Conference Draws More than 700 New Mexico County Members to Bernalillo County
Albuquerque, New Mexico – Over 700 county officials and employees will attend the 79th Annual Conference of the New Mexico Association of Counties (NMAC), scheduled June 16-18 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Annual Conference provides a venue for member counties to develop strategies for the advancement of county government and to prepare for the 2016 Legislative Session. Throughout the conference, NMAC affiliate groups will meet to discuss governance issues from a county perspective including forest service and public lands, safety net care pool fund, detention, tax schedule corrections, IPRA, and document retention. Steve Kopelman, NMAC Executive Director, said "The Annual Conference is a venue for counties to identify and develop strategic responses to today's issues and challenges."
WHO: New Mexico of Association of Counties
WHAT: 79th Annual Conference
WHERE: Albuquerque Convention Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
WHEN: June 16-18, 2014
On Monday, June 15, and Tuesday, June 16, prior to the official start of the conference, NM EDGE County College will offer professional development training for county elected officials and staff at the New Mexico State University Albuquerque Center. The NM EDGE Program is a collaborative partnership between NMAC and New Mexico State University. Tuesday evening, Bernalillo County will host an evening reception and game night at Isotopes Park, as the Albuquerque Isotopes take on the El Paso Chihuahuas.
Wednesday, June 17, begins with a Public Works' Affiliate heavy equipment ROADEO at Isleta Amphitheater at Mesa Del Sol, showcasing operator skills through a series of demonstrations and competitive events. For the first time at NMACs' Annual Conference, NMAC will host four concurrent workshops on Wednesday morning. These educational workshops are designed to cover topics relevant to multiple affiliate groups – GRT, jails, preemption, and economic development. The Opening General Session will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon with a welcome from Bernalillo County Commission Chair Maggie Hart Stebbins and City of Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry. Renowned corporate comedian, Tom Ryan, will provide a light hearted keynote address not to be missed. After an afternoon of affiliate work sessions, attendees will be treated to a special reception event showcasing filmmaking in New Mexico with entertainment provided by Severo y Groupo.
Thursday, June 18, will include morning and afternoon work sessions for the affiliates. The General Session Luncheon features presentations from New Mexico Municipal League President Elect Linda Calhoun .The guest speaker will be National Association of Counties (NACo) President and Maui County Council Member Riki Hokama. During the luncheon, the Legislative Awards presentation and NM EDGE County College Graduation will highlight the accomplishments of county participants. Lea County will also receive an Achievement Award from NACo for their recent consolidation of communications for all first responders. Lea County is the first county in the state of New Mexico to receive a NACo Achievement Award. The Closing Awards Dinner & Dance will be held on Thursday evening and includes the installation of new officers and recognition of retiring leadership with entertainment provided by Perfect StrangR. A special presentation will be made to Chaves County, Taos County, McKinley County, Sierra County, Otero County, and Santa Fe County for their successful participation in the Risk Awareness Prevention program.
Founded in 1936 and incorporated in 1968, NMAC is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization governed by New Mexico county elected officials and employees. Contact the Jennie Harvey at (505) 660-1270 for more information. Please visit the NMAC website at www.nmcounties.org.