FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – May 10, 2007

National Ground Water Association Expo to Remain in New Orleans As Issue Over Dates Resolved

The 2009 NGWA Ground Water Expo and Annual Meeting will be held December 9-14, 2009, as opposed to the original dates of Dec. 12-18, which would have put the last day of the NGWA event one week before Christmas.

In jointly announcing the earlier dates with the convention and visitors bureau, NGWA Executive Director Kevin McCray said:

“In recent months, many members of the National Ground Water Association from across the country have expressed concern about the original dates of our 2009 annual meeting in New Orleans. Thanks to the cooperative efforts of the New Orleans hospitality and trade exposition community, the ending date of our event now accommodates the busy work and personal lives of our targeted Expo audiences.

“Member concerns about the original dates could not be responsibly ignored by NGWA’s leadership, who hold fiduciary accountability to the NGWA membership above all other concerns.”

McCray said at no time was a decision made to cancel the 2009 event in New Orleans.

“The NGWA Board appreciates and is encouraged by the successful meetings and expositions that have been held in New Orleans – including numerous expositions and membership meetings since the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. The Board continues to welcome the partnership with New Orleans to offer our registrants that most rewarding experience during their time at the 2009 Ground Water Expo,” McCray said.

“Since the resurgence of New Orleans’ convention business last summer, we have proven time and time again that the city is a viable, safe and remarkable place to bring meetings,” said Stephen Perry, president & CEO of the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau (NOMCVB). “The NOMCVB was extremely pleased to work with NGWA leadership to bring their 2009 Ground Water Expo to the city. I personally applaud the dedication NGWA showed to its members and their due diligence will be rewarded.”

For more information, contact:

Kelly Schulz, Vice President of Communications and Public Relations, New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau, 504-566-5019 or kschulz@neworleanscvb.com

Cliff Treyens, Public Awareness Director, National Ground Water Association, 614-898-7791, ext. 554; 614-316-0508 (cell) or ctreyens@ngwa.org