Sen. Hobson Named to Leadership Post On Regional Think Tank Board

Senator Cal Hobson has been picked to help lead a prestigious think tank that researches policy issues affecting the country, particularly the southern United States.

Hobson was named vice-chairman of the Southern Growth Policies Board at the organization's annual meeting in Hot Springs, Arkansas in June. The SGPB is a bipartisan organization of state legislative leaders, governors, business officials and academic leaders that focuses on issues ranging from economic development to education.

"It's a great honor to be selected for this leadership position, but more importantly, it provides an opportunity for Oklahoma. I hope to use the position to promote the issues that are important to our state, in addition to using it as a forum to help attract new jobs and industry to our area," said Senator Hobson.

The SGPB is composed of public and private sector officials from 13 southern states and Puerto Rico. The organization is committed to improving the economic climate and quality of life in the southern U.S. by providing a discussion forum for the region's leaders.

In his capacity as SGPB vice-chairman, Senator Hobson will work closely with leaders from all the member states, including the governors of South Carolina and Mississippi who serve as chairman and chairman-elect of the organization. The state lawmaker said he is looking forward to meeting with the region's movers and shakers, and discussing the many attributes of Oklahoma.

"When I meet with CEO's and other decision makers from the region, I'll be talking up Oklahoma, specifically our area. I've found that the more people learn about our state, the more they like it, whether it's our friendly business climate or high quality of life. This new post should bring some benefits to Oklahoma," said Senator Hobson.

This isn't the first leadership position that Hobson has been elected to this year. This spring, his legislative colleagues elected him to lead the Oklahoma State Senate as its President Pro Tempore. He will take over that leadership post in 2002. In addition to setting the agenda for the state's upper legislative chamber, the Senate President Pro Tempore serves as acting governor when the governor and lieutenant governor are out of state.