Executive Order from Governor Joe Lombardo proclaiming September 27, 2024 in honor of Bob Potts.
On August 16th Bob gave notice and retired from the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development. As is mentioned in this press release, Bob joined the agency more than 12 1/2 years ago and was one of the founding members of the agency. He poured a lot of himself into the job and participated and often led the attraction or expansion of more than 780 companies, 82,000 jobs, and nearly $24.5 billion dollars of investment into the State of Nevada.
It was a real honor to be part of an agency that had such a positive affect on so many lives, but after turning 65 on February 16th, reflecting on what's important while on our spectacular Grand Canyon River trip as well as change in leadership in the agency, it was time to give notice, slow down, and pay it back to Lisa and the kids for the sacrifices they too made with Bob's very demanding job.
Bob received this award on September 27th at the wonderful retirement party the agency held for him. There were also other very special gifts, but none more important than all the staff who showed up as well as all the former Executive Directors he had worked with, some who actually flew up from Las Vegas just to be there.
Another personal note from U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto recognizing and thanking Bob for his service to the State.
One of the two jumbo cards Bob received from the 40 plus staff he worked with.
A very special gift from the staff, a framed listing of "Bobisms". Bob is known for his "colorful" metaphors, some of which the staff kept track of and listed them here. Here's a few:
- Make the right thing easy and the wrong thing difficult.
- Be an asset on the balance sheet of life.
- It's not smart to tell your wife about old girlfriends.
- We're in a sweet spot now and the sky's the limit.
- Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
- Happier than a two petered puppy.
- The wind is at our back, put up the sails.
and others...
Bob often used phrases like these while making presentations so people could relate to some concept he was trying to covey. It was/is a very effective strategy.
Bob surrounded by the Executive Directors Bob got to work with including left to right, Michael Brown, Tom Burns, Steve Hill and Kris Sanchez. The only one who couldn't make it was Paul Anderson because of a scheduling conflict. It's been a real honor shouldering up with these guys over the years.
Everyone lined up for Bob's retirement luncheon for a great meal.
Three of the great ladies Bob got to work with, Carli Smith, Melanie Sheldon and Jessica Sanders. The greatest honor was getting to lead such an amazing team of highly professional and wonderful people.
Although Bob's retirement from GOED was announced on August 16th he was still on payroll until October 11th helping out with the transition. One of his final duties was to speak at the Governor's Inaugural Nevada Lithium Summit. After working on the summit and arranging speakers he was asked to be part of a panel titled "Nevada's Economic Development Evolution: The History of GOED's Economic Development Strategy."
The panel was moderated by Andrew Woods, the Director of UNLV's Center for Business and Economic Research where Bob had worked for 19 years prior to working for GOED; Dr. Roland Stephen with SRI who Bob had worked with on a number of studies, assessments, and strategic plans; and Dr. Dorian Stonebarger, GOED's new Deputy Director.
It was a real honor to talk about where the state was during the Great Recession, the challenges of COVID, the changes that have happened and the incredible success stories that had happened over the past 12+ years.
In reflection it's been an amazing privilege for Bob to be part of the Governor's Office of Economic Development. In keeping with one of his "Bobisms" above to "Be an asset on the balance sheet of life" he could honestly say, "he's checked that box."
One of the fun things we got to see while on break at the Lithium Summit was this super modified Tesla police cruiser. Here Bob is having fun with a former colleague who's in the back seat of the car.
The first week of September, Bob flew up to Montana to spend a week with his Mom to celebrate her 91st birthday with her. She is doing really well and the two of them had a great time together. Bob spent a couple of days just fixing and helping out around her house with all the "little - big things" that needed attention as well as going on a number of drives including another visit to Yellowstone National Park. It was such a pleasure to spend time with her.
Old Faithful geyser once again erupting. It erupts every 98 minutes ± 10 minutes and has been fairly consistent since it was first discovered in 1870.
Bob's family living as close as they do to Yellowstone have seen this event dozens of times and it never grows old. It is an amazing act of nature!
Another amazing natural wonder of Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This is only one of the many amazing attractions in Yellowstone National Park and it's no wonder it is the world's first National Park.
Bob and his brothers Jim and Dave and their wives Bonnie and Carolyn celebrating Mom's birthday with her. It was a really great time!
On August 24th we had the honor of joining Hannah for her confirmation into the Episcopal Church. This is a picture of Lisa in front of the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral where the confirmation occurred.
Hannah with other confirmees and church leaders including Reverend Elizabeth Bonforte Gardner, the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada.
After Hannah's confirmation we head over to UNR to visit Caleb in his new digs in Great Basin Hall where, like last year, he is a resident assistant. Also, like last year, he is managing the freshman floor where he has another 71 new students to shepherd along. :)
Caleb's introductory poster on the wall right outside the elevators on his floor.
We are so proud of him!
These days Chester getting to spend more time with Bob now that he's retired from GOED and both kids are living in Reno. Lots of change, but it's going good.
The great thing about retiring is you get a lot more time to do the stuff you didn't have as much time for before like going shooting. Here he is with our Pastor friend, Kurt Katzorke and the Douglas County Shooting Range.
