Retired General Colin Powell to Speak at WasteExpo 2001

Brook Raflo

The highly decorated retired U.S. General Colin Powell will discuss his new book and his accomplishments, as well as address subjects specific to the waste industry at WasteExpo 2001's general session in Chicago, according to Rita Ugianskis, show director.

Positioned as the show's grand opening, Powell's speech will take place on Tuesday, April 3, and exhibits will open thereafter.

The idea to ask Powell to speak came from general session sponsor McNeilus Co., Dodge Center, Minn., says Ugianskis, who worked with the Washington Speakers Bureau, Alexandria, Va., to arrange the event.

Already, Powell's representatives have asked for information about the industry's pressing issues, and "we will provide them with a detailed description of his audience," Ugianskis says.

Powell, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and an advisor to Presidents Reagan, Bush and Clinton, recently wrote a best-selling autobiography, "My American Journey," which chronicles events from his childhood in Harlem, N.Y., to his role in overseeing the 1991 Persian Gulf War.