PORT ANGELES — The man who led Starbucks into an international company will speak in Port Angeles and answer questions from the audience May 13.
“A Conversation with Howard Behar” who is the founding president of Starbucks International and co-founder of the Washington Business Alliance, will be from 10 a.m. to noon at the Vern Burton Community Center, 321 E. Fifth St.
After his speech, he will participate in a question-and-answer session with the audience concerning business strategy, values and leadership.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity to spend time with a world-class business leader as he discusses leadership values and strategies using examples from his experience in expanding Starbucks from a small chain to a global powerhouse,” said Colleen McAleer, Washington Business Alliance president and chief operations officer and president of the Port of Port Angeles commission.
Admission is $21.99 for Washington Business Alliance members and $42.99 for non-members. The discounted price includes members of the Port Angeles Business Association, which is a member of the business alliance.
Seating is limited and organizers urge early registration.
Behar retired from Starbucks Coffee Company after 21 years.
He led the domestic business as president of North America and was the founding President of Starbucks International.
During his tenure, the company grew from 28 stores to more than 15,000 stores spanning five continents, according to the American Program Bureau.
He served on the Starbucks Board of Directors for 12 years before retiring.
Behar’s business career spans more than 50 years — all in consumer-oriented businesses covering several industries, event organizers said.
Behar now serves on several boards, including iD Tech, Education Elements and the advisory boards of Anthos Capital and Roadtrip Nation.
He has authored two books on leadership: It’s Not About The Coffee and The Magic Cup.
His appearance in Port Angeles is presented by the Washington Business Alliance and is sponsored by 7 Cedars Casino, the city of Port Angeles, Green Crow and Interfor.
To buy tickets, visit http://tinyurl.com/PDN-Behar.
________
Reporter Chris McDaniel can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56650, or cmcdaniel@peninsuladailynews.com.