FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Research, technology, and business-minded UA faculty and administrative staff may want to attend the Arkansas Venture Forum (AVF) program on "Building Arkansas’ Knowledge-Based Industries," from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Fayetteville Town Center.

Keynote speakers include:

• Michael Cassidy of the Georgia Research Alliance, Atlanta. Cassidy will give the opening speech, "Science and Technology-Based Development — A Perspective from Georgia." Georgia has been one of the top five states for high-tech job growth over the last five years.
• John A. White, chancellor, University of Arkansas. White will give the luncheon address, "Making the Case."
• Carol Thompson of the Thompson Group, Austin, Texas. Thompson will conclude the forum with her speech, "The University of Texas and Austin: The Dynamics of a City within a City."

"We’re delighted to have such top-notch speakers," said Tim McFarland, AVF chairman. "The objective of the forum is to bring together Arkansas resources that can work together to advance knowledge-based industries in our state. Their insights will help as we seek to more fully develop this important part of our state’s economy."

McFarland said he hopes the forum will attract a variety of individuals including higher education faculty and administrators, accredited investors, business leaders, venture capitalists, public policy makers, economic development leaders, entrepreneurs, and service professionals for knowledge-based companies.

An extensive program with five panels, networking opportunities and a break-out session for prospective investors is also planned.

An opening night reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, in the lobby of the Bank of Fayetteville on the west side of the town square.

Registration for the forum is available online at

www.beta-rubicon.com/avf2002/register.html

Check-in and on-site registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 7 in the Fayetteville Town Center.

For more information about the forum, contact Holly Sellers at (800) 216-7237 or (501)-374-9247 or Tim McFarland at 870-365-3700.