From the Director

When I last wrote to you, we were in the midst of final preparations for the 2008 Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) Forum North Carolina's Energy Futures: Realizing a State of Opportunity. With more than 1200 of you in attendance, we have been pleased with the feedback on the caliber of speakers, the importance of the themes we explored together and the implications for our state's opportunities in the new energy economy. Please visit the Forum page for audio files of speakers' remarks, a list of the important new programs announced, event photos, and speaker responses to audience questions.

As we move forward with the work ahead, there are three opportunities for your continued partnerships with us.

Featuring Energy Matters - What Do You Think Are the Issues?

Those of you who attended the Forum used our real-time survey technology system to respond to key questions about North Carolina's energy futures. You can find an overview of the questions and results on our Forum page and a discussion of some of the most interesting results. We would love to hear from those of you who did not attend the Forum.

Moving NC Ahead - How Do We Respond?

Many of you have contacted us about being involved in our continued program of work. As we announced at the Forum, there will be much to do in the coming months. We will work with others to pursue and report progress on the 20 Action Items debated in the Forum break-out sessions. We will also work with others to offer regional, community Forums across the state in the fall. Please let us know if you want to be involved.

Getting Ready For 2009 - What Should Be Our Focus?

We have begun thinking about our next program of work and the topic for the 2009 Forum. Many people have suggested that North Carolina is experiencing agonizing growing pains. With dramatic increases in population and with an economy in transition from manufacturing to services, our physical infrastructure is not keeping pace. What do you think?

We look forward to hearing from you.

Anita