February 2009– The National Elephant Center (TNEC) is poised to become a leader in elephant population management, conservation, scientific research, training, and elephant care to help ensure a sustainable future for elephants around the world. To meet these ambitious goals, the Center is creating a home for elephants that’s unlike any other.

Schultz & Williams Vice President, Rick Biddle, has been involved with the Center since its inception, providing organizational, business and operational planning services to support and facilitate the opening of this innovative solution to elephant management.

Located on more than 300 acres in Okeechobee, Florida on land owned by Waste Management, the Center’s future home rests in a beautiful, pristine habitat that’s perfect for elephants. The National Elephant Center board of directors is busy developing plans for the Center with emphasis on the welfare and care of the elephants; spreading the word about the Center’s mission; and engaging in area conservation projects—all in preparation to welcome the first elephants in the fourth quarter of 2009.

In addition to physical site preparation, Board members are raising funds for the project from accredited zoos around the country and others who care about wildlife. More than 71 Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoos nationwide have pledged financial support for The National Elephant Center.

S&W will continue to provide planning and consulting services to TNEC Board of Directors as the project moves forward with construction. "The National Elephant Center is a new model for excellence in elephant care and conservation," said Biddle. "We feel honored to have been involved in its formation."

Founded in 1987, Schultz & Williams is a national consulting firm headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Today S&W works with nonprofits throughout the United States and continues to exemplify its legacy as one of the first firms in the country to combine the principles of development, management and marketing into our consulting services—an approach that proves successful for nearly every client challenge.