Gov. Scott honors noted area real estate exec

TAMPA — Prominent area commercial real estate executive Lee Arnold, executive chairman of Colliers International Florida and CEO of Colliers International Tampa Bay, Central & Southwest Florida, has won the Governor's Business Leader Award.

The annual award, presented by the Florida Council of 100, recognizes a member of the council who is a successful executive and involved in the local business community, according to a statement. Florida Council of 100 members and Florida Gov. Rick Scott select the winner, the statement adds.

“Lee is an all-around active council member who is not only tremendously accomplished in his profession, but also highly committed to serving and bettering the community,” says Florida Council of 100 President and CEO Bob Ward. “Through his work with the council's Higher Education Committee, Lee is leading a charge to explore innovative ways to make our research and development environment even stronger.”

Arnold is the 15th Council of 100 member to receive the award. Past recipients include Peter Rummell of Nicklaus Cos; Barney Barnett of Publix Super Markets; and Mel Sembler of the Sembler Cos., according to the release. Arnold has been a member of the council for 22 years.

In commercial real estate, Arnold founded Arnold Associates in 1974. The firm eventually became ColliersArnold, but he sold his stake back to Colliers International. He has more than 43 years experience in commercial real estate and development.

Arnold was presented with the Governor's Business Leader Award at the Florida Council of 100's annual fall meeting in Palm Beach Nov. 11. “The work of the Council of 100 is very important for the state of Florida,” Arnold says in the release. “I am honored to be part of an organization that is dedicated to fostering economic growth while also working to effect positive change in our communities.”