Page 60 - Brookfield Zoo Chicago Annual_Report_2024

PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

Crain’s Chicago Business This year, Brookfield Zoo Chicago
th
Op-Ed: Chicago’s next big is celebrating its 90 anniversary,
thanks in part to Edith Rockefeller
idea lies within our cultural
McCormick, the daughter of busi-
institutions
ness magnate John D. Rockefeller.
By Dr. Michael J. Adkesson, A philanthropist herself, Edith
Brookfield Zoo Chicago Rockefeller McCormick donated
July 30, 2024 land to the Forest Preserves Our vision contributes to the Chicago is not only preserving
of Cook County in 1919 to create
legacy of big ideas and innovation its heritage but also ensuring its
In an article earlier this month, an innovative zoological park, in Chicago. cultural landscape evolves to meet
Crain’s Chicago Business reporter which later opened in 1934
contemporary needs.
John Pletz posed the question: as Brookfield Zoo. Edith’s generosity As we set forth on this plan, we are
Two decades after Millennium Park helped establish the Zoo that today committed to working with Chicago’s And the impact of these efforts is
opened, where is Chicago’s next big generations of Chicago residents corporate citizens to bolster the far-reaching. Cultural institutions
idea? The article shines a light on the know and love, though Edith likely city’s image and build the economic drive economic growth, attract global
need for new ideas and investments never imagined the impact the and social gravitas that Chicago talent, and foster a sense of commu-
in our great city from corporations Zoo would make in protecting can wield. As Pletz wrote, two nity. They are essential to the city’s
and civic leaders to continue to draw wildlife, preserving endangered decades after Millennium Park’s identity and play a crucial role in
visitors from afar and support our species, and sparking empathy opening, the city could use a morale shaping its future. As we look ahead,
local economy. for nature in people of all ages. and image boost. To that, I say, it is evident that the next big idea
look to Chicago’s premier cultural lies within the heart of Chicago’s
As the third-largest city in the U.S., Building on this foundation,
institutions, which have unveiled cultural fabric.
home to 35 Fortune 500 companies we at Brookfield Zoo Chicago bold new capital planning visions
and named the Best Big City in the announced our Next Century Plan Chicago’s storied cultural institu-
and strategic plans within the past
country seven years in a row, the earlier this month: two years alone. The morale in tions are more than static legacies;
city of Chicago and its surrounding this community is not only there— they are pioneers of innovative
A multimillion-dollar investment future growth. Through visionary
suburbs remain full of potential it is ambitious and hungry for
to develop the “next big idea.” with rippling economic impact investments and groundbreaking
realization. I invite business and
But from the perspective of a that will include reshaping civic leaders to join us in advancing programs, they are creating a future
nonprofit CEO, I’d argue the next Chicago’s tradition of public- of creativity and resilience. As we
the traditional zoo experience
big idea to draw visitors from private partnership. celebrate milestones like Millennium
around the world lies within to emphasize sustainability Park’s anniversary, we should
our historic cultural institutions. and global conservation, Chicago’s commitment to cultural recognize and support the transfor-
investment extends beyond mative potential of these institutions.
setting new standards
individual institutions. The city’s The next big idea is not just a
for wildlife care, education, broader vision includes enhancing possibility—it is already in the
public infrastructure, supporting making, nurtured by the rich
and community engagement.
local artists, and promoting cultural cultural soil of Chicago.
tourism. By prioritizing these areas,

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