As Wall Street dominates the headlines, FOX Business Channel anchor Stuart Varney is at the center of the action, so who better to sort out what it all means for businesses and organizations? What happened, why, and what’s next? Varney delivers - in plain English - the big picture perspective of the American financial system and the economy, as the crisis unfolds.

Recently, Keppler Speakers spoke with Varney on the financial crisis, and he answered some of the most pressing questions Americans have today.

What does the current Wall Street crisis mean to me and you?
First, recognize that your money is safe. Bank deposits are insured. The government is going to insure money market funds and you, not the broker, own the stock and bonds in your 401(k). But, also recognize that the era of cheap, easy loans is over. Spending and borrowing is out. Saving and thrift is in.

What does the crisis mean for taxpayers?
Bad news. You are on the hook for about $1 trillion in bailout money. That money has to be borrowed, and will add to the already huge budget deficit.

What does this mean for policy makers?
Constraint. Tax policy, spending programs, and wealth redistribution will all be shifted in light of the deficit. The red ink this year may total close to $1 trillion.

What does this mean for business?
Businesses should be prepared for slower economic growth for the next year despite lower interest rates. Wall Street is going to have a bad image for years to come. The financial industry, which has been the backbone of the economy for a generation, is going to shrink.

Journalist Stuart Varney is a popular business speaker, correspondent, and anchor. Formerly with both CNBC and CNN, Varney has hosted such shows as Wall Street Journal Editorial Board with Stuart Varney and The Moneyline Newshour. An economist trained at the London School of Economics, Varney offers his wide-ranging and sophisticated expertise, analyzing financial and economic news and charming audiences.

Contact Keppler Speakers bureau for more information on bringing financial speaker Stuart Varney to your next event.

September 16th marks the release of legendary author Garrison Keillor’s 16th book, Liberty: A Lake Wobegon Novel. Focusing once again on the joys and struggles of life in a small Midwestern town, Liberty takes place on a momentous Fourth of July in Lake Wobegon, with the “good loving people who drive each other crazy” readers have come to expect from Keillor.

A charming and witty writer, humorist, and radio voice, Garrison Keillor is best known for his long-running public radio show, A Prairie Home Companion. In presentations filled with warmth, comedy, stories, and songs, he regales audiences with tales of growing up in the Midwest, fatherhood, and nostalgia for the early days of radio. With his wonderful, dry sense of humor, he captivates audiences with class, charisma, and wisdom.

Contact Keppler Speakers bureau for more information on bringing celebrity speaker Garrison Keillor to your next event.

With New Orleans breathing a sigh of relief after Hurricane Gustav, but many parts of the country threatened by Hurricanes Hanna and Ike, the wisdom of CNN contributor, the commander of New Orleans’ Joint Task Force Katrina, and Keppler speaker Lt. General Russel L. Honoré (Ret.) is needed more than ever.

Prominently featured on CNN’s coverage of the latest storm developments, General Honoré emphasizes a “culture of preparedness” to a national audience, offering his invaluable experience-based ideas for safe evacuation and recovery. In a powerful commentary on CNN, he shares what we’ve learned from Hurricane Katrina, as well as what must be done to prepare for any disaster.

Stay tuned to CNN during hurricane season and beyond for more interviews, insights, and inspiration from powerful leadership speaker Russel L. Honoré, and contact Keppler Speakers bureau for more information on bringing his lessons in preparedness to your next event.