Speakers Assembly accepting applications

The Speakers Assembly of Southwest Florida is accepting membership applications for the 2008-2009 season. The Assembly, now in its 13th year, brings political leaders, industry experts, leading economists, journalists, and educational scholars to Southwest Florida to enlighten and empower its members on current events. The group meets generally on Fridays from November to March at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs.

"Traditionally, 95 percent of our members renew their membership from year to year, but we anticipate a few openings," says Ross Roberts, current president of the Assembly. Membership is limited to 500 and a wait list is maintained and reviewed on a first received basis.

The lineup for speakers this year is strong and includes: David Broder, political correspondent for The Washington Post; Dr. Mark Rosenberg, chancellor, State University System of Florida; Roy C. Smith, professor of entrepreneurship and finance, Stern School of Business, John Rother, policy and strategy director, AARP; Michael Tobin, Senior War correspondent, Fox News; David Owen, staff writer and author, The New Yorker and contributing editor, Golf Digest; Maj. General Paul Vallely (Ret.), consultant, media analyst and host of "Stand Up America"; and Karen

DeYoung, associate editor of The Washington

Post and author of "Soldier: The Life of Colin Powell".

Anyone interested in receiving a membership application should contact The Speakers Assembly Office at (239) 948-7909. Information and an application are also available at: www.speakersassembly.com