Relocating a business to Las Vegas

Relocating a business is a complex event. Learn what you need to know about relocating a business to Las Vegas.

Growth in population and growth in tourism fuel the success of entrepreneurs and corporations alike. If you are in business or thinking about starting a business in Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, the ultimate business resource, is uniquely positioned to be your hub for business information. Order your Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Relocation Guide to get even more access to business relocation resources and providers in Las Vegas. If you've ever asked yourself, "How do I…," "Where do I go to…," or "Who can help me with…," you've come to the right place.

Important Labor Laws in Las Vegas:

Immigration Requirements

All employers must verify the employment eligibility of every new employee, including U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, by completing and maintaining on file a copy of the Form I-9. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, employers may hire only persons who may legally work in the United States (i.e., citizens and nationals of the U.S.) and aliens authorized to work in the U.S. Employers must keep each I-9 on file for at least three years, or one year after employment ends, whichever is longer.

For more information, visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance/guide/

Wage Laws

The Wage and Hour division of the U.S. Department of Labor administers laws pertaining to minimum wage, child labor and payday law provisions. For more information, visit www.dol.gov or call 1.866.487.9243.

Requirements of these laws include:
• Private employers must pay their nonexempt employees at least semi-monthly and exempt employees at least monthly. If an employee quits, all wages must be paid on the next scheduled payday.
• Current wages for personal service cannot be subject to garnishment.
• An employer cannot make a wage deduction without written authorization from the employee or a court order.
Minimum wage in Nevada is $6.55 per hour with insurance and $7.55 per hour without insurance.

Equal Employment

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces laws that prohibit discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or in retaliation for opposing job discrimination, filing a charge or participating in proceedings under the law. Equal employment opportunity laws generally extend to applicants and employees of most public and private employers with 15 or more employees.

The EEOC offers a voluntary mediation program as an alternative to the traditional investigative or litigation process. Mediators are bound by confidentiality provisions and may not provide information about the mediation to the EEOC investigative stag if the matter is referred for investigation. Visit www.eeoc.gov for more information.

Worker’s Compensation

Unless excluded by statute, it is mandatory for an employer who has one or more employees to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Some employees are excluded by
NRS 616A.110 due to unique criteria.

The Division of Industrial Relations, Workers’ Compensation Section (WCS) is responsible for ensuring all employers are in compliance with the law. Employers who do not provide workers’ compensation will be charged with an administrative fine up to $15,000; appropriate premium penalties; may be ordered to close business until insurance has been obtained; and will be held financially responsible for all costs arising from a work related injury. In addition, the uninsured employer may be subject to a criminal penalty for claims resulting in substantial bodily harm or death.

The following is a compliance checklist supplied by the State of Nevada Department of Business and Industry Division of Industrial Relations for employers:
• Provide requisite workers’ compensation insurance coverage and furnish a place of employment free from recognized hazards that may cause death or serious physical harm to employees.
• Prominently display in your place of business the required workers’ compensation information:
(1) Informational poster to be displayed by employers. (NAC 616A.460, Form D-1) (2) Poster to be displayed by employers with employees who receive tips. (NAC 616A.470, Form D-22)
• Have available at all times and at all locations for inspection by agent of the Division of Industrial Relations or Attorney General:
• The policy including the declaration page issued by private carrier; or
• Certificate issued by the Commissioner if self-insured; or
• Certificate issued by the Commissioner and a certificate or letter issued by an association of self-insured public or private employers.

Note: Temporary worksites (less than 1 year) must produce the above information within 24 hours. (NRS616A.495)

• Provide forms for employee use and complete injury or occupational disease reporting requirements and forward the required documents in the allowable timeframe:
(1) C-1, Notice of Injury or Occupational Disease (Incident Report) and (2) C-3, Employers Report of Industrial Injury or Occupational Disease (NRS 616C.015 & 616C.045)
• Provide immediate first aid to an injured employee (NRS 616C.085)
• Complete the workers’ compensation claim form (C-3) within 6 working days of receipt of the C-4 form from the medical provider and file it with insurer. (NRS 616C.045)

 

Commercial Utility Providers

Las Vegas has several commercial utility providers that offer services to businesses of all sizes. Setting up internet, telephone and other technology can be a headache, but the following companies aim to make it a walk in the park.

Electricity and Gas

NV Energy www.nvenergy.com

Power in Las VegasNevada's utility rates are competitive with other major western states. Nevada Assembly Bill 366, passed in 1997, opened the electric utility industry to competition. An added benefit of the deregulation process is a three-year cap on rates to business and residential customers. As of 2000, consumers have the opportunity to select their power provider.

