CRESTVIEW — Next week, the founder of the Crestview Technology Air Park and several regional defense and aerospace companies will receive the key to the city.
Mayor David Cadle will present Paul Hsu with the honor during the June 5 Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting.
"Paul Hsu is the embodiment of the American dream: a penniless immigrant who came to this country and, through hard work, has made a lasting impact on the American aerospace and defense industry," Cadle said. "His foresight to create the Crestview Technology Air Park is having an impact directly on our community."
Chamber President Dennis Mitchell also praised Hsu's contributions.
"We are honored to recognize his many years of creating and bringing quality aerospace technical jobs to the Crestview area and, in particular, Bob Sikes Airport," Mitchell said.
During the meeting, Hsu will sign copies of his autobiography, "Guardians of the Dream: An Enduring Legacy of America’s Immigrants," which attendees may obtain for a $20 donation to the Foy Shaw Memorial Scholarship Fund.
"The book is a strong argument that America is still the pinnacle of hope for personal success, no matter how humble your origins," Mitchell said.
Fred Leopold, CEO of the meeting's sponsor, Community Bank, "has graciously offered to donate some of their program time so that Dr. Hsu can be honored," Mitchell said.
Hsu was scheduled to receive the honor during the May chamber breakfast meeting. However, tthe event was canceled when the Crestview Community Center, located behind the U.S. Post Office, became a Red Cross evacuation center following the April 29-30 storm.
It is just the second key to the city that Cadle has presented during his seven-year administration, and for good reason, he said.
"I take presenting the key to the city very seriously," Cadle said. "It's an important ceremonial gesture that we reserve only for very special people and occasions."
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce monthly breakfast meeting, where Paul Hsu will sign copies of his autobiography, "Guardians of the Dream: An Enduring Legacy of America’s Immigrants"
WHEN: 7-8:30 a.m. June 5
WHERE: Crestview Community Center, 1446 Commerce Drive
COST: $3 admission; breakfast provided
NOTES: Book signings available for a $20 donation to the Foy Shaw Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Influential business leader to receive Crestview's key to the city