Former President George W. Bush made a stop in Naples.
But he didn't come to talk politics — or to endorse any presidential candidates.
The 43rd president of the United States was just one of several notable speakers on Friday at the annual Legatus summit, which is being held at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples beachfront resort off Vanderbilt Beach Road through today.
The line-up of speakers and special guests also included J. David Karam, president of Wendy's International, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio from Florida, and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, who converted from Hinduism to Catholicism.
Legatus — a networking group for the heads of businesses that encourages members to become ambassadors for the Catholic faith — is celebrating its 25th anniversary. The group was started by Thomas Monaghan, the founder of Domino's Pizza, Ave Maria University, and now Gyrene Burger, his latest fast-food venture in Naples.
There are now 73 chartered Legatus chapters in the U.S. and beyond, with more than 2,200 CEO members. The headquarters office is in the town of Ave Maria.
Bush's speech wasn't open to the media. But those who heard it described it as warm and candid.
"Frankly, he talked about the general principles that guided his presidency...and how his family life and his faith life all contributed to the ability to make decisions in the presidency," said John Hunt, the executive director of Legatus.
The speech, Hunt said, was an extension of Bush's book, "Decision Points." The former president talked about who he was as a man, who he was as a president and how his parents shaped him. "There was no discussion of the current administration," Hunt said. "He was there to talk about his presidency."
Before Bush's speech to hundreds of attendees over lunch, a group of 32 Legatus members huddled with the former president privately in the Ritz-Carlton's Artisans restaurant for a 30-minute "off the record" question-and-answer session.
After that, other members lined up to get a photograph with Bush. That opportunity came at a cost, but the cost wasn't advertised in the printed program for the summit. It helped pay for his stipend.
The line for photographs with Bush quickly grew to 50 and then doubled, with Collier County sheriff's deputies and secret service agents standing guard.
In line for a photo with the former president was Shaji Chacko, a senior executive for an international company in Dubai, who recently joined Legatus. He said his chapter consisted of himself, his wife and "the Lord" and that developing a chapter in his part of the world is difficult.
He said he believes in the Legatus mission, which encourages him to be an ambassador for Christ in the marketplace.
"I find the Legatus people they are not passengers they are drivers," Chacko said. "That is what leadership is all about. You have to be a driver, not a passenger."
Chacko was eager to see Bush in person.
"President Bush is someone I always wanted to meet," Chacko said. "He's taking a strong stand. ... He's very courageous."
Though Bush is not Catholic, he talks openly about his Christian values.
A few students from Ave Maria University stood in line for a photo with Bush too. Among them was Rich Lamarre, who carried a copy of "Decision Points," hoping to get it signed.
"This is really exciting," he said. "My family has always been big Bush fans."
Bush was back for a second appearance. He was at the Legatus summit two years ago in California. In 2001, he was in Washington, D.C. to address members at the group's first pro-life conference.
Bush and Monaghan struck up a friendship in the 1980s, when Bush was an owner of the Texas Rangers and Monaghan owned the Detroit Tigers.
More than 600 are attending the 2-1/2-day Legatus summit. "It's our first-ever sell out for one of our national conferences – and our biggest gathering ever," said Patrick G. Novecosky, publications director for Legatus.
Some attended the annual summit for the first time including Marian K. Schuda, a physician from Columbus, Ohio. Her chapter's chaplain attended the summit last year and told her all about it. She decided she had to go for herself.
"I'm humbled to be among so many talented and faithful people," she said.
There's a Legatus chapter in Naples, founded nearly 10 years ago. In season, as many as 150 people attend its meetings.
"Naples is a little bit different," said John-William Trainer, the chapter's president. "We have a lot of retired CEOs."
He and his wife have a pro-life medical practice in town. He said the monthly chapter meeting for Legatus is the best date night a couple can have. There's dinner, mass, a speaker and networking with like-minded professionals.
"It enriches us," Trainer said. "We all feel the same way."
Collier County arrests 05-23-2012
Collier County arrests 05-22-2012
Editorial Cartoons: May 23, 2012
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 95
Lemme writes:
I wonder if anyone asked how he feels about screwing up our economy and country? How does he feel about having so many American's killed in the Iraq war? Go back in hiding Dumbya!
SoldierStrong writes:
Funny, You liberals keep whining about how he did it but He warned Pelosi and Congress with no results...
