Mississippi native Sam Haskell III, who carved an impressive success story during his years with the William Morris Agency, will be keynote speaker at the 13th Annual Meeting of the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation.

Slated for Friday at 11:30 a.m. in the Kahlmus Auditorium at Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus, the meeting will be attended by more than 500 EMBDC members, sponsors and supporters.

"The EMBDC Annual Meeting is an event that provides the membership an Annual Report, which highlights what the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development group has done throughout the year," said Wade Jones, EMBDC president. "And it provides perspective of the upcoming year through the EMBDC Program of Work."

Bud Thompson, out-going chairman of the EMBDC Board of Directors, expressed gratitude for the year's successes.

“This year has been marked by many accomplishments, none of which would be possible without our valued members, loyal allies and local governments," Thompson said. "I want to thank our team of staff and volunteers for their dedication and inspiration. I challenge EMBDC membership to leave limited perceptions and ideology behind and engage each other in respectful discourse, knowing that all have something to contribute. In doing so, we will move this community forward together for a brilliant future.”

And to help continue that momentum, Jones selected Haskell to be the keynote speaker.

“I heard Sam speak once before, and I admired his faith and his inclusiveness of the 'Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,'" he said. "His success story with the William Morris Agency is truly impressive and proves that he is a man that possesses deep conviction, leadership skills and perseverance."

Originally from Amory, Haskell is a 1977 graduate of the University of Mississippi, where he majored in theatre, radio & television,

After moving to Los Angeles in 1978, he joined the William Morris Agency, in the mailroom, and two years later was promoted to an agent in the Television Variety Department, where he packaged television specials starring Lily Tomlin, Lynda Carter, Debbie Allen, David Frost and Diana Ross.

In 1990, Haskell became the William Morris Agency’s youngest senior vice president, and in 1994, he was elevated to West Coast Head of Television for the agency. In 1997, Haskell became executive vice president and a member of the WMA Board of Directors. In 1999, he was elevated to Worldwide Head of Television.

One of Haskell's responsibilities was overseeing the packaging of all network projects represented by the William Morris Agency, including "The Cosby Show," "Sisters," "Fresh Prince of Bel Air," "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Live with Regis & Kathie Lee," "Diagnosis Murder," "King of Queens," "Whoopi," "Las Vegas," "Lost" and "Who Wants to be a Millionaire."

Prior to his retirement from the agency business in 2004, Haskell's clients included Bill Cosby, Kathie Lee Gifford, Ray Romano, Whoopi Goldberg, Debbie Allen, Dolly Parton, George Clooney, Sela Ward, Kirstie Alley, Tony Danza, Emily Procter, Lily Tomlin, Brenda Hampton, Darren Star, Marilyn McCoo, Joan Van Ark, Malcolm Jamal Warner, Swoosie Kurtz, Lucie Arnaz, and His Royal Highness The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex.

Haskell released his memoir, "Promises I Made My Mother," in April. The book is a national best seller, having made the Top Ten Best Sellers List in Los Angeles, Denver, Kansas City, Milwaukee and Dallas, where it was No. 1. It was also one of USA Today’s 5 Top Picks for Mother’s Day and No. 2 on the CEO READS Business Best Seller List for May.

Haskell’s contributions to the community have been recognized throughout the years and have garnered him many awards, honors and seats on highly reputed boards and organizations. He continues to devote a significant amount of time and energy to philanthropy and helping out worthwhile causes every chance he gets. Over the last 15 years, Haskell and his wife, Mary, have helped to raise more than $55 million for charitable causes.