Reno Gazette-Journal from Reno, Nevada • Page 25

Sunday Business ideas sought What do you want? Presently, the content of our inside Sunday Business pages is general investing news, including the Week on Wall Street, The Stock Game, The Motley Fool, Investing Advice and other general investing-related news. Should we continue with general investing news? Do you want targeted stories on personal finance? Are you interested in different content? Please e-mail your suggestions to businessrgj com, fax us at (775) 788-6458 or write to Business Section, Reno Gazette-Journal, Box 22000, Reno, NV 89520-2000. Thanks. Business SECTION THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2004 RENO No.Tahoe study shows California side's economy steady over 5 years Tourism the driving force: Study also reveals impact of vacation homes. itors' perspective.

They don't know where these boundaries are, and they really don't seem to care." Still, Teshara said the study, which took five months to complete, was invaluable in the way it magnified the important of tourism to the North Shore area, while quantifying and documenting the immense secondary, or ''trickle-down," effects on other businesses, especially construction and real estate. See STUDY on 3D executive director of the Tahoe City.Calif.-bascd NLTRA. Asked why the Nevada side of the North Snore was not included in the 62-page report, Teshara was blunt. "Our public-side funding comes from Placer County, and the board of supervisors wanted it this way," he said. He added that in the future, if tourism boards from the Incline VillageCrystal Bay or Truckee areas wanted to finance extending the study, the participation would be welcome.

Already, he INSIDE Exceeding expectations: The North Lake Tahoe Resort Association's 2002-03 fiscal year publicity campaign generated more than $2.2 million in advertising value. 3D said, officials in those areas are reviewing the current study. "It is difficult to separate out the areas," Teshara said. "These political jurisdictions are really almost moot. We really are one destination, at least from the vis By Thomas J.

Walsh RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL A detailed, five-year traveler impact study for the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association shows that roughly $355 million was spent by visitors to the Placer County, region of the North Shore in 2002, an increase of 3 percent per year since 1 997. The report, by Dean Runyan Associates of Portland, compared North Lake Tahoe with other mountain resort areas Mammoth Lakes, Sun Valley, Idaho; Park City, Utah; Aspen, and Vail, Colo. The study did not include the Nevada side of the North Shore. Most of the above-mentioned spending increases came prior to Three more banks report improved earnings in 2003 On the rise: Colonial, Business Bank and Zions all see annual gains. By Bill 0'Driscoll RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL The bottom lines of three more banks swelled in 2003.

Colonial BancGroup and Business Bank Corp. enjoyed record profits and Zions Bancorp, owner of Nevada State Bank, saw a 32 percent jump in net income from 2002. Their gains add to a string of hefty fourth-quarter and yearly revenue rises reported at several Nevada banks in the past week that reflect the state's churning economy. Lower interest earned on investments held down Las Vegas-based Business Bank of Nevada's fourth-quarter profits. But for the calendar year, the numbers were way up at one of the state's fast-growing community banks.

John Guedry, president and CEO, cited expansion into the Minden-Gard-nerville market as one key to his bank's 21.9 percent 2000, when travel spending was increasing at an annual clip of 7 percent. Of the visitor dollars spent in 2002, $74 million went to lodging, including rented homes and condominiums); $75 million went to food and be verage; 1 2 8 million was spent on recreation; and $79 million was spent on retail purchases and miscellaneous services, including gas stations and convenience food stores. "This is the most comprehensive study on the issue that we've ever done," said Steve Teshara, R. RodriguezReno Gazette-Journal ment. The line is needed to meet the demands of growth and ensure town," he said.

"It would be a significant step forward for us." Gillon told the agency's board that the 593 rooms would be merged into larger units, with kitchens added to create condominiums. Sundowner co-owner George KaradanisandCFORob Whittey were not available for comment Wednesday. In closing the hotel-casino Stead Airport Existing line STEAD 7 Marilji HnrtMReno Gazette-Journal tile FAST FLYING: Two AT-6 World War II trainers race around the course during the 2003 National Championship Air Races. Officials hope to reach a compromise regarding Sierra Pacific's proposed plan to increase the height of power lines near the course so the races are not affected. Prow ltass mM MM Rms Proposed route draws concern: Officials worry raised lines would be safety hazard.

California casino foe plans a third initiative ByRyanRandazzo RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL Sierra Pacific Power proposed plan for new power fines near Reno Stead Airport has raised concern the tall poles could threaten not only regular air traffic but the Reno National Championship Air Races. The utility is considering alternatives and has not decided exactly where it will place the line. The races are one of the area's largest annual tourist attractions, and both racing and utility officials said a compromise that does not affect the event is likely. "As far as we are concerned, it is a non issue," said Mike Houghton, president of the nonprofit Air Races. He said he submitted his opposition to the plan to the Bureau of Land Manage BY THE NUMBERS Business Bank Corp.

Tickersymbol: BBNV0TC 2003 net income: $2.29 million 2002 net Income: $1.88 million 03 income per snare: $1.23 02 income per share: $1.10 04 net income: $599,430 04 '02 net income: $607,044 Q4 Income per share: 32 cents 04 '02 income per snare: 35 cents Shares close en Wednesday: $24.50, up 50 cents. jump in net profit compared with 2002. The bank also operates a branch in Carson City. "An improving economy, the opening of a new branch, phenomenal loan growth and strong asset quality played significant roles in our success," Guedry said. "The best part, however is that it laid the foundation for continued growth and success." See BANKS on 3D INSIDE Gaming briefs: Sen.

