Robert G. Blalock, one of the area’s most respected community leaders, has been named the 2017 Distinguished Citizen “Good Scout “of the Year by the Boy Scouts of America, Southwest Florida Council. The award was presented at its annual community gala event on Thursday evening, May 4, 2017 at The Manatee Performing Arts Center.
The Distinguished Citizen Award recognizes individuals who have rendered outstanding service to the community, state or nation. The award has been presented each year in Manatee County by the Southwest Florida Council, B.S.A. since 2011. Former honorees include Dan S. Blalock, Jr. (2011), Joseph F. Kinnan (2012), Jerry L. Neff (2013), Patrick K. Neal (2014), The Bradenton Kiwanis Club (2015) and Clifford L Walters (2016)
Bob Blalock is Principal of Blalock Walters, P.A. having joined the firm in 1964 and served as President for almost 40 years. Bob Blalock graduated from Princeton University in 1960 with his Bachelor’s Degree in Politics and earned his Juris Doctor Degree from University of Florida College of Law in 1963. Bob Blalock has distinguished himself in his chosen profession of law and has received numerous awards for his professional endeavors.
A life-long resident of Bradenton, Blalock has served in various key leadership capacities in many community organizations over the years. Some of those include the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation, Southeastern Guide Dogs, Just for Girls, John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art South Florida Museum, Art Center Manatee, Manatee Players, Manatee Chamber of Commerce, New College Foundation, Florida West Coast Symphony (Sarasota Orchestra), United Way, and Anna Maria Island Community Center. Bob has been in a driving force in philanthropy in our community and was a founding board member in the establishment of the Manatee Community Foundation.
The Southwest Florida Council serves the seven county Southwest Florida region which stretches the west coast of Florida from Everglades City to Bradenton. Over 1,500 youth and adults participate in the Scouting program in Manatee County.
Allen Butler Dinner Co-Chairman: “I have had the honor and privilege of working with Bob on various endeavors for over 30 years. His integrity, his willingness to help his community and fellow man and his sound judgement have been a benefit to all he touches. The Boy Scout motto is, “Be Prepared. Bob is always Prepared.”
Gene Fogarty, Dinner Co-Chairman : “The quality of life in Manatee county has been greatly enriched by Bob, and his leadership has benefitted the citizens of Manatee county; the distinguished citizen, Boy Scout “Good Scout” award, is richly deserved.”
Dinner Co-Chairman Bob Christopher stated: “Bob has Inspired many in our community to serve in a significant manner while encouraging volunteerism and philanthropy of others through his example.”
Greg Graham Scout Executive and C.E.O. – Southwest Florida Council, B.S.A.: “Bob Blalock has demonstrated over his lifetime extraordinary integrity, character and civic-mindedness. He is an exceptional role model for today’s Scouts and an outstanding example of the good works, values and service that the ‘Good Scout Award’ is designed to honor.”
2017 STEERING COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRMEN
Allen Butler, Bob Christopher, Gene Fogarty, Cliff Walters
STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Ron Allen, Beverly Beall, Gene Beckstein, Bill Blalock, Rose Carlson, Bob Cozzi, Bob Firkins,
Tramm Hudson, Pierrette Kelly, Dr. Larry Lieberman, Dan Love, Mark McLaughlin, Trudy Moon,
Jerry Neff, Dick Olson, Gene Page, Bud Parent, Chris Pennewill, Dr. Carol Probstfeld, Kemp Riechmann, Gardner Sherrill, Tyrone Shinn, Dr. Steve Tinsworth, Bob Turner, Dick Turner and Rod Urban.
News Coverage: http://www.bradenton.com/news/local/article150176112.html
