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U.S. Commerce Secretary Don Evans Spotlights Las Vegas Company As Example of Small Business Driving the Economy While Announcing New
Small Business Statistics
Nevada Tops List of States in Growth

U.S. Commerce Secretary Don Evans today announced nonemployer business nationally grew 2.3 percent from 1999 to 2000 during a visit to Wheeler’s Las Vegas RV in Nevada. Today’s Census Bureau report reveals Nevada led all states in nonemployer business growth at 6.9 percent, while Las Vegas increased 8.3 percent.

Nonemployer businesses, such as those that are home-based, make up more than 70 percent of all businesses nationwide. Evans said Wheeler’s Las Vegas RV, which grew from having no employees in 1982 to 120 today, is an example of how a small business can benefit the U.S. economy.

“Many successful businesses today, such as Wheeler’s RV, grew from humble beginnings years ago,” Evans said. “President Bush knows creating an environment where ideas and initiative can succeed today, will help small business grow so more Americans can get a job and pursue their dreams tomorrow.”

Evans, joined by U.S. Rep. Jim Gibbons (R-Nev.), toured the facility with owners Andy and Marlene Wheeler.

Wheeler’s today has 120 employees and sits on 20 acres of land just south of the Las Vegas strip. Mrs. Wheeler said, "It seems as though we're the first to know when there's going to be a downturn in the economy. We're also the first to know when there's going to be an upsurge, and I can tell you we're definitely on an upsurge."

Wheeler’s Las Vegas RV has been among the top 500 women-owned businesses in North America for the last three years, according to Working Woman magazine.