Conference Opportunity To Help Make
Neighborhoods Even Stronger

April 3, 2008

Neighborhood leaders, government officials and community enthusiasts from around the country will be working together as they share ideas on how to make their neighborhoods even better at the Neighborhoods, USA annual conference being held in Hampton, Virginia on May 21 to 24, 2008.

Neighborhoods, USA is a national non-profit organization committed to building and strengthening neighborhood organizations (www.nusa.org).

The conference, themed "Charting the Journey to Success," will feature a host of workshops including tips on organizing grassroots initiatives; crime prevention through code enforcement; the benefits of engaging youth in community efforts; disaster preparedness; maintaining inclusive relationships in a multi-cultural neighborhood; and focused methods in neighborhood planning, to name just a few.

A special emphasis has been made to include a balance of local, national, and regional work sessions, including presentations by neighborhood leaders from around the country.

Participants will also have an opportunity to participate in Neighborhood Pride tours both within Hampton and neighboring communities, as they learn of grass-roots plans and partnerships with city government, and neighborhood success stories.

Keynote speaker of the event is Bob O'Neill, Jr., Executive Director of the International City Managers Association. O'Neill's reinvention of the government of Hampton, as city manager between 1984 and 1997, has been widely recognized.

The NUSA Board will also honor Frank Beamer, Head Football Coach of Virginia Tech University for his leadership in fostering school and community spirit in the wake of the tragic campus massacre in April 2007. The Dawson Family Award that Coach Beamer will receive was established by NUSA in 2003 in recognition of Angela and Carnell Dawson of Baltimore, who gave their lives in the process of ridding their neighborhood of drugs. The award is presented to individuals who have shown a commitment of standing for what is right for their neighborhoods and community.

The conference will be held at the city's new Hampton Roads Convention Center, which is conveniently located next door to the conference hotel, Embassy Suites, and easily accessible from the Clarion, the Marriott Courtyard and Hampton Holiday Inn. The early bird registration rate of $195 for the conference extends through April 30. After that date, the registration cost will be $295.

For more information on the Neighborhoods, USA Chart Your Journey To Success Conference, and to register on line, go to www.hampton.gov/neighborhoods or call 757-727-6460.