As we concluded the Tennessee Valley Corridor Summit this week, I was reminded of what my friend and constitutional scholar Os Guinness told me two months ago, "the power to convene is greater than the power to legislate." For the past seven years, I have had the pleasure of participating in or hosting this annual economic summit that brings business, civic and governmental leaders together. Every year, I am amazed at the progress being made to bring in more jobs, recruit investment and improve upon the quality of life here in the Tennessee Valley. This has happened and continues to happen because these folks are committed to come together and to WORK TOGETHER!

This year's summit was entitled, "National Leadership through Regional Cooperation." This theme was based on the principle that in economic development, state and county boundaries should not separate us. We must work together as a region to succeed nationally and internationally. This regional approach will serve the greater good of the whole Tennessee Valley from northern Alabama to southern Virginia.

By holding the conference in Washington, DC, we were able to hear from top Administration officials about the most pressing issue of the moment - the development of a national energy policy - and how it will affect the industries and people's lives in the Tennessee Valley.

We opened this year's Summit on the floor of the House of Representatives chamber in the US Capitol Building with Tennessee Congressmen Jimmy Duncan, Bob Clement, Van Hilleary and myself. Afterwards, the participants attended a session entitled, "The Future of Science and Research" and heard from a distinguished panel of speakers from major research and science agencies across the country. Later that afternoon, Congressman Van Hilleary hosted a session called, "Aviation, Space and Defense" that was followed by a well attended reception in the beautifully renovated Union Station.

Perhaps the highlight of the two-day event was Wednesday's breakfast session that explored President Bush's National Energy Policy and was aired live by C-SPAN across the country. Our keynote speaker was Andrew Lundquist, the Executive Director of Vice President Cheney's Energy Policy Task Force. Following his presentation, I was given the opportunity, as the Co-Chair of the 177 Member House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus, to discuss increased funding for renewable energy sources and how the Tennessee Valley has the chance to lead the country in innovative "energy technology." Dr. Bill Madia, Director of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, also made a presentation about the advancements being made right here in the Tennessee Valley in Oak Ridge that can help our country meet the energy needs of tomorrow. Mr. Kyle McSlarrow, Chief of Staff for Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham, wrapped up this insightful breakfast by discussing the breakthrough technology that will help our country and the rest of the world increase our energy supply while reducing the growth of demand.

The conference also included sessions about "brownfield development" to reuse existing industrial sites, new commerce and communications initiatives, and transportation challenges. Excellent panelists gave informative descriptions of the challenges that face the nation, as well as exciting images of the solutions that are right around the corner.

In addition to the educational sessions that were planned, another valuable component of the Summit is the informal introductions of the participants. An important contact can be made during the morning coffee break or an evening reception. While hands shake and business cards exchange, a simple contact or conversation can open the door to collaboration and can lead to economic opportunities for both parties. I have seen it happen many times during the last seven years.

Once again, the Tennessee Valley Corridor Summit served as a rallying point for the many successful efforts in our region, giving us identity and direction as well as a purpose and a vision for the future.

I want to thank all of the participants that took time out of their busy schedules to travel to Washington this week. I will continue vigorously working with the business, civic and governmental leaders of the Tennessee Valley to leave a legacy of economic opportunity for generations to come.