The Honorable Elaine L. Chao, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, will be the featured speaker for the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Luncheon on Thursday, May 3. The event, sponsored by Swift & Staley and Paducah and Louisville Railway, will be held at Walker Hall Event Center beginning at 11:30 a.m. 

The Chamber’s Public Policy events give the business community access to legislative leaders, issues and information.   

Secretary Chao currently serves as the 18th U. S. Secretary of Transportation. This is her second cabinet position. Previously she served as U.S. Secretary of Labor from 2001-2009, the first Asian American woman to be appointed to the President's cabinet in American history.   

An immigrant who arrived in America speaking no English, Secretary Chao has devoted her professional career to ensuring that others can access opportunities to build better lives for themselves and their families.   

Her distinguished career in the public, private and non-profit sectors includes serving as President and CEO of United Way of America; Director of the Peace Corps; Deputy U.S. Secretary of Transportation; Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission; and Deputy Maritime Administrator, U. S. Department of Transportation.  She has also worked in the private sector as a transportation banker.      

In addition to providing an update on the top issues before the Department, Secretary Chao will spend time answering questions pertinent to the business community in the area.

The cost is $25 and open to the public. Those interested in attending should register online, www.paducahchamber.org or email info@paducahchamber.org.  The deadline to register is May 1.