September 24 – 26 ▪ Semiahmoo Resort, Blaine
We are finalizing plans for our 19th Annual Policy Summit scheduled for September 24 – 26 at the Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine.
Given their significant impact on our economic vitality as a state, the upcoming elections will be the focus of the 2008 Summit. The highlight will be a debate on Thursday evening between the gubernatorial candidates, moderated by David Postman, Seattle Times. Debates for other important elected positions such as Superintendent of Public Instruction, Attorney General and Public Lands Commissioner are also scheduled.
Kicking off the program on Thursday is longtime political practitioner, Larry Sabato. Dubbed “American’s favorite political scientist” by Fox News Channel, Larry bridges the gap between the ivory tower and the real world on issues of critical importance to our democracy and challenges facing our political process. Expanded and re-launched in 2008, Larry’s Web site, the Crystal Ball, now forecasts national legislative, gubernatorial and presidential election contests, with detailed analysis on various aspects of the 2008 presidential campaigns.
In addition to an action-packed program on Thursday, some room for entertainment has been reserved for Wednesday evening with a performance by the Capitol Steps which you won’t want to miss, especially in an election year.
DRAFT EVENT AGENDA: THIS AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Wednesday, September 24
8:00 a.m. AWB Executive Committee Meeting
9:00 a.m. Golf Registration Opens Loomis Trail Country Club
11:00 a.m. Golf Tournament Start Loomis Trail Country Club
1:30 p.m. Conference Registration Begins
5:00 p.m. New Board Member Orientation
6:00 p.m. Sponsor book signing w/Larry Sabato (Tentative)
6:30 p.m. Dinner/ Golf Awards
7:30 p.m. Capitol Steps Performance
Thursday, September 25
7:15 a.m. Breakfast
8 a.m. Conference Welcome, Doug Bayne, Banner Bank, 2008 Summit Chair
8:15 a.m. Keynote – Setting the Stage
Political climate - National
Dr. Larry Sabato
LARRY SABATO: Dubbed "The Dr. Phil of American Politics” by Washingtonian Magazine and "America's favorite political scientist" by Fox News Channel, Larry Sabato brings 30 years of experience to his numerous appearances on national television stations and newspapers, as well as speaking engagements around the country. As founder and director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics, Dr. Sabato bridges the gap between the ivory tower and the real world on issues of critical importance to American democracy and the challenges facing our political process.
Larry Sabato stays on the cutting edge of politics with his up-to-date, Crystal Ball, election analysis Web site, which takes a look at election contests across the country. He has authored numerous books, his most recent being A More Perfect Constitution – 23 Proposals to Revitalize our Constitution and Make America a Fairer Country released in October, 2007. Dr. Sabato has logged numerous television appearances, including multiple appearances on the following national TV shows/networks such as: CBS "60 Minutes", NBC "Today Show", CNN "Inside Politics, FOX NEWS "Beltway Boys", CNBC "Hardball with Chris Matthews", ABC "World News Tonight with Peter Jennings", NBC "Nightly News with Tom Brokaw", CBS "Evening News with Dan Rather", FOX NEWS "Special Report with Brit Hume", CNN "Headline News" 2000 Election/Recount Analyst, ABC "Nightline with Ted Koppel", John McLaughlin's "One on One", and FOX NEWS "O'Reilly Factor" and FOX NEWS "Fox and Friends."
9:30 a.m. Break
9:45 a.m. Political Climate – Local
Moderator: Denny Heck
Panelists: Stu Elway, Elway Research
David Postman, The Seattle Times
Deirdre Gregg, Puget Sound Business Journal
10:45 a.m. Break
11 a.m. Lands Commissioner Debate
Moderator: CR Douglas, Host/Producer, Seattle Channel
Panelist: Richard Davis
Noon Lunch
AWB Awards Presentation
1:15 p.m. Break
1:30 p.m. Attorney General Debate
Moderator: CR Douglas, Host/Producer, Seattle Channel
Panelist: Deirdre Gregg, Puget Sound Business Journal
2:30 p.m. Superintendent of Public Instruction Debate
Moderator: CR Douglas, Host/Producer, Seattle Channel
Panelist: Richard Davis
3:30 p.m. Break
6 p.m. Reception
6:30 p.m. Dinner
7:30 p.m. Gubernatorial Debate: Candidates for Governor
Moderator: David Postman, Seattle Times
Friday, September 26
7:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 a.m. AWB Annual Meeting
11:00 a.m. Adjourn
Become an Event Sponsor!
Becoming an event sponsor is a great way for you company to receive recognition as a supporter of meaningful policy dialogue. And, as a sponsor, you receive recognition before, during and after the event in marketing materials, signage and AWB’s magazine, Washington Business. Display opportunities are also available.
Make your room reservations today!We highly recommend that you make your room reservations as soon as possible. Rooms for this event sell out every year. A guest room block will be held until August 24, 2008. When making your room reservation, please identify yourself with the Association of Washington Business (AWB). Reservations can be made on-line at
www.semiahmoo.com. To receive the
established group rate and be included in our group block, you must include our Group ID 26B971 when making your reservation. To make your reservations by phone, please call Semiahmoo Resort at: 1-800-770-7992
