Garner's "Plug in the Future" Conference to Address Economy, Arts & Schools
Garner Chamber Invites Business Owners and Residents to Attend

GARNER, NC, July 27, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Last year, the Garner Chamber of Commerce introduced a new half-day conference focusing on the town's economic prospects. This year's enhanced "Plug in the Future" conference, to be held Aug. 11 at the Grand Marquise Ballroom, will address business and quality-of-life issues through panel discussions and presentations from local experts.

Now that "Scotty Fever" has swept the nation, attendees can hear from WRAL News Anchor Debra Morgan about how hometown hero Scotty McCreery's "American Idol" fame brought national attention to Garner. The arts and their economic impact will be the topic of a special panel discussion featuring Eleanor Oakley, president and CEO of United Arts; Debbie Dunn, manager of the Garner Historic Auditorium; and John Hodges, executive director of the Garner Revitalization Association. The panel moderator will be Donna Gregory, former news anchor and national correspondent.

Ken Atkins, executive director of Wake County Economic Development, will lead a session addressing economic trends and prospects. Ernest Pearson, economic development and public policy attorney with Nexsen Pruet, will discuss the shift in legislative focus and what it means for North Carolina businesses.

The informational sessions will conclude with a presentation from Wake County Public Schools Superintendent Tony Tata providing a look at the new school assignment plan.

The conference will wind down with a reception and dinner. Chamber staff are finalizing plans to show a special video interview with Scotty's mom, Judy McCreery.

"This is a very packed agenda, but we wanted to address all the good things that have been happening in Garner and what we need to do to continue the momentum," said Neal Padgett, president of the Garner Chamber.

In addition to panel discussions and presentations, the conference will include plenty of opportunities for networking at lunch, dinner and during breaks. The cost for attending is only $59 and includes meals and refreshments.

Plug in the Future - A Conference Addressing Garner's Economic Prospects
Thursday, Aug. 11
Grand Marquise Ballroom
225 Fidelity Court
Garner, NC 27529

11:30 a.m. - Registration and lunch
1:00 p.m. - Kickoff and welcome, presentation from Debra Morgan, panel discussion on the economic impact of the creative community
2:30 p.m. - Break
2:50 p.m. - Economic development presentations
3:50 p.m. - Break
4:00 p.m. - Presentation from Superintendent Tony Tata
5:00 p.m. - Reception & dinner

For more information about, or to register for, the Plug in the Future conference, contact the Garner Chamber of Commerce at (919) 772-6440 or visit www.garnerchamber.com.

Press Release Contact Information:

Neal Padgett
Garner Chamber
President
401Circle Drive
Cary, NC
USA 27529
Voice: 919-772-6440
Website: Visit Our Website