2009 Annual Symposium Navigating through Difficult Times: Action Based on Reserach
Registration: Lindsay & Jerry registered 70 attendees for the symposium - a real success - thanks to the efforts of the committee
Networking: The breaks Symposium provided opportunities for networking - our president Dave McClees with the Virginia Beach Deputy Commissioner for Revenue, Eric Schmudde
Concurrent Sessions
Internship Opportunities: We had a great session on internship opportunities in the federal government and in the municipal governments of  Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Lindsay Kennedy is explaining  the Presidential Management Fellow's Program. Other presenters were Cecelia Slade and Carlos Moulds (Virginia Beach) and Schenelle Byrd and Kayrn Bernas (Norfolk)
Public Safety Leadership: Research was presented on methods to improve police recruiting and retention and another research study was presented on police leadership development. Lt Ken Dimitry is shown presenting findings on Virginia Beach recruiting. Other presenters were Captain Dennis Santos, Lt Sean Adams Lt Joel Cox and Sgt Ben Gonse.
The Future of ASPA: Research was presented on the utility of ASPA followed by participant input. Dr. Pete Carlson is discussing the survey. The other presenter was Dr. Pam Dunning.
Navigating the Fiscal Crisis: Local leaders respond to the recommendations of the ICMA White paper on the Fiscal Crisis. Panel member Eric Schmudde (Deputy Commissioner of Revenue for Virginia Beach) speaks on taxation - shown are other panel members Dr. Betty Meyer (Chesapeake Assistant City Manager for Budget/Finance) and Dr. John Dunning (Symposium Chair). Dr. George Yacus was moderator.
Improving Opportunities for Women and Minorities: Research was presented on Race and Responsibility (Brandi Blessett), Women Overcoming Adversity (Ashley Lipton) and Salary Negotiation and Societal Biases (Kyle Lee) - all ODU graduate students. Dr. Mohamad Alkadry was moderator
Public Policy Issues: Norfolk State graduate students presented research on an Analysis of Low HIV Testing Participation (Robin Eley) and Gentrification and African Males' Academic Performance (Mignon Jones). Dr. Lula Sawyer was moderator.
Lunch Panel
Navigating through the Local Economic and Housing Crisis
Bile Doré (Virginia Beach Department Of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation) moderated a high profile panel consisting of Dr. James Koch (ODU Economist), Ronnie Legette (Director of Community Planning HUD), Barbara Wolcott (CEO Prudential Towne Realty) and Thomas Dillion (Sr. VP Fulton Bank)
Dr. James V. Koch, Professor of Economics and President Emeritus of Old Dominion University discusses trends in the economy. A copy of his slides can be downloaded here.
Barbara Wolcott, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Towne Realty discussed key issues in the Hampton Roads housing market and provides some forecasts.
Thomas Dillon, Senior Vice President of Real estate Lending, Fulton Bank discussed what must be done to get consumers back into the market to turn the recession around.
Ronnie Legette, Director of Community Planning and Development, US Department of Housing and Urban Development- Richmond Field Office discussed the challenges and opportunities created for housing programs supported by HUD.