It's time to register for Summit 2009.  The Summit will be held on October 11-13, 2009 in San Antonio, Texas and the agenda is full of interesting presentations and networking opportunities. Register early and take advantage of the Early Bird registration rate of $550. In addition, remember to reserve your hotel room soon because the hotel rooms are going fast. Prior to September 10, you may take advantage of the Early Bird registration rate and reduced price hotel rates. We trust you will find the early bird registration and the reduced price hotel rooms advantageous.  
         
In addition, it's time for you to volunteer and/or nominate others to serve on the UEDA Board of Directors. At the Annual Meeting on October 13, 2009, you will be voting to elect three Board members and a vice president. You may read about the nominations and access the nomination forms on UEDA's web site. You may send your nominations to Past President Genna Hurd on or before August 31, 2009.

Cary Clark
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Bloch School's Innovation Center
816-235-6457
www.umkc.edu

Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University 

The Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA) at Western Illinois University builds the capacity of community leaders and policymakers by providing technical support, applied research, policy evaluation, and training across the state. IIRA is a clearinghouse for information on rural issues, coordinates rural research, and works with state agencies on issues of importance to rural communities. 
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We would like to extend special thanks to the organizations that are sponsoring Summit 2009. Sponsors add a great deal of interest and information to events. Our current Summit 2009 sponsors include:

 

          

There are many sponsorship opportunities to support Summit 2009. For example, Bronze Sponsors receive a free ticket to the Summit, are able to set up exhibits, advertise during the Summit and take advantage of other valuable benefits. Take a few minutes to read about the sponsorship options.   

UEDA members and affiliates,
Starting soon, you will receive weekly e-mail messages about Summit 2009. Please forward the information to your colleagues and associates who may be interested in joining UEDA and attending the Summit. Thank you very much.

The President's goal of having his healthcare overhaul bill passed by Congress by the beginning of the summer recess won't happen.  In fact, markup of the bill by the House Energy and Commerce Committee has not been completed yet because of lack of support by the House Blue Dog Democrats.  Representative Waxman, (D-CA) Chair of the Committee, hopes to finish markup this week but first an agreement must be worked out with the Blue Dogs.  According to involved parties in both the House and Senate, they do not have the votes to pass the bill.
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