Marquette Welcomes Chairman, CEO and President of Kohler Co. Herbert V. Kohler as Keynote Speaker for Business Leaders Forum Released: Sept. 25, 2006 Marquette University is pleased to welcome Herbert V. Kohler, Jr., chairman, chief executive officer and president of Kohler Co., as the keynote speaker for the Business Leaders Forum luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2006 at 11:45 a.m.  Mr. Kohler’s presentation, entitled “Private vs. Public,” will discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of privately-owned and publicly-traded companies.  The event is open to the public; to register call (414) 288-7431.   Established in 1999, the Business Leaders Forum is a speaker series sponsored by the Marquette University College of Business Administration. The forum provides a setting for nationally recognized business leaders to engage in discussions and interact with students, faculty and local business leaders. The program enables Marquette to build practical knowledge into its rigorous business curriculum, exploring current trends, issues and practices in business. Prior to the luncheon keynote address, Mr. Kohler will share personal insights and knowledge from his business experiences with students and faculty in the College of Business Administration.  “The Business Leaders Forum provides our students with an invaluable opportunity to interact and learn from our nation’s top business leaders.  We are honored to have the head of a major global organization such as Kohler Co. speak to our students and business leaders from the area,” said Dr. David L. Shrock, dean of Marquette’s College of Business Administration.  “Mr. Kohler’s innovative leadership of one of the largest privately-held companies in the United States sets a great example for our students for what they can achieve.” Marquette University has attracted leaders at the top of their respective professions to speak at the Business Leaders Forum.  Past speakers include: Jeffrey R. Immelt, chairman of the Board and CEO of GE; Don H. Davis, Jr., chairman and CEO Rockwell Automation; Wayne Sanders, CEO, Kimberly Clark Corporation; Richard Burke, chairman, Trek Bicycle Corp.; John Morgridge, chairman of the Board, Cisco Systems; Kathy Hudson, chairman, CNH Global; Alexander Cutler, chairman and CEO, Eaton Corp. The Kathleen and Frank Thometz Foundation has made the Business Leaders Forum speaker series possible through a special endowment. About Herbert V. Kohler, Jr. Herbert V. Kohler, Jr., is the chairman of the board, chief executive officer and president of Kohler Co., one of the oldest and largest privately-held companies in the United States.  A global leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bath products, engines and power systems, and residential interiors, Kohler Co. is also the owner of two of the world’s highest-rated golf resort destinations.  During his career, Kohler has received more than 200 design and utility patents and was named National Entrepreneur of the Year in Manufacturing in 2002.  Kohler holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Administration from Yale University.  In addition to his executive responsibilities with Kohler Co., he is chairman of the Board of Trustees of Choate Rosemary Hall, a leading school in secondary education.  Through the creative vision of his wife Natalie Black and financial support of Kohler Co., the Kohler Center for Entrepreneurship was established in the College of Business Administration at Marquette University. Media wishing to speak to Herb Kohler must contact Anne Broeker in the Office of Marketing and Communication at (414) 288-0286 in advance of the luncheon. Business Leaders Forum Luncheon at Marquette University   Herbert V. Kohler, keynote speaker   Alumni Memorial Union, Monaghan Ballroom Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2006 Registration:    11:15 a.m. Lunch:              11:45 a.m. Program:          12:15 p.m.   To register call (414) 288-7431 $40 per person $400 Corporate Table of Eight  (includes corporate table sign) $600 Gold Patron Table of Eight (includes corporate table sign and acknowledgment in program)   For more information, visit the Web site. Office of Marketing and Communication Contacts Anne Broeker Senior Media Relations Specialist Phone: (414) 288-0286 Send e-mail