The University of North Carolina system President Erskine Bowles and Senator Richard Burr (R-N.C.) are jointly hosting an economic summit on Monday, October 19, 2009, at North Carolina Central University. The panelists will examine the role of North Carolina’s educational system in economic and workforce development.

Speakers will include Senator Richard Burr, President Bowles, Scott Ralls, president of the North Carolina Community College System, and Dr. Jim Goodnight, founder and CEO of SAS.

At last count, 150 local officials and business representatives registered to attend and learn about what North Carolina community colleges and universities can offer industry. For example, higher education institutions may provide assistance to business as it attempts to lower costs, train workers, and conduct research and development projects.

The summit is scheduled to take place in the H.M. Michaux, Jr. School of Education building auditorium on the corner of Alston and Cecil Streets beginning at 9:30 a.m.

On site registration will begin at 9 a.m. For further information, please contact Katie Jordan at <events@burr.senate.gov> or at (202) 224-3154.