U.S. Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (R-New Hartford), chair of the House Science Committee, has been confirmed as the keynote speaker at The Business Council's annual Issues Forum, which will take place May 14 at the Legislative Office Building in Albany.

The annual Economic Issues Forum this year will focus on how research and development in university, corporate, and government laboratories can drive New York State's economy in the 21st century.

After Congressman Boehlert speaks, a panel of experts and practitioners in R&D will discuss the these issues.

The Issues Forum will take place from 3-5 p.m. Monday, May 14, at Hearing Room C of the Legislative Office Building at the Empire State Plaza, with registration beginning at 2 p.m.

That evening, The Business Council's Annual Dinner will begin with a reception at 5:15 p.m. Governor Pataki is scheduled to give a keynote address at approximately 6:30 p.m. Howard Fineman, chief political correspondent for Newsweek, is also scheduled to speak.

The Annual Dinner is a fund-raising event for The Public Policy Institute of New York State, The Council's research affiliate. The dinner each year attracts nearly 1,000 top business and legislative leaders.

There is still time to reserve an Inner Circle table for the Dinner. To do so, or for more information, call Ellen Muir at 1-800/358-1202.