The National Ski Areas Association likes Mitt Romney’s business perspectives and his success at organizing the 2002 Winter Olympics. No surprise, then, that they’ve asked him to be their keynote speaker at their National Convention & Tradeshow in Orlando, FL, next May. NSAA attendees are in for a real treat!

LAKEWOOD, Colo., December 7, 2009 – The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) today announced that Mitt Romney, former Massachusetts governor and likely frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012, will be the keynote speaker at its annual National Convention & Tradeshow to be held May 2 – 5 at the Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate, Fla. As president and CEO of the Salt Lake City Olympic Organizing Committee, Governor Romney successfully organized and steered the 2002 Winter Olympics.

“Not only does he possess a unique perspective of the ski industry given his work in organizing the Winter Olympics, but we’re confident that Governor Romney’s pro-business, small-government message will resonate with a number of our member ski area owners and operators,” says NSAA President Michael Berry.

In addition to his achievements as Massachusetts governor, Romney’s expertise also includes his impressive business acumen. Romney was the CEO of management consulting firm Bain & Company, and co-founder of Bain Capital, a private equity investment firm. Romney left Bain Capital to direct the Salt Lake City Olympic Committee and the 2002 Winter Olympics, which at that time were facing a $379 million budget shortfall. Romney’s successful stewardship of the Games not only erased the massive deficit, but ultimately netted a $100 million profit.

Romney’s role as a public servant is equally distinguished. As governor of Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007, Romney presided over sustained economic growth, balancing the state budget without raising taxes. In 2006, Governor Romney proposed and signed into law private, market-based healthcare reform that ensures every state citizen health insurance – without a government takeover or raising taxes.

As the convention keynote speaker, Romney will expand upon his soon-to-be-released book, “No Apology: The Case for American Greatness,” an insightful look at the challenges facing America in the 21st century. Scheduled to be released in the spring, the book offers solutions for America’s road ahead.