Whether you want to explore the payment options that best fit your business needs or find out the next step in your construction process, NV Energy can help. NV Energy offers exceptional rebate and conservation tips that help businesses of all sizes develop a more professional operation. Efficiency is a top priority for any business. Because NV Energy understands the value of your time, they provide the answers you need quickly. Rising energy costs affect every facet of business and uninterrupted delivery of reliable energy is one key to your success. In addition to behind-the-scenes work, like strategic buying of contracts to lock in lower rates for years to come, NV Energy is behind you with their customer service representatives. They're on-hand to answer your everyday questions and to assist with your toughest energy problems.

Southwest Gas Company www.swgas.com

Telecommunications and Internet

Phone Service in Las Vegas

Cox Business www.cox.com

Cox Business excels at helping businesses of all sizes achieve greater efficiencies by providing scalable solutions that fit an array of commercial, retail, school and government applications. They have a strong track record of telecom leadership as the first cable telephone operator to successfully service business-class customers. They also offer services that are equal to or better than your traditional telephone company.

Need phone service? They are a full-fledged, facilities-based telephone company. Cox Digital Telephone provides scalable solutions for the largest commercial buildings, retail centers or strip malls. And, among the greatest conveniences is their ability to seamlessly port your existing number into their network.

What about important tangibles like front office and back office support, quality of service, network uptime and maintenance response? Simply put, Cox has consistent high expectations for their work and they are skilled at meeting customer satisfaction. In fact, Cox Business is a recipient of the J.D. Power and Associates award for the national business data study for small/midsize businesses.

Also, for the home-office business customer, partnering with Cox Business for your communications services will entitle you to a listing in the local telephone directory. This is a critical step in establishing your new business and building brand credibility.

Learn more about Cox Business by calling 702.463.8817.

TelePacific www.telepacific.com

For over 10 years, TelePacific has been providing service to over 50,000 business customers in Las Vegas. With both local sales and support, TelePacific employs more than 300 Las Vegas residents, keeping your dollars within the local economy. Known for its customer service excellence, TelePacific will provide your business with dedicated service and support that is second to none.
• Unlike residential services, business service can take several weeks to install, so plan early and call TelePacific for your business consultation and quote. Waiting until you move may cost your business valuable time, resources and money scrambling for the right solutions.
• TelePacific will provide your dial tone and Internet access
• TelePacific will provide Green Telecom solutions so your business can reduce its carbon footprint
• TelePacific can help you find a vendor for your PBX and data networking needs
• TelePacific can refer you to other Las Vegas businesses to help you with your move.

For more information call 702. 851.6100.

Other providers:

CenturyLink™ www.centurylink.com

Sprint www.sprint.com

Telesphere www.telesphere.com

Water

Southern Nevada Water Authority www.snwa.com

Water in Las VegasSouthern Nevada is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the nation. But because it is located in the Mojave Desert, the community strives to maintain a sustainable supply of water through a series of aggressive conservation programs and restrictions on water use.

In support of the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s (SNWA) Drought Plan, local city and county governments have adopted various restrictions to help curb water use during drought conditions. These include limits on the amount of grass allowed in new residential front- and backyards, golf course water budgets and limits on the use of fountains and water features.

Additionally, the SNWA offers numerous resources, services, programs and information to help you save money and live “water smart.” Among these are cash rebates that encourage residents to remove thirsty grass and replace it with desert-friendly plants, trees and shrubs; qualifying residents receive $1.50 for each square foot of grass converted to water-efficient landscaping.

The SNWA also offers rebate coupons for discounts on car washes that recycle water, and pool covers that reduce evaporation.

More information on these and other water conservation programs and policies is available at www.snwa.com, or by calling the SNWA’s Conservation Helpline at 702.258.SAVE.

Ten things the Chamber can do for you Now!

  1. Affordable, comprehensive health insurance for your small business and a cost effective merchant services program
  2. 15-20% savings on the most used office supplies annually
  3. Free access to a state-of-the-art business center
  4. Low and no cost marketing options for any budget
  5. Free government advocacy protecting your small business interests
  6. Free networking meeting and mixers monthly
  7. Free member-to-member discount program
  8. Free workshops and one-on-one business counseling sessions
  9. Free turn key customer service recognition program for your business
  10. Free job posting on the Chamber's Career Center

6671 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Suite 300, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Phone: (702) 641-5822 Info Center (702) 735-1616 Fax: (702) 735-0406