For Immediate Release
December 8, 2000
Contact: Channell Barbour (502) 682-9400; or
              Rusty Cheuvront (502) 564-2611 

Governor Patton Outlines Plan for Successful Knowledge-Based Economy

Dearborn, M.I. – Education, economic development, healthcare, and workforce development are the key issues Governor Paul E. Patton addressed today in his keynote speech at the Council of State Government (CSG) Annual meeting in Dearborn, Michigan.

“This meeting gives each of us the chance to explore ways to build better opportunities for all our people. That’s what the people elected us to do, and it’s what we came here to learn more about,” Governor Patton said. “As leaders and activists in state government, we know we must invest in the intellectual capital of our people if we’re going to compete and win in the emerging knowledge-based economy.”

Governor Patton, the 2000 CSG President, addressed more than 1100 government officials, legislators, and administrators, representing the three branches of government at the four-day conference.  Participants met to discuss various topics driving the knowledge-based economy.  Sessions included panel discussions on states becoming recognized as digital leaders, privacy rights in the technical age, exploring carbon sequestration and its potential for providing for a new crop for farmers while filtering the air of carbon.

Governor Patton emphasized the importance of seizing economic opportunities.  He said that states must be proactive pursuing high-tech businesses in a growing international competition, and he recommended participants attend his Governor’s Conference on Latin America in January.  He also encouraged the audience to provide more training in the area of workforce development.

On Saturday, Governor Patton is scheduled to lead a discussion on workforce development with Governor’s Howard Dean, Vermont; Dirk Kempthorne, Idaho; Juanita Pierman, Chair of Michigan’s Workforce Development and Vice President of Government Relations, Kelly Services, Inc.

The Council of State Government is the only bipartisan organization that brings together representatives from all branches of state government and regions to discuss, share, and find solutions to today’s most challenging issues.

Also speaking at the meeting is Governor Patton’s Chief Information Officer Aldona Valicenti.  During Saturday’s conference breakout session, she will speak on Kentucky’s use of technology and serving constituents.

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