WASHINGTON, December 20, 2007—Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour has been elected by his fellow Appalachian governors to serve as the 2008 states’ co-chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). He succeeds West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin III in this position.

“It is a great honor to have been selected by my peers to serve as ARC states’ co-chair,” said Barbour. “My selection to lead this group is a testament to Mississippi’s growing reputation as a business-friendly state, where low taxes, lawsuit reform, and improved workforce-training programs have created an environment favorable to economic development. On the regional level, we must also work toward developing policies that encourage multi-state economic development projects while focusing on our goal of updating and improving Appalachia’s infrastructure and highway system.”

In fulfilling his role as the 2008 ARC states’ co-chair, Barbour said, he would draw upon his leadership experience as the 2007 chairman of the Southern Governors’ Association, a regional organization of southern states that includes 10 of the 13 ARC member states.

“I congratulate Governor Barbour on being voted ARC states' co-chair by the Appalachian governors,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Anne B. Pope. “He brings a wealth of government experience to the table in addition to a proven commitment to improving the lives of the people of Appalachia. We are fortunate to have Governor Barbour in this important position, and I look forward to working with him on programs that will advance economic opportunities to create jobs and promote growth.”