Power talks

With the winter snowbird season in full swing, the Gulf Coast will get its share of important speakers.

Television and radio commentator Glenn Beck kicks off the season Jan. 7 as part of the Naples Town Hall Distinguished Speaker Series at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort. Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will follow him there in the spring.

In Sarasota, speakers at the Ringling College Library Association will include Laura Bush and Gen. Stanley McChrystal.

Noteworthy business executives speaking this spring will include Cargill Chairman and CEO Gregory Page at the Forum Club in Naples and Sprint CEO Daniel Hesse at the Speakers Assembly of Southwest Florida in Bonita Springs.