Luncheons: Shirley Jackson, Sept. 9; Chertoff, Sept. 10

Council on Competitiveness Vice Chairwoman Shirley Ann Jackson, president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, will explain how the U.S. can achieve energy security, stimulate energy innovation and job growth, and protect the environment at an NPC luncheon on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

The "First 100 Days" energy action plan, designed to guide the next president and Congress, was devised by more than 200 corporate CEOs, labor leaders, university presidents and other energy experts.

Jackson, a theoretical physicist and former chairwoman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, is known for speaking out on scientific, technological and engineering gaps in the American workforce. In 2007, the National Science Board selected Jackson for its Vannevar Bush Award for "a lifetime of achievements in scientific research, education, and senior-statesman-like contributions to public policy."

Secretary Michael Chertoff, Department of Homeland Security will address a luncheon on Wednesday, Sept. 10.

Chertoff and his agency are much in the news, most recently as the country has watched FEMA handle the latest weather attack on New Orleans.

Also in September:

Sept. 19: Alvaro Uribe, president of Colombia

Sept. 22: T. Boone Pickens, chairman, of BP Capital Management

Sept. 29: Michelle A. Rhee, chancellor of the District of Columbia Public Schools

The cost of the luncheons is $16 for Club members, $28 for guests of members, and $35 general admission. Reserve at (202) 662-7501.