Keynote Speaker Announced for 22nd Annual Southwest Florida Blue Chip Community Business Award

FORT MYERS, Fla. - July 14, 2016 - PRLog -- Larry Brudnicki, legendary U.S. Coast Guard Captain, has been selected as the keynote speaker for the 22^nd Annual Southwest Florida Blue Chip Community Award luncheon. Sponsored by BB&T- Oswald Trippe and Company and BB&T Bank, the event will take place on Nov. 3 at Harborside Event Center. The annual Blue Chip Award program recognizes successful, small business owners who have overcome adversity to achieve success.

Captain Brudnicki was the Commanding Officer of the USCGC TAMAROA in New Castle, NH where he performed two dramatic rescues during the worst weather in more than 100 years. This event became known as "The Perfect Storm" and inspired The New York Times best-selling book and the blockbuster movie starring George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg.

Captain Brudnicki retired from the Coast Guard in March 2002 after 30 years of active duty. During his career he supervised more than 15,000 search and rescue cases, which saved property valued at $135 million and more than 1,600 lives. He also supervised the search for survivors of the Alaska Air Flight #261 tragedy.

Brudnicki holds a Merchant Marine Master's license and has won numerous awards for his accomplishments including, the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (two time winner), the Coast Guard Commendation Medal (four time winner), the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal (two time winner).

Now that he has retired, Brudnicki uses the experience he gained from leading successful high-risk missions with international visibility to deliver his message of leadership, teamwork and risk management. Brudnicki speaks to corporations, associations and organizations so that they can implement the steps necessary for success while avoiding pitfalls.

For information on the Blue Chip luncheon or to submit an application, please contact Stacey Mercado at (239) 433-7189 or SMercado@BBandT.com.

The 2016 Southwest Florida Blue Chip Community Business Award is endorsed by the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, Business Observer, Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce, Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce, Charlotte County Economic Development Office, Christian Chamber of Southwest Florida, City of Cape Coral Economic Development Office, Englewood-Cape Haze Area Chamber of Commerce, Estero Chamber of Commerce, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Southwestern State College, Florida Weekly, Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, Greater Lehigh Acres Chamber of Commerce, Gulfshore Business, Hodges University, Lee County Economic Development Office/Horizon Council, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce, Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce, Southwest Florida Business Today, Southwest Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, The Greater Fort Myers Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce.

About BB&T-Oswald Trippe and Company

BB&T-Oswald Trippe and Company provides comprehensive insurance and risk-management services to families and businesses throughout Florida. The agency offers the most effective insurance protection, strategies to meet changing business and insurance trends and the highest level of customer service. BB&T-Oswald Trippe and Company has offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Miami, Naples and Weston, Fla. To learn more, please call (239) 433-4535.

About BB&T Insurance Services

BB&T Insurance Services, the fifth largest insurance broker in the U.S. and the fifth largest internationally, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Branch Banking & Trust Company (BB&T). Founded in 1922, it operates more than 100 insurance agencies in Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Georgia, Florida and California. Visit http://www.Insurance.BBT.com to learn more.