Free trade zone promoted at Nevada economic meeting

CARSON CITY -- A Pahrump business owner told members of the new state economic development board Thursday that they must create a free-trade zone in Southern Nevada to help get the state out of its recession.

DCI Motors owner Darryl Hill said banks won't grant loans to aspiring businesses and that the state itself must do more to create and build businesses.

Hill said he has seen free-trade zones benefit businesses in China.

"You can't do it with banks," he said. "It is atrocious how they used the TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program) money. They aren't loaning money to get people back to work. I started my company 25 years ago in my garage, and we are doing very well."

Free-trade zones are areas where businesses from several countries could exchange, trade or manufacture goods and not have to pay customs duties.

Hill spoke at the second meeting of the new state Board of Economic Development.

Gov. Brian Sandoval, the board chairman, told Hill to discuss his suggestions with the board's executive director, Steve Hill.

Other members, particularly Kathleen Drakulich, praised him for showing up and offering his views.

She said the next 12 months to 18 months are critical for the state and the board must be ready to pounce on new opportunities to create jobs.

Steve Hill is developing the state's new economic development plan.

Darryl Hill said he has traveled extensively in China and Mexico for his scooter manufacturing and sales company.

He sees a free-trade zone as a way to build the economy.

Hill added that 80,000 acres are available in the Pahrump area for the zone.

At the same time, Hill said it is futile for businesses to seek help from the Small Business Administration because of its extensive red tape.

The board, created by the Legislature in the spring, is trying to come up with ways to diversify the economy and reduce Nevada's highest-in-the-nation 13.4 percent unemployment rate.

Members decided the board would meet monthly. Sandoval suggested that some meetings be held in business offices, not just in government offices.

Contact Capital Bureau Chief Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.