ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT TO STRESS REGIONAL COORDINATION
Congressman Max Burns to Deliver Unified Vision

For Immediate Release
September 12, 2003

Contact
Johnna Van 601-327-9596

WASHINGTON, DC – September 12, 2003 – The Public Forum Institute is organizing an economic development summit to spur economic growth in eastern Georgia. The Savannah River Summit: Shaping the Region’s Future Economy will focus on setting a vision for the economic future of the region, identifying which industries have the best chance for success, discussing preventive measures to protect traditional industries, and better coordinating efforts to promote economic growth in the region.

“Communities across the nation are searching for ways to generate jobs and economic growth, and generate them fast,” stated Jonathan Ortmans, president of the Public Forum Institute. “This summit will focus on how to capitalize on opportunities present now.”

Congressman Max Burns will serve as the honorary summit chair, delivering the opening address and outlining a unified vision for economic growth in Augusta, Athens, Savannah and the rural counties in eastern Georgia. 

"Improving the economic opportunity for the residents of the Twelfth District of Georgia is a top priority of mine. Addressing this issue requires input from all stakeholders. From businesses large and small, to our schools and colleges and universities, to our chambers of commerce, and state and local government agencies, we all need to work together to make the necessary improvements for better jobs and a strong economy. I look forward to working with these and other stakeholders at the forum, and urge interested citizens to join me in this effort by attending the event on September 22," said Representative Max Burns. 

David Sampson, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development in the Bush administration, will deliver the keynote address. The mission of the Economic Development Administration is to create wealth and minimize poverty by promoting a favorable business environment to attract private capital investment and higher-skill, higher-wage jobs through world-class capacity building, planning, infrastructure, research grants and other strategic initiatives.

Workshops will address economic development in the following areas: agriculture; life sciences; higher education and workforce development; homeland security; protecting existing industries; and, transportation and airport expansion. 

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. This report will serve to encourage and facilitate future action towards economic development in the region.

A number of community partners are assisting the Public Forum Institute in holding the Savannah River Summit, including: Coca-Cola; Georgia-Pacific; Imperial Sugar; The NutraSweet Company; Procter & Gamble; and, Southern Company – as well as – Armstrong Atlantic State University, Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, Augusta Technical College, Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center, CSRA Community Foundation, Inc., CSRA Regional Development Center, Georgia Southern University, NE Georgia Regional Development Center, and Savannah State University. 

The Savannah River Summit is scheduled for Monday, September 22, at the Sheraton Augusta Hotel from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The summit is free and open to the public. For more information, or to register, visit the Forum’s website at www.publicforuminstitute.org

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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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