National rankings like this one lend credibility to Nevada's economic development and marketing efforts. As we continue to diversify, maintaining a friendly business environment remains a critical factor in distinguishing us from the rest.

Michele could easily move up another notch or two in the national rankings before it's all said and done. She's wrestling at a higher level right now, and is putting in the time and effort she'll need to get herself ready for the national championships. A number of schools are talking to her about collegiate wrestling.

If we can't keep this tongue-in-cheek, it can get mean-spirited, and we don't want that.

It's been so rosy the last couple of years, people are starting to say how much better can it get? People are a little more cautious. The trend is still good. I don't read anything more into it than that.

One of the big concerns here in Clarion is economic development,

I'm not sure where we belong [in the national rankings] and I honestly mean that, but I want to make sure that when we go [to Xavier] that we play great defense, we take good shots, and we play the way we're capable of playing. The worst thing that can happen to us Thursday ... we can lose a basketball game.