The largest statewide conference on economic and workforce development will take place Sept. 3-4, with more than 500 key leaders gathering at the Lynnwood Convention Center in Lynnwood.

Participants in Gov. Chris Gregoire’s 2008 Economic and Workforce Development Conference, titled “The Next Washington: Growing Jobs and Income in a Global Economy,” will discuss the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the state and how to drive economic development locally. The conference will feature a keynote address by Gov. Gregoire, including an update on The Next Washington, her economic development plan for the state.

Top experts will also discuss the state’s growing green economy, the ways in which Innovation Partnership Zones are driving economic growth, and how industry clusters are reshaping regional economies.

Registration for the event is available online at http://www.governor.wa.gov/priorities/economy/conference/ . Early registration is $150. After Aug. 8, the cost is $200.