Speake, Anne, 2000 Leon S. Peters Distinguished Service Award recipient
Item
Title
Speake, Anne, 2000 Leon S. Peters Distinguished Service Award recipient
Description
Talks about being honored to receive the Leon S. Peters Distinguished Service Award and her efforts on revitalizing Fresno's Downtown, growing up in Oregon and moving to Fresno in 1962. She discusses serving as president of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce and starting her business, the Language Institute and the impact it's had on people worldwide. She also gives advice for people looking to start out in business and as community leaders.
Creator
Speake, Anne
Mehas, Dr. Peter G.
Relation
Leon S. Peters Legacy Collection
Coverage
Fresno, California
Date
1/21/2000
Format
Microsoft word 2003 document, 4 pages
Identifier
SCMS_lspl_00006
extracted text
>>Dr. Peter
pleasure it
to be named
you are the
Award since
and so, you
prestigious
G. Mehas: Anne Speake, Year 2000 Leon Peters recipient. What a
is to have this interview with you. What did it mean to Anne Speake
amongst the Lew Eatons, the Bob Duncans, the Helen Smades. In fact,
last--you are the second woman in the history of the Leon Peters
started by the Chamber in 1984. Helen Smades won the award in 1992
are the second woman to be the recipient of this, but also this most
award. What did it mean to you personally?
>>Anne Speake: It was such an honor. I have so many times been at the Chamber
luncheons when they have awarded these and I have sat there in awe of these
people, never dreaming that I would be a recipient, ever. I was so overwhelmed
when they came to my office and told me that it was quite an honor.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Well, clearly, we all know Lee Peters and we knew that
this award that it was initiated by the Fresno Chamber of Commerce in which you
were a past president. We all acknowledge and recognize, not only does it stand
for excellence in business, but for community service and this is certainly what
Leon Peters has stood for. You’ve been involved in many, many community
activities, what are some of the things that you sort of look back on that gives
you a source of pride and a source of accomplishment?
>>Anne Speake: I think this recent endeavor that I have been working on downtown
revitalization has been very exciting for me and it’s brought together so many
people from so many walks of life who believe in the downtown. And their
enthusiasm and their passion has made it very exciting for me and it’s something
that we will continue to work on until we finish the revitalization of downtown.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Speaking of the downtown area in Fresno, certainly, I grew
up in this downtown area and I have seen the ebb and flow of the downtown area,
when did you come to Fresno and where did you come from prior to coming to
Fresno?
>>Anne Speake: Well, it took me a while, but I started out in Oregon. I grew up
in Oregon and then I sort of moved down slowly from northern California and I
arrived here in 1962. And that was just about the time that they were building
the mall here. As a matter of fact I worked in the Crawford Citizens Bank
building and I can remember walking on the mall when it was first--when it first
opened and it was so beautiful and we walked there during our lunch hour and we
had lunch out on some of as I think it was Gottschalks had an outdoor area that
we used to go to. And there were people on the streets and everybody went
shopping and everybody from Fresno came downtown and it was wonderful.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Isn't it fascinating that our other Leon Peters woman
recipient, Helen Smades was from Oregon as well.
>>Anne Speake: Really?
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Yeah. What->>Anne Speake: That is right. Klamath Falls and I grew->>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Klamath Falls.
>>Anne Speake: I spent ten years in Medford, which is not too far from Klamath
Falls. We used to go duck hunting at Klamath Falls.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: What an amazing coincidence.
service, tell us a little bit about the time where
the Chamber Board and also we would like to know a
business which is well known throughout the world,
In addition to your community
you served as President of
little bit about your
the Language Institute.
>>Anne Speake: Well, you want to know about serving on the board, that was a
very interesting time. It was a lot of work because we were doing some
restructuring. Of course we were working at just the things that had to be done
and the Chamber does so much. I don't think people really have any idea how many
areas the Chamber works in and how dedicated the volunteers are and the people
that work there. It’s really an amazing organization and as I became--came on as
a board member and then a vice president, I was quite impressed with the caliber
of the volunteers who work there and are so dedicated to the Chamber. So, it was
a wonderful experience working with them and particularly the executive board. I
had a wonderful executive board and were very supportive and it was a time that
was difficult in Fresno because of the recall of the mayor and it was a time
that we had to be supporting all of our or representing all of our members. And
so, that period was a little bit difficult, but we came through it fine and it
was an interesting time.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Sure, sure. Your business is well known throughout the-certainly, throughout Fresno and throughout the state, but also you bring
students from all over the world. How did you get started in that particular
business?
>>Anne Speake: Well, I was a foreign student advisor at Fresno State University
and I loved what I was doing, but I just thought maybe I could do a little bit
better because at that time they had about 2,000 students at the university. And
that the counseling office was small so there was only so much they could do.
