News release, Dec. 4, 2007A

Dec. 4, 2007. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MEDIA ADVISORY
Thurmond to hold press conference prior to opening of the Georgia Workforce Conference tomorrow in Savannah
ATLANTA State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond will hold a press conference tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m. to discuss future labor shortages expected to occur as a result of immigration reforms and demographic shifts. He will also discuss strategies that should be taken to reduce the impact on Georgia's economy.
The press conference will be in the Pulaski Board Room at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center.
The press conference will be followed by the opening of the 2007 Georgia Workforce Conference, also being held at the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center. The conference will continue through Friday, Dec. 7, at 12 noon.
The conference will focus on the importance of building and maintaining stronger relationships with Georgia's employers to create greater career opportunities for all Georgians.
Opening ceremonies begin at 1:30 p.m. and will include Roger Tutterow, Ph.D., professor of Economics at Mercer University's Eugene W. Stetson School of Business and Economics, who will make a presentation entitled, "Economic Growth and Labor Markets: A Regional Perspective." Sonny Dixon, news anchor at WTOC-TV in Savannah, will speak at 3:30 p.m.
NOTE: News media attending the Georgia Workforce Conference are asked to register at
the media sign-in booth located in the registration area near the building entrance, where they will be given press passes. Additional conference information, such as specific event schedules, will also be provided to assist in planning coverage. For the large luncheon and general sessions, a table will be reserved for news media and audio hookups will be available. A representative from the labor department's communications office will be available to provide assistance.
NEWS MEDIA NEEDING MORE INFORMATION MAY CALL (404) 232-3685
CY-07-450