This past year was a rough year for many businesses. As we ring in the New Year, it’s important for business owners to first take time to celebrate and commend themselves and their employees for weathering the lingering economic storm, and to thank their loyal customers who helped keep them afloat.

Then, it’s time for business owners to plan for the New Year and make some “business New Year’s resolutions.” As with all New Year’s resolutions, it’s best to choose just a couple of concrete goals that can make the most impact, and focus your efforts on those. Here are some options that I have been suggesting to Hispanic business owners, with whom I work each week. Some are simple to implement, while others will take more time and effort.

– Data indicate that approximately 35 percent to 50 percent of utility expenses for small businesses are due to lighting. Energy consumption and costs can be decreased by simply changing lighting to LED and CFL bulbs.

– Explore other ways to incorporate energy-efficient technologies into your business by getting a free energy evaluation of your business, offered by the Business Environmental Program at the University of Nevada, Reno, 775-689-6676. An energy evaluation provided by an outside resource, and at no cost, is just a smart idea. Energy can be saved by assessing your furnace, air-conditioning units and appliances; replacing machinery and equipment; and investing time in training employees to be energy-conscious as part of your business culture.

– Reduce unnecessary inventory. New systems and just-in-time inventory control can find useful applications in small businesses.
– Reduce specific costs, such as cell phones, postage, paper, copying, and vehicle expenses, by establishing more efficient control systems. New technologies are available that make these systems fairly easy to establish and maintain.

– Focus on improving customer service. Train your employees to greet every customer with warm expressions, go out of their way to please each customer, and always finish each interaction expressing gratitude for their business.

– If you’re not already doing so, explore the world of social media, using Facebook, Twitter and other social media to market your business.

– If appropriate, consider offering online purchases if you’re not already doing so. More and more, people are gravitating toward the convenience of online purchasing, for both business-to-business and personal shopping.

– Read about global market trends and try to differentiate your products based on these trends. You may find that your company offers some unique products, and that by putting some time and effort into exporting a few of these products, you could considerably increase your profits.

Marcel Fernando Schaerer is the Hispanic business development manager at the Nevada Small Business Development Center in the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business. As part of his outreach, he hosts and co-hosts with Sandra Rentas call-in radio programs that focus on tips for Spanish-speaking small business owners. In Reno: Radio Innovacion, 1590-AM, 2 – 3 p.m., Tuesdays. In Las Vegas: Radio La Voz de la Comunidad 1340-AM, 3 – 4 p.m., every other Monday (Jan. 10 and Jan. 24).

At its meeting last week the Nevada Commission on Economic Development (NCED) awarded Patagonia’s newly expanded and remodeled Reno Distribution Center a 10 year 50% reduction in the property taxes they will pay for using progressive green building guidelines in the design of their facility. This is the first time that Nevada’s new Green Building Property Tax Abatement has been awarded, and it marks a major milestone in the development of a more envio-friendly business climate.

This property tax abatement came as a result of actions taken by the last legislature, and was given final approval for implementation during September of 2006.

At the NCED Commission meeting on April 18, Lt. Governor and NCED Chairman, Brain Krolicki, said “When the Nevada Legislative Commission gave final approval of the regulations on September 18, 2006, Nevada became the second state in the nation to adopt the building certification system. With the unlimited potential and continued growth of our state, it is fitting that Nevada has become a leader and innovator in sustainable buildings and renewable energy issues.”

I was a bit disappointed in my failure to easily find concise up-to-date information on the program at either the NCED’s website or on the Nevada State Office of Energy website. Both agencies are involved in the process to win the tax abatement. The program might get more interest if the benefits and requirements were easier to find and understand. It took me about 30 minutes to figure it out. If this program is going to work, it needs better marketing!

If you are thinking about a new building or a major remodel for your business in Nevada it might be very worthwhile to look into this program, so I would suggest that you call Pete Konesky, (775) 687-9700, at the Nevada Stare Energy Office, or Joe Reel, (775) 687-4325, at the Nevada Commission on Economic Development.