For Immediate Release
Contact: Aleisha Coleman
Phone: 772-678-7487
Big
Brothers Big Sisters CEO Receives Special Recognition by
The
Mayor and City Commissioners of West Palm Beach
Stuart, FL (February 19,
2013)- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS) President
and CEO William P Bee was recognized by The Mayor and City Commissioners of
West Palm Beach for his hard work and dedication to the children of West Palm
Beach.
William Bee has been a dynamic force in providing quality community
services to children since he joined BBBS in 2003, returning from retirement
after a long and successful career on Wall Street. While he was originally
invited to assist in a short term capacity, it soon became apparent Mr. Bee was
here to stay. Mr. Bee brought his ‘nose’ for business and his charm to an
ailing agency, which has since thrived under his supervision. Within two years
of his direction Big Brothers Big Sisters Martin County significantly improved
their financials as well as their overall impact on children in the community.
Mr. Bee’s contribution has been so significant that he was honored as the Top
Small Sized Agency CEO in 2007 by Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. In 2009
the agency was named in the top 100 small businesses in South Florida by
Business Leader Magazine, due in no small part to Mr. Bee’s leadership.
Mr. Bee not only leads his agency, he also volunteers. He was matched
with an autistic child in 2005 and has served as his mentor and friend for over
8 years. Mr. Bee and his “Little” meet regularly and participate in many
activities together.
In late 2009 Mr. Bee’s impact and contributions yielded yet another
achievement. The previous agency in the Palm Beach County territory succumbed
to the recession, and Mr. Bee was charged with the responsibility of the
location. The new territory is roughly ten times the size of Martin County
alone, increasing the total population under his agency from 150,000 to over
1,600,000. Mr. Bee accepted this responsibility in stride and immediately began
working toward serving as many children as possible.
Mr. Bee believes his success with BBBS is due to selecting the right
team. “Recognize that your staff is your most valuable asset; thus, if an issue
presents itself, focus on finding a solution rather than looking where to place
blame,” he says. “Additionally, remain optimistic; people gravitate towards
people with positive attitudes rather than those with negative perspectives.
You learn from every experience, and every experience offers opportunity in
some form.”
About Big Brothers Big Sisters
of Palm Beach and Martin Counties
BBBS provides children facing adversity aged 6-17 with volunteer
mentors who serve as positive role models. Since 1986 the organization has
provided mentors to children in Martin County and since July 2010 in Palm Beach
County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) recognized the Martin
County organization in 2007 as one of the 35 best performing agencies nationwide.
BBBSA recognized CEO William P. Bee Jr. as “CEO of the Year- Small Agency
Category” in 2007. South Florida Business Leader Magazine ranked BBBS in 2009
and again in 2010 as one of the top 100 South Florida small businesses. Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.