Sarah Palin speaks at motivational seminar in Beaumont

Former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin spoke to a large crowd Thursday morning at a motivational seminar at the Civic Center in downtown Beaumont.

Palin spoke to the crowd at about 8:40 a.m. KFDM anchor Ashley Rodrigue was in the Civic Center to cover the story. Ashley says Palin told the crowd that when faced with a challenge, "Don't retreat-reload."

Dr. Robert Schuller preceded Palin.

Among the featured speakers for the Get Motivated seminar are Palin, Rudy Giuliani, former mayor of New York City, and Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw. A spokesman for the seminar told KFDM News other featured speakers, including Zig Ziglar, Dr. Robert Schuller and Tamara Lowe, will also appear in person. Rick Belluzzo, former president and COO of Microsoft, will speak via satellite.

The seminar will last from 8 a.m. until about 5 p.m. Thursday.

According to the company's website, the motivational seminar is designed to sharpen business and personal skills.

Shuttle buses will run from Jaguar Stadium to the Civic Center to help reduce traffic congestion.

Tickets were about $5 a person and $19 for an entire office if purchased prior to Thursday. Tickets at the door Thursday are $225 per person.

Parking spaces will be limited at the Beaumont Civic Center. Parking will also be available at the following locations:

Julie Rogers Theatre, 765 Pearl Street

Postal Encoding Center, 750 Pearl Street

First United Methodist, 701 Calder

First Baptist Church, 900 Calder Street

Ebenezer Baptist Church, 675 College Street

Shuttle service will be provided by Get Motivated from BISD Jaguar Stadium. Shuttle hours available are 6:00 am - 6:00 pm

Persons attending this event are asked not to park in designated mark stalls for "reserved" personnel at any of the above locations. Because of the high volume of vehicles expected, drivers are requested to leave early and anticipate traffic congestion in the downtown area.

Watch Live at 5 and KFDM News at 5:30 for more on the story.