Public invited to annual Ames Chamber of Commerce lunch featuring inspirational speaker

Tommy Spaulding, a world-renowned inspirational speaker on leadership, will be the keynote speaker at the 2023 Ames Chamber Annual Luncheon on Dec. 5.
Tommy Spaulding, a world-renowned inspirational speaker on leadership, will be the keynote speaker at the 2023 Ames Chamber Annual Luncheon on Dec. 5.

The Ames Chamber of Commerce is preparing to hold its annual luncheon, and this year they’re inviting the public for the Dec. 5 event.

The keynote speaker will be Tommy Spaulding, an internationally-renowned leadership expert and inspirational speaker.

“I have had the honor of hearing Tommy speak before, as have others on our team, and he has a message that resonates across business, industry and our community,” Dan Culhane, president and CEO of the Ames Chamber, told the Ames Tribune. “He talks about the power of influence and what that means not only for leadership, but in our everyday interactions.”

For more than a quarter-century, Spaulding has taught “heart-led leadership, the power of positive influence and the art of developing authentic and lasting relationships that build businesses and brand loyalty,” according to a news release.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to hear a truly inspirational speaker and I hope the region will respond and hear Spaulding’s powerful message about heart-led leadership,” Culhane said.

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Tommy Spaulding is a best-selling author

Spaulding speaks to hundreds of groups around the world each year. He is the founder of the National Leadership Academy and the Global Youth Leadership Academy. He’s also president of Tommy Spaulding Companies.

“Tommy is a New York Times best-selling author and has a message that everyone in attendance can benefit from hearing,” Culhane said.

He has authored three leadership books: “It’s Not Just Who You Know,” “The Heart-Led Leader” and “The Gift of Influence,” which are all bestsellers.

Ken Blanchard, author of the best-selling business book of all time, “The One-Minute Manager,” named Spaulding as “one of the top leadership thinkers in the world,” according to the release.

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In past years, the Chamber has had limited space for the luncheon, so the invitation to its annual lunch event was for members only.

“Fortunately, this year we partnered with Cornerstone Church and have an abundance of space,” Culhane said. “Because of that, along with Tommy’s national presence, we decided to open up our Annual Luncheon to the general audience. We think his message is incredible powerful and we’re excited to open this opportunity up to our entire community.”

The luncheon will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Cornerstone Church, 56829 Highway 30.

Tickets are $75 for individuals or $675 for a group of 10. Registration can be completed on the Chamber’s website, ameschamber.com.

Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rlawless@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Ames Chamber of Commerce to feature Tommy Spaulding at annual luncheon

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