Chick-fil-A founder to speak
News Release - September 16, 2005
contact:
Karen L. Gill
karen.gill@cnu.edu
(757) 594-8428
(NEWPORT NEWS, VA) — The founder and chairman of Chick-fil-A restaurants will speak at 7 p.m. on Sept. 20 in the Music and Theatre Hall in the Ferguson Center for the Arts at Christopher Newport University. The lecture is free and open to the public.
Truett Cathy, now chairman and CEO of Chick-fil-A, opened his first restaurant in 1967 in Atlanta, Ga. Today more than 1,000 Chick-fil-A restaurants throughout the United States contribute to annual sales of more than $1 billion.
CNU places special emphasis on leadership and civic engagement. Cathy is the first in a series of leadership speakers this year that will include Gov. Mark Warner; John Allison, chairman and CEO of BB&T; and Joseph W. Luter III, chairman and CEO of Smithfield Foods.
“I am very pleased that Truett Cathy will be our first speaker this year,” said CNU President Paul Trible. “Mr. Cathy’s presentation will be instructive to all those interested in business and leadership, and the life experiences of this man who built a great and successful company should be of interest to all.”
Cathy has received more than 70 awards during his career and holds numerous honorary degrees, doctorates and memberships. A noted author, he created the WinShape Foundation to “shape individuals to be winners.” In addition to a college scholarship program for employees, the foundation also sponsors camps, foster homes for children, team building programs, marriage retreats and community education programs.
To increase awareness of WinShape, Chick-fil-A began sponsoring the LPGA tour in 1995, which, since then, has raised more than $6 million for charity. In 1996, Chick-fil-A became the official sponsor of the Peach Bowl. Chick-fil-A has become one of the most successful quick service restaurant chains in America being known for great food and excellent service to customers and the community.
Christopher Newport University is a four-year public university in Newport News, Virginia. CNU enrolls 4,800 students in programs through its College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the School of Business and offers great teaching, small classes and an emphasis on leadership, civic engagement and honor. Visit us at www.cnu.edu.