The University of Washington Bothell School of Business has given its 2013 Icons of Retail Award to Kemper Freeman, Jr., CEO and Principal Owner of Kemper Development Company for his lifetime contributions to the retail sector.

Freeman is the central force behind the explosive growth and sustained dynamism of downtown Bellevue. As the owner of properties such as Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square and Bellevue Place (including the four-diamond Hyatt Regency Hotel), Freeman has helped transform Bellevue into a retail mecca offering consumers access to top-notch stores, unique experiences and free parking.

“Kemper Freeman exemplifies the deep Pacific Northwest expertise in retailing. His astute retail business decisions have put Bellevue on the national map and serve as case studies to our students,” says UW Bothell School of Business Director Sandeep Krishnamurthy.

Freeman’s Bellevue Square Mall is consistently among the top 10 malls in the nation. Through a series of prudent retail decisions, he has ensured that the city of Bellevue is one of the most desirable shopping destinations in our region. Freeman is equally known for his extensive philanthropic reach. His deep regard for the arts, human service and education is reflected in his major contributions of time and monetary donations to multiple civic organizations throughout the larger community and in the Eastside in particular.

The Icons of Retail Award is hosted by the University of Washington Bothell School of Business’ Retail Management Program. This event exemplifies the school’s strategic commitment to retail education, outreach and research.