Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 24, 2004
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke, Mayor Nickels Launch Plans for National Governors Association Annual Meeting in Seattle

Gov. Gary Locke and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels today announced plans to hold the upcoming 2004 National Governors Association (NGA) Annual Meeting in Seattle, July 17-19.

The NGA, which first met in 1908, supports the work of the governors by providing a bipartisan forum to help shape and implement national policy and to solve state problems.

“I’m honored that Seattle was selected to host this meeting. We submitted a bid back in 2002 to host this conference and the date is now quickly approaching,” Locke said. “This is part of our ongoing efforts to bring economic development opportunities to our state. The conference is expected to bring approximately $1.5 million to the state’s economy.”

Nickels said, “The National Governors Association has picked the greatest city in America to host their annual meeting. Seattle will be proud to have our nation’s governors in town, as well as the 2,000 other visitors that will be here during the conference. We hope they all get a chance to enjoy our beautiful city, and spend a little money while they’re at it.”

The NGA meeting typically includes governors of nearly all 50 states plus U.S. commonwealths and territories. In addition, the President of the United States is invited and about 1,200 others representing business, industry, cabinet officials, federal and local governments as well as national and local journalists are expected to be in attendance.

“The NGA meeting in Seattle is a business meeting for the governors. They will be working on some of the most critical issues facing our states – education, healthcare, homeland security and economic development,” said Christine LaPaille, NGA’s communications director. “Under the leadership of NGA Chairman, Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne, the governors will also be looking at issues impacting America’s senior citizens.”

“This event will showcase Seattle, the region and the state,” said Fred Humphries, director of state government affairs for Microsoft, and representing the Seattle NGA Host Committee. “Winning the bid to host the NGA Annual Meeting was a great accomplishment for Governor Locke. It will help highlight the tremendous opportunities for economic growth and investment in Washington state.”

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