from certain reservoirs. No loss from mineral soil was observed for the study areas but data from fire severity points suggested that Hg in the upper few millimeters of surface soil may be volatilized due to exposure to elevated temperatures. Comparison of data from burned and unburned plots suggested that the only significant source of atmospheric Hg from the prescribed burn was combustion of litter. Differences in unburned versus burned Hg reservoirs at the forest wildfire site demonstrated that drastic reduction in the litter and above ground live biomass Hg reservoirs after burning had occurred. Sagebrush and litter were absent in the burned plots after a wildfire suggesting that both reservoirs were released during the fire. Mercury emissions due to fire from the forest prescribed burn, forest wildfire, and sagebrush steppe wildfire sites were roughly estimated at 2.0 to 5.1, 2.2 to 4.9, and 0.36 ± 0.13 g ha− 1, respectively, with litter and vegetation being the most important sources.
Notes: Joan Wright organized samples for data analysis, advised analytical methods, conducted mercury analyses.
Abstract: The University Center for Economic Development conducted a study of socio-economic
trends in Humboldt County. The results of this study can be used for background material for a
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) in Humboldt County and other county
economic development issues.
Abstract: This study was funded by the City of Sparks and the United States Department of
Commerce, Economic Development Administration’s University Center Program. This
study expands upon a previous industrial targeting study for the City of Sparks. (Harris
et al. 2004).
This cluster study follows many of the steps outlined by Porter (1990). Therefore
the cluster study encompasses a regional approach. That is, the Western Nevada counties
of Carson City, Douglas, Lyon, Storey, and Washoe make up the Western Nevada Study
Area. Economic opportunities derived in the Western Nevada Study Area could be
located in the City of Sparks underlying socio-economic data trends for targeted cluster
analysis.
Abstract: This study was funded by the City of Sparks and the United States Department of
Commerce, Economic Development Administration, under the University Center for Economic
Development Program. The study expands upon a previous industrial targeting study for the City
of Sparks (Harris, et al., 2004). The study also follows many of the regional economic
development principles of the Economic Development Administration’s Strengthening
America’s Communities Initiative.
Notes: Joan Wright authored map (ESRI ArcGIS) and conducted sector ranking/industrial clustering
Abstract: The University Center for Economic Development conducted a study of socio-economic
trends in Lander County. The results of this study can be used for background material for a
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) in Lander County and other county
economic development issues.
Abstract: The University Center for Economic Development conducted a study of socio-economic
trends in Washoe County. The results of this study can be used for background material for
economic development issues.
Abstract: The University Center for Economic Development conducted a study of socio-economic
trends in Elko County. The results of this study can be used for background material for a
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) in Elko County and other county
economic development issues.
Abstract: The University Center for Economic Development conducted a study of socio-economic
trends in White Pine County. The results of this study can be used for background material for a
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) in White Pine County and other
county economic development issues.
Abstract: The University Center for Economic Development completed an analysis of the
economic importance of the Cattle Ranching and Farming Sector on the White Pine
County economy. The results of this study can be used as background material for public
lands management policies and value added agricultural economic development plans.
Abstract: Local communities need current and accurate information to help plan and make
important decisions. This report was prepared to provide a socioeconomic profile for the City of
Elko Study Area and the Rest of Elko County Study Area of Elko County. The information
presented is intended to provide interested parties with a variety of demographic, social,
economic and housing data for each of two areas of the county. The data results of this study can
be used for background material for a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)
in Elko County and the feasibility analysis for a regional business incubator.
Notes: Joan Wright authored all maps (ESRI ArcGIS) and graphics
Abstract: Local communities need current and accurate information to help plan and make
important decisions. This report was prepared to provide a socioeconomic profile for the Battle
Mountain and Austin Study Areas of Lander County, Nevada. The information presented is
intended to provide interested parties with a variety of demographic, social, economic and
housing data for each of two areas of the county. The data and results of this study can be used
as background material for a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) in
Lander County.
Notes: In addition to analysis and graphics, Joan Wright created all maps in ESRI ArcGIS
Abstract: This study was commissioned by the Lincoln County Commissioners. This study
addresses potential tourism development opportunities in Lincoln County and formulated shortrun
and long-run tourism goals for Lincoln County. This project was funded by a U.S. forest
service and Lincoln County Commissioners.
Notes: Joan Wright's primary contribution was map analysis (page 51) of zip code data generated from cash register receipts, and creation of all maps and graphic presentations of data.
Abstract: This study was funded and commissioned by the City of Sparks and the United States
Department of Commerce. This publication provides an analysis of industrial targeting
procedures and cluster industrial targeting procedures for the City of Sparks.
Notes: Joan Wright authored all maps (ESRI ArcGIS) and Table 13, Growth Potential ranking by Industry Sector
Abstract: This study examines the many substantial economic contributions of military
facilities on the economy of the state of Nevada and potential state cluster economic
development strategies that incorporate Nevada military installations. It is, to date, one
of the more detailed statewide analyses of the economic impacts of military installations
in the state of Nevada. Also it is an initial investigation of cluster economic development
procedures that could be used to incorporate Nevada military installations. To understand
the economic contributions of military facilities, it is important to know the activities of
each installation. Within the Nevada state boundaries, Nevada has two major military
bases (Nellis Air Force Base and Fallon Naval Air Station) and one major contracting
facility (Day and Zimmerman/Hawthorne Army Depot).
Abstract: Individual data were collected by a mail survey administered by the Fallon
Convention Center during the Labor Day weekend, 2003. Questionnaires were handed
out to people recreating at Sand Mountain. The questionnaire was a prepaid postcard that
could be mailed back to the convention center. Thirty-eight (38) survey questionnaires
were returned. Respondents were asked eight questions regarding how many Sand
Mountain visits they had made in the last twelve months, the total days and nights they
had stayed in Churchill County in the last twelve months, how many nights were spent at
a motel, expenditures related to their Sand Mountain visit, zip code, age and income
category. These respondents reported an average of approximately three persons per
group for a total of 114 people1. They reported making a total of 241 trips to Sand
Mountain in the last twelve months, or an average of 6.3 trips per group.
Notes: Joan G Wright created the map found on pdf page 8. ESRI ArcGIS analysis of zip code data to report driving distance of visitors to the recreations site.
Abstract: Over the past twenty years, there have been many changes in our national economy. Employment growth has shifted from manufacturing to services and from larger firms to small businesses. Also small businesses have become the center of innovation. Small businesses account for approximately 75 percent of the net new jobs in the U.S. economy and produce 13 to 14 times more patents per employee than larger firms (Leebaert, 2006). With increased importance placed upon small business as a vehicle for economic development and innovation, business incubators have been created to assist in the development and maturation of small business.
