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‘Big Thirst’ Author Charles Fishman to Speak at Economics Club of Hampton Roads Luncheon Sept. 18

Charles Fishman, author of "The Big Thirst: The Secret Life and Turbulent Future of Water," will kick off the 2013-14 roster of speakers for the Economics Club of Hampton Roads on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

Fishman, a celebrated investigative journalist and author, will speak at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott, 235 E. Main St. in Norfolk. The event, which runs from 11:40 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., is free for Economics Club members and $40 for non-members.

Fishman's latest book, "The Big Thirst," examines how water resources will come to define this century. He helps redefine how Americans look at water, the nation's most essential - but in many ways, misunderstood - resource. Fishman highlights water's vital role in the business sector and points to the many contradictions of water in the developing world, leaving audiences with a hopeful vision of how current wasteful ways can be curbed through ingenuity and conscientious stewardship.

Fishman now also blogs about water for National Geographic.

In his previous book, "The Wal-Mart Effect," Fishman took a definitive look at how Wal-Mart has become, without precedent, the most powerful and influential company in the history of the world.

In the book, Fishman writes how striving for one goal - saving its customers money - has resulted in Wal-Mart changing the practices of its suppliers, the economic life of cities, the economies of the countries from which it buys its goods, and the buying habits of consumers.

The Economics Club of Hampton Roads is an organization for business and government executives and community leaders who share an interest in the practical implications of economic principles, trends and events. It was established in 1991 as a community service by former ODU President James V. Koch, and is administered by Gil Yochum, dean of the College of Business and Public Administration, under the supervision of an elected board.

Membership is available to anyone who would enjoy the opportunity to hear timely, varied and valuable presentations from nationally known experts and regional business leaders. Except for the annual Economic Outlook Luncheon, programs are not normally open to the general public. However, members are encouraged to bring guests. Corporate membership is also available, enabling organizations to send up to three individuals to each program.

For more information about the Economics Club and its events, contact executive director Bruce Rubin, associate professor of finance, at brubin@odu.edu or 683-3590; administrative assistant Katrina Davenport at kdavenpo@odu.edu or 683-5138; or visit the website http://bpa.odu.edu/bpa/econclub.shtml.

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