WASHINGTON D.C. - Patrick J. Esser, President of Cox Communications Inc., will be a featured speaker at The Progress & Freedom Foundation's 2008 Aspen Summit. Esser, named the industry's 2007 "Executive of the Year" by Multichannel News, will present his keynote address on the second full day of the event. The premier gathering is scheduled this year for August 17th through the 19th at the St. Regis in Aspen, Colorado.

Esser has served since 2006 as President of Cox Communications, a multi-service broadband communications and entertainment company with more than 6 million residential and commercial customers. A 30 year veteran of the communications industry, he first joined Cox as Director of Programming, where he helped pioneer the company's local advertising sales division. During his distinguished career with the company, Esser has served as Vice President of Advertising Sales, Vice President of Operations for Cox's Western Division, Senior Vice President of Operations, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In addition to his work at Cox, Esser serves as Treasurer of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association and on the board of directors of C-SPAN, the Cable & Telecommunications Association for Marketing Educational Foundation, CableLabs, and Cable in the Classroom. He also serves as an adviser to the Association of Cable Communicators and the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications.

Esser will join other fascinating keynote speakers and panel participants who will discuss topics related to this year's Summit theme of "unlocking innovation." Discussion panels and working dinners will cover a wide range of topics, including the global economy, communications policy, patent reform, and digital media. Past attendees have found the event produces thoughtful discussion on the issues of the day and provides an insightful look of what's to come in the worlds of business and policy.

Information about the 2008 PFF Aspen Summit, to be held August 17th - 19th at the St. Regis Hotel in Aspen, Colorado can be found on our web site. Registration can be performed online, and a discounted rate is available before June 30th. Members of the media are always welcome to attend and should contact Amy Smorodin at asmorodin@pff.org or (202)289-8928. Further details, including keynote speakers and detailed panel descriptions, will be announced in the upcoming months.

The Progress & Freedom Foundation is a market-oriented think tank that studies the digital revolution and its implications for public policy. It is a 501(c)(3) research & educational organization.