Minneapolis (Aug. 24, 2017) – ESTO (Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations) Cares is making an impact during their annual conference being held at the Hilton Minneapolis by volunteering time, labor and dollars to improve Mill Ruins Park in downtown Minneapolis.

On Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017, 50 volunteers will remove crown vetch (or axseed; also Coronilla varia), a tough, aggressive, spreading plant and noted restricted noxious weed in Minnesota that is invading the ruins of historic Mill Ruins Park in downtown Minneapolis, in a one-hour speed round, followed by planting prairie plants. During the break between these two jobs, George Zimmermann, chair of the National Council of State Tourism Directors Alumni Group, will present a fundraising check of $1,000 to Sherry Brooks, environmental stewardship volunteer coordinator, Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board.

The U.S. Travel Association’s ESTO is the only national forum where destination marketing professionals at the state, regional and local level get critical tools, tips and information to help them better market and grow their destinations. The conference this year is being held Aug. 26 – 29 and is attended by destination marketing professionals from all over the country.

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 26, 8:30-11:30 a.m. PHOTO OPP: 10:15-10:45 a.m. for awarding of check to Minneapolis Parks & Recreation

WHERE: Mill Ruins Park

WHAT: Photo/video opportunity of volunteer event and awarding of donation check

WHO:

• 50 volunteers/attendees of ESTO annual conference, ESTO representatives and local & state representatives:
• George Zimmerman, chair, National Council of State Tourism Directors Alumni Group
• Sherry Brooks, Minneapolis Parks & Recreation Board
• John Edman, director, Explore Minnesota