Knoxville Rotary - Meeting Information

Michele Hummel manages the day-to-day operations of the CBID which include its four areas focus for downtown Knoxville: Economic Development, Marketing & Events, Security, and Parking & Transportation. She is a member of Interantional Downtown Association, International Council of Shopping Centers, Urban Land Institute, chair: Downtown YMCA, Board Members: Metro YMCA, Board Member: Center City Events. Michele has a B.A. in Business Management, Tennessee Technology University, Cookeville, TN.

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Program Recap - January 24, 2012

Emily Jones

Emily Jones, Director of Development and Government Relations

National Parks Conservation Association

RCK member Amy Gibson introduced our speaker Emily Jones, Director of Development and Government Relations for the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). Previously, Ms. Jones had worked for the Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Our speaker addressed the work of the NPCA, an advocacy group for our national parks - for preserving, conserving, and appreciating these national treasures. NPCA brings stakeholders in our national park system together - the national parks administration, government leaders, foundations, and concessionaires. The current focus is on " A Call to Action" - 37 recommendations coming out of blue-ribbon commission for the "second century" of our national parks (2016 will be the hundreth year). One of the primary challenges is how to build appreciation for the national parks in younger generations. Following a short presentation, she answered questions about the viability of the national park administration with the "belt-tightening" (current and more expected) in terms of federal support for the national parks system.