And The Chairman is…

Friday, November 7, 2008 (Shawnee on Delaware, Pennsylvania) — The Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce presented Charlie Kirkwood, owner of The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort, with the Chairman of Business Award on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at the Annual Awards banquet.

The Chairman of Business award recognizes leaders of business who demonstrate ethical leadership, corporate stewardship and those who make a positive difference in the community while advancing important economic and social goals. The Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce has only presented this award to three other business leaders in the community over the duration of the Annual Awards history.

Ginny, Charlie’s wife accepted the award for him as he was out of town in London for a mandatory Board of Directors meeting for the Millennium Copthorne Hotel Group. Mrs. Kirkwood spoke of her memories with Charlie that were not mentioned in the program and his traveled roots and connection to Shawnee. It was inspiring, humorous and sincere – a great speech for his well deserved award.

Charlie Kirkwood is a self-made entrepreneur who hails from very humble beginnings. Growing up, Charlie began working as a paper carrier at a young age and coincidentally, later on found employment as a caddie at The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort. A single mother raised him, and by the time he was enrolled in Law School, Charlie took the leadership role as the provider for his family that included his mother, sister and nephew. After graduating from Harvard Law School on a full academic scholarship, Charlie moved abroad to begin his practice in Thailand. It is in Turkey where Charlie met Ginny, who was working with the Peace Corp, and forged the next chapter in his life. Charlie and Ginny married and gave birth to their five children abroad.

News came from the United States that The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort was up for sale, and Charlie quickly came home to inspect the prospect further. After much deliberation, Charlie purchased the Shawnee Inn from Fred Waring and Karl Hope. It is at Shawnee where Charlie raised his family and still resides. His family grew and Charlie and Ginny are now the proud grandparents of 14 grandchildren.

Others awarded at The Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Awards Banquet include Michael Baxter of Michael Baxter and Associates, Kimberly Filipkowski of Chiropractic Health Partners, Sharon Taylor of Pocono Area Transitional Housing, Connie Roberts of George and Connie Roberts Productions and Jill and Scott MacLaren of Liztech.

Charlie Kirkwood is a credit to the Pocono Mountains and an indispensable member of the Shawnee family. For more information or to interview Charlie please call: 800.SHAWNEE or visit ShawneeInn.com.

For more information or to schedule and interview with Shawnee’s management; please contact Jeromy Wo, Public Relations Coordinator at: (570) 424-4050 ext. 1409 or visit ShawneeInn.com.