Today, ClearWay Minnesota kicks off its annual tobacco control Symposium with a keynote address from Star Tribune Editorial Editor Susan Albright. This year's theme is Connecting Through Communications. The event is being held on Sept. 14-15 at the St. Paul RiverCentre and will also feature Andy Goodman, author of Why Bad Ads Happen to Good Causes, as well as a video welcome from St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman.

"In the eight years since ClearWay Minnesota was created, we have remained a unique resource for the people of Minnesota -- a dedicated, independent organization that helps reduce the harm caused by tobacco and create a healthier Minnesota," said David Willoughby, ClearWay Minnesota Chief Executive Officer. "We are pleased to be holding our annual Symposium in smoke-free St. Paul."

More than 250 tobacco control advocates, health care practitioners, community members, researchers and policymakers from across Minnesota are participating. In an evening keynote address, Susan Albright, editor of the Minneapolis Star Tribune's editorial pages, will highlight the importance of communication strategies in impacting attitudes. On Friday, nationally recognized communications consultant, Andy Goodman, will deliver a keynote address focused on how to effectively deliver a message in our information-overloaded society.

Other presentations will focus on ClearWay Minnesota's successful communications campaigns to promote QUITPLAN(R) Services and educate Minnesotans about the dangers of secondhand smoke.

"Although we are making good progress, tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke continues to inflict heavy human and economic tolls in Minnesota," said Willoughby. "This Symposium will not only provide additional training for Minnesota's dedicated public health professionals, but will generate enthusiasm and momentum for such common goals as passing a comprehensive statewide smoke-free law."

ClearWay Minnesota(SM) is an independent, nonprofit organization that improves the health of Minnesotans by reducing the harm caused by tobacco. ClearWay Minnesota serves Minnesota through its grant-making program, QUITPLAN(R) Services and statewide outreach activities. It is funded with 3 percent of the state's 1998 tobacco settlement.