Junior Achievement names business hall of fame laureates

HUDLER Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida has announced Carol Hudler, president and publisher of The News- Press, and Charles K. Idelson, president and CEO of Investors' Security Trust Company, as the Business Hall of Fame, 2009, Lee County Laureates. The award recognizes business leaders for their professional accomplishments and community involvement.

In addition to serving as president and publisher of The News-Press, Ms. Hudler is president of Gannett Sun Coast Newspaper Group. She oversees all Gannett owned newspaper operations in Florida, Louisiana and Michigan, including 12 daily newspapers, 96 additional print titles, 30 Web sites and more than $500 million in revenue.

Ms. Hudler's publishing career began in 1977 when she graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor's degree in journalism. Throughout her career, she has earned many accolades for innovation and leadership. She is active in the publishing industry and devotes her time to community service as well. Ms. Hudler is currently incoming chair of the Horizon Council, a local advisor for the Gannett Foundation, and a fundraiser for the Lee County Heart Association and Ruth Cooper Center. She also serves on the boards of Lee County United Way and the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools. Her involvement with Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida includes service as an advisory board member.

IDELSON Mr. Idelson has 35 years of financial services experience. As co-founder, president and CEO of Investors' Security Trust Company, a 13-employee company with $300 million in assets under management, he is responsible for the overall management of the company including human resources, marketing and administration. Mr. Idelson graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in finance and accounting and went on to earn a banking certificate from the Louisiana State University Graduate School of Banking. He has volunteered in leadership positions for numerous nonprofit organizations. He currently serves as a director for the following causes: the Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation Board of Directors, Habitat for Humanity (director and chairman), the Southwest Florida Community Foundation (director and chairman of the audit committee), the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, Hope Hospice, the Lee Memorial Health System Foundation, the Edison Ford Foundation, Temple Judea, Canterbury School (director and treasurer), and the Jewish Federation of Lee County (director and treasurer).

The Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame, 2009, Lee County, is scheduled for April 22. The event will take place at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Estero, beginning with a cocktail reception at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Many Lee County students involved with Junior Achievement will attend the Hall of Fame event, where they can interact with local professionals and practice their etiquette skills. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the event are now available. Proceeds benefit Junior Achievement programs. For event tickets and sponsorship information, call the Junior Achievement office at 225-2590.