INDEPENDENCE — Sheila Bair, chair of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and among the most influential persons involved in the global economy, will return to her hometown of Independence in late October for the Neewollah celebration.

Generalissimo Fred Meier announced on Saturday that Bair has accepted an invitation to serve as Honorary Grand Parade Marshall for the Neewollah Grand Parade on Saturday, Oct. 30.

Referencing the words of another famous Independence native – Pulitzer-prize winning playwright William Inge – Meier noted the pivotal role Bair has played in recent years as head of the FDIC.

“Sheila is definitely proof that Inge was right when he said that ‘big people come out of small towns,’” Meier said.  “Her leadership during this country’s recent financial crises is a testament to her sound Independence roots.”

In addition to participating in Saturday’s Neewollah Grand Parade, Bair will address several local civic groups during a joint luncheon meeting on Friday, Oct. 29.  She is also scheduled to attend the Queen Neelah breakfast for candidates and their parents on Saturday morning, before the parade.

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