TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Acting Commissioner Richard E. Constable, III has announced that Dr. Ian Smith, noted medical/diet expert from television’s Celebrity Fit Club, will be the featured speaker at the 2012 NJ Governor’s Conference for Women’s Dessert Reception on May 7th. A Welcome Reception will kick-off the two-day conference at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel and will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. followed by the Dessert Reception from 9:00-11:00 p.m.

Smith will be discussing his new book, Happy: Simple Steps to Get the Most Out of Life, and offering his suggestions for slowing down and getting happier.

“We are pleased that Dr. Ian Smith will be helping to kick off this year’s conference,” said Acting Commissioner Constable. “All of our attendees will relate to Dr. Smith’s positive message of empowering Americans to be more involved in their healthcare and create a culture of healthier, happier living; he is instantly recognizable and for that reason he is the perfect person to get all of our attendees excited for the next day’s activities and enriching programming.”

This year’s NJ Governor’s Conference for Women is slated for Monday and Tuesday, May 7-8, at the Atlantic City Convention Center. The theme of this year’s conference is “It’s All About You.” Attendees can choose from numerous educational and motivational sessions in such areas as business startups, leadership, career development, personal finance, and health. The session topics and speakers are all designed to address conference participants’ interests and backgrounds.

Reflecting a significant, new personalized focus to the conference, a “one-stop” career and business counseling center will be available all day to job seekers and entrepreneurs in attendance. “NJ Works” will be on hand to provide participants with information on career building and business building. In addition, staff from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development will be available all day to review and critique resumes, check for current job opportunities, and provide feedback. For the entrepreneurs in attendance, representatives from the Business Action Center, the Economic Development Authority, the Small Business Development Centers, and the UCEDC will provide assistance with financing opportunities and business resources.

Attendees will also be able to visit the “Passport To A Healthy Lifestyle” Health Fair – a day-long health fair with giveaways and free health services such as blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, exercise demonstrations, nutritional guidance and skin care assessments, and peruse dozens of exhibit tables offering products and services.

It was previously announced that Dr. Lois Frankel, noted author and lecturer, will deliver the keynote address at the 2012 NJ Governor’s Conference for Women. Additionally, Peggy Noonan, a columnist at The Wall Street Journal, and Donna Brazile, a syndicated columnist and TV political commentator, will headline the opening session of the Conference. Other featured speakers include Carla Harris, manager at Morgan Stanley Investment Management, and Bonnie St. John, author, TV personality and former Olympic skier.

The Governor’s Conference for Women is self-sustaining, funded entirely through sponsorship opportunities and registration fees. Registration is now open for the 2012 NJ Governor’s Conference for Women. For more information or to pre-register for the event, visit us online at www.njwomensconference.com.