How to Get America Back on Track

Steven De Foer, Journalist and Author

General Business Session - Wednesday, November 10^th

The United States is on the wrong track as a nation: That is what a large majority of respondents have been answering consistently for over a decade now. The Belgian journalist and author Steven De Foer does not disagree. In fact, his most recent book Amerikanen (Americans), a #1 non-fiction bestseller in his own country in June 2020, had a subheading “It could have been great.”

De Foer has been an acclaimed reporter and commentator for the leading Belgian newspaper De Standaard, and the author of highly praised non-fiction volumes about matters as diverse as the true identity of the Dutch (Among the Dutch, 2001), the origins and consequences of movie stardom (Hollywood Boulevard, 2016), and how Americans have never managed to entirely fulfill the promises of their nation. He often appears on Belgian and Dutch television and radio, mostly to talk about American society and politics.

De Foer covered the 9/11 attacks in New York, traveled to 34 American states, has interviewed Al Gore and John McCain, had tea with the National Director of the Ku Klux Klan, and visited some of the poorest areas of the US as well.

A magic wand he does not own, but he does have a few suggestions – some of which once used to be very popular in the US.

Located amid the breathtaking Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia, The Greenbrier is a National Historic Landmark and an award-winning resort that has been welcoming guests from around the world since 1778. The natural mineral springs that drew the first guests over 242 years ago continue to lure visitors to the 11,000 acre luxury retreat. With a guest list that includes 27 of 46 U.S. Presidents, the resort has long been a favorite destination of royalty, celebrities, and business leaders.

The Greenbrier combines the graciousness of the past with exquisite modern southern charm. Sprawling Colonial Revival architecture, meticulously manicured gardens, ballrooms, sweeping staircases, lavish décor, and uncompromising hospitality and service are all hallmarks of The Greenbrier experience.

Resort highlights include picturesque golf courses; a world-renowned spa offering a variety of massages, facials, and treatments; a dining collection of 20 restaurants, lounges, and bars; the elegant Casino Club, which was recently ranked the 18th Best Casino in America according to TripAdvisor reviews; an extensive retail collection with over 35 shops, boutiques, and galleries; over 55 indoor and outdoor activities; and the declassified Bunker at The Greenbrier, a must-see experience that takes you behind the scenes of an emergency Cold War fallout shelter that was once a top secret U.S. government relocation facility for Congress.

The Greenbrier Resort offers in-room amenities with the latest online technology and conveniences. The signature Dorothy Draper décor features vibrant colors, floral patterns, and bold contrasts unique to each room. For over 65 years, The Greenbrier has carefully maintained this distinctive look celebrating luxury, elegance, and history in every detail.

Our discounted group room rate for Traditional Rooms is $219 plus state and local taxes per night. There is an additional $25 per room, per night resort fee, which includes the following:

The check-in time is 4:00pm and the check-out time is 11:00am.

The discounted group rate will be offered for up to 3 days prior to the start of the conference. Availability is limited so we suggest that you reserve your accommodations as early as possible, particularly if you plan to extend your stay.

For those who enjoy the warmth and refreshment of an indoor pool, The Greenbrier offers year-round recreation amidst lovely canopies and colorful furnishings. The 30-meter pool was remodeled in the late 1940s by Dorothy Draper and is adjacent to the spa.

Hours of operation: 10:00am - 7:00pm

The Greenbrier offers a modern fitness center, as well as a wide variety of fitness classes staffed by certified physical trainers. The fitness center offers strength training equipment and cardiovascular machines including treadmills, Stairmasters, bicycles, and NordicTracks.

Hours of operation: 6:00am - 7:00pm

Make an appointment at The Greenbrier Spa to enjoy the restorative properties of the award-winning spa. Combining native sulphur water spa treatments with state-of-the-art therapeutic experiences, The Greenbrier Spa treatments feature the finest products and stress-relief therapy anywhere. The Greenbrier Spa provides both soothing and curative treatments designed to ease sore muscles, improve skin composition, and revitalize overall health and well-being.

