This strategic objective is grounded in the paradigm shift in Nevada’s role in the U.S. economy as a hub for technology and innovation. The decision of Tesla in 2014 to locate its $6 billion Gigafactory in Reno has been followed by the development of the Reno-Sparks Technology Corridor which now includes global names such as Google, Apple, Panasonic, Wal-Mart, SWITCH, Berkshire Hathaway Energy and many more. Nevada’s economic advantages include a pro-business regulatory climate, low taxes, competitive labor and energy costs, physical proximity to major markets in California and Las Vegas as a travel hub to the world.
NIC’s operating model is built on leveraging the business background of its Founders with critical counterparts in both Israel and in Nevada. In Israel, these agencies include the Ministry of Economy, The West Coast Economic Mission in San Francisco, The Export Institute, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Israel Innovation Authority, the Fuel Choices & Smart Mobility Initiative, the BIRD Foundation as well as numerous Israeli VCs and private companies. On the ground presence includes a Senior Associate resident in Israel and an operational collaboration with the Harpaz, Oren, Adler & Co. law firm in Tel Aviv.
In Nevada, NIC’s network includes the City of Las Vegas, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA), the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce (LVCA) and the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA). NIC also collaborates with the Intelligent Mobility Initiative at the University of Nevada – Reno (UNR) and research initiatives at UNLV. The private sector eco-system in Las Vegas is also engaged in creating important B2B links and includes companies such as NV Energy (part of Berkshire Hathaway Energy), SWITCH (the Vegas based and globally recognized data center) and the resort and construction industry.
Nissim has over four decades of experience in business and economic development, with a focus on the role of the private sector, and in international public affairs. He spent 25 years at the International Finance Corporation (World Bank Group-Washington D.C.) from 1975 to 2000 and was appointed Director of its newly created Corporate Planning Department in 1992. After leaving IFC, Nissim was appointed Executive Director of the UN Commission on the Private Sector & Development in 2003, co-chaired by then Prime Minister Paul Martin of Canada and former President Ernesto Zedillo of Mexico – and had primary responsibility for development of the Commission’s Report, Unleashing Entrepreneurship-Making Business Work for the Poor. Nissim then served as Chairman of the Advisory Board of Dalberg Global Development Advisors with individual assignments which included developing a strategy to enhance the development impact and sustainability of core operations for the senior management of an oil major.
He also functioned as Executive Director of the Dalberg Task Force on Capacity for Program Delivery, under the framework of the Clinton Global Initiative. Its final report, From Talk to Walk: Ideas to Optimize Development was completed in September 2006. Nissim’s consulting clients have included Darby Overseas Investments Ltd. (Franklin Templeton), whom he advised on issues relating to private investment in infrastructure in emerging markets and on the creation of country-specific infrastructure investment funds. It is his twenty-five years of active engagement with Israeli businesses and government agencies that underpins the NIC business model.
Mike has been a resident of Las Vegas since 1975 and has been an active and prominent member of the Southern Nevada business, academic and social community for the past forty-five years. He is the Founder & President of The Vista Group, a real estate development company for office, retail, industrial and housing projects in Nevada, California, Florida and Utah. A long-time friend and supporter of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas (UNLV), Mike was nominated to the Foundation Board of Trustees in 1986 and, along with his wife Sonja, founded the Saltman Center for Conflict Resolution at the UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law. His involvement in the region include roles as Chairman of the Nevada School of the Arts, Council for a Better Nevada, McCarran Arts Advisory Committee, Citizens for Improved Transportation the Las Vegas Technology Center Advisory Committee. He has also been Trustee of the Nevada Institute of Contemporary Arts and the Las Vegas Springs Preserve Foundation and Member of the University Medical Center (UMC) Board of Governors.
Mike remains actively engaged in the international business community as Member, YPO Gold/CEO. YPO is the premier global leadership organization for more than 27,000 chief executives in over 130 countries. He previously served as a Staff attorney, General Counsel and Director of International Operations for IOS and Shareholders Capital Corporation. Mike earned his BA from Michigan State University and his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School and is a Member of the Michigan Bar Association. Mike’s extensive knowledge of the Southern Nevada economic environment is the foundation of NIC’s comparative advantage in facilitating the Israel business connection to the region.
