For Immediate Release
March 8, 2000

Contact: Denise Wible
Communications Director
Ohio Chamber of Commerce
614/228-4201

Ohio Chamber Challenges Business Leaders To Unleash Political Power
March 29 conference offers strategies for producing results

COLUMBUS, OH -- For many people, a trip to the Statehouse or a meeting with state agency officials can be a daunting voyage into the unknown. The Ohio Chamber of Commerce will use its upcoming conference to demystify government decision-making and encourage business professionals to get engaged in future debates that influence Ohio's economic climate.

The Chamber's 2000 Annual Meeting & Legislative Conference will give participants a chance to tap the knowledge of many top business and government leaders and learn how to be most effective. The one-day conference is scheduled for Wed., March 29 at the Hyatt Regency Columbus.

"Jumping into a policy debate can be intimidating if you've only seen the process from a distance," said Ohio Chamber Vice President of Governmental Affairs Linda Woggon. "But it's critical for business leaders to get engaged in the state and local policy debates that affect them. Our goal is to help our members learn how easy it is to get involved and have an impact."

Herman Cain -- hailed by The Wall Street Journal and Business Week as one of today's most influential business leaders -- will deliver the conference's keynote luncheon address at 12:00 noon. Cain has built an impressive reputation for beating the odds in his roles as president and CEO of Digital Restaurant Solutions, chairman of Godfathers Pizza, and former CEO and president of the National Restaurant Association. He'll explain how business people can seize opportunities to make government more responsive to their needs.

Top political leaders from the Ohio General Assembly will participate in the conference's morning session. This forum will give participants the opportunity to question Republican and Democrat leaders about issues ranging from taxes to education.

The afternoon features workshops on four critical public policy forums. These break-outs session topics include influencing judicial politics; overcoming bureaucratic obstacles within state agencies; fostering successful legislative initiatives; and reshaping workforce development programs at the state and local level. The conference concludes with a private legislative reception at the Statehouse.

Complete conference details and registration are available on the Ohio Chamber Web site -- www.ohiochamber.com. For information contact the Ohio Chamber at (800) 622-1893 or occ@ohiochamber.com. Deadline for registration is Fri., March 24, 2000.