Chief Justice Robin Jean Davis speaks during Wednesday's press conference to announce the Conference of Chief Justices and Conference of State Court Administrators will have their 2014 meeting at The Greenbrier. (Photo by Chris Dickerson)
CHARLESTON – West Virginia has been selected to serve as host to the 2014 Conference of Chief Justices and Conference of State Court Administrators.
West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals Chief Justice Robin Jean Davis and Supreme Court Administrator Steve Canterbury made the announcement Wednesday in the Supreme Court chambers.
The 2014 annual meeting will take place at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs. Davis said about 150 Chief Justices and top court administrators along with their family members, as well as judicial educators, media personalities, and others are expected to attend the event at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs.
"It is rare that the West Virginia Supreme Court is in the position to help the state's economic development, but by bringing this highly sought-after conference here, we can do so," Davis said. "This is a big catch for West Virginia and The Greenbrier. It's similar, for example, to having a National Governors Association meeting here."
Davis said she hopes those who attend the conference will return home and spread the word about West Virginia.
"Of course, we would like them all to come back for their personal vacations," she said.
Greenbrier owner Jim Justice agreed.
"We are absolutely honored to host these distinguished individuals on behalf of West Virginia," he said. "This is a tremendous opportunity for all of us to showcase the very best our state has to offer from the breathtaking mountain views to our friendly, welcoming people.
"The Greenbrier, the valley around us and our entire state have a special kind of magic that cannot be made or manufactured and we look forward to sharing that magic in 2014."
Davis said the conference could generate future business for the state and for The Greenbrier.
"For example, a Chief Justice might mention to lawyers or business people in his or her state what a great time they had in West Virginia, and then that state's Bar Association or large law firm or business group might decide to have a meeting of its own, either at The Greenbrier or elsewhere in West Virginia," she said.
Canterbury said this is the first time West Virginia has hosted the event.
"We plan to make it the best one ever," he said.
Canterbury and Justice Margaret Workman pitched the idea of West Virginia hosting the event during last summer's annual meeting in Vail, Colo.
"We feel that we can make this event a showcase both for our judicial system and the state itself," Davis said. "It's just a win-win-win. It's a wonderful way to be able to showcase our court system, West Virginia and The Greenbrier."
Before West Virginia gets its turn, the conference will be held in Atlanta in 2011, St. Louis in 2012 and Puerto Rico in 2013.
"We're absolutely honored to host this event," Canterbury said.
The Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ) was founded in 1949. The Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA) was established in 1955. Their membership is made up of the highest judicial officers and top state court administrators of each state; Washington, D.C.; Puerto Rico; the Northern Mariana Islands; American Samoa; Guam; and the Virgin Islands.
The CCJ discusses ways to improve the administration of justice, rules and methods of procedure, and the organization and operation of state courts and judicial systems. COSCA's goal is to improve state court systems.