KALAMAZOO SUMMIT TO ADDRESS REGIONAL ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF TECHNOLOGY

For Immediate Release 
November 6, 2001

Contact
Mark Marich 202.467.2776

WASHINGTON – Michigan Congressman Fred Upton will chair a summit that examines the potential benefits of high-tech economic development in the state. Economic Summit ’01: Empowering Innovation for Growth is set for Monday, November 12 at Western Michigan University’s Fetzer Center from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The summit is being organized by the Public Forum Institute, an independent, nonpartisan group based in Washington, DC. 

“From the local deployment of broadband to developing a skilled workforce, this summit will identify ways for Southwest Michigan to unleash the potential of information technology to stimulate economic growth,” stated Jonathan Ortmans, president of the Public Forum Institute. “We commend Congressman Upton for his leadership with this summit and his dedication to the economic development of the area.”

The summit is designed to continue regional cooperation to stimulate job growth and foster economic development. In addition, Empowering Innovation for Growth will create a “technology task force” to promote cooperation on important issues such as high-speed Internet access, education, employment, encryption, health care and privacy. 

Dr. Elson Floyd, president of Western Michigan University, will call the summit to order and Congressman Upton will then deliver introductory remarks. 

Glen Hiemstra, founder and CEO of futurist.com, will deliver the opening address, discussing trends likely to affect Michigan’s economy in the future. A nationally respected futurist, Hiemstra offers insight into surprising developments shaping the 21st Century including science and technology, the Internet and transportation, population and social trends, energy and economy, health care, entertainment and more. 

Philip Bond, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology in the Bush administration, will deliver the keynote address. Under Secretary Bond serves as the principal advisor to Commerce Secretary Donald Evans on science and technology policy to maximize technology's contribution to America's economic growth.

Panel discussions will address the following topics: increasing productivity through broadband, attracting research and investment capital to the area, and developing a skilled workforce. A partial list of speakers and panelists includes: Barry Broome, Southwest Michigan First; Laura Chappell, Michigan Public Service Commission; Robert Fika, Michigan Economic Development Corporation; Allison R. Kopczynski, M.I.S., Cyber-State.org; John Long, Kalamazoo County Chamber of Commerce; William Leonard, Pharmacia; Penny Miller, M-TEC; and Robert Straits, W.E. Upjohn Institute and Michigan Works.

The Public Forum Institute will compile a report upon completion of the summit, outlining participants’ views, suggestions and responses to the issues raised throughout the summit.

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The Public Forum Institute is an independent, nonpartisan organization dedicated to creating the most advanced and effective means of fostering public discourse. Based in Washington, DC, the Forum develops and coordinates public forums across the country – engaging citizens, experts, community leaders, elected officials and others in substantive discussions on dozens of policy issues. Through a partnership with foundations, print and broadcast media, policy makers, opinion leaders and corporate philanthropy, the Public Forum Institute serves local communities across the nation, contributing to a more informed public. The Forum takes no position on the issues. 

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