posted on February 27, 2013 11:43
The Alamo Area Council, Boy Scouts of America honored Peter M. Holt of HOLT CAT and Chairman, CEO and Principal owner of the San Antonio Spurs, at their annual Good Scout Luncheon on Friday, February 15, 2013. This year’s Good Scout luncheon, the largest event the Alamo Area Council, BSA hosts annually, was held at The Westin Riverwalk San Antonio.
Holt's acceptance speech at the Good Scout Luncheon focused on his belief that supporting the Scouts is the right thing to do.
"There is no doubt in my mind that the Scouts, who have been around for 103 years...are a very strong organizations focused on doing the right thing...And that’s important in this day and age," said Mr. Holt.
He emphasized the need for an organization like BSA in our community that will continue to develop boys with outstanding leadership skills.
Holt continued by saying, "Doing the right thing...is fairly simple to say, but not necessarily simple to do. So, I've always had great admiration for the Scouts...And, I will be one that will always support them. I hope to see them continue to grow and expand, and certainly that is happening here in Bexar county. I give great kudos and admiration to all of those that are involved directly here in Bexar county and in the Scouts, overall. Thank you. Thank you very much."
“In recognition of the importance that leadership plays in our mission and community, the Alamo Area Council is especially honored to present the 2013 Good Scout Award to Peter M. Holt, whose leadership and values reflect that of Scouting’s programs. Through service to his country, his company, and his community, he represents the spirit of the Good Scout Award which ‘recognizes leadership in business, industry, government, education, and social work in the local community, state and nation’,” declared Curtis V. Anastasio, President of the Alamo Area Council BSA and President/CEO, NuStar Energy.
Individuals, corporations, and private foundations serve as sponsors for this annual luncheon recognition event which supports Scouting programs council wide.
“Our Scouting programs combine excitement with educational activities and lasting values. It also allows parents to witness their boys strengthen their character, develop good citizenship, and enhance their mental and physical fitness,” says Michael de los Santos, Scout Executive for the Alamo Area Council.
“It is an honor to receive such an award from an organization whose service mission to prepare young people for life has been a constant positive presence in our local community for over 100 years,” said Peter M. Holt, CEO of HOLT CAT. “Our organizations both operate on a values-based philosophy striving to make a positive impact on our communities. I desire the best for the Boy Scouts for generations to come.”
Peter M. Holt is CEO of HOLT CAT, the largest Caterpillar equipment dealership in the United States, headquartered in San Antonio. He is the great-grandson of Benjamin Holt, who developed the first practical track-type tractor in 1904 and named it the Caterpillar. Peter is also Chairman, CEO and principal owner of the four time NBA champion San Antonio Spurs. He is currently serving as Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors.
Peter is a community leader who believes in corporate responsibility to support local projects. He has been active in promoting business and cultural relationships between Mexico and Texas. He is a member of the World Presidents’ Organization, the Free Trade Alliance of San Antonio and the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation. He serves on the boards of the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, the Development Board of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, The Trust Co., the Texas State Aquarium and Bexar County Performing Arts Center. He serves as the Business Chair of the Consortium of Partners for San Antonio’s 2012 Animal No-Kill Initiative.
He is very active with the San Antonio United Way (2001-2002 Chairman of the Board) and his companies match employee dollar contributions to the United Way, which has earned them the “Gold Award” for many years.
Peter was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 2004. In 2009, he was awarded the Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service and in 2010 the Texas Legislative Conference named him Texan of the Year.
In 2003, Governor Rick Perry appointed him to serve as a Commissioner on the Texas Parks & Wildlife Commission. Governor Perry designated him to serve as Chairman of the Commission in 2007 and he served in that capacity until his term on the Commission expired in August 2011.
Peter’s military career included two years in the Army as an infantryman with a one-year tour of duty in Vietnam. He ended his military duty as a Sergeant E5 with a Silver Star, three Bronze Stars for Valor, a Purple Heart and many other awards. Peter’s service in Vietnam has led him to be actively involved in an effort to construct an education center under the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The $85 million project is intended to provide a human face and identity to the names listed at the Memorial site.