Listen to this articleThe PA Chamber has announced that Shaquille O’Neal, one of the world’s most successful athletes-turned-businessmen, will be the keynote speaker at its 41st PA Chamber Annual Dinner
The dinner is scheduled for Oct. 6 at the Hershey Lodge.
“This is Big news, literally and figuratively, and we couldn’t be more excited,” said PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein. “Shaquille O’Neal’s larger-than-life presence, incredible business acumen, community-minded spirit, and infectious energy make him the perfect headliner for Pennsylvania’s premier event. From the basketball court to the boardroom, DJ booths to TV studios, Pennsylvania-based brand partnerships and restaurant ventures, Shaq’s body of work embodies his mantra – ‘The Business of Fun.’ This will be a slam dunk evening!”
O’Neal is a 15-time NBA All-Star whose unprecedented athletic career spanned nearly two decades and earned him countless awards and honors, including NBA Most Valuable Player, NBA Rookie of the Year, four NBA Championships, and a First Ballot NBA Hall of Fame induction. Currently, O’Neal is an analyst on TNT’s Emmy Award-winning Inside the NBA.
“Success in business, like basketball, takes teamwork, hustle, and heart,” said O’Neal. “I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned on and off the court at the PA Chamber Annual Dinner.”
O’Neal is a universally recognized figure in sports.
The launch of his Las Vegas eatery Big Chicken has further elevated O’Neal’s status as he has positioned himself as a successful restaurateur. The brand currently has more than 350 locations in development worldwide, including across Pennsylvania, and 40-plus locations open in traditional and non-traditional restaurant settings.
Last year, O’Neal partnered with The Hershey Company to launch Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies, which recently surpassed 10 million bags sold.
O’Neal has a PhD in Leadership and Education and established The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, which provides resources for underserved youth. He also gives back through several annual philanthropic programs, including Shaq-to-School and Shaq-a-Claus.
