News
2008 Gold Cup of Industry Chairman's Award
Published: Friday, October 24, 2008
This year’s distinguished honor was awarded to Dr. Eileen Holden, President of Polk Community College
At the October 24, 2008 Annual Meeting, the East Polk Committee of 100 presented its first Chairman's Award. This award recognizes an individual who has provided outstanding service to the Community and has made a significant impact on improving quality of life. This year's distinguished honor was awarded to Dr. Eileen Holden, President of Polk Community College. 
Dr. Holden is quite simply - "A team player." She understands the mission of the organization while understanding there is only one pot of money and all levels must be appropriately funded for all to be successful.
She understands that all individuals that want a higher education should have help to access that opportunity and that accessibility is a huge issue and driving distance is a barrier. New campuses are under construction and in the planning phases. She understands that accessibility to a public 4-year college is an issue and partnerships, like the Workforce Education Council, are vital to success. She feels that visibility by serving on boards and facilitating retreats is critical to building relationships. These relationships build a strong support organization, along with the foundation that is an important funding mechanism, to develop innovative and responsive training programs for existing businesses vital in helping our local industry grow.
Any organization that has this many cylinders hitting together has one thing in common - strong leadership.
In a few short years, under the leadership of Dr. Eileen Holden, PCC has done so much for Polk County and specifically for east Polk. As an economic development organization, EPC 100 recognizes these efforts and values the close partnership that has developed and that will continue to grow.
"I am honored to be the first recipient of the EPC 100 Chairman's Award. It is a privilege for me to work in our community on behalf of Polk Community College. Education at all levels is the key to a strong economic development effort in our county and I am proud to be a partner in this important journey." said Dr. Holden.
Tagged: gold cup of industry, chairmans award, dr. eileen holden, polk community college