Alabama State University News October 19, 2012 Alabama Governor to Speak at Economic Symposium Co-sponsored by ASU By Hazel Scott Some of the region's top experts will explore the economic environment in the state and the region during the 3rd Biennial Regional Economic Symposium titled "Economics, Education, Government, Workforce and Community -- On the Road to Regional Recovery." The symposium, co-sponsored by Alabama State University, is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, at the Country Club of Brewton, 700 Clubhouse Road, Brewton, Ala. -- Hwy 31 North of Brewton. Gov. Robert Bentley will deliver the luncheon's keynote address. The program includes the plenary presentation by ASU President Joseph H. Silver Sr. The moderator and emcee of the event is Reid State Technical College President Douglas Littles. The symposium will focus on recovery from the recession in Alabama, with specific emphasis on the counties in the southern and rural regions of the state, including Mobile, Washington, Baldwin, Escambia, Conecuh and Monroe. Dr. RoseMary Watkins, symposium coordinator and director of ASU's Southern Normal Campus, said she is excited about the unique opportunity that will be provided to attendees. "The vision of the symposium is to provide community leaders an opportunity to briefly reflect on the reality of the economy, to know where we have been, to enable them as catalysts for change and to prepare the southern region of Alabama to thrive as the nation recovers from challenging economic times," Watkins said. The event will feature seven panelists who bring a wealth of experience in leadership, private enterprise, economic development and education innovation. The panelists and their topics are: * Ron Sparks, director, Alabama Rural Development Office -- Rural * Dr. Joe Sumners, director, Auburn University Economic & Community Development Institute - Industry * Dr. Amy Brabham, vice chancellor for Career and Technical Education and Workforce Development, Office of Workforce Development - Workforce * Dr. Dan Bain, president, Jefferson Davis Community College - Education * Alan Baker, state representative, District 66 - Government/Politics * Alvertha Penny, president & CEO, Community Foundation of South Alabama - Community Public officials, corporate executives, educators and community leaders are invited to register and attend. There is a $35 registration fee, which includes lunch. The deadline to register is Oct. 31. The symposium's sponsors are Alabama State University, Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce, Escambia County Industrial Development Authority and Coastal Gateway Economic Development Alliance. For more information and to register, contact Tamara Leach at 251-867-4831 or email her at tleach@alasu.edu<mailto:tleach@alasu.edu>. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-520-0593 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.