Council of State Governments to meet in Providence

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Providence will be host to the Council of State Governments' 2010 annual conference, officials announced Friday.

The four-day conference, which is expected to attract more than 800 officials from around the country, is scheduled to start Dec. 4 at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The Westin Providence hotel will be the base where most attendees will stay.

"Providence is a convenient, accessible and affordable location for a large number of members who attend our conferences," South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds, the group's current president, said in a news release. "On top of that, Rhode Island has always been a most hospitable and welcoming state to us, and we look forward to enjoying our visit to the Ocean State."

"We are pleased to host a conference in Providence that will showcase our great city to governmental leaders from throughout the country," said House Speaker William J. Murphy. "This will be an opportunity for conference participants to experience all that Providence has to offer, from our great restaurants and shops to our numerous arts and cultural activities...We are grateful to CSG for choosing Providence and for allowing Rhode Island businesses to realize economic benefits during the conference period."

The Council of State Governments serves all three branches of state government.