Reservations are required. The spa is expected to book up quickly so please make your reservations early by calling 855-453-4858.

Hours of operation: 8:30am - 5:00pm

The Annual Gale Foster Memorial Golf Tournament will begin at 1:00pm on Wednesday, November 10^th. Casual golf on Thursday, November 11^th will be consecutive tee times beginning at 1:00pm.

Both golf outings will take place on the Old White TPC Course, which is located onsite, and is ranked the No. 2 TPC Course by Golf Digest. The course features dynamic green complexes, breathtaking mountain vistas, and The Greenbrier's signature stacked sod bunkers throughout.

Thursday Golf Fee: $175 per person*

For more than 100 years, The Greenbrier has been synonymous with world class golf. With three picturesque resort courses, there's no better golf destination than The Greenbrier

Join us on Wednesday, November 10^th for a two and a half hour tour of the declassified Bunker, and historical tour of The Greenbrier. A professional historian will take the group behind the scenes and through a fascinating period in American history.

After the tour of the Bunker, enjoy a walking tour through The Greenbrier’s over 240 years of history. You will learn about the elegant architecture and interior design of famed interior decorator Dorothy Draper and her successor, Carleton Varney, hear an informative lecture on the history and development of The Greenbrier, its cottages, and guest houses of the 19^th century, and visit the Presidents' Cottage Museum and the art shops of the Alabama Row Art Colony.

The Greenbrier's state-of-the-art Tennis Club has five Har-Tru outdoor courts, five recently resurfaced Deco-Turf indoor courts and a modern pro shop.

Reservations are required.

If you would like to play tennis on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 10^th, please indicate this when registering. If there is enough interest, courts will be reserved.

For those who wish to play on their own, courts can be rented for $46 per hour. Rackets can be rented for $10. Taxes and fees apply.

Hours of operation: 8:00am - 6:00pm

Join us for an optional reception on Thursday, November 11^th. The reception will feature an open bar, light hors d'oeuvres, and, as always, great conversations with industry peers.

The Greenbrier is proud of its time-honored traditions and impeccable standards. They require adherence to the dress code, which stipulates that gentlemen wear a jacket and tie for dinner in the Main Dining Room, a jacket in the Lobby Bar, the Casino Club (after 7:00pm), and Prime 44 West. Click here for a suggested packing list and the dress code requirements for each venue. 

The dress code for the Cordage Institute's 1920's themed 100th Anniversary Reception and Dinner is black tie optional. Tuxedo rentals are available through the Ralph Lauren shop at The Greenbrier. Click here for more information.

The daytime temperature in White Sulphur Springs is expected to average about 55°F. Evening temperatures are expected to average about 30°F.

Hotel Parking: The Greenbrier offers valet parking at a rate of $25 per night. There is complimentary self parking. Please note that the self parking lot is a 10 minute walk from the hotel lobby.

Hotel Shuttle: The Greenbrier provides paid shuttle services for the following airports:

Greenbrier Valley Airport – Lewisburg, WV (LWB) (13 miles from hotel)

SkyWest offers daily flights to and from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Washington Dulles (IAD) Airports.

Shuttle Service: $28.80 per person, per transfer

Roanoke Regional Airport – Roanoke, VA (ROA) (68 miles from hotel)

Yeager Airport – Charleston, WV (CRW) (120 miles from hotel)

Shuttle reservations can be made by calling +1-304-536-4954. Cancellations made within 24 hours or NO SHOWS the day of the transfer will be billed at the scheduled rate. For more information about shuttle transportation, click here.

Uber/Lyft: The ride-sharing apps, Uber and Lyft, are available for local transportation, and can be downloaded to your smart device via the app store on IOS and Android products.

If you have any questions, please contact Pete Lance or Meg Woody in the Cordage Institute office at  +1-610-971-4854 or info@ropecord.com.