Now you give Obama a pass and blame Congress...
Typical whiners... You idiots will never change!
OddsMaker writes:
You must have had a stroke to say something so stupid.
MisterK writes:
One man's Christian is another man's war criminal.
Sick writes:
The whole event was quite boring. I left early it was so boring.
mission_accomplished writes:
never trust a republican©
ISPEAKFORGOD writes:
perhaps he was still looking for those WMD's at the ritz? why did we invade iraq? anybody?
airboatboy writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
sunburnt writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
colliernative01 writes:
No Doubt Sunburnt!
Klaatu writes:
I thought there was a foul smell in the air today !
ISPEAKFORGOD writes:
why would you do that? after all he was the greatest republican president in the last 100 years! it is amazeing that the republican candidates fail to remind us of his time in office. i wonder why, such a great man.
wonderful writes:
klaat-
That's RIGHT!
First Saturday of the month tomorrow!
Bath time and git down to the dance hall for a big hoedown after!
Hard to believe that the three worst presents are living and of the same party, eh?
Do you miss me yet?
Oh! That's RIGHT? You got
GITMO!
light writes:
Imagine David S Krause and George W Bush sitting poolside overlooking the bay discussing dope.
RobinofLocksley writes:
Legatus...secret catholic pedophile organization
EnoughCorporateGreed writes:
"If the leaders seek only to preserve themselves, that is what they become; preserves, dried preserves."
...google it.
gentleIbis writes:
He looks a lot happier than when he was getting on that helicopter 3 years ago. lol.
EnoughCorporateGreed writes:
So which pizza did Monaghan server up? Hand tossed, deep dish or crunchy thin...
HAP writes:
Yes, we miss you. Our White House has gone downhill since you left.
HAP writes:
And, at least you had a faith. What we have now doesn't even recognize religion. Surprise, surprise.
EnoughCorporateGreed writes:
There's a reason for that, religion brews wars.
elnuestros writes:
So he wouldn’t come without being paid? Man, that’s faith you can hang your hat on.
Beachglow writes:
Those of faith and values seem to have a good life, but all you negative people on NDN commentary -- well, your miserable comments speak for themselves....lots of negativity and lots of misery. Maybe you should try it before you talk so bad about it. Might enhance your lives and certainly help your attitudes.
slogoodland writes:
poo poo that smell can't you smell that smell,the wind was coming from the gulf!
flvsmom writes:
Legatus...secret wall street manipulation organization.
We really need to re-evaluate the criteria for qualifing as a non-profit in this country. It's time to start taxing organizations like this.
h8snow writes:
GO HOME BUSH. YOU ARE DESPICABLE.
h8snow writes:
Bush 2 was once asked if he asked Bush 1 for advice. Bush 2 said he seeks his advice from a higher power. Like spreading peace and democracy during his christian crusade into Iraq. Thanks for 8 years of political malaise, Iraq, economic destruction of our country, Katrina response while hundreds died at your inaction.......the world would be a much better place if you never served this country.
marco826 writes:
AWFUL PHOTO'S for this article...amateurish at best...give me the job, I could do better on a smart phone and get interesting shots.
mission_accomplished writes:
talk about bad, depressing news, just look at naples daily news front page this morning.
1. Mack promises to fight for freedom at campaign kickoff rally
2. Casino bill blocked in House
3. Former Orion CEO Jerry Williams admits in court illegal banking scheme
4. Former President George W. Bush talks about presidency, faith at Naples summit
how much more depressing news can one handle?
and all this depressing news is brought to you by that republican party of NO.
never trust a republican©
Banker26 writes:
idiot.
IMSufrin writes:
I hate to throw arrows, but man are you right about that!! Each photo is just plain stupid. Like the eight? shots of Curious George with an increasingly stupider expression on his face. Looked like the photographer was trying to shoot a claymation short! Or the sea of the backs of peoples' heads. Or the big screen, with the speaker's tiny head at the bottom. Or my favorite, photo # 5. Looked creepy as H, like it was some kind of evil Satanic cult convention - the giant floating Dr. Evil head at the podium, whilst the AntiChrist stands dutifully next to it in reverence. YIKES!
Bicyea writes:
I take it you haven't read any on the concerns when Syria falls to Obama's "Glorious Arab Spring".
