UNLV's College of Business will host its first Las Vegas Business Forum on Thursday, Feb. 2, at noon at the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel. Special guest speaker will be Richard M. Kovacevich, chairman and chief executive officer of Wells Fargo & Company. The luncheon meeting is open to the public, with a cost of $40 per person.

The goal of the Las Vegas Business Forum is to provide a platform through which the business community can meet and hear dynamic national business leaders address issues of local, national, and international interest, and the impact these issues have on the Las Vegas business community. Organizers expect the forum to provide a unique networking experience for business leaders in the community, by introducing influential national figures to local business managers and employees. It will also serve as an opportunity for the public to get a taste of how some of the nation's top businesses gain success. " The College of Business, with the support of Wells Fargo, presents the forum as an educational and networking opportunity as part of our commitment to economic development for the region," said Richard Flaherty, dean of the College of Business at UNLV.

The College of Business plans to host four to six luncheon meetings each year, in the Las Vegas Speaker Series.

Richard Kovacevich serves as chairman and chief executive officer of Wells Fargo & Company. He was named president and CEO in November 1998 after the Wells Fargo-Northwest merger. In April 2001 he took over the role of chairman. Kovacevich was named CEO of Northwest Corporation in 1993 and chairman in 1995 after serving as president and chief operating officer since 1989. He joined Northwest in March 1986 as vice chairman, COO, and head of the Banking Group.

Seats for the Las Vegas Business Forum luncheon can be reserved by calling 895-3904. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.