Promoting New England's Marine Economy
April 2, 2007
Roger Williams University School of Law
Bristol, Rhode Island

Opening Introductions and Remarks
8:30 a.m. -- 8:40 a.m.

Surveying the Economic Importance of New England's Marine Economy

8:30 a.m. -- 8:35 a.m.
Roy Nirschel
New England's marine economy highlights the need for collaboration

President, Roger Williams University

8:35 a.m. -- 8:40 a.m.
James Brett
The Old New England paves way for the new New England

President and CEO, New England Council

First Speaker

8:40 a.m. -- 9:15 a.m.
Leon E. Panetta
The national scene and national priorities

Founder, Panetta Institute for Public Policy
Former White House Chief of Staff
Former Director of Office of Management and Budget

Second Speaker

9:20 a.m. -- 9:45 a.m.
James R. Luyten
How New England fits in with national priorities

President, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Short Break, 9:45 a.m. -- 9:55 a.m.

Introduction To Panel Discussions

10:00 a.m. -- 10:15 a.m.
Megan Higgins
Research Counsel, Marine Affairs Institute at Roger Williams University School of Law

Marine Economy Challenges and Opportunities Two one-hour panels, with a 15-minute intermission

Speakers will touch upon:

1. Current state of an aspect of the Marine Economy
2. Challenges for Marine Economy, short term and longer term
3. Opportunities for Marine Economy in the near future

Panel I

10:15 a.m. -- 11:15 a.m.
Marine Economy of Today Evolving for Tomorrow

Moderator: Megan Higgins
Research Counsel, Marine Affairs Institute at Roger Williams University School of Law

• Lowell Richards: Director of Port Planning and Development, Massachusetts Port Authority
  
  
• Charles Colgan: Professor of Public Policy and Management, University of Southern Maine; Chairman, Maine Economic Forecasting Commission
  
  
• Jody King: Vice President, Rhode Island Shellfisherman's Association; Member, Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council; Chair, Lobster and Shellfish Advisory Panels
  
  
• Timothy Keeney: Deputy Assistant Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
  
  

Short Break, 11:15 a.m. -- 11:30 a.m.

Panel II

11:30 a.m. -- 12:30 p.m.
Next-Generation Marine Industries: Science and Technology

Moderator: Michael Goodman
Director Economic and Public Policy Research, University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute

• Hauke Kite-Powell: Research Specialist, Marine Policy Center at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
  
  
• Paul Vigeant: Assistant Chancellor for Economic Development, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 
  
  
• John Riendeau: Defense Industry Manager, Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation
  
  
• Timothy Scott: Forrest C. Lattner Professor of Environmental Science, Roger Williams University; Director, Center for Economic and Environmental Development at Roger Williams University

Luncheon, 12:45 p.m. -- 2:00 p.m.

Transportation will be provided from School of Law to Hawk's Hangout across campus.

Opening Remarks: Senator Sheldon Whitehouse 
Introduced by Roger Williams President Roy Nirschel

Luncheon Keynote: Senator Jack Reed
Introduced by Roger Williams President Roy Nirschel

Closing Remarks, 1:45 p.m. -- 2:00 p.m.

Acton Plan for the Region
James Brett on next steps
Roy Nirschel on post-lunch exhibit and tour

Reception, Exhibit, Tour 

2:15 p.m. -- 3:00 p.m.
Roger Williams University representatives will lead tours of the University's Marine and Natural Sciences Building and Center for Economic and Environmental Development. Participants can view posters, displays and exhibits on the latest developments affecting the marine environment. Refreshments will be available.