BRIEFLY IN BUSINESS

Wells Fargo donates to five Laguna groups

Despite the faltering economy, Wells Fargo & Company’s giving to nonprofits in Orange County “” combined with Wachovia Corporation “” increased 14% to $2.98 million in 2008, according to a news statement from Wells Fargo. In California, Wells Fargo’s giving increased by 7% to more than $51 million.

“The merger of Wells Fargo and Wachovia makes our presence even stronger in Orange County and the communities we serve,” said Hector Retta, Orange County Regional President. “Both companies have long histories of consistently investing financial capital and, more importantly, human and social capital in our communities, thanks to thousands of caring team members who are local community leaders and volunteers.”

In Laguna Beach, Wells Fargo gave five grants totaling more than $16,000 to the following:

?Boys and Girls Clubs;

?Friendship Shelter, Inc.;

?Laguna Art Museum;

?Laguna Beach Community Clinic; and

?Laguna College of Art and Design

The company will release its next Social Responsibility report in spring 2010.

Wells Fargo was awarded the first annual Corporate Cultural Diversity Award by St. Anselm’s Cross Cultural Community Center in Garden Grove and was named 2008 Sprit of Philanthropy Outstanding Business by the Assn. of Fundraising Professionals, Orange County Chapter and the Orange County Register in celebration of National Philanthropy Day.

Conrad launches brand with Kohl’s

Kohl’s Corporation is launching LC Lauren Conrad, a contemporary lifestyle brand, in the women’s department in about 300 Kohl’s stores and Kohls.com in October.

The Laguna Beach native “” star of “The Hills” reality TV show “” launched her career in high school with MTV’s former “Laguna Beach” reality series.

“Partnering with a successful national retailer like Kohl’s supports my mission to make great clothing accessible to young women everywhere,” said Conrad. “The collection is a reflection of my personal style and will offer fresh, California casual designs at an affordable price.”

In 2007, Conrad launched her first clothing line, the Lauren Conrad Collection, currently in more than 500 boutiques across the country. In 2009, she signed a three-book deal with Harper Collins.

Her first novel, “L.A. Candy,” will be in bookstores June 16.

“We are very excited to announce our partnership with Lauren Conrad, a pop culture icon whose style resonates with our contemporary customer,” said Don Brennan, senior executive vice president of Kohl’s Department Stores. “We are confident the LC Lauren Conrad collection brings customers both the contemporary style and the world-class brands they want at a price that delivers incredible value.”

Under the agreement, Conrad and Kohl’s will collaborate on the design of the brand. Kohl’s will lead the manufacturing, production, distribution and marketing of the collection. At launch, the brand will consist of apparel and may expand into additional categories such as footwear, jewelry, handbags, intimates and sleepwear. Retail prices will range from $20 to $60.