Sunshine Matters

On Sunday, September 25, in conjunction with the Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism held in Hollywood, industry members joined forces to participate in a unique corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity, sponsored by Collinson Media & Events. The goal of CSR is to embrace responsibility for the organization’s actions and encourage a positive impact through its activities on the environment, consumers, communities, employees, stakeholders and all other members of the public sphere. While visiting Hollywood for our annual conference, VISIT FLORIDA wanted to organize an event that would provide attendees with an opportunity to give back to our host community.

After doing some research, I landed upon the gem that is the Anne Kolb Nature Center. Tucked away in the heart of downtown Hollywood, the nature center complex is a 1,501-acre coastal mangrove wetland that’s home to a wide variety of plants and animals, including some threatened and endangered species.

Through this CSR endeavor, individuals from throughout the state came together to leave a positive mark on Broward County. Partners of the tourism industry, along with VISIT FLORIDA committee and board members, participated in helping remove invasive plants that threaten the life of the fauna and flora in the park. Collectively, we filled sixteen large trash bags with the intrusive plants after only a few hours.  We all left feeling that we had truly made a difference and knowing we helped enhance the natural beauty of the area.

Thanks to all those who participated in the CSR “voluntourism” project and we hope to see you again next year!