LITTLE ROCK, ARK. – For the second year in a row, Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe hosted a Ducks Unlimited Evening of Conservation at the Arkansas Governor's Mansion.
DU Board Member Steve Cook and his wife Alison coordinated the May 11th event to encourage support of the Wings Over Arkansas conservation initiative.
The initiative is geared towards putting conservation on the ground in Arkansas and on the breeding grounds critical to Arkansas' waterfowl. The event was initiated to recognize and thank current Major Sponsors for their support and to identify and recruit additional Major Sponsors in Arkansas.
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Ducks Unlimited representatives present Governor Beebe with a "Gale Winds" bronze sculpture. (l-r) Ark. State Chairman Vince Callahan, Dir. of Conservation Ken Babcock, DU Board Member George Dunklin, DU Board Member Mike Benge, Group Manager for Development Dan Thiel, Gov. Beebe, DU Board Member Steve Cook, Dir. of Development Chad Manlove. |
Arkansas State Chairman Vince Callahan, Governor Mike Beebe and DU Board Member Steve Cook greeted all attendees at the front door of the mansion. Speakers at the event included Arkansas DU State Chairman Vince Callahan, DU Group Manager for Development Dan Thiel, and Director of Conservation Ken Babcock.
Governor Beebe took the podium and expressed his admiration for the great partnership between Ducks Unlimited, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and other state agencies that provides Arkansas with extraordinary economic and ecological benefits.
"Ducks Unlimited is the leader in Arkansas and the world in wetlands conservation, and I encourage you to continue your strong support of Ducks Unlimited," Beebe said.
DU representatives then presented a "Gale Winds" bronze sculpture to Governor Beebe in appreciation for his long-standing support of DU and for hosting the event. "Governor, Arkansas Ducks Unlimited is very honored to be invited into the mansion once again, and we greatly appreciate your support," Cook commented.
Director of Development Chad Manlove, along with Arkansas State Chairman Vince Callahan and Arkansas State Campaign Chairman Derek Exum, recognized Major Sponsors and presented sponsor pins to new life sponsors and upgrades. "Major Sponsor events like this one provide critical funds in support of DU's Wetlands for Tomorrow campaign," said Exum.