Economist, social scientist, author to speak at Chamber Annual Meeting

Best-selling author and The Atlantic columnist Arthur C. Brooks will headline the Chamber’s December 1 Annual Meeting.

“Arthur Brooks’ work as an economist, social scientist and thought leader is unparalleled and relevant to each of us in our professional and personal lives,” said Damon Young, 2022 Chamber Board Chair. “I am beyond excited for him to share his insights with our community and for each of us to imagine together how we can apply them toward the health and prosperity of our region.”

Brooks will provide remarks based on his 2019 book, “Love Your Enemies: How Decent People Can Save America from the Culture of Contempt.” He writes the popular “How to Build a Life” column in The Atlantic and teaches courses in leadership and happiness at the Harvard Kennedy School and the Harvard Business School.

"America is afflicted with a 'culture of contempt,'" says Brooks. "To disrupt this cycle, it will take more than people simply agreeing with one another. Instead, we must disagree appropriately and build a new social movement based in solidarity and love – even when we are treated with hatred. Toxic polarization and isolation grow when ignored and they feed off each other. Avoiding debate instead of embracing it will only make the problem worse. The impact is felt in our families, our organizations, and our civic culture. Dealing with these conflicts is costing productivity and is negatively affecting businesses and the economy."

Brooks is the author of 12 books, including the 2022 #1 New York Times bestseller "From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life.”  He speaks all around the world about love and happiness, giving more than 150 speeches and lectures per year in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

“The Chamber is pleased to bring a speaker of Arthur Brooks’ caliber to Wichita to offer his insights for creating a more civil and engaged society,” said John Rolfe, Chamber president and CEO. “I’m looking forward to an exciting evening celebrating the Chamber’s accomplishments with Damon Young as our board chair, as well as looking toward the future with our incoming board chair, Joy Eakins.”

The Chamber’s Annual Meeting will be held at Century II in the evening. Dinner begins at 6:15 p.m. and the program starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets are available through the Chamber’s website, wichitachamber.org. Formal invitations have been sent to Chamber members. The general public is also invited to attend the presentation. The presenting sponsor is INTRUST Bank. Contact Chelsea Dyer at 268-1127 for more information about sponsorship opportunities.