NGA News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 19, 2009

Contact: Jodi Omear, 202-624-5346

GOVERNORS TO HOLD BIENNIAL SEMINAR IN COLORADO

NGA Seminar Helps Governors-Elect Transition from Candidate to Chief

Executive

WASHINGTON—In 2010, the nation will hold 39 gubernatorial elections. In at least

22 of those races, there will be a definite change in leadership. To assist new
governors in their transition from campaigning to governing, the National
Governors Association (NGA) holds a Seminar for New Governors (SNG) every two
years.

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter will host next year’s meeting at the Broadmoor in
Colorado Springs. SNG is an executive-style retreat that helps governors-elect
prepare for life as their state’s chief executive. The seminar will run from
Friday, Nov. 19 through Sunday, Nov. 21.

This biennial, bipartisan seminar features a series of workshops and business

sessions in which a collegial faculty of veteran governors advise governors-elect
and their transition teams on a host of issues, including: managing the executive
budget; shaping a vision for the administration; strategic scheduling and
communications and emergency preparedness. At the same time, current governors’
spouses lead sessions with the husbands and wives of governors-elect.

“It is an honor for Colorado to host the newly elected governors. SNG enables us
to take off our partisan hats and get down to the business of governing,” said
Gov. Ritter. “This is an opportunity for veteran governors to share our
experiences and offer a small glimpse of what the governors-elect can expect when
they take office. This seminar was invaluable to me, and I can’t wait to welcome
my new colleagues to Colorado Springs.”
“The Seminar for New Governors transcends party affiliation and geographic
boundaries. These sessions are a unique opportunity for current governors to get
to know their new colleagues on both sides of the aisle and offer advice in a
relaxed setting,” said West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, who will be NGA chair
during SNG. “I have both attended and hosted this seminar, and it is extremely
beneficial. NGA allows governors to work together to best serve our states, and
I’m excited to share my thoughts and experiences with new colleagues.”

NGA is a bipartisan organization for governors of the 50 states, three territories

and two commonwealths. During the meeting, new governors attend sessions led by a
bipartisan team of veteran governors and are assigned a mentor who is available
for consultation throughout the year.

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______________________________

Jodi Omear

Director, Office of Communications

National Governors Association

444 North Capitol Street, Suite 267

Washington, D.C. 20001-1512

(202) 624-5346

jomear@nga.org