TYPICAL
ChiDem writes:
Congress voted in favor in 2002.
The Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 called for regime change in Iraq due to Saddam's possession of WMD's. The House passed the bill 360 - 38 Senate passed it with unanimous consent. President Clinton signed the Iraq Liberation Act into law on October 31, 1998.
It was in all the newspapers. You may have missed it.
crystalclr writes:
The Real "Axis of Evil" turned out be Bush-Cheney-Rumsfeld.
bananas8187 writes:
I like the picture of W smiling at The Prince of Pepperoni.
Colorado writes:
Toy soldier...You still around? I figured you would have been waving the white flag by now...always being on the loosing side as you are. It seems it is you who is leading the whiners.
dmbonita1 writes:
When did Jesus become pro-rich, pro-war and only pro-American?
Nina6520 writes:
Right on all points, General.
Nina6520 writes:
Wow. Such arrogance! Millions of people who have 'faith and values' are currently watching their children starve to death. You may have a good life and thank God for it, but how can you ignore the suffering of others?
Having a negative view of something does not mean the author has a miserable life. I have been an Atheist all my life, which means I have a negative view of religion, yet I am happy, healthy and successful. Care to explain that?
Religion is the root of all evil. It causes people to hate and kill each other. The Bible itself tells believers to do just that, and is full of cruelty and vengeance - not a book I would encourage my kids, or anyone's, to base their lives on.
babbas writes:
Why can't this little rat stay out of the public's eye? He must have O.J.'ed himself into believing that he did a great job, of course.
DinNaples writes:
Thanks. These haters ignore all of the actual facts. They'd rather go with gossip and hate.
babbas writes:
The intention of The Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 was for the United States to call upon the United Nations to establish a criminal tribunal to remove Saddam. Bush used it the way it was not intended to be used, bypassing the U.N., invading Iraq, devastating our economy today. Just the other day, headlines reported over a billion dollars missing from audits of the start of the Iraq "war". Missing.
slickwillie writes:
I love how people love to bash others as if they live in glass houses, never do wrong, always think of pleasing everyone else in the world, even their enemies!!! Get a life and realize the world is full of corruption and greed. Since time began; politicians, bankers and lawyers are to blame for our greed filled existence. You can't blame just the talking head on TV........enjoy your freedoms while you still have some.
bananas8187 writes:
Betcha Cheney knows where the missing money is. Every penny of it.
I can't remember the name, but I think it rhymes with Halliburton.
Robertofnaples writes:
I honestly could not show my face in any City, Town, or State, where a military casualty came from.His illegal and immoral war caused so many problems in the U.S.. I honestly hope he gets papers from the Hague's Judiciary. I would deliver those papers and this criminal president myself. Wooooow; that felt good to say. It is really tobad it's true.
SoldierStrong writes:
the same reason we are about to have to invade Iran..
I find it funny that Iraq evaded UN WMD inspectors for 8 years of Clinton and were given a pass in the form of useless resolutions that never worked...
Basically Iraq was able to do whatever they wanted and your whiney liberal leadership was doing NOTHING. Thanks again Clinton...
DinNaples writes:
And you shouldn't. Our military and our military families strongly supported this war and the actions of our veterans. For you to show up and criticize their actions would not do well.
And please, don't give us the garbage about how you support the military but not the war. That is so phony.
BobinNaples writes:
"He said the monthly chapter meeting for Legatus is the best date night a couple can have. There's dinner, mass, a speaker and networking with like-minded professionals."
... followed by the missionary position for the the purpose of procreation.
Romantic!
SoldierStrong writes:
elephanttamer is proof that having MILLIONS of dollars and being part of the 1% just makes you more hateful...
His bitter life leads him to these boards to troll because He has noone in his real life to take up his time...
Just like AnotherPov he will deteriorate into nothing more then a "Golem" like state with all that pent up hatred and bitterness..
I mean seriously.. If I was supporting a man who turned out to be the worst president ever like Obama has; I would be upset and need a place to vent... But being I am a Conservative I have honor unlike the bitter hatefilled liberals on this forum.
Basically. Lets stop feeding this troll. He will change his name again to something more catchy and we will again get to figure out which useless idiot he is!
naplesguy3206 writes:
Elephant , I see you got out of jail on bail. I assume you enjoyed taking care of Buba while in the clink. Go pound sand you jack arse. Hmmmmm
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.