The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system. Each summer, NCSL brings thousands of legislators and staff together for the largest and most substantive meeting of its kind in the nation. The Annual Meeting provides more than 150 informative sessions and presents nationally renowned speakers on many pressing issues. Past speakers have included the President of the United States, congressional leaders, cabinet members and experts from universities, think tanks and the private sector. NCSL’s 2006 Annual Meeting, Strong States Strong Nation, brought together key legislators; senior legislative staff; federal, state and local agency personnel; and government relations managers from corporations, associations and special interest groups, to explore issues including immigration, state budgets, higher education, identity theft, health care, eminent domain, the global economy, and pandemic preparedness. The NCSL Exhibition represents more than 300 organizations from many diverse industries and interests. AWARE attended the event, and provided legislators and other attendees with educational materials and other resources to help them successfully navigate the vehicle financing process. AWARE encouraged these legislators to share our materials with their constituents and members of their communities. Dozens of speakers shared their knowledge and expertise at the event, including Michael Chertoff, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security; Frederick W. Smith, founder of Memphis-based FedEx Corporation; Tennessee legislators Mark Maddox and Roy Herron; and University presidents from Knoxville, Memphis and Murfreesboro. Also during the conference, Former Tennessee Titans Running Back Eddie George kicked off the 1st Annual Walk for Wellness, dedicated to raising awareness of the devastating effects conditions like heart disease, diabetes and obesity have for our nation. For more information on the National Conference of State Legislatures, click here. |
