As the Texas Legislature convenes for its 81st regular session, local business, government, education and civic organization leaders are making plans to attend the 2009 Collin County Days in Austin program, Feb. 9 through 10. Coordinated by the Collin County Chambers of Commerce, this biennial program offers community members a unique venue to learn more about critical issues impacting Collin County and gain a greater understanding of Texas government. In addition, attendees have the opportunity to network with local and state elected officials, as well as other members of the Collin County community.
Texas Governor Rick Perry will provide the keynote address for the opening luncheon session at the Austin Hilton, on Monday, Feb. 9, where community representatives from Denton and Grayson counties will also be in attendance. In addition, Collin County Days in Austin will include informational sessions on issues ranging from transportation, taxes and spending to healthcare and energy. Confirmed speakers to date are as follows:
Transportation Panel
· Steven Polunsky, Committee Director, Senate on Transportation Committee and Homeland Security
Taxes and Spending Panel
· Michael Quinn Sullivan, President and CEO, Empower Texas
· Mary Katherine Stout, Director of Budget, Planning and Policy, Governor’s Office
· Will Newton, Executive Director, National Federation of Independent Business/Texas
Healthcare Panel
· Arlene Wohlgemuth, Founder and President, Three Point Strategies
Energy Panel
· Dub Taylor, Director, Comptroller’s State Energy Conservation Office
· Barry Smitherman, Chairman, Public Utility Commission
Early registration deadline for the Collin County Days in Austin program is Jan. 9, 2009. Cost to register for the program through Jan. 9 is $100 and $125 after Jan. 9 and does not include hotel accommodations. For more information on or to register for the 2009 Collin County Days in Austin program, please visit www.regonline.com/CCDays09. A block of rooms is being held for Collin County Days attendees at the Austin Hilton, 500 E. 4th Street. Call 1.800.236.1592 for room reservations. For questions or more information regarding the Collin County Days in Austin program, please call the Plano Chamber of Commerce at 972.424.7547.
