Every year, county elected officials, Senators, Delegates, and other representatives of Maryland’s twenty-three counties and Baltimore City gather in Ocean City, Maryland for the 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 obstacles.  The ultimate result of attendance is more effective and efficient county government.

The 2012 MACo Summer Conference will be held on August 15 – 18 at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. 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. Special interest meetings include a luncheon for the Women of MACo, a Rural County Forum, and an Urban County breakfast.

For the first time in the conference’s history, the Welcoming Session will be held on Thursday. The session will serve as the official start of the conference and will feature a motivational presentation by Neal Peterson.  His incredible “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.”

Also 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.

Don’t miss the MACo Summer Conference! Make sure to register prior to July 2 to receive the lowest rate!  Visit the MACo website for registration information!