ATLANTA – April 1, 2004 – The Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC), the oldest and largest regional economic development association in North America, announced today the recipients of its eighth annual Honor Roll of Legislative Achievement in Economic Development.

The Honorable Howard Coble was one of only 121 Southern legislators who made SEDC's 2004 Honor Roll of Legislative Achievement in Economic Development and is invited to attend a reception hosted by the SEDC Board of Directors. The reception will be held Wednesday, May 5, 2004 in Washington, D.C. in the U.S. Capital from 5-7:00 PM.

“SEDC is proud to have this opportunity to recognize and award members of Congress who have consistently supported legislation that ensures the economic prosperity of the our 17-state region,” said SEDC Chairman, Pete Fullerton of Missouri. “These legislators have made economic development issues in the American South a priority. Through their continued support of such issues we know our region and the U.S. attractive for new investment,” he said.

“Through this event SEDC members will be able to personally recognize the diligent and consistent efforts of legislators who have supported the economic vitality and growth within the American South,” said Gene Stinson, SEDC president. The SEDC region includes the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland/DC, Mississipii, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

SEDC has more than 1,000 members representing a variety of backgrounds. From local, regional and state economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, business and industry, utilities, transportation, finance and education – members share a common interest: the promotion and enhancement of the economic development profession. To find out more about SEDC please visit our Web site at www.sedc.org.

Paid for by Coble for Congress