Jobs, Jobs, Jobs: Hamrick To Ask Questions of Labor Secretary Solis at Press Club Event Aug. 30

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is provided as background information for reporters and editors planning to cover the Tuesday Aug. 30 Speaker News Conference with U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis at the National Press Club. This event has gained added significance as the White House announced yesterday that the President will reveal a new jobs plan just after Labor Day.

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The questions at the news conference with Secretary Solis will be asked by National Press Club President Mark Hamrick. Mr. Hamrick has had a distinguished career of 25 years as a radio and now online video journalist for the Associated Press. Hamrick has primarily covered issue of business and economics from Washington for most of that time. And over recent years Hamrick has been the voice of the AP on the key stories related to jobs and the economy.

This event, which comes just before Labor Day, provides an opportunity to discuss the jobs issue at a crucial time with Secretary Solis, the Administration's point person on jobs. Job growth is a key element for economic recovery and, despite the Administration's efforts, the unemployment rate remains high. Virtually every poll suggests that jobs will be the key issue in Election 2012.  

The President of the Press Club is an elected position with a one year term. The President selects questions from among those written on cards by our guests in the room or submitted via email or the web. The President alone decides which questions will be asked and in what order.

The National Press Club luncheon series was developed during the 1930s with the first guest being Franklin D. Roosevelt. All NPC luncheons are broadcast in full by C-Span and streamed live on the NPC website www.press.org. Hamrick has conducted dozens of these interviews so far this year including with Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and recently with Presidential Candidate Michele Bachmann.

This program is part of the National Press Club luncheon series but there will be no meal served and the format will be question and answer rather than remarks followed by Q & A. The event is open to working press, members of the National Press Club and their guests. Those who wish to attend and are not working press must reserve a space by calling 202-662-7539. Working press need not reserve but space is limited and you are welcome to tell us if you plan to attend.  The event will be held in the Holman Lounge and will begin promptly at 1 p.m. and conclude at 2 p.m.

To arrange a brief interview with Hamrick about the luncheon series or aspects of the Aug. 30 event may contact Bill McCarren at 202-662-7534.

SOURCE National Press Club