Story Category: Live Updates »

Every year, county elected officials, senators, delegates, and other representatives of Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City gather in Ocean City, Md. for the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Summer Conference. The goal of the MACo Summer Conference is to provide county decision-makers and other participants with a clearer perspective on the challenges facing counties and, most importantly, to provide strategies for addressing these challenges.  The ultimate result of attendance is more effective and efficient county government.

Charles County Board of Commissioners President Candice Quinn Kelly, Commissioner Vice President Reuben B. Collins, II, Commissioner Ken Robinson, and Commissioner Debra Davis will be in attendance.  In addition to these elected officials, several Charles County Government staff members will be attending relevant conference sessions.

The 2012 MACo Summer Conference will be held on August 15 - 18 at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City. The theme of the 2012 conference is "Breaking Through, Working Together for Maryland's Counties," focusing on the importance of collaboration in increasing governmental efficiency and developing partnerships. There will be 27 educational sessions, exhibit booths, several Association meetings, government briefings, and meal events.

Neal Peterson will present a motivational presentation.  His "No Boundaries - Only Solutions" presentation will encourage local officials to use every resource available to break through the barriers facing government and work together for the good of Maryland's counties. Other highlights include sessions such as: "Maryland's Watershed Implementation Plan-Lots to do in Phase Two;" "State, County, and Municipal Teamwork;" "Private Partnerships-Opportunities and Obstacles;" and "Counties and Schools-Best Practices that Make the Grade."

New to the 2012 Summer Conference is the MACo President's Healthy Counties Best Practices Award. This award, instituted by MACo Board President and Prince George's County Council Member Ingrid M. Turner, celebrates the programs across the state that contribute to the health-either physical or fiscal-of Maryland's counties. The award will be granted at the Welcoming Session on Thursday, August 16. 

The Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) is a non-profit and non-partisan organization that serves Maryland county governments by articulating the needs and ideas of local governments to the Maryland General Assembly. The Association's membership is composed of county elected officials and representatives from Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City. MACo's members determine Association policy and positions on executive and legislative proposals through an elected Board of Directors and Legislative Committee. More information and MACO Summer Conference program updates are available at www.mdcounties.org.