4/20/04

LEGALIZED GAMBLING TOPIC OF AU OUTREACH CONFERENCE

AUBURN -- Auburn University's Center for Governmental Services will host a conference on April 28 in Montgomery to explore legalized gambling's potential effect on local governments in Alabama.

The AU Outreach unit's second annual Governmental Excellence and Best Practices Conference at the Embassy Suites Hotel will explore the topic "Perspectives on Gaming in Alabama."

"We are facilitating an objective and comprehensive dialogue on gaming in the state of Alabama," said Don-Terry Veal, conference chair and associate director in AU's Center for Governmental Services.

"This conference is not in support of one side or the other with respect to Alabama's decision on gaming," said Veal. "However we recognize that the issue of gaming has been a recurring topic whenever fiscal improvements are on the table."

Among the speakers scheduled are Kay Ivey, state treasurer; Brian Dabson, president, Corporation for Enterprise Development, Washington, D.C.; and Oscar Webb, executive director of the Las Vegas-based National Gaming Organization.

"The general objective of our conference has always been to have a fiscal impact on the state of Alabama," said Veal. "We're honored to have Kay Ivey because she has a broad perspective on Alabama's fiscal outlook, and she can give us a snapshot of the state and its finances at this time."

Dabson's agency grades states nationwide on their business and financial outlook, said Veal, adding, "He will give us a perspective on financial opportunities that Alabama can take advantage of and provide an agenda for us to follow."

Oscar Webb is also a business consultant and liaison to federal, state and municipal agencies and the founder of the organization Blacks in Gaming.

"He will provide insight into issues related to business creation around the gaming industry that will have a greater impact on economic development," said Veal. "Webb will also talk about diversity concerns that influenced gaming decisions nationwide."

The conference brings together state, county and municipal officials, political appointees with managerial responsibilities, academics, administrators and other experts to discuss and collaborate on the best governmental practices and on the impact of gaming.

Conference topics include: an objective and comprehensive dialogue on gaming; pros and cons of gaming as experienced by different areas of the country; and solutions for dealing with the fiscal crisis in Alabama.

Other speakers attending the conference include: Montgomery Mayor Bobby Bright; M. Keivan Deravi, professor of economics at AU at Montgomery; John Hill, director of research, Alabama Policy Institute; Larry Gregory, executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission; Shelley Nickel, executive director, Georgia Student Finance Commission.

Riverside, Mo., Mayor Betty Burch; Robert McGhee, president of Enterprise Development, Poarch Creek Indians; Jerome Lomba, New Orleans chief economist; Arthur Mothershed, chief financial officer for gaming, Poarch Creek Indians; John Giles, president, Christian Coalition of Alabama; Rep. Johnny Ford, R-Tuskegee; Sen. Ted Little, D-Auburn; and David Wilson, associate provost and vice president for AU Outreach.

The registration fee of $45 includes lunch and all conference materials. Potential participants may register online through the conference web site or by calling 334/844-5100. Registrations must be received by Friday, April 23.

The Embassy Suites in Montgomery is located at 300 Tallapoosa Street.

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apr04:AU-gambling