News Releases

(KNOXVILLE, Tenn.) — Business and government leaders, educators, students and community citizens will meet February 19 to discuss ways for Tennessee to develop its greatest resource: youth.

Each year, the Southern Growth Policies Board (SGPB) engages communities throughout the South in discussions on issues related to economic development. This year the discussions will focus on ways to develop and strengthen the talents, vision and passion of youth. Two-hour community forums will be held in communities across Tennessee in partnership with the University of Tennessee (UT) Extension, UT Institute for Public Service (IPS), and state, regional and local partners.

UT Extension Montgomery County 4-H agents T.C. Loughery and Stacy Hill and family and consumer sciences agent Martha M. Pile will host a forum at Smith Trahern Mansion in Clarksville on February 19, at 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.

“Developing youth leadership skills, workforce readiness, volunteerism and entrepreneurship is vital to the economic future of our state,” said Dr. Charles Goan, interim dean of UT Extension. “The University is focused on improving graduation rates statewide and making education attainable. By understanding youth development issues, we can help young people obtain a valuable education that will enable them to succeed in the workplace.”

Community feedback will be used in developing SGPB’s 2008 Report on the Future of the South, which is shared with governors and regional leaders in business and education, as well as a statewide report on youth development issues and opportunities. The non-partisan SGPB was formed by Southern
governors in 1971 to unite governors, legislators and business and academic leaders in discussions that encourage economic development in the South.

To register for a forum, contact UT Extension of Montgomery County, (931) 648-5725. For more information, contact Michael Wilcox at UT Extension at (865)974-3344 or mwilcox2@utk.edu

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Contact:
Michael Wilcox, UT Extension, (865) 974-3344, mwilcox2@utk.edu