What's a political candidate to do when toying with the idea of running for president?
Appear
before the storied Detroit Economic Club -- which has been the podium
of choice for every U.S. president since Richard Nixon as well as
influential CEOs and leaders from across the globe.
Indiana
Rep. Mike Pence -- a darling of social conservatives whom some would
like to see run for president in 2012 -- will take his turn at the DEC
podium Monday in Birmingham.
Pence
stepped down as chair of the House Republican Conference, which fueled
speculation that he may be considering a run for president. He'll talk
about the economy and a few other things.
On
stage as well, as she has been over eight years, is club President and
CEO Beth Chappell who chairs meetings and keeps things running.
Chappell,
53, came to the position with an eclectic résumé, being the youngest
vice president of AT&T when she was in charge of global sales in
Michigan and four other states at age 33.
She was the go-to person then when the company needed help with big-time clients like Burroughs. And she ran a consulting firm.
Chappell
has also been involved with business turnarounds. She has helped DEC
weather brutal conditions that hurt members, including Chrysler, which
left because of financial woes.
She's hopeful of getting the company back.
Chappell
was behind the National Summit in Detroit two years ago, which gathered
international leaders to talk about the knowledge economy.
Though
the economy tanked, she got through it and along with DEC Chair Bill
Ford visited the White House to deliver ideas gleaned from the
conference.
"We're on better financial footing now," said Chappell of the club.
The club is now celebrating its 75th anniversary with a new book, "They Said It Here."
Ex-auto czar uninvited
Chappell has landed some of the nation's most sought-after leaders as speakers.
The
club also made headlines when it rescinded its invitation to Steve
Rattner, President Barack Obama's former auto rescue team leader, who
was invited to speak about his new book.
After learning Rattner was facing charges on business dealings, the invitation was withdrawn.
Chappell has proven she will make tough calls.
"Similar
to the story of the 33 miners trapped in the Chilean mine, the person
in charge not only had strength and wherewithal to manage the crisis,
but after 69 days, was the last person pulled to safety," said Rod
Alberts, head of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association. "That is Beth, a
leader who always puts everyone else first."
The DEC book features Chappell on the same page as someone else known for diplomacy -- Henry Kissinger.
She was in the car that greeted Kissinger, who has spoken at the club four times, during his last visit.
"I was hoping to hear his thoughts. Instead, he wanted my perspective. Imagine that," she added.