WASHINGTON—The nation's governors will focus on opportunities to put states in a better position for recovery and the future in spite of challenging economic times during the upcoming National Governors Association (NGA) Annual Meeting, scheduled for July 17-20 in Biloxi, Mississippi.

The discussion, titled "States and the Economy – Looking Forward," will occur during the Economic Development and Commerce committee meeting on Saturday, July 18, at 3:15 p.m. at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center. Governors and panelists will explore the long-term prospects for the U.S. and global economies and identify particular economic sectors that could drive recovery.

"While the economy begins to bounce back, it is important that the dialogue about long-term prospects continues in an effort to ensure states and the nation make a full recovery," said New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, chair of the committee. "This will be a great opportunity to gather with other governors and experts to share best practices and continue planning for recovery."

"Globalization and technology advances continue to erase boundaries," said South Dakota Gov. M. Michael Rounds, committee vice chair. "At this time, we will look ahead at what the opportunities, as well as challenges, will be for each of our states."

The meeting will include committee members, as well as Dr. David Altig, senior vice president and director of research, The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, and C. Jeffery Grogan, partner and managing director, Regional Economic Competitiveness Practice Group.

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Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association (NGA) is the collective voice of the nation's governors and one of Washington, D.C.'s most respected public policy organizations. Its members are the governors of the 50 states, three territories and two commonwealths. NGA provides governors and their senior staff members with services that range from representing states on Capitol Hill and before the Administration on key federal issues to developing and implementing innovative solutions to public policy challenges through the NGA Center for Best Practices. For more information, go to www.nga.org.