By Catherine Ellerton
Moapa Valley Progress
At its monthly membership meeting, the Moapa Valley Chamber of Commerce explored the many commercial financial opportunities available to businesses in today’s climate. The meeting was held on Wednesday, April 17 at the Northshore Inn.
President Kent Slight began the meeting with reports on events currently being planned.
A Trap Shoot and Archery Contest is scheduled for mid-February of 2014. This will be held on the Awesome Adventure site. Chamber Vice President Chad Gentry is the committee chairperson for the event.
The annual Fall Car Show will be expanded to a two-day event this year. Plans are being made for a parade and various entertainment acts.
Chamber Board Member, Carol Bishop reported that plans for a Chamber Visitor’s Center are in development. More news on that as available.
The meeting was then turned over to the guest speakers: Dan Wright, Regional Manager of Bank of Nevada Mesquite branch and Debbie Geng, Branch Manager of the America First Credit Union in Overton. The two discussed the current commercial lending climate.
Wright stated that bank loans are now becoming more available for commercial real estate, equipment loans and working capital loans. The house inventory is low and land development and residential construction loans are becoming active once again.
There are also several services now available on the deposit side of banking: remote deposit, merchant services, automatic clearing house, property management companies, on-line wires, lock box services and Virtual Vaults offered by Armored Car Services.
Debbie Geng reported that America First Credit Union has continued the membership oriented climate.
The credit union now has a mortgage officer available for refinances or new home purchases, Geng explained. Mortgage loans are becoming more streamlined and will take a couple of months to complete. Mobile banking is also offered. Unfortunately, no construction loans are being made at the credit union at this time.
On the brighter side, it was reported that there are only about 51 properties left in the Valley for sale and inquiries are being received on new house availability. Discussion was held on developing a “Welcome Packet” to be made available to possible new residents.