Jon Kyi, said he will try again to usher Internet gambling restrictions through the Senate. 8D more than they currently pay and more tnan at least most tribes have appeared willing to give. Backers of all three measures are aiming for the November ballot, increasing the likelihood of a high-stakes initiative war over gambling. Of the other two initiatives, one is being promoted by card rooms and horserac-ing tracks, and one by a tribe in Palm Springs that owns casinos. Both would increase gambling throughout the state, particularly in Southern California.

See INITIATIVE on 8D Daily Features Sunday: Information Bank Local Stocks and Licenses; Investing The Motley Fool and Stock Game. Monday. Business Technology Bytes, Plugged.ln, Sites.Comment and Wired; Economic Indicators and Weekly Planner. Tuesday: Small Business. Wednesday: Information Bank-Bankruptcies, People and Watch.

Thursday. Information Bank Conventions, Gaming and Job Fairs. Friday Real Estate Building Permits and Locally-Saturday. Spotlight and Weekly wan street Updates: I atpct npwc rgj.combusiness reliable electricity for the homes and businesses in the area, officials said. In addition to Houghton, airport officials and the Federal Aviation Administration have opposed the version of the plan that would increase the size of the poles near the airport.

Tne fastest aircraft at the races speed toward the existing power lines at nearly 500 mph before banking hard to the left around pylon 6 toward the finish line. Pilots who don't turn sharp enough can fly over the 50-foot tall lines, which gets them disqualified. Taller lines would not be safe, officials said. "Our analysis of the proposed construction shows the power lines are planned almost on top of the present racecourse (used by the Formula One and Unlimited classes of aircraft)," FAA Technical Standards Manager Chuck Hicks wrote in a letter to airport officials. "The See AIR RACES on 3D Nov.

9, Karadanis told his 300 full-time and 75 part-time employees that the business no longer could sustain its mounting financial losses. The 450 N. Arlington Ave. property, which opened in May 1975, has been for sale for several years and last October saw its assessed value fall from 1 0 million to $7.7 ment, which controls much of the land necessary for the project. "We have been assured by everyone involved that the final outcome will not have an impact on the Air Races." Sierra Pacific proposes building a transmission line from the Tracy Power Plant east of Sparks to Spanish Springs by 2005, and starting work on a line to Stead by 2009, according to a BLM impact statement on the project.

The statement includes six possible routes for the lines, including not building them at all. The utility also could bury the lines, which is much more expensive. One of the routes would use existing lines just off the west side of airport property and the course used by the Reno Air Races, but raise those lines from their current 50 feet to as high as 90 feet, according to the state- Redevelopment Agency, said the department could help the purchaser set up the first-time buyer program, which might include assistance with such expenses as downpayments. But the agency would not have a financial involvement in the project, Gillon said. "It is an entry-level market in our housing program down Investing Dow Nasdaq By Dan Morain and Eric Bailey LOS ANGELES TIMES SACRAMENTO, Calif.

Countering two proposals to expand California gambling, a critic of Indian casinos offered an initiative that would limit the number and size of tribal wagering sites and force them to pay a significantly larger share of their winnings to state and local governments. The new proposal is by Cheryl Schmit, founder and leader of the group Stand Up California, an organization of people critical of the proliferation of casinos. She is also a consultant to card clubs. Unlike the other measures, the new proposal would authorize the governor to negotiate those payments with the tribes as long as the amount is far Closed Sundowner could be transformed into condominiums 4-5D By Elaine Goodman RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL A potential buyer interested in the Sundowner Hotel Casino wants to convert the downtown Reno building into condominiums geared toward first-time homelbuyers, a city official said Wednesday. Peter Gillon, head of Reno's Small business SBA growth tour Small business owners are invited to attend the Small Business Administration's 50th anniversary celebration with a free Economic Growth Tour luncheon from noon to 2 p.m.

Feb. 9 at the Peppermill Hotel Casino, 2707 S. Virginia Reno. The event will feature local bankers and venture capitalists speaking, along with an address from SBA Administrator Hector Barreto. Small businesspeople are asked to attend and discuss their challenges and opportunities in Northern Nevada and the nation.

Check-in will begin at 11 a.m. Detailsregister (702) 388-6652 or Cheryl.Richenssba.gov. Attention readers Nominate workers who are 'A Cut Above' Do you go to the same restaurant every week because a waiter always remembers your favorite drink? How about a favorite cashier at the grocery store? Is there a change person at a casino who always smiles and makes you want to come back? We are looking for your suggestions of Northern Nevada employees to profile in "A Cut Above," a new occasional feature that will spotlight workers who provide the glue that holds businesses together. We want to hear about the workers who provide the backbone of local businesses. Please send us a brief synopsis about the person -include your name, address, phone number and e-mail, plus the subject's name and the company's name and address: E-mail: businessrgj.com.

Snail mail: "A Cut Above," co Business section, Reno Gazette-Journal, P.O. Box 22000, Reno, NV 89520-2000. Biz Poll Question: Would featuring Northern Nevada in a national show such as the "Antiques Roadshow" be good for the region? Absolutely; we need all the attention we can get Maybe; diversifying can be healthy. Who cares? Everything is fine here. Probably not; we must focus on outdoor events.

No; we have to focus on gaming. VotKrgj.combusiness. E-mail your views: businessrgj.com. 10,488.37 2,077.37 1,128.48 Inside Today Martha Stewart trial: Testimony will resume today in the trial of Martha Stewart and will probably include Douglas Faneuil, a former Merrill assistant and the government's star witness against Stewart and her broker. 3D Interest rates: The Federal Reserve left a key short-term interest rate at a 45-year low on Wednesday but dropped a promise it had been making since August to keep rates low "for a considerable period." 3D Economy: Orders for big-ticket goods were flat in December after taking a dive in November, highlighting the struggles America's manufacturers are encountering.

3D.