By SJS Investment Services Founder & CEO Scott Savage.
Inspired by many clients throughout the years, SJS Team Members are encouraged to “pay it forward“ with their time, talents, and resources to advance the missions of worthy non-profit organizations.
For the last 13 years, I have had the good fortune of being appointed by Probate Judge Jack Puffenberger to the Board of Park Commissioners responsible for the governance of Metroparks Toledo. The five-member Board meets monthly in a public forum, as the majority of funding for this 90-year-old conservation and preservation agency comes from property owners in Lucas County.
Source: “Cannaley Treehouse Village”. Metroparks Toledo, metroparkstoledo.com.
Similar to SJS' story over the last 26 years, Metroparks Toledo has been guided with a big Vision, an unwavering Mission, Core Values, and a Team of people who Exceptionally Execute on a daily basis to make the Vision real.
For years, the Vision focused on access to parks and trails. Research tells us that the closer one lives to a park or trail, the more likely they will enjoy the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of a Metropark![1] Our North Star was for every citizen of Lucas County to live within five miles of a Metropark. Aggressive expansion and increased connectivity between parks ensued. In 2020, we dedicated Manhattan Marsh Metropark in North Toledo, thus achieving the Vision.
Source: “Manhattan Marsh Preserve Metropark”. Metroparks Toledo, metroparkstoledo.com.
What did this mean? Time for a new Vision!
With incredible input from fellow Board Members and the Team at Metroparks, the new Vision was adopted:
Metroparks Toledo will be, in its culture and community engagements, the beacon for conservation of natural resources; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and the activation and promotion of spaces that enhance physical and mental health. The communal pursuit of these aspirations will elevate our region and transform its identity.
I believe that Metroparks Toledo has always been on the short list of community assets that help distinguish the Northwest Ohio region in a positive way. In fact, Metroparks Toledo was the recipient of the 2020 National Gold Medal Award for excellence in parks and recreation management, the most prestigious honor in the parks and recreation industry.[2]
Bold Vision combined with Exceptional Execution has created a culture of excellence as we strive to preserve and protect some of the world’s most precious resources. Making sure each contribution is “Metroparks-worthy“ drives the actions of all associated, from employees to volunteers. All agree, the future of Metroparks Toledo is clear and bright. Guided by our Vision, the best is yet to come!
My hope is this story inspires you to engage your passion and make the world a little better place for our children and grandchildren.
Important Disclosure Information & Sources:
[1] “The Value Of Metroparks“. Metroparks Toledo, metroparkstoledo.com.
[2] “Metroparks Receives National Gold Medal Award“. Metroparks Toledo, 28-Oct-2020, metroparkstoledo.com.
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