Todd and the Governor

I attended Arkansas Works 2008: the Governor’s Summit on Education and Economic Development today in Little Rock. Here is a picture of me with Governor Mike Beebe and fellow Clinton student Jonathan Mwaba.

Governor Mike Beebe and leaders from all 75 Arkansas counties gathered in an unprecedented effort to build a brighter economic future for all of Arkansans. By unifying the efforts of educators, economic development commissions, and employers across the state and within each county, Governor Beebe plans to increase the pool of qualified, educated workers to entice more new businesses to see Arkansas as a desirable destination and to further build established companies that have shown faith in the Arkansas workforce.

This summit at the Statehouse Convention Center provided the opportunity for leaders from each of the 75 counties to sit down together and discuss pressing topics to work together making Arkansas a better place to live, learn and work. Co-chairs of Arkansas Works 2008 include Claiborne Deming, President and CEO, Murphy Oil Company; Dr. Les Wyatt, President, Arkansas State University System; and Senator-Elect Joyce Elliot, an education activist and school teacher.

I am very fortunate to have an incredible practicum placement in Newport, Arkansas with the Newport Economic Development Commission. Below is me with the commissioners at the conference. Thanks Jon!

An International Affair

How important are international perspectives in public service?
Very. 20% of my classmates are international students. They are from Poland, Brazil, Uganda, and Idonesia and make up a valuable perspective in class.

Faisal talked about the Indonesian market today in class. From the mid 1980's to mid 1990's Indonesia experienced economic growthby 8% each year. then in 1998 the market crashed. One day the US dollar was worth 2000 rupies, the next it was worth 20,000.

Terzira talked about the impact of privatization on her native Uganda. 'Mama Jamwa' drops lovely pearls of wisdom in a deliberate and paced African accent. She makes me miss a home I've never visited. Note to self: reconsider China and get to Africa.


Pictured: (l-r) Yuriy, Tezira, Joanna, Beatrice, Faisal