Toledo Zoo’s 2016 Operating Levy Renewal Campaign Kick-off
TOLEDO, Ohio –Community leaders from across the region will gather today on the Africa! Overlook at the Toledo Zoo to kick-off the Zoo’s 2016 Operating Levy Renewal Campaign. The .75 mill, five-year levy is a renewal and a reduction. This operating levy highlights: ·$55M impact will be generated via the operating expenditures which this levy renewal/reduction supports. ·The levy will support animal food and veterinary care, animal collection staff, education, maintenance and utilities. ·The levy allows the Zoo to continue to offer free education programming to Lucas County children and cover the expenses of free Mondays. ·The levy will support the continued high quality of the Zoo experience and preserve it for the community Additionally, this renewal is a reduction in millage from .85 to .75, which equates to a 12% or $3.06 yearly decrease for the owner of a $100,000 home in Lucas County. Furthermore, this renewal supports nearly 1,000 jobs in our community and is expected to generate a 200% return on investment for the county! Speakers at the kick-off ceremony will offer their personal reasons for supporting the Zoo’s Operating levy renewal while urging Lucas County voters to join them in voting for the Zoo on Tuesday, November 8. Toledo Zoo executive director, Jeff Sailer, will welcome all in attendance: “We sincerely appreciate the citizens of Lucas County and their long-time dedication to our mission of inspiring others to join us in caring for animals and conserving the natural world. With your voting support, we look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of our region and animals and visitors from across the globe for many more years to come.” Sailer will then turn the microphone over to the levy co-chairs. Betsy Brady, vice president of Plastic Technologies, Inc. and philanthropist, will speak first: “As a mother, business professional and active citizen in this community I can fully appreciate the financial stewardship of the Toledo Zoo. While they are providing education and entertainment for all ages, they are also utilizing their resources wisely and reinvesting in our community though employment opportunities, community partnerships and collaborations and tourism dollars.” Ray Wood, president of the United Auto Workers Local 14 and president of NAACP, Toledo Chapter, will follow: “The Toledo Zoo is one of the brightest shining gems in our community. Their quality animal care, conservation efforts, education programing and community involvement bring so much positivity to our area. It is with great pride that I stand with the Zoo in their levy renewal campaign.” The ceremony will conclude with Sailer, Brady and Wood unveiling the image for the 2016 Operating Levy Renewal Campaign. The Zoo’s levy campaign will continue through Election Day and will include dotting the county with yard signs, promoting the Zoo’s mission at local festivals, parades and activities, canvassing neighborhoods and a phone bank. More information about the Toledo Zoo’s 2016 Operating Levy Renewal Campaign can be found at voteforyourzoo.org or on the levy Facebook page.
Press Release Contact Name: Shayla Moriarty
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Press Release Contact Phone: 419-385-5721 ext. 2155
Website or Link: voteforyourzoo.org