ERIE – The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) announced today that its 119th Annual Event featuring “Moneyball” inspiration Billy Beane is officially sold out. The event starts at 5 p.m. Wednesday, October 9, at the Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier. All media are invited to attend.
“We are absolutely thrilled by the response to having Mr. Beane give this year’s keynote address,” said MBA President and CEO Lori Joint. “We expect it will be a great night and great conversation about baseball and big data, and how businesses can gain a more competitive edge.”
Beane is a name that resonates within the world of sports, particularly in the realm of Major League Baseball (MLB). The former professional baseball player turned executive has made significant contributions to the game, both on and off the field. Known for his innovative approach to team management, Beane’s story has captivated fans and industry insiders alike. From his unconventional strategies to his remarkable rise to prominence, Beane’s story serves as a testament to the power of thinking outside the box and redefining the status quo.
Now senior adviser to Oakland Athletics owner John Fisher, Beane molded the team into one of baseball’s most consistent winners since taking over as general manager following the 1997 season. Eventually rising to the role of executive vice president of Baseball Operations, Beane shattered traditional MLB beliefs that high payrolls equated wins by implementing a data-driven methodology that led the Oakland A’s, with one of the lowest payrolls, to seven AL Western Division titles and 10 playoff appearances.
That strategic methodology has come to be known as the “Moneyball” philosophy, named for the best-selling book and Oscar-nominated film chronicling Beane’s journey from general manager to hero to celebrated management genius. Beane is a four-time MLB "Executive of the Year" award winner and was named by Forbes as one of the "100 Greatest Living Business Minds."
In addition to Beane’s keynote address, U.S. Army Retired Combat Veteran and Air Force Veteran Maxine Reyes will sing the National Anthem. Her appearance is sponsored by Bonnell’s Truck and RV Collision, Inc.
Now retired from the military, Reyes is the founder and CEO of Courage & Grace Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports Girls Confidence and Youth Education programs through scholarships, mentorships and The Arts, and causes supporting the Military Families Community.
Reyes has inspired and entertained a wide range of audiences by singing and speaking. She has sung the National Anthem for dignitaries at home and abroad to include a U.S. president, entertaining troops in the Middle East and National Basketball Association (NBA) opening ceremonies including for the Orlando Magic, the Citrus Bowl, and the Veterans Day Parade. She also has performed for the MLB and National Football League (NFL).
“We are very much looking forward to her performance,” said Joint. “It will be an unforgettable evening.”
A sellout each year, the MBA’s Annual Event is the tri-state region’s premier business networking event, featuring the nation’s most prominent figures in business, politics and journalism. Among the most recent speakers are American hero Ambassador “Sully” Sullenberger (2023), innovation expert George Blankenship (2022), Ret. Navy Admiral William McRaven (2021), American businesswoman Kat Cole (2019), “Shark Tank” stars Damon John (2018) and Robert Herjavec (2016), and legendary coach Lou Holtz (2017). The event was not held in 2020 due to COVID restrictions.
Annual Event sponsors include Ridg-U-Rak, UPMC Health Plan, Logistics Plus, PNC, Howard Industries, MacDonald Illig, Greenleaf Corporation, Parker Lord Corporation, McInnes Rolled Rings, Humes Chrysler Jeep® Dodge RAM, Insurance Management Company, Bonnell's Truck and RV Collision, Inc. and Widget Financial.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations reflect the views and opinions of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Manufacturer & Business Association or any of its officers and directors.
