We are very pleased to announce that we will be hosting our annual University of Affordability Conference in Michigan City, Indiana at the Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa. Blue Chip is nestled in the heart of Northwest Indiana and just 40 minutes east of the Chicago City Limits overlooking beautiful Lake Michigan. Cinnaire University of Affordable Housing strives to cultivate the ongoing success of our industry by facilitating technical and operational development in a collaborative setting to enhance strong, agile teams.
The 2015 U of A Conference offers tracks and sessions for every level and type of professional in the Community Development industry. U of A’s in-depth and comprehensive sessions touch on many aspects of community development including: tax credits and year 15 dispositions; management; maintenance; successful partnerships; New Markets Tax Credits; placemaking; advocacy; and more. Register here!
We have two very exciting speakers lined up for the University of Affordability Conference. Kurt David, Author and Host of From Glory Days and former Professional Basketball Player, and Rocky Bleier, former Professional Football Player and Vietnam Veteran, will be joining us to share their inspiring and captivating stories. Autographs and photo opportunities will follow their speeches.
Kurt David
Kurt David’s experience as a professional athlete, best-selling author, TV personality, keynote speaker, certified sports counselor, business owner, and transition consultant to professional & Olympic athletes has given him the unique ability to connect with vast audiences.
He is the creator of the highly-acclaimed book at TV show, From Glory Days which chronicles the lives of Hall of Fame, All-Star, and World Champion former professional athletes.
Kurt has vast experience with TV, radio, and print media, and currently resides in Metro Detroit with his wife and two young daughters. Despite his extremely busy schedule he believes it is important to give back by volunteering his time and resources to the following organizations: Monze, Zambia (Africa); Advisory Board Member to International Sports Professionals Association – Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois; Supervisory Committee Member to LOC Federal Credit Union – Metro Detroit; Co-Creator of the MIND OVER MATTER Bike Event benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association; and numerous other local youth assistance and charity events.
Rocky Bleier
Rocky Bleier’s life story – a gripping tale of courage on both the football fields of America and the battle fields of Vietnam – has held audiences in rapt attention for years. Yet, the motivational message behind it, detailing how ordinary people can become extraordinary achievers, defines success in the new American century.
With the same optimism, sense of humor and steadfast determination that were his trademarks as a Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Rocky Bleier takes audiences from his early years through his professional career and talks about the lessons he learned along the way….lessons that we all can benefit from.
Not falling within the ideal of what a running back should look like, Bleier had to run harder and play smarter to be able to stand out. Despite his drive and ability to make the big play, the Pittsburgh Steelers only considered him a late round pick. But before the season ended that first year, he was drafted again…this time by the United States Army. At the height of the Vietnam War, Bleier was thrust into combat early and was seriously wounded when his platoon ran into an ambush. Receiving wounds from both rifle fire and grenade fragments in his legs, he was barely able to walk and his professional football career seemed to have ended before it began.
Following his service in the US Army, Bleier set his sights back on the NFL, and pushed himself for two years. Little by little, he overcame obstacles and fought his way back. He not only made the Pittsburgh Steelers, but also eventually became a starting running back on a team that won four Super Bowls and became the greatest football team of the 20th century.
The hard lessons Rocky Bleier learned early in his life, which helped him overcome adversity and reach his goals, have paid off after football. One reason Rocky Bleier is so popular as a speaker is his ability to translate core values in his speech, like “Being the Best You Can Be.” With real-world practicality, he points out ways to reach new levels of inner-confidence.
Whether it is career development for corporate executives, enhancing sales and marketing skills for sales teams, offering inspiration for young professionals or practical advice to student athletes, Bleier’s delivery is a winner. His message consistently brings audiences to their feet and re-energizes them for personal and work challenges ahead. His advice is not about avoiding life’s twists and turns but conditioning one’s self to lean into them and to incorporate the resulting energy in realizing goals.
