Romney, Milsap join list of conference attendees
| Sunday, Nov 22 2009 12:01 PM
Last Updated Monday, Nov 23 2009 09:22 AM
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Former Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is scheduled to speak at next year's Bakersfield Business Conference, joining a growing list of political heavy-hitters including former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and former Vice President Dick Cheney.
Country music performer Ronnie Milsap also has agreed to take part in the conference, event organizers announced.
The two men are the latest participants to be announced for the conference's return after a five-year hiatus.
The event is set to take place Oct. 9.
During last year's Republican primaries, Romney posed a serious challenge to the eventual nominee, Arizona Sen. John McCain. Romney was considered a strong contender both because of his success in the private sector -- he founded and led a venture capital and investment firm -- and his political experience as governor of Massachusetts.
"Mitt Romney was a legendary business strategist renowned for his ability to help faltering companies rediscover their footing and prosper," conference organizer George Martin said in a news release.
"Many people who admire the way he created lean performance through smart budget cuts and increased operating transparency in the business world would like to see him bring a similar approach to reforming the federal government as president of the United States.
"He'll bring the wisdom that has enabled him to succeed in both the public and private sectors to the conference stage."
Milsap, a classically trained country music performer, overcame poverty and blindness to achieve national prominence. He has won seven Grammy Awards and four Academy of Country Music Awards.
"Ronnie Milsap is not only one of the most successful and talented performers in the history of country music, he also has one of the most touching and inspirational personal stories I've ever heard," Martin said in the release.
"We've invited him to address the audience with both his words and music during the day and to perform as part of the optional entertainment show during the evening."
More conference speakers are to be announced in coming weeks.
For conference updates and ticket details, go to www.bpcbakbusconf.com.