So, a lot of the students came and of course when they were studying English,
they had to find their own housing, they had to get--there were so many survival
skills that they had to work with and it was a difficult time for them. So, I
thought it would be wonderful if we started a full immersion program where we
could meet them at the airport, have a host family program for them, take them
on weekend trips, and sort of the combination of English language and culture.
So, that’s kind of how I got the idea of starting my school and when I started
it was very small. We had four employees and 17 students and I went overseas
almost immediately to recruit students. And that was quite an adventure that I
was very fortunate because I was able to land a big government group in Malaysia
and that gave me a good start. And after two years in a very small building, we
moved out across the street from Fresno State and we have been there for 18
years.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: And your job has taken you all over the world.
>>Anne Speake: Just about every place in the world, yes. I think I have been to
about 50 countries and this year, I have been overseas four times. So, it’s
pretty hectic, but it’s nice because you meet a lot of interesting people and
then to bring the students here and have them have the opportunity to live with
families and also to meet students from other cultures. That’s one of the most
exciting parts of what we do because you see the students from Saudi Arabia and
from Japan and from various countries who live together and study together and
play together and they become good friends. As a matter of fact, my academic
director today was telling me at graduation which unfortunately, I had to miss
today said that the Brazilian students taught three of our students, one Swiss,
one Guatemalan, and one Saudi Arabian, how to do the Brazilian dances. So, at
graduation these three students got up and danced the Brazilian dances and she
said it was just darling, absolutely darling. So, that’s what is exciting about
what we do.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Sure. One could say with accuracy that you helped put
Fresno on the world map by your institution bringing students from all over the
world have had the Fresno experience.
>>Anne Speake: We had about 30,000 students from ages of about 8 to 80.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: I’ve had the privilege of getting to know you when you cochaired the commission of on the future of education in Fresno County and I know
education is very near and dear to you. What are some of the things that you
learned by participating in the commission or what do you want away from it. I
know you bring a unique perspective not only because of running an educational
institution, but a business woman. I know it’s not that long ago, but anything
that you would care to reminisce about?
>>Anne Speake: Well, I realize that there’s big problems out there and even
though we spent two years studying it, I think you could study it for 20 years
and probably never know all the answers. I think the commission did a good job.
They had some good people who came from, again, all walks of life and I think
that their recommendations were good and I understand that they are now being
implemented, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Sure. As you see the future of Fresno, there were
people that look at the glass half empty, some of them half full. Where
see the future of Fresno going, economically, socially? You have seen a
change already since being here since 1962, but where do you see Fresno
and what is sort your vision for Fresno?
some
do you
lot of
going
>>Anne Speake: I think that things are going very well now. I think that they’re
improving. I think that people again, the grassroots, the volunteers are very
excited about what’s happening in Fresno. I think we’re sort of the last
frontier in California. People are beginning to look at us, the companies are
starting to come in, people are getting--in quote, their acts--together, acts
together and the public-private partnerships are very important and I think we
are going to see more of that of the public-private partnership. And again,
going back to the Urban Land Institute, that was a public-private operation, we
had people on both sides from the city council, from the city and then we had
the private people who came in, worked on the task force and then donated money
to bring in the Urban Land Institute and that was just one example of what is
happening all over Fresno. I think the Chamber, the Fresno Business Council,
people in the education community, the health community, the unions, everybody
is working together now to make this a better place, so I see a great future for
Fresno.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: If you were to be addressing a group of young students
just starting out on their career and looking to be a successful person such as
you, not only in terms of business but as a community leader, what advice would
you give them as they start off on their young career?
>>Anne Speake: Well, I think having a balance in life is very important. I think
some of us get very caught up in our businesses and probably work a little bit
longer than we should. I think it is important that I think your family is
important. I think volunteerism is important, so you have to have a good
balance. When you are starting--I believe in starting from the ground up. I feel
that I had a lot of--I think the opportunities that I had are working in a
variety of organizations helped me when I was ready to start my own business.
And I don't think you can start at the top and I think sometimes young people
think that they are going to start in middle management or at the top, but it
doesn't hurt to learn the business and maybe learn other businesses and then to
be persistent too, to keep a focus. I think it’s very important to get
distracted and you have to have goals and you have to focus on those goals. Of
course, you have to be flexible also, but as long as you can focus on your
goals, then you can't go wrong.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: The great Notre Dame coach and motivator, Knute Rockne
once said, "When the great scorekeeper records the final score, it matters not
who wins or lost, but how the game was played." Now, I’m not to suggest you have
a long and fulfilling life ahead of you, but in the final question, how do you
want people to speak of Anne Speake when all is said and done. What would you
like them to say about you as a citizen of the community, as a recipient of the
single most prestigious award given in the central California, Leon S. Peters
Award, what would you like them to say?
>>Anne Speake: Well, I would like them to remember me fondly and I would hope
that they would say that she cared about her family and her community.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: I think they say that now that you care deeply about your
family and your community and certainly, you provide an excellent role model not
only for all the young women of our community, but all of our citizens as well.
