Gov. Sisolak continues economic recovery tour to expand and diversify Nevada's workforce

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — Governor Steve Sisolak continues to embark on the road to recovery with a ‘Jobs + Workers Week’ tour -- an effort to grow our economy in Nevada and diversify the workforce.

News 3 joined in on the governor’s tour of Sephora’s North Las Vegas distribution center. A company on the brink of expanding to bring more jobs to southern Nevada.

The distribution center houses more than 300 employees with upwards of 500 expected for the holidays.

Gov. Sisolak explained that this is exactly what Nevada’s economy needs. Jobs outside of entertainment and hospitality that don’t rely on tourism to survive.

“This job here is not impacted by the economics of the rest of the country. I’m sure people are going to shop a little less but they’re still going to shop for their haircare, healthcare and beauty products,” Gov. Sisolak said.

The governor is talking about diversification. It’s Nevada’s economic focus to come out of the Covid-19 pandemic stronger.

"The wages are good they’re paying upwards of 17 dollars an hour to everyone working here. So, these are good quality jobs," Gov. Sisolak said.

And inside the two and half year old, 714,000 square foot distribution center. Sephora plans to grow by the numbers in years to come with their People with Disabilities (PWD) hiring initiative.

"That’s where we hire individuals who have a variety of different disabilities. Learning and intellectual, physical disabilities, etc. Right now, we have 38 full-time individuals in this facility which will go up by an additional five in the next couple of weeks as we convert another class of graduates,” said Tucker Morgan, general manager for Sephora west coast distribution.

The goal is to grow that trajectory to 30% for all five distribution sites in North America.

Sephora is one of several businesses that are taking advantage of GOED, the governor’s office of the economic development package.

"GOED is looking for companies that want to relocate here or want to expand their facilities here. They offer tax abatements based on the investment they put in and the jobs they create and the pay they give to folks,” Gov. Sisolak said

The distribution will also be expanding to supply retail stores. Adding several hundred more jobs.

"It was a great place to sink our roots in allowing us to service up to 98% of our clientele in two days or less with ground shipping alone so it,” Morgan said.

Gov. Sisolak also joined the ‘Nevada Recovers’ listening tour. An effort to hear what’s going to build a stronger Nevada from community leaders and how to best invest in federal dollars.

Every idea matters. However, the governor is warning not every idea will be funded.

"We have to prioritize where the money is best invested in the communities and programs that we feel we will get the best return on for our state and our residents,” Gov. Sisolak said.

Tonight he recognized Hispanic people in the work field at the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce National Conference.

He called diversity our strength and pushed for more support and resources to small businesses.

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