Title
To honor and commend Gerald W. Borin for his leadership and profound impact on the citizens of the City of Columbus during his tenure as the Executive Director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Body
Whereas, Gerald W. Borin has given 36 years of public service to the citizens of the City of Columbus and Franklin County working at Columbus Recreation and Parks and at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium; and
Whereas, Gerald W. Borin for the last 23 years has facilitated the dramatic transformation of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium from a local attraction to an international destination; and
Whereas, under Jerry's leadership the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has grown from 75 acres to more than 580 acres, the budget increased to $55.2 million per year and attendance rose from 700,000 to a projected 1.9 million for 2008; and
Whereas, Jerry's many accomplishments include forging a partnership with the Wilds in southeast Ohio, the renovation of all the Zoo's exhibits and the additions of Discovery Reef, Manatee Coast, the Islands of Southeast Asia, Asia Quest, the Safari Golf Course and Zoombezi Bay and the start of Polar Frontier; and
Whereas, Jerry has served with energy and distinction on numerous international boards such as the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the International Rhino Foundation and the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International; and
Whereas, the voters of Franklin County have overwhelmingly shown their approval of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and the tenure of Mr. Borin by passing four property tax levies to support the Zoo; now, therefore
be it resolved by the council of the city of columbus
That this Council does hereby honor and commend Gerald W. Borin for his leadership and profound impact on the City of Columbus as Executive Director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.