Nov 6, 2009 - Former president George W. Bush hits town Nov. 19 for a private speaking engagement sponsored by the Turnaround Management Association.
Ironic, given all the criticism he took during his presidency for not turning things around on certain issues -- not that the current president has, either.
Turnaround Management members are consultants who help "troubled companies in the recovery process." (Crain's Chicago Business is also a sponsor of the event.)
The 43rd president is stepping in at the last minute for former GE CEO Jack Welch, who recently was hospitalized with a staph infection.
Chicago organizers are thrilled with the turn of events. Usually, when a speaker drops out, the program suffers, said one participant.
In this case, reservations jumped from 400 to 600 when it was announced Mr. Bush would be at the podium. The event is closed to the public -- and the media.
For W., it's the first of a number of speaking engagements since he left the White House. The former commander in chief is due to release a book next year.
Organizers for the Chicago event won't say how much Mr. Bush is being paid to address the forum. But soon after he left office, the ex-prez said he expected to make a "ridiculous" amount of money.
Ironic, given all the criticism he took during his presidency for not turning things around on certain issues -- not that the current president has, either.
Turnaround Management members are consultants who help "troubled companies in the recovery process." (Crain's Chicago Business is also a sponsor of the event.)
The 43rd president is stepping in at the last minute for former GE CEO Jack Welch, who recently was hospitalized with a staph infection.
Chicago organizers are thrilled with the turn of events. Usually, when a speaker drops out, the program suffers, said one participant.
In this case, reservations jumped from 400 to 600 when it was announced Mr. Bush would be at the podium. The event is closed to the public -- and the media.
For W., it's the first of a number of speaking engagements since he left the White House. The former commander in chief is due to release a book next year.
Organizers for the Chicago event won't say how much Mr. Bush is being paid to address the forum. But soon after he left office, the ex-prez said he expected to make a "ridiculous" amount of money.
