Keynote speaker Wally Amos is the genuine, ebullient and gregarious father of the gourmet chocolate chip cookie. Additionally, he is an advocate for reading who believes that the recipe for ending illiteracy in America is to read to your child daily. He is a motivational speaker who travels the world, and he is the author of ten inspiring books with love as the common ingredient, and a tireless advocate of conducting life with an affirmative attitude.
Wally Amos: The Man in the Watermelon Aloha Shirt
Today, his name is a household word. Wally founded the Read it LOUD! Foundation in 2005 urging parents and caregivers to read aloud to children for at least 10 minutes each day from birth to six years old. Read it LOUD is partnered with MARSYS, the Library of Congress, First Book, The Heart of America, The Children’s Book Council, American Library Association and Nemours to launch a national campaign.
In 1994 he co-founded the Uncle Wally’s Muffin Company, which produces a full line of muffins. As founder of Famous Amos Cookies in 1975 and father of the gourmet chocolate chip cookie industry, he has used his fame to support educational causes. Wally was National Spokesman for Literacy Volunteers of America from 1979 until 2002 when they merged with Laubach Literacy Council to create ProLiteracy Worldwide. He now serves as Chairman of the Read it Loud! Foundation, Board Member of Leadership Council of Communities In Schools and Board Member Emeritus of the Metro YMCA of Honolulu, Hawaii.
Wally Amos has been the recipient of many honors and awards. He gave the shirt off his back and his battered Panama hat to the Smithsonian Institution’s Business Americana Collection. He has been inducted into the Babson College Academy of Distinguished Entrepreneurs, and he received the Horatio Alger Award, The President’s Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence, and The National Literacy Honors Award.
Wally is also an author who has written nine books; his autobiography, The Famous Amos Story: The Face That Launched A Thousand Chips, The Power In You: Ten Secret Ingredients To Inner Strength, Man With No Name: Turn Lemons Into Lemonade, Watermelon Magic: Seeds of Wisdom, Slices of Life, The Cookie Never Crumbles: Inspirational Recipes for Every Day Living, Be Positive, The Power In Self-Esteem: How To Discover And Fulfill Your Life Dreams, Live An Inspiring Life: Ten Secret Ingredients for Inner Strength, Watermelon Credo: The Book and The Path To Success is Paved with Positive Thinking.
Over the years, Wally Amos has acted in a number of network sitcoms and appeared on hundreds of interview shows, news programs, educational programs and commercials. On the lecture circuit, he addresses audiences at corporations, industry associations and universities with his inspiring “do it” positive attitude.
Over 150 million Americans know Wally Amos. His fame is grounded in quality, substance and a positive attitude.
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