(TEMPE, Ariz. - August 19, 2008) The National Speakers Association (NSA), the leading organization for professional speakers, presented Mike McKinley, CSP, CPAE, of Eau Claire, Wis. with the Cavett Award at the 2008 NSA Convention in New York, N.Y.
 
The Cavett Award is the highest honor NSA bestows on its members. It is presented annually to a professional speaker whose accomplishments over the years have reflected outstanding credit, respect, honor and admiration on NSA and the speaking profession. The award is named after NSA's late founder, Cavett Robert, CSP, CPAE, whose illustrious career helped guide and inspire many NSA members.

"Mike has a long legacy of making NSA and its members better through his leadership and service," says Mark Sanborn, CSP, CPAE and last year's recipient.  "His down-to-earth demeanor, sense of humor and consistent willingness to help however he can, make him a terrific Cavett award winner."
 McKinley holds the Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation from the National Speakers Association and is a member of NSA's CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame. He has been a member of NSA since 1982 and served as NSA president in 1994.
 
McKinley is a businessman, professional speaker, consultant, author, business owner and developer of a showcase garden destination. Enlightening audiences with his contagious humor, insight and courage, he speaks to hundreds of companies and organizations who rely on him to transform today's challenges in tomorrow's business.
 
"The Cavett, to me, represents someone who gives back to the profession of speaking, grows the professional association and its members, and uses what they learn on the platform to help those who are in the audience," says McKinley."  "We all know the more you give, the more you get.  In my humbleness, I know that I have received so much more than I have given." 
 
McKinley appreciates his many opportunities to give back to the community, and does so through sponsorship of United Way functions, providing scholarships and support at his alma mater, and sharing his expertise with the business leaders of tomorrow.  
 

 The National Speakers Association (NSA) is the leading organization for professional speakers. NSA's thousands of members include experts in a variety of industries and disciplines, who reach audiences as trainers, educators, humorists, motivators, consultants, authors and more.  Since 1973, NSA has provided resources and education designed to advance the skills, integrity and value of its members and the speaking profession. Visit NSA's Web site at www.nsaspeaker.org.
 

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