( TEMPE , Ariz. -- August 4, 2009) The National Speakers Association (NSA), the leading organization for professional speakers, inducted Phillip Van Hooser, CSP, CPAE, of Princeton, Ky., as 2009-10 president at the 2009 NSA Convention in Phoenix, Ariz.

Van Hooser speaks, writes and consults on leadership and customer service issues worldwide. His best-selling book, Willie's Way: 6 Secrets for Wooing, Wowing and Winning Customers and Their Loyalty and his management training system, The Leadership Journey , have been used by corporations across the United States to help their employees become more successful leaders and service professionals.

"It is a tremendous honor to serve as the president of the National Speakers Association," says Van Hooser. "Seldom, in the history of our country, has there been a greater economic need than right now for the education, training, inspiration and motivation that our 3,400 professional members so ably deliver. Contrary to what some are saying, meetings matter! Meetings mean business, and business means national prosperity. Whether the meeting is for 5, 500 or 5,000, NSA members make those meetings more effective and profitable with their professional support and their messages of hope, inspiration and encouragement at a time when all are desperately needed."

A longtime NSA member, Van Hooser has earned NSA's Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) designation and is a member of the CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame .

The National Speakers Association (NSA) is the leading organization for professional speakers. NSA's thousands of members include experts in a variety of industries and disciplines, who reach audiences as trainers, educators, humorists, motivators, consultants, authors and more. Since 1973, NSA has provided resources and education designed to advance the skills, integrity and value of its members and the speaking profession. Visit NSA's Web site at www.nsaspeaker.org .