The Chamber of Southwest Florida has honored Dr. Kenneth P. Walker, District President, Edison College with the Annual Business Building Leadership Award. The award recognizes distinguished business and community leaders for their personal and organizational leadership, management and advocacy resulting in a positive contribution to the region and its economy. The Award was presented during the afternoon general session of the 25th Annual Regional Economic Outlook Conference presented by The Chamber of Southwest Florida in partnership with area business and community organizations. The event was held at the Barbara B. Mann Hall, Edison College Campus back in December.
In announcing the award, Chamber President and CEO Steve Tirey said, “The Business Building Leadership Award is a tradition established by The Chamber of Southwest Florida over the last half decade. The Chamber believes that recognizing an individual who exemplifies community leadership from our region is central to reinforcement of the notion that Southwest Florida is a collection of quickly evolving communities within a regional fabric. We are all one regional community bringing our hopes, dreams and aspirations to this paradise we call Southwest Florida.”
Dr. Kenneth Walker’s personal and professional mission in life has been about making higher education available to all who seek it in Southwest Florida. Under his leadership, the college is dedicated to the philosophy of providing top quality education in a friendly atmosphere with individual attention to the needs of students. Walker has recruited an outstanding faculty qualified by professional preparation and experience, and committed to nurturing each person's potential through trust and respect. Walker has worked to provide learning opportunities which encourage students to become immersed in and responsible for their educational process, with assistance from staff and faculty. He has built an environment rich in opportunity, encouragement, and collaboration that allows students to become successful, responsible learners today and competent, accountable leaders of tomorrow.
Dr. Walker is the seventh recipient of the award. The recipient at the REO 2003 conference was Jim Nathan, President of Lee Memorial Health System. Prior recipients include: Al Hoffman, Chief Executive Officer of Bonita Springs-based WCI Communities; Dr. Roy McTarneghan, Founding President of Florida Gulf Coast University; James Garner, local attorney; Gary Trippe, President of Oswald Trippe and Company; and, DCI Porter Goss.
