Gov. Heineman Attending National Governors Association Meeting

Gov. Heineman Attending National Governors Association Meeting

Gov. Dave Heineman is traveling to the nation's capital this afternoon to take part in the National Governors Association (NGA) winter meeting that begins Saturday, Feb. 24, and concludes Tuesday, Feb. 27.

This year's meeting will focus on improving the nation's economic competitiveness through innovation. NGA's current policy initiative, Innovation America, was designed to focus on areas deemed critical to the nation's future success, including the need for increased student proficiency while equipping today's students with problem solving skills and encouraging states to further develop industries that rely on innovation for future growth.

Gov. Heineman said, "The National Governors Association plays an integral part in helping set a national agenda for states. I am eager to join with my fellow governors in examining ways we can enhance the education and economic vitality of our citizens. Competing on a global stage requires additional preparedness and adaptability, and these meetings are a wonderful opportunity to share new ideas with policy makers and experts from across the country."

The meeting will explore globalization and its impacts on state competitiveness, in addition to discussing strategies for improving student achievement in key economic development subjects, including science, technology, engineering and math.

The meeting brings together governors from across the country for sessions with President George W. Bush and members of his cabinet, members of Congress, academic leaders, business executives and other experts for discussions on issues facing states.

On Monday, Gov. Heineman, chairman of the NGA Economic Development and Commerce Committee, will lead a national meeting discussing current trade policies and ways states can help advance international trade. Ambassador Susan C. Schwab, who serves as the United States Trade Representative, and William Reinsch, president of the National Foreign Trade Council, are scheduled to participate in the meeting.

Gov. Heineman said, "Given that states are now competing internationally, governors across the country are looking to foster improved economic climates in order to ensure our future competitiveness. This session is an opportunity to highlight how governors can partner in the trade policy process, and we will discuss the impact international trade and international investments have on economies at the state level."

The conference will be held at the JW Marriott Hotel, located at 1331 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. in Washington. Following the conclusion of the winter meeting on Tuesday, Gov. Heineman will deliver opening remarks during the Governor's Ethanol Coalition (GEC) annual winter meeting. The Governor is chairman of the GEC.

http://www.gov.state.ne.us/news/2007_02/23_govmeeting.html