Toyota exec, Norfolk native to speak today

Posted to: News Norfolk
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By Meredith Kruse
The Virginian-Pilot
© October 14, 2011

NORFOLK

Wilbert W. "Wil" James, the president of Toyota's largest manufacturing plant outside Japan, will return today to the Norfolk neighborhood where he grew up to speak about his life and career.

The free talk, at 4 p.m. at the Lamberts Point Community Center, 1251 W. 42nd St., is sponsored by the Office of Community Engagement at Old Dominion University. James graduated from ODU in 1977 with a degree in mechanical engineering.

The event is the first in a quarterly speaker series that is part of the university's Lamberts Point programs for area youngsters.

Details: (757) 683-5759.

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Accomplishment

Submitted by Student89 on Sat, 10/15/2011 at 3:55 pm.

Personally I believe that being able to deliver a speech is the first step in making a change. No one is able to create a "resource" from thin air without people who are willing to help make it happen. There are so many resources out here that are not utilized already and it seems pointless to exhaust time and money to create something that is already there it just lacks the motivation and enthusiasm to get where it needs to be.

Jobs

Submitted by messiahdem on Fri, 10/14/2011 at 4:47 pm.

Why not drive him past the old ford plant and talk him to bring toyota manufacturing to Norfolk?

WHAT?WHY?

Submitted by BLOGJUNKIE on Thu, 10/13/2011 at 7:03 pm.

Just what the community needs another talk, speech, or whatever you call it. The youngsters in the area need somthing more than a speech from someone who's sucessful. GIVE THEM RESOUCES to have a chance at making something of themselves not more of the same system that has brought havoc to the country, world and community.

Precisely!

Submitted by truthseeker on Fri, 10/14/2011 at 10:40 am.

"The youngsters in the area need somthing more than a speech from someone who's sucessful"
And that's exactly what they are getting. All the opportunity and resources in the world are pretty much useless without the motivation to see what a peer has actually accomplished. The idea of "If he can do it, so can I" is vital to urge the young people to succeed.

and at no cost

Submitted by 1of2natives on Thu, 10/13/2011 at 5:50 pm.

bet he doesn't chage $40,000 and bring five family members for a week, too.

Gosh

Submitted by Benthere37 on Thu, 10/13/2011 at 4:51 pm.

Gosh, why not have him speak to the school children from that neighborhood. To go from Lamberts Point to the head of Toyota's American division, is quite an accomplishment.