Founded in 1934, Southern Governors' Association (SGA) is the oldest and historically the largest of the regional governors' associations. Since its inception, SGA has represented the common interests of Southern states' chief executives and provided a vehicle for promoting them. SGA supports the work of Southern governors by providing a bipartisan, regional forum to help shape and implement national policy and solve regional problems. In recent years, the South has become the dominant region in the country –– a region characterized by innovation, growth and opportunity. Southern governors are at the forefront of key changes in the region, and through SGA, these leaders have a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, explore common issues, address pressing problems, coordinate regional collaborative initiatives and promote regional accomplishments. The association's membership is composed of the governors of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia and West Virginia.