Workin’ on it

Dan Loving and I had lunch today with Bryan Derreberry and Barby Jobe from the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce. We congratulated them on having such a great annual dinner this year. Doris Kearns Goodwin was an undeniable hit.

So how do they top her next year (or even come close to having as good of a program)? Bryan said he’s already at work on that. He was also nice enough to ask for suggestions. So here goes.

How about a journalist? Ted Koppel, Tom Brokaw or maybe my personal favorite, Maureen Dowd.

Journalists have front-row seats and backstage passes — literally and figuratively — to all kinds of news most of us only get in black and white or soundbites. They can offer behind-the-scenes stories and perspectives on events and world leaders.

With the right pick — hopefully someone more engaging than professorial — the chamber could get a speaker who appeals to Republicans and Democrats alike.

And for this journalist, that will be worth reporting.

3 Comments

  1. Posted November 24, 2008 at 3:28 pm | Permalink

    Gwin Ifill?

  2. ksfarmgrrl
    Posted November 24, 2008 at 6:42 pm | Permalink

    Rachel Maddow!

    HA! Like that would ever happen…

  3. ozhawk
    Posted November 25, 2008 at 1:29 pm | Permalink

    I agree that a journalist would be a great speaker. I am just SO TIRED of the ultra conservative speakers the Chamber has booked the last several years. Not all business people in Wichita are Republicans. This year was MUCH better.