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PCCA Journal|4

th

Quarter 2014

35

Opening Session with Ken Schmidt and

PCCA Hall-of-Fame Award Presentation

5:30 - 7 pm

One of the most in-demand speakers

and communications consultants in

America, PCCA Convention keynoter

Ken Schmidt has lived a life that most

can only dream about. He has toured

the world on two wheels, met with

presidents and royalty, partied with

movie and music legends, and appeared

many times on network news. As the

former director of communications for

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, he

played an active role in one of the most

celebrated turnarounds in corporate

history—and got paid to ride motorcycles.

The longtime motorcycle enthusiast’s formal association with

Harley-Davidson began in 1985. As a specialist in corporate

positioning and media relations, he was asked to work with the

then-struggling Harley-Davidson to help restore the company’s

image and create demand for its motorcycles. Within a few

short years, Harley-Davidson became one of the most visible

and frequently reported-on companies in the world, while sales

of its motorcycles rocketed upward.

In 1990, Schmidt became director of Harley-Davidson’s

corporate and financial communications and served as its

primary spokesperson to the media and financial communities.

He appeared numerous times on network news programs and

was frequently called on by business media to share his insights

on non-traditional communications and customer relations.

In 1997, Schmidt left Harley-Davidson to take an ownership

position with a highly successful Chicago-based marketing

firm, VSA Partners. In addition to Harley-Davidson, VSA serves

many other of the world’s best-known brands. In July 1999, he

sold his portion of VSA to start his own business, Ken Schmidt

Company, and slow down the pace of his life.

Now, Schmidt is a frequent speaker to business groups and

academic communities throughout the world. Few speakers

generate more positive word-of-mouth and referrals. “I love to

startle people by exposing them to proven ideas and concepts

they’ve never imagined,” he said. “Whether I’m talking about

how perfectly average people can do extraordinary things—

which is now an everyday occurrence at Harley-Davidson—

or how to build an entirely new corporate culture, rekindle

relationships with customers, or reach out to new ones in

completely untraditional ways, I’m teaching people to throw

conventional approaches out the window. I see opening hearts

and minds as my life’s work.”

Today, Schmidt shares his expertise with many of America’s

leading brands, but happily states that he is “semi-retired,”

which allows him to pursue his other passions. After all he

has accomplished, his philosophy hasn’t changed: “Never

do what’s expected, make yourself as noticeably different as

possible, and have a lot more fun than you’re supposed to.”

President’s Welcome Reception & Dinner

7:30 - 9:30 pm

PCCA President Steve Sellenriek welcomes all convention

attendees to the fantastic Hyatt Regency Aruba and the 70th

Annual PCCA Convention. PCCA will take over the hotel pool

deck with lively entertainment, a scrumptious Island Flavors

dinner, and fun times with your fellow PCCA members, all

overlooking a beautiful Caribbean sunset.

Sunday, March 8

Annual Prayer Breakfast

8 - 9:30 am

The Prayer Breakfast is a longtime PCCA tradition that unites

members and their families in scripture, music, and fellowship.

Utility Construction Industry Overview

9:45 - 11:45 am

Chris Daum, a principal in FMI’s

investment-banking practice

who focuses largely on the utility

construction sector, reports on

activity in PCCA members’ primary

markets and discusses what he

sees coming down the pipeline.

Jolly Pirates Sail, Snorkle, Swim Aruba & Swing

2 - 5 pm

Ahoy Mateys! You’re never too

old or too young for a Jolly Pirate

adventure. Arrrrggg! The PCCA crew

will sail, swim, snorkel, and swing in

the tranquil, turquoise-imbued world

along the Aruban coastline. We’ll

drop anchor at a few amazing spots,

including the World War II shipwreck,

Antilla. Sunk by its own captain

and crew at the start of WWII—

thus preventing it from falling into

enemy hands—this 400-foot German

freighter sits on the ocean floor in 60

feet of water with a portion of its hull

and masts protruding impressively up

and out of the sea. And there will be

lots of food and beverages for all ye

Scallywags!

$85 per person includes private PCCA charter, snorkeling instruction, snorkel

gear, refreshments, rum drinks, snacks, captain and crew, and gratuities and

service charges.

Silent Auction & Reception

6 - 7 pm

Not as raucous as the Live Auction to follow, the Silent Auction

and Reception are filled with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, good

times with friends, and some low-key bidding for about 50

minutes. Then, as the deadline nears, things tend to get a little

crazy and it’s everyone for themselves!

Auction & Dinner

7 - 10 pm

Always filled with clamor, craziness, and plenty of surprises,

the PCCA Auction is the liveliest night on the PCCA calendar.

PCCA revelers bid on a variety of fabulous trips, ballgames,

tools, equipment, jewelry, and much,

much more. All proceeds go

directly to building programs

and services for PCCA

members, so everyone is

encouraged to bid early

and often and to have

a great time.