Wednesday November 28, 2007 -- Jason Thompson

Wardrop CEO Shayne Smith says former U.S. President Bill Clinton’s keynote speech at the Ontario Economic Summit was a perfect way to kick-off the two-day event.

Held Nov. 13 to 15 in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Ontario Economic Summit focused on the theme of stewardship in addressing Ontario's economic challenges and global responsibilities.

In this respect, Smith says the former President’s words helped get the juices flowing. Because Wardrop was the lead sponsor for the keynote speech, Smith was given the distinction of introducing Clinton to the audience.

"Clinton’s talk was a brilliant segue into that overall theme of stewardship," Smith says. "The summit itself was energized by his appearance."

When he took the stage, Clinton spoke for more than an hour on a range of global issues such as education, energy and climate change, global health and poverty alleviation. Smith was impressed that Clinton never glanced at his notes during the speech.

"He forces you to think about the global perspective," Smith says, adding that in many respects, Clinton’s worldview parallels Wardrop’s own perspectives.

"Global issues like inequity, sustainability and interdependence were themes that he spoke passionately about – global issues that every successful business needs to recognize and help solve in their own ways," Smith says.

During his introductory remarks, Smith was also able to share Wardrop’s vision — People, Passion, Performance. Trusted Globally. — with those in attendance.

"With such a vision, we believe that a company large or small can create positive change in the world," Smith said in his introduction. "President Clinton demonstrates the kind of leadership that best exemplifies our vision."

Despite meeting Clinton and having him sign a copy of his latest book titled Giving, Smith admits it’s tough to describe what it was like to meet the man.

Prior to Clinton’s speech, Smith recalls waiting nervously in the wings with the former President.

"It’s cool being there. You’re kind of making small talk but at the same time you want to ask him some of the bigger questions," Smith says.

"The guy has definitely got rock-star status among world leaders."