The Michigan Chamber Foundation today announced the agenda for the 3rd Annual Michigan Legislative & Business Leaders Public Policy Forum, which will be held September 13-14, 2001 at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme. The Michigan Chamber Foundation is part of a coalition of local and regional chambers of commerce who are sponsoring the two-day event.

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The theme of this year's forum is "Building a Sustainable Future." Keynote speakers include: David Pearce Snyder, Lifestyles Editor of Futurist magazine and pioneer social forecaster, who will discuss what's ahead "On the Global Horizon" and David E. Cole, Director of the Center for Automotive Research, and Management Partner at Environmental Research Institute of Michigan, who will discuss the "Auto Industry in the 21st Century."

Four panel presentations will be among the program offerings. Panel topics include:

* Public Universities and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation: A New Partnership for Economic Progress

  *  Business & the Environment: U.S. EPA's National Agenda
  *  Dynamics of a Sustainable Business: Three Perspectives
  *  Tractors, Trees and Travel: A Forecast for Michigan's Natural Resources

The forum will also feature five breakout sessions, giving legislative and business leaders the opportunity to explore potential approaches to legislation that would shape economic growth policy in Michigan. Each session will feature a panel of experts who will assist in the formulation of at least two public policy recommendations. Session topics include:

  *  Faces of the Future: Workforce Development and Diversity
  *  Traveling Michigan's Highways & Byways
  *  Land Use & Growth Management
  *  Keeping the Lights On: Michigan's Energy Policy
  *  Containing Health Care Costs

"The forum has been developed by businesspeople in recognition of the need for public discourse 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 the quality of life in Michigan is intrinsically related to sustainable economic prosperity."

"The forum provides an excellent opportunity for business, community, and political leaders to discuss key economic and quality-of-life issues," said John Brown, President of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and one of the leading conference developers. "Our goal is to engage legislators and business leaders from across the state for a serious discussion that will lead to a viable plan for action."

Those invited to attend the forum include business owners from all industries, senior managers and human resource specialists, corporate government affairs personnel, state and local elected officials and other community leaders. Members of the media are encouraged to attend the forum.

Registration for the two-day conference is $279 per person. To register, or for more information, call 1-800-748-0344 or visit the Michigan Chamber's web site at http://www.michamber.com/ .

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SOURCE: Michigan Chamber Foundation

Contact: Betty McNerney, Director of Communications of Michigan of
Chamber of Commerce, 517-371-7663

Website: http://www.michamber.com/