Blackwater founder to address Grand Rapids Economic Club

_AssociatedPress (2008-03-21) _

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The Associated Press

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) --- The founder of private security contractor Blackwater Worldwide plans to speak to a meeting of the Grand Rapids Economic Club.

The Grand Rapids Press reports Erik Prince has agreed to speak May 19 at a luncheon.

Prince is a Holland, Mich., native whose family fortune was made in the auto parts industry.

The former Navy SEAL's sister, Betsy DeVos, is a former chairwoman of the Michigan GOP. She is married to Dick DeVos, a Republican and Amway Corp. heir who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2006.

Moyock, N.C.-based Blackwater protects U.S. government officials in Iraq. It has faced scrutiny over its role in the shooting deaths of Iraqi civilians.

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Information from: The Grand Rapids Press, http://www.mlive.com/grpress © 2008 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.