For Immediate Release (Attachment)
August 29, 2001
Contact: Rusty Cheuvront (502) 564-2611

The SGA’s 18 state membership will address future policy and priorities for the south during its conference entitled: “The Triple Crown of the South's New Economy: Research, Development and Technology.”

“It has been my honor to serve as chair of the Southern Governors’ Association for the past year and I’m proud that Judi and I will be hosting this conference that will give us the opportunity to showcase Kentucky’s unique hospitality.” Governor Patton said. “Kentucky is working to take the lead role on many of the issues that will be discussed at this event.”

Several headlining sessions include Vice President Cheney speaking on the administration’s energy policy, a keynote address by Alfred R. Berkeley III, vice chairman of NASDAQ, who will talk about the importance of research to the nation’s economy; a session bringing governors and 12 of the south’s leading university presidents together to talk about higher education; and an address and book signing by UPI White House correspondent and Kentucky native Helen Thomas.

For more information, please see attached agenda or visit the SGA website at www.southerngovernors.org or www.gov.state.ky.us

NOTE: All sessions will take place at the Marriott’s Griffin Gate Resort Hotel off Newtown Pike in Lexington. There is no registration fee for media; however, media must be registered to receive credentials that permit access to the sessions and press conferences only. Please visit the SGA website for hotel and registration information. Additionally, Kentucky Educational Television (KET) will provide video streaming and uplink services during the conference. For more information, visit http://www.ket.org

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SGA ANNUAL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 9-11, 2001
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY
Revised Agenda - 8/15/01

Saturday, September 8

9:00-11:00 p.m. Blue Grass Welcome Reception

Sunday, September 9

8:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. Golf Tournament -
Open to all conference registrants, this scramble tournament will begin with an 8:00 a.m. shot-gun start. Priority reservations are given to governors and sponsors. If interested in participating, email your name and handicap (for pairings only) to: sga@sso.org.

11:00-11:30 a.m. Opening Press Conference

11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. SGA Business Meeting
Governors will consider policy resolutions, set priorities for the year ahead and elect leaders for 2001-2002.

12:45-1:45 p.m. Governors-Only Brunch

2:00-3:00 p.m. Opening Session and Keynote Address
Alfred R. Berkeley III, Vice Chairman of NASDAQ Stock Market, Inc., will discuss the importance of investing in research and development for our future.

3:15-4:30 p.m. Plenary Session I: The Triple Crown of the South’s New Economy - Report of the Advisory Committee on Research, Development and Technology
As innovation, inspiration and invention will transform our lives in the 21st Century, well-known broadcast journalist Meryl Comer, in conjuction with the Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center for Innovation and Invention, will facilitate the discussion between several Nobel Laureates and the governors as they consider policy recommendations put forth by the advisory committee.

6:30-9:00 p.m. “Kentucky Sampler and Bourbon Tasting”
A casual evening of great food, entertainment and southern hospitality, bluegrass style, at the internationally-renowned Kentucky Horse Park.

Monday, September 10

7:30-9:30 a.m. Southern States Energy Board Annual Meeting & Breakfast

9:45-11:00 a.m. Plenary Session II: Building a Southern Powerhouse
Join governors and unversity presidents from throughout the South as they discuss their agendas for the region, commitment to enhancing the South’s research and development capacity, and specific initiatives to build this future.

11:15 a.m. -12:15 p.m. Plenary Session III: Powering the Future
SGA and the Southern States Energy Board are pleased to confirm that Vice President Dick Cheney will share his thoughts about energy policy in this country and related issues important for the South’s future.

12:30-2:00 p.m. “Front Row at the White House”
Helen Thomas has had an inside view on the making of history for four decades. Assigned by UPI to the White House Press Corps in 1961, she has questioned every president since John F. Kennedy, and has been among the pioneers who have broken down barriers against women correspondents in the national media. She will reflect on how history has shaped the presidency and our relationship to it.

2:00-3:00 p.m. Book Signing - Copies of Ms. Thomas’ recently-published book, “Front Row at the White House: My Life and Times” will be available for sale and signature.

2:30-4:30 p.m. Governors’ Only Meetings

6:00-9:30 p.m. “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” for the SGA annual state dinner and receptions. This premier, black-tie event, featuring fine dining and special entertainment, will be held at Keene Barn on the grounds of the Keeneland Race Course.

10:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. Louisiana Lagniappe
Join Governor M.J. “Mike” Foster, Jr., SGA chairman 2001-02, for this “little something extra” guaranteed to whet your appetite for SGA’s 2002 annual meeting in New Orleans.

Tuesday, September 11

7:30-9:30 a.m. Southern Growth Policies Board Meeting and Breakfast

9:45-10:45 a.m. Plenary Session IV: Southern Trailblazers
Rodney J. Carroll, President and CEO, the Welfare to Work Partnership, and Michael Dulan, President, Community Development Banking, Bank of America, will talk about the leadership roles that their organizations have taken in moving people from welfare to work and in adopting business practices that promote a stronger economy, from the bottom up.

11:00 a.m -12:00 p.m. Plenary Session V: New Chairman’s Initiative Incoming SGAChairman Governor M.J. “Mike” Foster, Jr. will launch his initiative focused on natural resources conservation with an address by Steve McCormick, President and CEO of The Nature Conservancy.

12:15-12:45 p.m. Closing Press Conference