ECONOMIC GROWTH TO BE FOCUS OF SOUTHWEST ALABAMA SUMMIT

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Don Evans and Congressman Jo Bonner to address Mobile summit

For Immediate Release
October 29, 2003

Contact
Johnna Van at 601-327-9596 or  johnna@pfidc.org 

MOBILE – The Public Forum Institute is organizing an economic development summit to spur economic growth in southwestern Alabama. The Leadership Summit: Shaping the Region’s Future Economy will focus on setting a vision for the economic future of the region, strengthening existing businesses, and unleashing the power of innovation and entrepreneurship 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.”

The summit will bring together an array of interested delegates from the following Southwest Alabama counties: Baldwin, Clarke, Escambia, Mobile, Monroe and Washington. Congressman Jo Bonner will serve as the honorary summit chair. 

“This summit is designed to bring the Southwest Alabama community together to address ways of utilizing the area’s resources to stimulate further economic development and bring new jobs and employment opportunities to the region,” stated Bonner.

Don Evans, Secretary of U.S. Department of Commerce, will deliver the keynote address. In a recent statement, Secretary Evans expressed confidence about the pace of economic recovery. 

“Today’s low inflation, rising industrial production and improving employment numbers are further evidence that America’s economy is growing and beginning to create jobs,” said Evans. “Jobless claims are at their lowest levels since February, an encouraging signal Americans are getting back to work.”

Summit workshops will address strengthening existing businesses, expanding opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses, workforce development, and attracting and creating entrepreneurs.

The Public Forum Institute, a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization based in Washington, DC, is conducting the summit as part of its National Dialogue on Entrepreneurship. The Forum 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.

The Leadership Summit is scheduled for Monday, November 17, at the Adam’s Mark hotel from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 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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