|
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
(for immediate release – Saturday, February 23, 2008)
Contact: click here to email newsroom
Office: (684) 633-4116 - Fax: (684) 633-2269 - Cell: (684) 731-8989
Gov. Togiola at 100th anniversary
National Governors Association meeting
(WASHINGTON DC) - Governor Togiola Tulafono today joined the nation's governors to kick-off a celebration commemorating the National Governors Association's (NGA) 100th anniversary during a reception at the 2008 Winter Meeting. Nearly a century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt hosted the first meeting of the nation's governors at the White House.
Following this inaugural meeting, governors decided to form an association through which they could come together to discuss mutual concerns and act collectively; this 1908 meeting marked the beginning of the annual governors' meetings. One hundred years later, NGA continues to serves as the collective voice of the nation's governors.
“For an organization such as NGA to be around for a century is a major accomplishment for all governors of the states, territories and two commonwealths,” said Governor Togiola. “This is a great forum to propose programs and initiatives as well see existing and hear about current efforts being shared on education, health and awareness programs on many social and community issues that we can pursue as a territory.”
Governor Togiola also said the NGA meeting is a venue for governors to share their thoughts and views on common challenges.
“There is a great deal to learn from other governors as we share ideas and discuss the challenges that we face, respectfully,” said Governor Togiola. “It is a positive and productive exchange for governors in hearing the thoughts and proposed solutions of issues from other governors.”
Tomorrow, Sunday, Governor Togiola and First Lady Mary Ann will join other governors and spouses at the White House for a state dinner hosted by President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush.
The NGA meeting, held at the JW Marriott Hotel, will include a Monday meeting with President Bush, members of the Administration, business executives and other experts for discussions on a host of issues and challenges facing states.
Also, there will be business sessions at the three-day event, which ends on Monday afternoon, that include two major plenaries and meetings of the four NGA standing committees: Economic
Development and Commerce; Education, Early Childhood and Workforce; Health and Human Services; and Natural Resources.
Governor Togiola will also take part in the Economic Development & Commerce Committee Session - Globalization and its Impact on State Competitiveness.
The NGA Winter Meeting sessions will close Monday afternoon with a reception for NGA’s centennial celebration at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
The Summer Meeting is planned for Philadelphia in July.
---americansamoa.gov---
|
