JULY 23, 2008

Informative public policy discussions and plenty of Michigan hospitality await guests at the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) 2008 summer conference in Grand Rapids, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land said today.

The conference runs Thursday, July 24 through Monday, July 28 at the Amway Grand Plaza. It brings an estimated 300 visitors to West Michigan. Guests include secretaries of state from across the country, their families, staff and exhibitors. The event theme is "The Grand Adventure" which highlights opportunities for visitors to discover the diverse attractions of Grand Rapids and the surrounding area.

"We're delighted to welcome our distinguished guests to Michigan," Land said. "Secretaries of state are national leaders on critical issues such as election reform and customer service innovation. This conference promotes helpful dialogue as we work together for a more efficient and effective government. Thanks to the support of local sponsors, the enthusiasm of our guests and an ideal West Michigan setting, this event promises to be educational as well as memorable."

In 2007 Land worked with her NASS colleagues to secure Michigan as the host state for this year's summer conference.

"We are proud to be hosting the NASS 2008 summer conference," said George Helmstead, executive vice president of sales with the Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention & Visitors Bureau. "We realize that our success in bringing an increasing number of regional, national and international groups to Grand Rapids is due to the support of dedicated local and state members. We appreciate the full support of Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land. We look forward to welcoming the members of NASS. We're sure they'll enjoy our family friendly city and all it has to offer."

Following Thursday's registration the conference kicks into full gear. The next four days feature individual presenters and panel discussions tackling issues such as election reform, voter outreach and innovative ways to enhance state Web sites. NASS officers for 2008-2009 also will be elected.

The conference is structured so attendees also have time to unwind and enjoy all that West Michigan has to offer. Family oriented activities such as tours of local museums, a West Michigan Whitecaps baseball game, a visit to Frederik Meijer Gardens and an evening cookout on the shores of Lake Michigan are scheduled.

Land serves on the 11-member NASS executive board. As Midwestern region vice president, she helps to guide the association as it addresses issues involving election administration, business services, electronic government and state-federal relations.

NASS was founded in 1904 and is the oldest nonpartisan professional association for state government officials in the United States. Visit www.nass.org to learn more.

For more information on Michigan Department of State services go to www.Michigan.gov/sos.