Erin Brockovich to speak at Poplar Bluff women's conference

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Erin Brockovich will be the keynote speaker for a Sept. 16 conference presented by Women Aware Inc., event director Tiffany Jenkins announced Wednesday morning at the Black River Coliseum.

It's been 10 years since Julia Roberts starred in the Oscar-winning movie "Erin Brockovich." The film turned an unknown legal researcher into a 20th-century icon by showcasing how her persistence was the force behind the largest medical settlement lawsuit in history.

Jenkins is the director of marketing and community relations for Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, the event sponsor.

"Erin will deliver a message about the Power of One," Jenkins said. "She says she has seen too many times that oftentimes we are the only ones standing in our own way. She will motivate attendees to move obstacles out of the way and move forward, letting nothing in our way. Just like she did."

As president of Brockovich Research & Consulting, she is involved in numerous environmental projects worldwide. Brockovich's book "Take It From Me: Life's a Struggle But You Can Win" was published in October 2001 and was on the New York Times Business Bestseller's List.

Conference committees are working on a variety of speakers for the breakout sessions.

The early registration fee to attend the event is $35. To register online visit womenawareconference.eventbrite.com. Payments will be accepted through PayPal. People can also contact the University of Missouri Extension Center at 573-686-8064.

Anyone interested in becoming a conference sponsor or in having a booth at the event may contact Sabrina Ridings c/o Mossy Oak Properties Turn-Key Investment, 1943 N. Westwood Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 or by calling 573-450-6534.