Residents and the skiing community in the Lake Tahoe area share the memories of a tense but ultimately good past. The tension comes from the difference between proposed futures for the area. The conflict circles around supporters of incorporation and Squaw Valley LLC. The point man for the incorporation is Fred Ilfield, and at the wheel for Squaw Valley is CEO Andy Wirth. Naturally, both sides believe their proposed idea is better for business and residents in the community. For the side of incorporation the position rests on the notion of accountability. For Wirth and Squaw Valley, it is more about growth and service.
It turns out the Squaw Valley CEO has more will than the competition. Because even though both sides have substantial amounts of cash invested in their proposal, those wanting incorporation throw in the towel. Ilfield has thoughts as to why Wirth opposes incorporation. To these expressed concerns, Wirth remains firm that incorporation itself costs the community in the long run. With the tug-a-war between the sides over, a plan for growth that includes Squaw Valley and her sister resort Alpine Meadows gets the green light. This plan comes in the form of a gondola.
The plan to join and grow the resorts together comes after Wirth’s appointment to the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority Board. This appointment comes from the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitor’s Authority. Wirth is not alone in his appointment. There are two other members to the board appointed by the county. Wirth serves as the Chairman. This good news follows a few years after a particularly annoying drought. It also brings together two great organizations without the need for all the rigors of transporting between the two resorts. The change for the area is big, but in the long run definitely beneficial to the ski goers.
Source: the Reno Gazette-Journal