The 2009 Annual Emerging Issues Forum is coming up on February 9 and 10 and this year, the focus is on growth and infrastructure.

Former North Carolina Governor, James Hunt and directors of the non-profit Institute for Emerging Issues will host a series of workshops at the new Raleigh Convention Center next month to discuss the issues that will hopefully answer the question of whether or not North Carolina is a good growth state.

Speakers include, former mayor of the city of London, Ken Livingston, to talk about building a resilient state; Governor Bev Perdue to talk about her vision in jobs; and education and area business executives, civil engineers, and lawmakers.

Governor Hunt says this is an open opportunity to get the public close to the policy movers and shakers and brainstorm together for a better North Carolina 20 years from now.

"People need to have input on what they want," Hunt said.

 For more information, click here.