Is there anything that I should have asked you that I didn't that you’d just
like to add for posterity in the future?
>>Anne Speake: Well, I think you’ve done a pretty good job.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Yeah. Well again,
>>Anne Speake: You’ve asked all the good questions.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Well again, on behalf of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce
which is the sponsor of the Leon S. Peters Award and the Valley Business
Conference Executive Committee, we congratulate you for a lifetime of
achievement and contribution to the Fresno community.
>>Anne Speake: Thank you.
==== Transcribed by Automatic Sync Technologies ====
pleasure it
to be named
you are the
Award since
and so, you
prestigious
G. Mehas: Anne Speake, Year 2000 Leon Peters recipient. What a
is to have this interview with you. What did it mean to Anne Speake
amongst the Lew Eatons, the Bob Duncans, the Helen Smades. In fact,
last--you are the second woman in the history of the Leon Peters
started by the Chamber in 1984. Helen Smades won the award in 1992
are the second woman to be the recipient of this, but also this most
award. What did it mean to you personally?
>>Anne Speake: It was such an honor. I have so many times been at the Chamber
luncheons when they have awarded these and I have sat there in awe of these
people, never dreaming that I would be a recipient, ever. I was so overwhelmed
when they came to my office and told me that it was quite an honor.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Well, clearly, we all know Lee Peters and we knew that
this award that it was initiated by the Fresno Chamber of Commerce in which you
were a past president. We all acknowledge and recognize, not only does it stand
for excellence in business, but for community service and this is certainly what
Leon Peters has stood for. You’ve been involved in many, many community
activities, what are some of the things that you sort of look back on that gives
you a source of pride and a source of accomplishment?
>>Anne Speake: I think this recent endeavor that I have been working on downtown
revitalization has been very exciting for me and it’s brought together so many
people from so many walks of life who believe in the downtown. And their
enthusiasm and their passion has made it very exciting for me and it’s something
that we will continue to work on until we finish the revitalization of downtown.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Speaking of the downtown area in Fresno, certainly, I grew
up in this downtown area and I have seen the ebb and flow of the downtown area,
when did you come to Fresno and where did you come from prior to coming to
Fresno?
>>Anne Speake: Well, it took me a while, but I started out in Oregon. I grew up
in Oregon and then I sort of moved down slowly from northern California and I
arrived here in 1962. And that was just about the time that they were building
the mall here. As a matter of fact I worked in the Crawford Citizens Bank
building and I can remember walking on the mall when it was first--when it first
opened and it was so beautiful and we walked there during our lunch hour and we
had lunch out on some of as I think it was Gottschalks had an outdoor area that
we used to go to. And there were people on the streets and everybody went
shopping and everybody from Fresno came downtown and it was wonderful.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Isn't it fascinating that our other Leon Peters woman
recipient, Helen Smades was from Oregon as well.
>>Anne Speake: Really?
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Yeah. What->>Anne Speake: That is right. Klamath Falls and I grew->>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Klamath Falls.
>>Anne Speake: I spent ten years in Medford, which is not too far from Klamath
Falls. We used to go duck hunting at Klamath Falls.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: What an amazing coincidence.
service, tell us a little bit about the time where
the Chamber Board and also we would like to know a
business which is well known throughout the world,
In addition to your community
you served as President of
little bit about your
the Language Institute.
>>Anne Speake: Well, you want to know about serving on the board, that was a
very interesting time. It was a lot of work because we were doing some
restructuring. Of course we were working at just the things that had to be done
and the Chamber does so much. I don't think people really have any idea how many
areas the Chamber works in and how dedicated the volunteers are and the people
that work there. It’s really an amazing organization and as I became--came on as
a board member and then a vice president, I was quite impressed with the caliber
of the volunteers who work there and are so dedicated to the Chamber. So, it was
a wonderful experience working with them and particularly the executive board. I
had a wonderful executive board and were very supportive and it was a time that
was difficult in Fresno because of the recall of the mayor and it was a time
that we had to be supporting all of our or representing all of our members. And
so, that period was a little bit difficult, but we came through it fine and it
was an interesting time.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Sure, sure. Your business is well known throughout the-certainly, throughout Fresno and throughout the state, but also you bring
students from all over the world. How did you get started in that particular
business?
>>Anne Speake: Well, I was a foreign student advisor at Fresno State University
and I loved what I was doing, but I just thought maybe I could do a little bit
better because at that time they had about 2,000 students at the university. And
that the counseling office was small so there was only so much they could do.
So, a lot of the students came and of course when they were studying English,
they had to find their own housing, they had to get--there were so many survival
skills that they had to work with and it was a difficult time for them. So, I
thought it would be wonderful if we started a full immersion program where we
could meet them at the airport, have a host family program for them, take them
on weekend trips, and sort of the combination of English language and culture.
