ICCI Announces Speaker for 2008 Convention
By ICCI

As political campaigns heat up in Iowa this election season, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (Iowa CCI) will welcome John Nichols, Washington correspondent for The Nation magazine, as the keynote speaker for its Annual Convention on Friday, July 18 at 8:00 PM at the Hotel Fort Des Moines, 1000 Walnut Street in Des Moines, as he talks about the importance of Iowans being a powerful bloc of voters who can make a difference during the elections. Tickets for the event can be purchased for $15.00 in advance or for $20.00 at the door. To purchase tickets, call Iowa CCI at 515-282-0484 or visit www.iowacci.org .

"Nichols is a very fitting speaker for this year's convention," said Hugh Espey, Executive Director of Iowa CCI. "As we gear up for the elections, he will encourage us as everyday Iowans and voters to shape the debate."

In addition to his work at The Nation, Nichols is a pioneering political blogger, a contributing writer for The Progressive and In These Times, the associate editor of the Capitol Times, and his columns have appeared in the New York Times, Chicago Tribune and dozens of other newspapers. He has also authored several books and is the co-founder of Free Press, a national media reform network. Nichols will also offer a book signing following his speech for all attendees, including Tragedy and Farce.

"John Nichols is an important figure in American political, social and economic commentary," said Susie Petra, an Iowa CCI member from Ames.

"His connection between politics and economics is an eye opener and is great for us to hear. We are honored to have him come to our convention and are looking forward to the opportunity to hear him speak."

The CCI Convention will be held July18 & 19 at the Hotel Fort Des Moines. The registration fee of $120.00 includes family admission for the full convention, lodging at the Hotel Fort Des Moines, three meals made with family farm and local foods, as well as tickets to the keynote address. Workshops will cover the election season, local vs. industrial foods, the foreclosure crisis, factory farms and the environment, ethanol and biofuels, immigration reform and much more.