Vegas needs to diversify economy, Harter says

Angie Wagner

Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2000 | 4:30 a.m.

Will outsiders ever think of Las Vegas without images of casinos and showgirls coming to mind?

It's doubtful, but UNLV President Carol Harter believes the city needs to be known for something besides gambling and entertainment.

"The reality of Las Vegas is changing," Harter said Tuesday at the Preview Las Vegas 2000, where several business and community leaders talked about the city's economic outlook for the year.

Harter acknowledged that Las Vegas' economy is thriving, but said the city can't continue to rely on gambling as its sole economic support.

But that may be easier said than done since the Las Vegas area has flourished because of its casinos.

Harter is convinced that Las Vegas must attract businesses interested in establishing research facilities here. The way to do that, she said, is to build up the university so it has the resources and the talent to accommodate the companies.

Currently, UNLV is spending $15 million for a science and engineering complex and is seeking $60 million from the state to finish the project. And last year, UNLV scientists created a new cancer institute expected to encourage university scientists in the fields of science, engineering and health sciences to work together on cancer research.

Harter said UNLV needs to establish itself as a school capable of doing medical and environmental research, and in turn, companies relocating here will boost the economy.

"The question is no longer when, but how?" she said, adding that Las Vegas could diversify its economy by 2010.

Earlier Tuesday, performer David Cassidy spoke about the importance of keeping top entertainment in Las Vegas. Other speakers included Jim Robbins, president and chief executive officer of Cox Communications, Inc., and H. Wayne Huizenga, owner or majority owner of such businesses as the Miami Dolphins, Blockbuster Corporation and AutoNation, Inc.

The event was sponsored by the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and the Nevada Development Authority.