So, that’s kind of how I got the idea of starting my school and when I started
it was very small. We had four employees and 17 students and I went overseas
almost immediately to recruit students. And that was quite an adventure that I
was very fortunate because I was able to land a big government group in Malaysia
and that gave me a good start. And after two years in a very small building, we
moved out across the street from Fresno State and we have been there for 18
years.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: And your job has taken you all over the world.
>>Anne Speake: Just about every place in the world, yes. I think I have been to
about 50 countries and this year, I have been overseas four times. So, it’s
pretty hectic, but it’s nice because you meet a lot of interesting people and
then to bring the students here and have them have the opportunity to live with
families and also to meet students from other cultures. That’s one of the most
exciting parts of what we do because you see the students from Saudi Arabia and
from Japan and from various countries who live together and study together and
play together and they become good friends. As a matter of fact, my academic
director today was telling me at graduation which unfortunately, I had to miss
today said that the Brazilian students taught three of our students, one Swiss,
one Guatemalan, and one Saudi Arabian, how to do the Brazilian dances. So, at
graduation these three students got up and danced the Brazilian dances and she
said it was just darling, absolutely darling. So, that’s what is exciting about
what we do.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Sure. One could say with accuracy that you helped put
Fresno on the world map by your institution bringing students from all over the
world have had the Fresno experience.
>>Anne Speake: We had about 30,000 students from ages of about 8 to 80.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: I’ve had the privilege of getting to know you when you cochaired the commission of on the future of education in Fresno County and I know
education is very near and dear to you. What are some of the things that you
learned by participating in the commission or what do you want away from it. I
know you bring a unique perspective not only because of running an educational
institution, but a business woman. I know it’s not that long ago, but anything
that you would care to reminisce about?
>>Anne Speake: Well, I realize that there’s big problems out there and even
though we spent two years studying it, I think you could study it for 20 years
and probably never know all the answers. I think the commission did a good job.
They had some good people who came from, again, all walks of life and I think
that their recommendations were good and I understand that they are now being
implemented, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Sure. As you see the future of Fresno, there were
people that look at the glass half empty, some of them half full. Where
see the future of Fresno going, economically, socially? You have seen a
change already since being here since 1962, but where do you see Fresno
and what is sort your vision for Fresno?
some
do you
lot of
going
>>Anne Speake: I think that things are going very well now. I think that they’re
improving. I think that people again, the grassroots, the volunteers are very
excited about what’s happening in Fresno. I think we’re sort of the last
frontier in California. People are beginning to look at us, the companies are
starting to come in, people are getting--in quote, their acts--together, acts
together and the public-private partnerships are very important and I think we
are going to see more of that of the public-private partnership. And again,
going back to the Urban Land Institute, that was a public-private operation, we
had people on both sides from the city council, from the city and then we had
the private people who came in, worked on the task force and then donated money
to bring in the Urban Land Institute and that was just one example of what is
happening all over Fresno. I think the Chamber, the Fresno Business Council,
people in the education community, the health community, the unions, everybody
is working together now to make this a better place, so I see a great future for
Fresno.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: If you were to be addressing a group of young students
just starting out on their career and looking to be a successful person such as
you, not only in terms of business but as a community leader, what advice would
you give them as they start off on their young career?
>>Anne Speake: Well, I think having a balance in life is very important. I think
some of us get very caught up in our businesses and probably work a little bit
longer than we should. I think it is important that I think your family is
important. I think volunteerism is important, so you have to have a good
balance. When you are starting--I believe in starting from the ground up. I feel
that I had a lot of--I think the opportunities that I had are working in a
variety of organizations helped me when I was ready to start my own business.
And I don't think you can start at the top and I think sometimes young people
think that they are going to start in middle management or at the top, but it
doesn't hurt to learn the business and maybe learn other businesses and then to
be persistent too, to keep a focus. I think it’s very important to get
distracted and you have to have goals and you have to focus on those goals. Of
course, you have to be flexible also, but as long as you can focus on your
goals, then you can't go wrong.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: The great Notre Dame coach and motivator, Knute Rockne
once said, "When the great scorekeeper records the final score, it matters not
who wins or lost, but how the game was played." Now, I’m not to suggest you have
a long and fulfilling life ahead of you, but in the final question, how do you
want people to speak of Anne Speake when all is said and done. What would you
like them to say about you as a citizen of the community, as a recipient of the
single most prestigious award given in the central California, Leon S. Peters
Award, what would you like them to say?
>>Anne Speake: Well, I would like them to remember me fondly and I would hope
that they would say that she cared about her family and her community.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: I think they say that now that you care deeply about your
family and your community and certainly, you provide an excellent role model not
only for all the young women of our community, but all of our citizens as well.
Is there anything that I should have asked you that I didn't that you’d just
like to add for posterity in the future?
