BENTON HARBOR – The Economic Club of Southwestern Michigan President Michael Cook announced today that Michigan State University Head Basketball Coach Tom Izzo is the next guest in this year’s speaker series.

The member-only meeting will be held Oct. 12 at the Mendel Center for Arts and Technology, Lake Michigan College.

As coach Izzo enters his 15th year directing the Spartan basketball program, expectations for another winning season run high. His career record stands at 336-137.

His teams have won the 2000 NCAA National Championship, five regular-season Big Ten Championships, two Big Ten tournament titles, made five Final Four appearances in 11 seasons and he has personally earned four national coach-of-the-year awards.

The 2008-2009 season was one of the best in Michigan State University’s history. During the regular season, the Spartans won the Big Ten Championship with a 15-3 league record, including a school-best 8-1 mark on the road. The team won the league title by four games, equaling the second-greatest margin in conference history. The overall season ended at 37-7, the third highest win total in school history. For that season’s accomplishments, Izzo was named Big Ten Coach of the Year.

But Izzo is equally proud of his record off the court. Of his players who completed their eligibility, 86 percent have also left the university with a degree. Six of his Spartans (Charlie Bell, Mateen Cleaves, Paul Davis, Drew Neitzel, Morris Peterson and Jason Richardson) have earned some form of All-America honors. Eighteen different players have earned all-conference recognition.

A native of Iron Mountain, Izzo attended high school with former NFL head coach Steve Mariucci. They roomed together at Northern Michigan University where both earned Division II All-America honors in their respective sports (Izzo in basketball/Mariucci in football). In spite of busy schedules, they remain the closest of friends.

Izzo has proven on and off the court that he has what it takes to build a win-focused team. His talk will provide insights into college athletics and inspiration to The Club’s business and community leaders.

Attendance at the Izzo meeting is limited to The Economic Club members only. Meeting membership is closed for the 2009-2010 season, however, individuals interested in joining the Club may add their names to a waiting list by visiting www.TheEconClub.com or calling (269) 982-6010 and leaving their names, phone numbers, mailing addresses and e-mail addresses.

For more information about The Club, its speakers and membership options, visit www.TheEcon-Club.com, e-mail info@TheEconClub.com or call (269) 982-6010.