FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 14, 2012
CONTACT:
Valerie Wickboldt
(850) 386-3131
vwickboldt@jamesmadison.org
The James Madison Institute Welcomes the State Policy Network’s 20th Annual Meeting to Florida
~More than 700 state policy organization representatives and supporters from across the nation join the ?four-day conference; JMI hosts Florida-themed dinner for attendees ~
AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. – The State Policy Network (SPN) and state hosts, The James Madison Institute (JMI) welcomed more than 700 people to The Ritz Amelia Island for a four-day, professional development meeting of state policy organizations and supporters from across the nation. “As the election illustrated, Florida continues to be a point of focus for America, so it’s fitting that a meeting of the nationwide defenders of freedom happens here in the bellwether Sunshine State,” said Dr. Bob McClure, JMI president and CEO. “We are extremely honored to welcome such accomplished policy leaders from around the country to Florida and to have the opportunity to share best practices between states to make for a stronger nation.” JMI will present a “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes” dinner for many of the conference attendees Wed., Nov. 14 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A beachside oyster roast and Low Country Boil will take place with entertainment from the Palmetto Catz band. “JMI will celebrate 25 years of being Florida’s oldest and largest think-tank in 2013 and we are excited to start the celebration early tonight with our sister organizations,” added McClure. “Every year, Florida has the chance to shine a light on the policy path as a leading state in promoting solutions that strengthen Florida’s economy and improve the future outlook for generations to come. The other states represented at SPN are also working toward this ever important common goal and JMI is proud to be counted among them.” The SPN Annual Meeting started in 1993 in Traverse City, Michigan. What started as a dozen people in a room dedicated to building a robust network of state think tanks throughout the country has now grown to a more than 700-person annual event. Tom Roe founded SPN in 1992 at the urging of Ronald Reagan and it is currently the only group in the country dedicated solely to improving the practical effectiveness of independent, non-profit, market-oriented, state-focused think tanks. SPN’s programs enable these organizations to better educate local citizens, policy makers and opinion leaders about market-oriented alternatives to state and local policy challenges.For more information on SPN and JMI, visit www.SPN.org and www.JamesMadison.org respectively.
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Trusted Solutions for a Better Florida:Founded in 1987, The James Madison Institute (JMI) is Florida’s oldest and largest nonpartisan, nonprofit research and educational organization. JMI is dedicated to advancing such ideals as economic freedom, limited government, federalism, traditional values, the rule of law, and individual liberty coupled with individual responsibility. All JMI publications are available online at www.jamesmadison.org. Twitter: @JmsMadisonInst; Facebook: facebook.com/JamesMadisonInstitute; Reporting: www.CapitolVanguard.org.
2012