>>Anne Speake: Well, I think you’ve done a pretty good job.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Yeah. Well again,
>>Anne Speake: You’ve asked all the good questions.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Well again, on behalf of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce
which is the sponsor of the Leon S. Peters Award and the Valley Business
Conference Executive Committee, we congratulate you for a lifetime of
achievement and contribution to the Fresno community.
>>Anne Speake: Thank you.
==== Transcribed by Automatic Sync Technologies ====
>>Dr. Peter
pleasure it
to be named
you are the
Award since
and so, you
prestigious
G. Mehas: Anne Speake, Year 2000 Leon Peters recipient. What a
is to have this interview with you. What did it mean to Anne Speake
amongst the Lew Eatons, the Bob Duncans, the Helen Smades. In fact,
last--you are the second woman in the history of the Leon Peters
started by the Chamber in 1984. Helen Smades won the award in 1992
are the second woman to be the recipient of this, but also this most
award. What did it mean to you personally?
>>Anne Speake: It was such an honor. I have so many times been at the Chamber
luncheons when they have awarded these and I have sat there in awe of these
people, never dreaming that I would be a recipient, ever. I was so overwhelmed
when they came to my office and told me that it was quite an honor.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Well, clearly, we all know Lee Peters and we knew that
this award that it was initiated by the Fresno Chamber of Commerce in which you
were a past president. We all acknowledge and recognize, not only does it stand
for excellence in business, but for community service and this is certainly what
Leon Peters has stood for. You’ve been involved in many, many community
activities, what are some of the things that you sort of look back on that gives
you a source of pride and a source of accomplishment?
>>Anne Speake: I think this recent endeavor that I have been working on downtown
revitalization has been very exciting for me and it’s brought together so many
people from so many walks of life who believe in the downtown. And their
enthusiasm and their passion has made it very exciting for me and it’s something
that we will continue to work on until we finish the revitalization of downtown.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Speaking of the downtown area in Fresno, certainly, I grew
up in this downtown area and I have seen the ebb and flow of the downtown area,
when did you come to Fresno and where did you come from prior to coming to
Fresno?
>>Anne Speake: Well, it took me a while, but I started out in Oregon. I grew up
in Oregon and then I sort of moved down slowly from northern California and I
arrived here in 1962. And that was just about the time that they were building
the mall here. As a matter of fact I worked in the Crawford Citizens Bank
building and I can remember walking on the mall when it was first--when it first
opened and it was so beautiful and we walked there during our lunch hour and we
had lunch out on some of as I think it was Gottschalks had an outdoor area that
we used to go to. And there were people on the streets and everybody went
shopping and everybody from Fresno came downtown and it was wonderful.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Isn't it fascinating that our other Leon Peters woman
recipient, Helen Smades was from Oregon as well.
>>Anne Speake: Really?
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Yeah. What->>Anne Speake: That is right. Klamath Falls and I grew->>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Klamath Falls.
>>Anne Speake: I spent ten years in Medford, which is not too far from Klamath
Falls. We used to go duck hunting at Klamath Falls.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: What an amazing coincidence.
service, tell us a little bit about the time where
the Chamber Board and also we would like to know a
business which is well known throughout the world,
In addition to your community
you served as President of
little bit about your
the Language Institute.
>>Anne Speake: Well, you want to know about serving on the board, that was a
very interesting time. It was a lot of work because we were doing some
restructuring. Of course we were working at just the things that had to be done
and the Chamber does so much. I don't think people really have any idea how many
areas the Chamber works in and how dedicated the volunteers are and the people
that work there. It’s really an amazing organization and as I became--came on as
a board member and then a vice president, I was quite impressed with the caliber
of the volunteers who work there and are so dedicated to the Chamber. So, it was
a wonderful experience working with them and particularly the executive board. I
had a wonderful executive board and were very supportive and it was a time that
was difficult in Fresno because of the recall of the mayor and it was a time
that we had to be supporting all of our or representing all of our members. And
so, that period was a little bit difficult, but we came through it fine and it
was an interesting time.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Sure, sure. Your business is well known throughout the-certainly, throughout Fresno and throughout the state, but also you bring
students from all over the world. How did you get started in that particular
business?
>>Anne Speake: Well, I was a foreign student advisor at Fresno State University
and I loved what I was doing, but I just thought maybe I could do a little bit
better because at that time they had about 2,000 students at the university. And
that the counseling office was small so there was only so much they could do.
So, a lot of the students came and of course when they were studying English,
they had to find their own housing, they had to get--there were so many survival
skills that they had to work with and it was a difficult time for them. So, I
thought it would be wonderful if we started a full immersion program where we
could meet them at the airport, have a host family program for them, take them
on weekend trips, and sort of the combination of English language and culture.
So, that’s kind of how I got the idea of starting my school and when I started
it was very small. We had four employees and 17 students and I went overseas
almost immediately to recruit students. And that was quite an adventure that I
was very fortunate because I was able to land a big government group in Malaysia
and that gave me a good start. And after two years in a very small building, we
moved out across the street from Fresno State and we have been there for 18
years.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: And your job has taken you all over the world.
