SSTI Digest

While job growth in the South is relatively strong (20 percent growth) compared to the nation (17 percent), many southern states are trapped in an economic cycle known as a low-wage/low-skill equilibrium, according to A Decade Behind: Breaking Out of the Low-Skill Trap in the Southern Economy — a new report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and Workforce. In this equilibrium, high-skill, high-wage industries lack the incentive to locate in the region and workers lack the incentives to pursue postsecondary education training due to limited demand for skilled workers.

Re- is a remarkable prefix. Use of these two little letters in front of a word can demand we pause to reflect, re-examine and review how our situation has changed — and so too should our actions.

Re- recognizes the status quo isn't acceptable anymore. It reveals a need to rethink what we're doing and to react differently. It requires us to reconsider our goals and desired outcomes. It urges us to respond more appropriately to a new reality with new opportunities.

Re- also signals better times start now. It's refreshing. Reinvigorating. Renewing. Rewarding.

SSTI's 16th Annual Conference, The Power of Re-, is about the awesome power of re- and what it can mean for U.S. growth strategies going forward. Join us for this one-of-a-kind event designed to appeal to everyone interested in the future of public-private initiatives to support regional growth. Our agenda includes sessions to:

Change is constant. Every era ushers in forces requiring people, businesses, institutions and governments to adapt. The Great Recession, globalization, demographic shifts and stunning technological advances herald a new era demanding significant transformation. You wouldn't know that looking at how most economic development is practiced, however. That has to change.

In the opening keynote of SSTI's Annual Conference, Tom Ridge, the first secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a former governor of Pennsylvania, will offer remarks challenging us to rethink how we encourage economic growth and factors we should consider in a new construct.

As the world changes, economic development must evolve to stay relevant. This year's conference will feature thought leaders on operating in a global environment, capital, higher education and demographics, who will share their take on how current trends in these areas will affect the innovation economy.

A moderated audience discussion will ensure this interactive plenary session will provide the spark to help us start re-thinking everything.

Learn about the plenary...

The Coca-Cola Company's Clyde Tuggle will share his perspective and response to the challenges of managing an enterprise in our complex global environment in a keynote address at SSTI's Annual Conference. Mr. Tuggle will discuss how his company is changing the game through social networking platforms to build one of the world's most recognized brands. Read more about our special keynote address..

With economic development at a crossroads, SSTI's Annual Conference will re-examine every facet of the field. This year's conference will offer breakout sessions in four thematic tracks: strategic direction, universities in economic development, investment & capital and from theory to practice. Participate in the track that most suits your interest, or mix-and-match to create a unique conference experience.

Conference tracks include:

Following the highly anticipated unveiling of 2012 award recipients during a special ceremony on October 29, the winners will meet with attendees for one-on-one interaction to share stories and offer advice. True to roundtable format, this session moves you around the room to promote dialogue and exposure to different viewpoints in the tech-based economic development field.

Learn from some of the freshest thinkers in the game on topics such as gaining momentum and support from legislators and key stakeholders; developing partnerships with community and industry leaders; and, measuring results to help convey impact and successes to the public. Learn more: http://www.ssticonference.org/?page_id=89.

Beautifully adorned to capture the spirit of the ocean, the Arctic Room at the Georgia Aquarium is your starting point to re- connect with colleagues, experience close encounters with majestic beluga whales, and simply enjoy an evening among friends. This lively event provides a wonderful pre-conference opportunity to network with conference attendees and our local hosts, Invest Atlanta and Clark Atlanta University, over drinks and light hors d'oeuvres by Wolfgang Puck Catering. The event begins at 6:00 PM on Sunday, October 29. Learn more: http://www.ssticonference.org/?page_id=297.

SSTI's conference is packed with timely and thought-provoking workshops, discussion groups and networking opportunities certain to keep you busy during your Atlanta stay. But to fill the gaps in between and maximize your experience, we've arranged some exciting activities geared toward improving your overall wellness and better connecting you to the people you most want to meet and share ideas.

Hatha Yoga
6:15 AM Monday, October 29, & 6:30 AM Tuesday, October 30
Start your days in Atlanta re- laxed and re- juvenated by attending a complimentary Hatha yoga class. Our amazing instructor will guide you through softly flowing movements and deep breathing that will feel wonderful after a day of traveling and help focus your mind for the conference activities ahead. This session is designed to accommodate all ages, shapes, sizes and flexibility levels. Not one bit of experience needed and registration is not required. Grab your hotel towel or bring your yoga mat and come as you are!

A limited number of conference sponsorship opportunities remain. Due to numerous requests, we have unveiled highly visible interactive opportunities at the right price point. A few of the exciting options include:

SSTI extends its appreciation and thanks to the following exemplary organizations helping to make SSTI's 16th Annual Conference a success.

Tom Ridge, the first secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a former governor of Pennsylvania, has been elected chairman of the State Science and Technology Institute's (SSTI) Board of Trustees. As chairman, Ridge will lead the board in providing strategic guidance and oversight of SSTI's operations as the group works to encourage economic growth through science, technology and innovation. "SSTI focuses on issues central to our nation's competitiveness," said Ridge. "Many of the interests and areas that I'm passionate about, such as rebuilding America's manufacturing sector, align with SSTI's mission. I look forward to helping them advance their goals." Ridge was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982 prior to serving as Pennsylvania's 43rd governor. In 2001, he became the first assistant to the president for Homeland Security and in 2003, the first secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.