C.B. “Sully” Sullenberger, the former US Airways pilot who saved the lives of 155 people when he landed his passenger jet on the Hudson River, is coming to Erie.

Sullenberger, a New York Times bestselling author and the inspiration for the movie "Sully," starring Tom Hanks, has been announced as the keynote speaker for the Erie-based Manufacturer & Business Association's 118th Annual Event. His appearance is scheduled for Oct. 11 at 5 p.m. at Erie's Bayfront Convention Center.

A former Air Force fighter pilot, Sullenberger serves as the U.S. representative or ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization.

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A line of well-known speakers

Sullenberger follows in a line of Annual Event speakers that includes Presidents George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush; former secretary of State Colin Powell; Notre Dame Football Coach Lou Holtz; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and General Electric CEO Jack Welch.

More recent speakers have included innovation expert George Blankenship, Ret. Admiral William McRaven and American businesswoman Kat Cole.

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Sully's story

Sullenberger had distinguished himself long before long before Jan. 15, 2009, when he and First Officer Jeff Skiles safely landed their Airbus A320 on Hudson after a bird strike destroyed both engines.

The Texas native, who learned to fly at 16, received the Outstanding Cadet in Airmanship Award in 1973 when he graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He is the author of the No. 1 bestseller "My Highest Honor: My Search for What Really Matters."

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“Ambassador Sullenberger is a consummate leader and a true American hero who understands that training, experience and quick thinking are critical in times of crisis,” MBA CEO Lori Joint said in a statement. “We are excited to learn more about his timeless management principles, including his credo of 'leadership by personal example,' as well as his life lessons which prepared him for that heroic landing."

Tickets are available at mbausa.org/services-and-benefits/annual-event.

Joint said the event sells out each year.

Contact Jim Martin at jmartin@timesnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Manufacturer & Business Association brings Capt. 'Sully' to Erie