>>Anne Speake: Just about every place in the world, yes. I think I have been to
about 50 countries and this year, I have been overseas four times. So, it’s
pretty hectic, but it’s nice because you meet a lot of interesting people and
then to bring the students here and have them have the opportunity to live with
families and also to meet students from other cultures. That’s one of the most
exciting parts of what we do because you see the students from Saudi Arabia and
from Japan and from various countries who live together and study together and
play together and they become good friends. As a matter of fact, my academic
director today was telling me at graduation which unfortunately, I had to miss
today said that the Brazilian students taught three of our students, one Swiss,
one Guatemalan, and one Saudi Arabian, how to do the Brazilian dances. So, at
graduation these three students got up and danced the Brazilian dances and she
said it was just darling, absolutely darling. So, that’s what is exciting about
what we do.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Sure. One could say with accuracy that you helped put
Fresno on the world map by your institution bringing students from all over the
world have had the Fresno experience.
>>Anne Speake: We had about 30,000 students from ages of about 8 to 80.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: I’ve had the privilege of getting to know you when you cochaired the commission of on the future of education in Fresno County and I know
education is very near and dear to you. What are some of the things that you
learned by participating in the commission or what do you want away from it. I
know you bring a unique perspective not only because of running an educational
institution, but a business woman. I know it’s not that long ago, but anything
that you would care to reminisce about?
>>Anne Speake: Well, I realize that there’s big problems out there and even
though we spent two years studying it, I think you could study it for 20 years
and probably never know all the answers. I think the commission did a good job.
They had some good people who came from, again, all walks of life and I think
that their recommendations were good and I understand that they are now being
implemented, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Sure. As you see the future of Fresno, there were
people that look at the glass half empty, some of them half full. Where
see the future of Fresno going, economically, socially? You have seen a
change already since being here since 1962, but where do you see Fresno
and what is sort your vision for Fresno?
some
do you
lot of
going
>>Anne Speake: I think that things are going very well now. I think that they’re
improving. I think that people again, the grassroots, the volunteers are very
excited about what’s happening in Fresno. I think we’re sort of the last
frontier in California. People are beginning to look at us, the companies are
starting to come in, people are getting--in quote, their acts--together, acts
together and the public-private partnerships are very important and I think we
are going to see more of that of the public-private partnership. And again,
going back to the Urban Land Institute, that was a public-private operation, we
had people on both sides from the city council, from the city and then we had
the private people who came in, worked on the task force and then donated money
to bring in the Urban Land Institute and that was just one example of what is
happening all over Fresno. I think the Chamber, the Fresno Business Council,
people in the education community, the health community, the unions, everybody
is working together now to make this a better place, so I see a great future for
Fresno.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: If you were to be addressing a group of young students
just starting out on their career and looking to be a successful person such as
you, not only in terms of business but as a community leader, what advice would
you give them as they start off on their young career?
>>Anne Speake: Well, I think having a balance in life is very important. I think
some of us get very caught up in our businesses and probably work a little bit
longer than we should. I think it is important that I think your family is
important. I think volunteerism is important, so you have to have a good
balance. When you are starting--I believe in starting from the ground up. I feel
that I had a lot of--I think the opportunities that I had are working in a
variety of organizations helped me when I was ready to start my own business.
And I don't think you can start at the top and I think sometimes young people
think that they are going to start in middle management or at the top, but it
doesn't hurt to learn the business and maybe learn other businesses and then to
be persistent too, to keep a focus. I think it’s very important to get
distracted and you have to have goals and you have to focus on those goals. Of
course, you have to be flexible also, but as long as you can focus on your
goals, then you can't go wrong.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: The great Notre Dame coach and motivator, Knute Rockne
once said, "When the great scorekeeper records the final score, it matters not
who wins or lost, but how the game was played." Now, I’m not to suggest you have
a long and fulfilling life ahead of you, but in the final question, how do you
want people to speak of Anne Speake when all is said and done. What would you
like them to say about you as a citizen of the community, as a recipient of the
single most prestigious award given in the central California, Leon S. Peters
Award, what would you like them to say?
>>Anne Speake: Well, I would like them to remember me fondly and I would hope
that they would say that she cared about her family and her community.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: I think they say that now that you care deeply about your
family and your community and certainly, you provide an excellent role model not
only for all the young women of our community, but all of our citizens as well.
Is there anything that I should have asked you that I didn't that you’d just
like to add for posterity in the future?
>>Anne Speake: Well, I think you’ve done a pretty good job.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Yeah. Well again,
>>Anne Speake: You’ve asked all the good questions.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Well again, on behalf of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce
which is the sponsor of the Leon S. Peters Award and the Valley Business
Conference Executive Committee, we congratulate you for a lifetime of
achievement and contribution to the Fresno community.
