CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) -- Education and workforce issues are the main topics of a two-day conference in Chattanooga beginning Monday hosted by Gov. Bill Haslam.

According to a news release from the governor's office, the gathering will focus on job and workforce trends, including the skills that leading businesses are looking for in their workers to remain competitive in the global marketplace.

The conference marks the 40th anniversary of the Southern Growth Policies Board, of which Haslam is chairman.

Former Mississippi Gov. William Winter, who was involved in education reform in his state in the early 1980s, will be among the speakers.