National expert Bruce Katz, Director of the Center on Urban and Metropolitan Policy at The Brookings Institution, Washington, D.C., will present the opening keynote address at the 5th Annual Michigan Legislative & Business Leaders Future Forum, which will be held September 11-12, 2003 at Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville. The Michigan Chamber Foundation is part of a coalition of local and regional chambers of commerce who are sponsoring the two-day event.

A frequent commentator on urban and metropolitan issues, Katz will describe the national trends toward metropolitan governance and the relationship of such trends to the changing American economy. Joining Katz in the opening session will be Myron Orfield, President of Ameregis, a Minneapolis, Minnesota research and geographic information systems firm.

A panel presentation on "The Future of Education" will follow the opening session. Scheduled speakers include: Jeff Crouse, Chief Financial Officer at Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District, who will discuss "Consolidating Operations for Financial Savings;" Gerald Dawkins, Superintendent of Saginaw Public Schools, who will discuss "Balancing School Funding & Performance Issues;" Michael Stewart, Associate Director, School Evaluation Services at Standard & Poor's, New York, who will discuss "Accountability for the 21st Century;" and Thomas E. White, Executive Director of Michigan School Business Officials in Lansing, who will discuss "A Look at School Consolidation Issues."

Three experts will participate in the Thursday afternoon panel presentation on "The Future of Health Care." Scheduled speakers include: Laura Appel, Senior Director of Legislative Policy for the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, who will discuss the "Shortage of Medical Professionals;" Steven J. Fishman, President of The Fishman Group, who will discuss "Trends in Benefit Plan Design;" and Bruce Miller, Director of the Bureau of Community Health Services, Ingham County Health Department, who will discuss "Public-Private Partnerships in Health Insurance."

A series of breakout sessions will round out the afternoon on opening day, followed by a legislative reception. The five breakout sessions, which will be offered again on the following morning, will address:

  *  Protecting Our Great Lakes and Water Resources
  *  Investing in Our Health Care Resources
  *  Managing Our Growth for a Sustainable Future
  *  Financing Our Transportation Needs
  *  Educating Ourselves on School Funding

The popular "Latte' with Legislators," where state legislators and leaders from both political parties participate in roundtable discussions, will kickoff the second day of the Future Forum. To date, approximately 40 state legislators -- Democrats and Republicans from both the State House and Michigan Senate -- have registered to attend this year's forum.

Following the morning breakout sessions, Bill Rustem, Senior Vice President of Public Sector Consultants, will present a brief report on the Michigan Land Use Leadership Council recommendations. Rustem served as lead staff to the Council, which was comprised of 26 voting members appointed by Governor Granholm.

Frank H. Beal, Executive Director of Chicago Metropolis 2020, will deliver the closing keynote address on "Building Bridges Between Cities and Suburbs." In his presentation, Beal will talk about regions as "the economic engines of the new century," and how the Chicago area is working to bring its many units of government together for "a shared vision for the region."

The Future Forum will conclude with a luncheon and wrap-up session.

"The Future Forum was developed by chambers of commerce in recognition of the need for public dialogue among business leaders, state lawmakers, and community leaders on issues pertaining to Michigan's economic growth," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Jim Barrett. "The Forum is based on the principle that a favorable quality of life in Michigan is intrinsically related to sustainable economic prosperity."

"The goal of Future Forum is to engage legislators and business leaders from across the state in a serious discussion of key issues that will lead to community development and the economic vitality of our state," Barrett added.

Those invited to attend the forum include business owners, CEOs and senior management; corporate government and community affairs personnel; economic and community development professionals; K-12 and higher education administrators; local, regional and state government officials; and community leaders from across the state.

Registration for the two-day conference is $349 per person. There is no registration fee for members of the media. To register, or for more information, call 1-800-748-0344 or visit the Michigan Chamber's web site at www.michamber.com .

SOURCE: Michigan Chamber Foundation

CONTACT: Betty McNerney, Director of Communications of Michigan Chamber
of Commerce, +1-517-371-7663

Web site: http://www.michamber.com/