>>Anne Speake: Thank you.
==== Transcribed by Automatic Sync Technologies ====
pleasure it
to be named
you are the
Award since
and so, you
prestigious
G. Mehas: Anne Speake, Year 2000 Leon Peters recipient. What a
is to have this interview with you. What did it mean to Anne Speake
amongst the Lew Eatons, the Bob Duncans, the Helen Smades. In fact,
last--you are the second woman in the history of the Leon Peters
started by the Chamber in 1984. Helen Smades won the award in 1992
are the second woman to be the recipient of this, but also this most
award. What did it mean to you personally?
>>Anne Speake: It was such an honor. I have so many times been at the Chamber
luncheons when they have awarded these and I have sat there in awe of these
people, never dreaming that I would be a recipient, ever. I was so overwhelmed
when they came to my office and told me that it was quite an honor.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Well, clearly, we all know Lee Peters and we knew that
this award that it was initiated by the Fresno Chamber of Commerce in which you
were a past president. We all acknowledge and recognize, not only does it stand
for excellence in business, but for community service and this is certainly what
Leon Peters has stood for. You’ve been involved in many, many community
activities, what are some of the things that you sort of look back on that gives
you a source of pride and a source of accomplishment?
>>Anne Speake: I think this recent endeavor that I have been working on downtown
revitalization has been very exciting for me and it’s brought together so many
people from so many walks of life who believe in the downtown. And their
enthusiasm and their passion has made it very exciting for me and it’s something
that we will continue to work on until we finish the revitalization of downtown.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Speaking of the downtown area in Fresno, certainly, I grew
up in this downtown area and I have seen the ebb and flow of the downtown area,
when did you come to Fresno and where did you come from prior to coming to
Fresno?
>>Anne Speake: Well, it took me a while, but I started out in Oregon. I grew up
in Oregon and then I sort of moved down slowly from northern California and I
arrived here in 1962. And that was just about the time that they were building
the mall here. As a matter of fact I worked in the Crawford Citizens Bank
building and I can remember walking on the mall when it was first--when it first
opened and it was so beautiful and we walked there during our lunch hour and we
had lunch out on some of as I think it was Gottschalks had an outdoor area that
we used to go to. And there were people on the streets and everybody went
shopping and everybody from Fresno came downtown and it was wonderful.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Isn't it fascinating that our other Leon Peters woman
recipient, Helen Smades was from Oregon as well.
>>Anne Speake: Really?
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Yeah. What->>Anne Speake: That is right. Klamath Falls and I grew->>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Klamath Falls.
>>Anne Speake: I spent ten years in Medford, which is not too far from Klamath
Falls. We used to go duck hunting at Klamath Falls.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: What an amazing coincidence.
service, tell us a little bit about the time where
the Chamber Board and also we would like to know a
business which is well known throughout the world,
In addition to your community
you served as President of
little bit about your
the Language Institute.
>>Anne Speake: Well, you want to know about serving on the board, that was a
very interesting time. It was a lot of work because we were doing some
restructuring. Of course we were working at just the things that had to be done
and the Chamber does so much. I don't think people really have any idea how many
areas the Chamber works in and how dedicated the volunteers are and the people
that work there. It’s really an amazing organization and as I became--came on as
a board member and then a vice president, I was quite impressed with the caliber
of the volunteers who work there and are so dedicated to the Chamber. So, it was
a wonderful experience working with them and particularly the executive board. I
had a wonderful executive board and were very supportive and it was a time that
was difficult in Fresno because of the recall of the mayor and it was a time
that we had to be supporting all of our or representing all of our members. And
so, that period was a little bit difficult, but we came through it fine and it
was an interesting time.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Sure, sure. Your business is well known throughout the-certainly, throughout Fresno and throughout the state, but also you bring
students from all over the world. How did you get started in that particular
business?
>>Anne Speake: Well, I was a foreign student advisor at Fresno State University
and I loved what I was doing, but I just thought maybe I could do a little bit
better because at that time they had about 2,000 students at the university. And
that the counseling office was small so there was only so much they could do.
So, a lot of the students came and of course when they were studying English,
they had to find their own housing, they had to get--there were so many survival
skills that they had to work with and it was a difficult time for them. So, I
thought it would be wonderful if we started a full immersion program where we
could meet them at the airport, have a host family program for them, take them
on weekend trips, and sort of the combination of English language and culture.
So, that’s kind of how I got the idea of starting my school and when I started
it was very small. We had four employees and 17 students and I went overseas
almost immediately to recruit students. And that was quite an adventure that I
was very fortunate because I was able to land a big government group in Malaysia
and that gave me a good start. And after two years in a very small building, we
moved out across the street from Fresno State and we have been there for 18
years.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: And your job has taken you all over the world.
