View this article online: https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2005/11/03/61559.htm
Gen. Colin Powell, USA (Ret.), will be the keynote speaker at the 2006 Big “I” National Legislative Conference & Convention.
Gen. Powell is scheduled to speak April 28, 2006 at the event’s closing general session. His speech will focus on leadership and service.
“We are very excited and honored that Gen. Colin Powell, one of the most revered military and civic leaders in our nation’s history, has agreed to address our members,” said Big “I” CEO Robert Rusbuldt. “Gen. Powell is known and admired by Americans from all walks of life. He has made a career of bringing people together in a common cause. Independent insurance agents and brokers will be honored to welcome and hear from this true American hero.”
After a storied military career, Gen. Powell became the nation’s 65th Secretary of State on Jan. 20, 2001. During his four-year tenure as the nation’s top diplomat, he was at the forefront of the Bush administration’s efforts to fight terrorism and advance economic and social development worldwide.
Gen. Powell’s 35-year career in the U.S. Army culminated in his elevation to four-star general and appointment in 1989 as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. During his leadership of the Joint Chiefs, he oversaw the Panama intervention of 1989 and Operation Desert Storm in the 1991 Persian Gulf War.
Gen. Powell also was the founding chairman of America’s Promise -The Alliance for Youth. Established in 1997 and endorsed by every living U.S. President, America’s Promise aims to ensure all children in America have access to the fundamental resources needed to build and strengthen them to become responsible, productive adults.
Additionally, Gen. Powell has served on several educational and youth services boards, including Howard University, the United Negro College Fund, The Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Children’s Health Fund.
As both a civic and military leader, Gen. Powell has earned numerous awards. His military honors include, among others, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Civilian honors include, among others, two Presidential Medals of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. He also has received awards from more than two dozen countries.
“As Secretary of State, a soldier and simply as an American interested in helping our nation’s children have better lives, Gen. Powell has demonstrated leadership and service of the highest order,” Rusbuldt said. “His long list of honors provides ample testimony to his contributions to America and to humankind. Few individuals living today are as well qualified to speak on the topics of leadership and service as Gen. Powell.”
The Big “I” National Legislative Conference & Convention will take place from April 26-28, 2006, with the National Legislative Conference taking place April 26-27 at the Grand Hyatt Washington, and the Convention taking place April 27-28 at the Washington Convention Center.
Highlights of the National Legislative Conference will include an in-depth issues briefing session; the annual Big “I” Congressional reception on Capitol Hill; appearances by numerous high-profile speakers discussing important insurance and national issues; and hundreds of meetings on Capitol Hill between lawmakers and Big “I” agents and brokers. This high-profile event, in past years, has included as speakers the past four sitting presidents – George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan.
The Convention will feature an array of thought-provoking and nationally recognized business speakers, industry-leading panelists and innovative insightful workshops, as well as the largest trade show in the insurance industry and numerous networking opportunities for agents and brokers.
To register online and for hotel reservations go to www.independentagent.com and select the “Events and Conferences” link. You can also obtain downloadable copies of the event registration and hotel reservation forms at this section.