Thomas E. Weil

I'm very excited about our speaking program for the September 9th Kickoff event. We're going to have some fantastic speakers. Our very own Mayor Scott Lang will be there and for those of you that may not realize it, he's the reason we're even here. If it weren't for the efforts of the Mayor and Matthew Morrissey, the Executive Director of the New Bedford Economic Development Council, we wouldn't be able to do what we're doing. They are amazing supporters and if you see them, please shake their hands and say 'thanks'.

In addition to the Mayor and Matthew, we'll have Bruce Smith, the Executive Director of Community Rowing Inc. up in Brighton. He's the guy that has the expertise and connections within the world of rowing to make New Bedford Community Rowing successful. He's rowed and coached all over and has started many clubs in many places.

For a local flavor, I'll get up and say a few words along with 1 or 2 of the kids that have discovered rowing this summer. I personally have been touched by some of these young adults and I hope that we can have the same affect on them. They have great attitudes, are a lot of fun to work with, and have an amazing amount of potential.

Lastly, as our keynote speaker, we have been lucky enough to confirm Thomas E. Weil to join us. He's got a long list of credentials: Rowing Historian, Scholar, and Lecturer; Author; Trustee, Nationals Rowing Foundation; Founding member and director, Friends of Rowing History; Visiting Curator for Rowing History, Mystic Seaport; Trustee, River and Rowing Museum, Henley-on-Thames; Life member, North American Society for Sport History; Director, Yale Crew Association.

There's more, but that should give you an idea of Tom's experience and wealth of knowledge. He's given a lot of speeches over the years and just reading one of his recently inspired me and had me thinking completely differently about the sport of rowing. We're very lucky to have him and I hope you all make it out to the event to hear these great people speak.

RSVP to jgoodman@nbedc.org if you plan to attend. Guests are welcome!