Life is Good Executive to speak at BIA Dinner

Bert Jacobs, co-founder and chief executive optimis for Life is Good Inc., will be the keynote speaker at the Business and Industry Association's 95th Annual Dinner in October. The event, which annually draws more than 700 of New Hampshire's prominent business, political and opinion leaders, will be held October 29 at 5 p.m. at the Center of New Hampshire in Manchester.

Life is Good Inc. is a $120 million business based in New Hampshire and Boston, Mass., and it is known for its colorful collection of apparel and accessories, with Jake, the brand's iconic cultural toothy hero. The company's products are sold by more than 4,500 retailers nationwide and in 30 countries worldwide. The majority of Life is Good employees work in the company's Hudson, N.H.-based manufacturing plant.

After graduating from Villanova University with a degree in communications, Jacobs worked as a ski instructor, pizza delivery man and substitute teacher. With just $78 in the bank, he launched the company with his brother John in 1994.

The BIA Annual Dinner will also feature a presentation of the Lifetime Achievement and New Hampshire Advantage awards.

Tickets for the October 29 dinner and event are available by calling 603-224-5388 x116 or visiting acteva.com/go/nhbia. Tables of 10 are $1,000 and individual tickets are $110.