The University College of Business’ Center for Regional Studies and First American Title are hosting the 2008 Regional Development Summit at the main campus’ Joe Crowley Student Union March 28 from 7 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

Approximately 500 high-profile investors, developers and builders from across Reno-Tahoe, the eastern Sierra, greater West Coast, and from Portland, Maine to Washington D.C. and Chicago will be on campus learning about the region’s business climate.

Additionally, several government officials including Congressman Dean Heller, State Sen. Maurice Washington and Reno Councilwoman Sharon Zadra as well as representatives from U.S. senators Reid and Ensign’s office and Leroy Goodman of the Nevada Commission on Economic Development will be present.

The year-old Center for Regional Studies is an economic development collaboration between the College of Business and the Nevada Small Business Development Center.

The first Summit will highlight current projects in the Reno-Tahoe area with impacts on: world-class industrial development, logistics, transformative residential development, as well as lifestyle/tourism/entertainment and international resort development.

Officials will address topics in four panel discussions. Key investment decision-makers will explain which aspects of the Reno-Tahoe region were instrumental in their decision to invest; how they will attract their clientele and customer base to their projects; how their projects will transform the region and industry; what is needed to further support their investments and projects; and what is needed in the region to attract future signature developers.

This exclusive, invitation-only event will address why billions are being invested in Tahoe and other regional resorts; why billions of industrial development and relocations are coming; why billions in condominiums and other high-density residential projects are transforming the market; why billions are being invested in new hotel/casino resorts; and why trend and other high-end specialty retail outlets are opening stores throughout the region.

Speakers include, but are not limited to:

Milton Glick, president, University of Nevada Reno; Greg Mosier, dean, College of Business; Brian Bonnenfant, Center for Regional Studies; Jeff Pickett, Desert Research Institute; Peter Gillon, First American Title; Brandon Page, ProLogis; Len Gilman, Tahoe Reno Industrial Center; Patty Wade, Wade Development; Dale Rogers, College of Business (logistics expert); John Roberson, Montage; Roger Lessman, Northstar-at-Tahoe, Old Greenwood, Gray’s Crossing; Bob Mecay, Sierra Shores; Stuart Katzoff, SK Sports, AAA Baseball; Jay Timon, Riverwood; Dave Claflin, Legends at Sparks Marina; Rich Cable, Reno-Fernley Raceway; and Randy Lane, Chateau at Heavenly Village.

The Center for Regional Studies, housed at the Nevada Small Business Center, conducts regional applied research in areas including economics, housing, education, transportation and healthcare. It collects and maintains current and local economic/demographic data, and utilizes GIS technology to generate maps and other presentation formats allowing users to understand growth, trends and patterns with data.

The center’s feasibility and impact analyses and maps help community stakeholders make educated decisions and plans regarding regional economic and business development. The center generates its own revenues and engages the community, University faculty and students.

Its clients realize benefits in job creation, job retention and new industry. Other positive impacts include increased investment, construction and valuation, forecasted employment, as well as increased sales and projected tax collections. GIS services have also enhanced clients’ business and economic development decisions.