The 2007 NADO Washington Policy Conference, slated for March 12-14 at the Marriott Crystal Gateway Hotel, is an essential part of the association's federal advocacy program. The 2007 event will feature expert panels on federal budget and policy issues, plus participants will receive talking points, policy briefs and other materials needed to communicate effectively with federal lawmakers and policymakers.

The conference will be headlined by the Honorable Mary Peters, US Secretary of Transportation. Secretary Peters will provide insights into the administration's priorities for federal aviation, highway and transit programs in the new Congress.

The conference will also feature a presentation from Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Charles F. Conner. Deputy Secretary Conner will provide an analysis of the administration’s recently released 2007 Farm Bill proposal and its impact on Rural Development programs.

Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-NC), Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Special Crops, Rural Development and Foreign Agriculture, will receive the 2007 NADO Legislator of the Year Award, for his leadership on federal community and economic development issues. Chairman McIntyre has been a leading champion for annual funding for the Economic Development Administration (EDA) as well as the author of the SouthEast Crescent Authority (SECA) proposal.

Jeff Birnbaum, author of the "K Street Confidential" column in the Washington Post and regular contributor on Fox News, CNN, NPR and other television and radio programs, will provide an "insiders" view of the 2007 political landscape, including changes in federal lobbying rules, tax and spend priorities and other domestic issues.

Stanley Collender of Qorvis Communications, one of the leading experts on federal budget procedures and monetary policies, will share his insights on “Mastering the 'Real World' of Federal Budget and Appropriations Process.” Collender is well-known for his entertaining, yet highly informative, program that has helped countless corporate, governmental and academic leaders across the nation and globe.

In partnership with the Development District Association of Appalachia, participants of the NADO conference will enjoy a special evening with the Capitol Steps, the troupe of former congressional staffers turned songwriters. The conference also offers plenty of opportunities to network with old friends, make new contacts and engage in peer exchanges.

This year’s conference will also offer sessions on transportation issues, the Farm Bill and rural development as well as economic and community development programs such as EDA, CDBG and USDA Rural Development.

Register today to take advantage of this opportunity to tackle issues directly impacting your region.