Petraeus, Shaq featured speakers at annual PA Chamber event

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HERSHEY – General David Petraeus and NBA legend/global entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal were the featured speakers Monday night at the 41st PA Chamber Annual Dinner.

Held at the Hershey Lodge, the event brings together business, civic, and political leaders from across Pennsylvania.

One of America’s most decorated military leaders, Petraeus discussed the geopolitical landscape and military and political leadership in a Fireside Chat-style setting. The four-star general spoke of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, national security challenges the United States is facing, leadership in times of crisis, and America’s position in global affairs.

Petraeus is recognized for his strategic leadership in Iraq and Afghanistan and his role as CIA Director. Regarded as a warrior-scholar, Petraeus’ latest book, “Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine”, examines the evolving nature of global conflict and America’s role in shaping it.

Petraeus’s connection to Pennsylvania includes receiving an honorary degree from Carlisle’s Dickinson College, the alma mater of his wife and daughter.

“That’s a great college, and my wife and I are proud to have a scholarship in our name which funds the education each year of either the child of a serving member of the military or an ROTC cadet,” Petraeus said.

Of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine Petraeus said “Vladimir Putin is a huge menace to the world… We should be doing everything we can, together with our European allies, who are doing a great deal more for their defense, to help Ukraine.”

Petraeus also spoke of America’s tenuous relationship with China, his concerns with current federal tariffs, strategic leadership in the business world, and leadership style.

Shaq provided the Keynote Address and spoke of his life on and off the court, while emphasizing his ties to Central Pennsylvania. The latter includes his partnership with The Hershey Company and the launch of Shaq-a-Licious XL gummies and the Shaq-A-Licious Laff Trakk attraction at Hersheypark.

Earlier Monday, O’Neal made stops at Hersheypark and Milton Hershey School. While at Hersheypark, Shaq recorded an episode of “The Big Podcast with Shaq”. O’Neal’s appearance occurred during Milton Hershey School’s “Our Big Pledge Challenge” event. He encouraged students to adhere to values such as perseverance, purpose, and strength.

“My mother and father were forward thinkers,” O’Neal said. “They taught me to be a forward thinker, to believe, to follow my dreams and never let anything get in the way.”

O’Neal has a PhD in Leadership and Education and established The Shaquille O’Neal Foundation, which provides resources for underserved youth. He’s also involved in philanthropic programs, including Shaq-to-School and Shaq-a-Claus.

A 15-time NBA All-Star, Shaq earned the NBA Most Valuable Player award, NBA Rookie of the Year, four NBA Championships, and a First Ballot NBA Hall of Fame induction. He is an analyst on TNT’s Inside the NBA.

O’Neal’s Big Chicken eatery has more than 350 locations in development worldwide, including across Pennsylvania. His advice to business leaders on Monday night focused on one word.

“Respect. You’ve got to respect each other,” said O’Neal, who applied the word to his relationship with Pennsylvania native and Los Angeles Lakers teammate Kobe Bryant.

“Once he and I got that (mutual) respect, we were unstoppable.”