Conservancy CEO Brings Business Message to Detroit

DETROIT, MI — July 20, 2009 — In February, Conservancy President and CEO Mark Tercek addressed business leaders who are members of the Detroit Economic Club (DEC).

During a speech to 250 assembled guests, Tercek discussed why the business community should develop new market approaches for conservation – ones that benefit nature and people. Such partnerships, he said, fostered between the private sector and organizations like the Conservancy, can be catalysts for true business advantages.

“Today the drivers on environmental action have moved out of the corporate foundation and into the executive suite and the boardroom,” said Tercek. “‘Going Green’ is now a core business strategy across the spectrum of companies who lead their industries in earnings growth, productivity, innovation and employee satisfaction.”

In the speech, Tercek went on explain six fundamental drivers, making a case for conservation as a core business strategy and highlighting specific examples for how the Conservancy is working with corporate partners to realize tangible conservation and business results. The event, a first for the Conservancy, provided an opportunity to engage the Michigan business community broadly.

Founded in 1934, the DEC provides a platform for the discussion and debate of important business, government and social issues.  Recognized internationally as a top speaking forum for prominent business and government leaders, the DEC has hosted every sitting U.S. President since Richard Nixon.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. The Conservancy and its more than 1 million members have protected nearly 120 million acres worldwide. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at www.nature.org.