>>Anne Speake: Just about every place in the world, yes. I think I have been to
about 50 countries and this year, I have been overseas four times. So, it’s
pretty hectic, but it’s nice because you meet a lot of interesting people and
then to bring the students here and have them have the opportunity to live with
families and also to meet students from other cultures. That’s one of the most
exciting parts of what we do because you see the students from Saudi Arabia and
from Japan and from various countries who live together and study together and
play together and they become good friends. As a matter of fact, my academic
director today was telling me at graduation which unfortunately, I had to miss
today said that the Brazilian students taught three of our students, one Swiss,
one Guatemalan, and one Saudi Arabian, how to do the Brazilian dances. So, at
graduation these three students got up and danced the Brazilian dances and she
said it was just darling, absolutely darling. So, that’s what is exciting about
what we do.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Sure. One could say with accuracy that you helped put
Fresno on the world map by your institution bringing students from all over the
world have had the Fresno experience.
>>Anne Speake: We had about 30,000 students from ages of about 8 to 80.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: I’ve had the privilege of getting to know you when you cochaired the commission of on the future of education in Fresno County and I know
education is very near and dear to you. What are some of the things that you
learned by participating in the commission or what do you want away from it. I
know you bring a unique perspective not only because of running an educational
institution, but a business woman. I know it’s not that long ago, but anything
that you would care to reminisce about?
>>Anne Speake: Well, I realize that there’s big problems out there and even
though we spent two years studying it, I think you could study it for 20 years
and probably never know all the answers. I think the commission did a good job.
They had some good people who came from, again, all walks of life and I think
that their recommendations were good and I understand that they are now being
implemented, but there is still a lot of work to be done.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Sure. As you see the future of Fresno, there were
people that look at the glass half empty, some of them half full. Where
see the future of Fresno going, economically, socially? You have seen a
change already since being here since 1962, but where do you see Fresno
and what is sort your vision for Fresno?
some
do you
lot of
going
>>Anne Speake: I think that things are going very well now. I think that they’re
improving. I think that people again, the grassroots, the volunteers are very
excited about what’s happening in Fresno. I think we’re sort of the last
frontier in California. People are beginning to look at us, the companies are
starting to come in, people are getting--in quote, their acts--together, acts
together and the public-private partnerships are very important and I think we
are going to see more of that of the public-private partnership. And again,
going back to the Urban Land Institute, that was a public-private operation, we
had people on both sides from the city council, from the city and then we had
the private people who came in, worked on the task force and then donated money
to bring in the Urban Land Institute and that was just one example of what is
happening all over Fresno. I think the Chamber, the Fresno Business Council,
people in the education community, the health community, the unions, everybody
is working together now to make this a better place, so I see a great future for
Fresno.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: If you were to be addressing a group of young students
just starting out on their career and looking to be a successful person such as
you, not only in terms of business but as a community leader, what advice would
you give them as they start off on their young career?
>>Anne Speake: Well, I think having a balance in life is very important. I think
some of us get very caught up in our businesses and probably work a little bit
longer than we should. I think it is important that I think your family is
important. I think volunteerism is important, so you have to have a good
balance. When you are starting--I believe in starting from the ground up. I feel
that I had a lot of--I think the opportunities that I had are working in a
variety of organizations helped me when I was ready to start my own business.
And I don't think you can start at the top and I think sometimes young people
think that they are going to start in middle management or at the top, but it
doesn't hurt to learn the business and maybe learn other businesses and then to
be persistent too, to keep a focus. I think it’s very important to get
distracted and you have to have goals and you have to focus on those goals. Of
course, you have to be flexible also, but as long as you can focus on your
goals, then you can't go wrong.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: The great Notre Dame coach and motivator, Knute Rockne
once said, "When the great scorekeeper records the final score, it matters not
who wins or lost, but how the game was played." Now, I’m not to suggest you have
a long and fulfilling life ahead of you, but in the final question, how do you
want people to speak of Anne Speake when all is said and done. What would you
like them to say about you as a citizen of the community, as a recipient of the
single most prestigious award given in the central California, Leon S. Peters
Award, what would you like them to say?
>>Anne Speake: Well, I would like them to remember me fondly and I would hope
that they would say that she cared about her family and her community.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: I think they say that now that you care deeply about your
family and your community and certainly, you provide an excellent role model not
only for all the young women of our community, but all of our citizens as well.
Is there anything that I should have asked you that I didn't that you’d just
like to add for posterity in the future?
>>Anne Speake: Well, I think you’ve done a pretty good job.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Yeah. Well again,
>>Anne Speake: You’ve asked all the good questions.
>>Dr. Peter G. Mehas: Well again, on behalf of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce
which is the sponsor of the Leon S. Peters Award and the Valley Business
Conference Executive Committee, we congratulate you for a lifetime of
achievement and contribution to the Fresno community.
>>Anne Speake: Thank you.
==== Transcribed by Automatic Sync Technologies ====