Press Releases
Kim Carlson to Speak at Minnesota Zoo Corporate & Foundation Breakfast
February 4, 7:30 a.m., Minneapolis Club
Apple Valley, MINN – February 3, 2010 – Kim Carlson, EarthSmart Consumer, Founder of Cities Management, and author of the newly released book, Green Your Work, will give the keynote address at the Minnesota Zoo’s 5th Annual Corporate and Foundation Breakfast at The Minneapolis Club Main Lounge on Thursday, February 4, 2010 beginning at 7:30 a.m. Minnesota Zoo Conservation Biologist Dr. Tara Harris will provide insight on what the Zoo is doing to promote sustainability, and Director/CEO Lee Ehmke will give a preview of the organization’s new summer arrival: Faces of the African Forest.
Background and Purpose
Zoos are vital community assets. They are economic generators, important sources of high-quality educational opportunities, and key components to a high quality of life. The Minnesota Zoo’s Corporate and Foundation Breakfast brings together its supporters, updates them on Zoo plans, and provides an opportunity for networking and relationship building with staff, Board Trustees and other business leaders.
Zoo Industry Facts
- Zoos are powerful economic generators. In addition to dollars spent at zoos, visitors spend money on food, lodging, parking, shopping, and more, stimulating the regional economy. The Minnesota Zoo has an annual economic impact exceeding $114 million.
- In 2008, 175 million people visited zoos and aquariums that are accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Minnesota Zoo celebrated record attendance this past year, attracting more than 1.3 million visitors.
- Collectively, AZA member institutions are committed to becoming the country’s largest environmental education and conservation movement. The Minnesota Zoo is the state’s largest environmental learning center; we engage audiences not only at the Zoo but also in schools and community centers throughout Minnesota.
- Cultural amenities such as zoos are vital to maintaining a high level of quality of life. Minnesota is consistently ranked among the top five states in quality of life, an important consideration for attracting and retaining employees and businesses to our state. The Minnesota Zoo contributes measurably to our state’s cultural fabric and serves as a point of pride for all Minnesotans.
The Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, just minutes south of Mall of America. For more information, call 952.431.9500 or visit mnzoo.org. The Minnesota Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).
