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R. Tauck honors AMEX CEO, Partners in Preservation – Boston

Old North Church – “Two of by Sea” Event
November 15, 2010
Intro to Honoree:  Ken Chenault, Chairman and CEO, American Express
Partners In Preservation

by Robin Tauck   

What an honor to be here at Sixth annual “Two if by Sea” - such a meaningful celebration of Preservation ideals at the Old North Church, one of America’s greatest historic treasures and… one of the  few surviving buildings that witnessed our War of Independence.   She still stands tall and proud -- an enduring symbol of liberty, democracy and the determination of a people to be free.

In 1875, America’s First Centennial was announced right here.  And a century later, in 1975, President Ford and Queen Elizabeth celebrated America’s Bicentennial here, with a “Third Lantern” - dedicated to our 3rd Century of Freedom and to (always) renew faith in our Ideals.  A tradition ever since -- The Third Lantern Award is presented to a special citizen who has truly advanced the cause of liberty,  opportunity , civic responsibility, and democracy.  It is a high honor.

I am delighted to introduce the very first honoree from the corporate sector, Mr. Ken Chenault, CEO and Chairman of American Express. Following in the footsteps of Patriots, Senators and Presidents ------ a businessman is honored this evening.

Perhaps most appropriately he hails from two of the largest service industries in the world; financial services and travel & tourism-- industries to which so many of you belong, upon which so many people depend…and upon which the Old North and hundreds of other sites rely for their existence.

For it is the half million travelers here at Old North… and the one and one-half billion world  travelers expected in next 5 years; … that help to create growing  prosperity and cultural understanding… throughout our nation and our world.
 
Through our national treasures we tell the American story… and convey an even deeper message of “the American Experience”… (of what is)….democracy.

They say “democracy” is based on the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people.

Let me share with you what I know of this ordinary yet remarkable man.  Born in Long Island, the son of a dentist, he attended two of our nation’s finest universities and, through hard work  and strong principles,  he rose to take the reins of one of America’s most venerable companies… a household name around the world,  AMERICAN EXPRESS  ( home to over 65,000 employees). 

Founded in 1850, based in New York City, this 160-year old company has ALWAYS… stood for trust & integrity….extraordinary quality…. security and service. 

This great company is

•  Consistently, Ranked #1 for customer satisfaction
• Fortune Magazine rates American Express one of the most admired companies in the World…..AND
• Barron’s acknowledges its leadership as one of the most respected.
• And, for many, many decades the Company has proven its commitment and focus on preserving cultural and historic treasures.

Ken  provided exemplary leadership for more than 20 years.  And he did so during one of the most turbulent and traumatic decades of all time, from September 11th to the present.  Following the destruction of his headquarters at Ground Zero - - facing sorrowful loss of life in his corporate family, and helping to rebuild his New York neighborhood;   He then steered the massive ship he leads through the global credit crisis and financial meltdown. And with many tourism companies and partners, he kept travelers traveling -- 

His eyes are always on the horizon…. A genuine humanitarian seeking a higher purpose -- that of building global economic development, jobs and local pride -- through Partnerships and Preservation.  First with the World Monuments Fund, then Save America’s Treasures and now National Trust for Historic Preservation,  American Express leads the way in the travel industry.  Recently, they completed one of most creative and ambitious programs of 21st century- Partners in Preservation.  American Express granted $5 million in 5 years,  by an online competition to over 100 sites in five cities in America; including the city of Boston.  The Old North Church was one of many recipients; and we are so grateful.

Thanks to these fine people, The Old North has a strong and secure steeple today; symbol of America’s freedom, this steeple will last for generations to come. 

We have begun to transform this site, which occupies a place in America’s collective consciousness as significant as the Statue of Liberty, the Washington Monument and Independence Hall.  For the first time, new national web-based curriculum as well as free programs and free transportation for Greater Boston’s public schools ;  are telling a contemporary story, and inspiring youth of all ages and backgrounds -- so innovative it won three 2010 Awards.  Over 100,000 youth are now involved.

We know that cross-cultural sharing and understanding are needed now more than ever.  And that preservation plays an important role.  Heritage and cultural tourism are cited the #1 reason for  global travel today; and unprecedented growth in visitation is expected in coming years. Here at this one site,  youth engagement, cross cultural dialog and international visitation are at an all time high in 235 years.

Thank you Ken Chenault, American Express and the American Express Foundation for  understanding…that  preserving cultural treasures  is critical; for it builds local engagement, jobs and economies for the long term both here in America and even more importantly, in so many developing countries abroad.   

Let’s challenge ourselves to match the vision of this great company, to see the light of what preservation and partnerships can do.  Just like the brave Minutemen of Lexington and Concord , let us gather together and marshal the will to improve the world… through PRESERVATION and its beacon of hope,  inspiration and opportunity for all.

Please join me -- -- in welcoming… Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of American Express…. Mr. Ken Chenault. 

Ken, for a lifetime of social responsibility and as a model corporate citizen -- I am honored to present you the Old North Foundation’s  Third Lantern Award.  May  this light guide and inspire you, as you guide and inspire so many others; and may you, your family and your associates always feel in the company of “centurion” forefathers…. here at the Old North and in the city of Boston.

Written & Presented by Robin Tauck, 11-15-2010
Two if by Sea Event, Old North Church, Boston, MA  

Photo Credits: Randy H. Goodman/fotografiks