LEWISTON — In his first Lewiston-Auburn Economic Growth Council dinner as president, John Holden plans to talk about the Twin Cities’ direction and unveil a new entrepreneurial program, according to a news release.

The 39th annual dinner is Thursday, May 8, at the Ramada Conference Center. The evening begins at 4:30 p.m. with cocktails. Seating starts at 5:15 p.m. U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin, R-Maine, will speak and the TED Talk-style format for the night runs until 8 p.m.

The theme is Illuminate! and 250 people are expected to attend.

Holden said he’ll also announce details of an arts project in downtown Lewiston coordinated by L/A Arts. 

“I’m excited to address the audience with my thoughts on L-A’s bright spots, the direction I see us moving toward and L-A’s promising future,” Holden said in the release. “However, I see the evening as a dialogue with the audience and representatives of the community, rather than a ‘presentation.’ We want this gathering to have a mix of introspection, imagination and celebration.”

Tickets are still available. For more information, visit economicgrowth.org.