More than three-quarters of consumers say that a marketing partnership between a charity and a company they trust makes a charitable cause stand out, according to a new survey commissioned by Cone, a Boston marketing firm. By Nicole Wallace with the Chronicle of Philanthropy

More than half of the people in the survey -- 56 perscent -- said that such partnerships make them more likely to "feel positively" toward the nonprofit group. Half of the participants said that they would be more likely to make a donation to the charity, and 41 percent reported that they would be more likely to volunteer for the organization.
In the past, Cone has surveyed consumers about their attitudes toward companies that align themselves with charitable causes, but for this project, the marketing firm wanted to look at the issue from the perspective of the nonprofit groups, says Alison DaSilva, an executive vice president at Cone.

When a charity is thinking about entering a marketing partnership, officials often need to persuade people within their organization as well as the prospective partner, says Ms. DaSilva.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo Board and staff were given a mandate by the citizens of Fresno County to develop a world-class zoo with the funds authorized by Measure Z. Where do we stand today?

Many internal improvements have been made to exhibits, walkways, plantings, infrastructure and signage. The plans are alive and bearing fruit.

A long and difficult Environmental Impact Report process to allow expansion is in its final stages. This EIR encompasses the entire Roeding Park Master Plan and reviews every aspect of the changes that will happen as the 107-year-old park grows. The zoo is just one part of it.

Air quality, parking space, water use, impact on roads bordering the park, historical significance and planning for the optimum retention of trees and green space are all key factors being considered in the EIR process.

The 21-acre zoo expansion cannot begin until the EIR is approved by city management, the Planning Commission and, ultimately, the Fresno City Council. Objections to the EIR by members of the public can delay the expansion project until their objections are satisfied.

The state of Fresno museums have been hot topics over the last year. The Fresno Metropolitan Museum's closure prompts the question - what will happen to the art?  Deaccession of art intended for the public is an issue that is being discussed across the country, by community leaders and elected officials:

Museums and Lawmakers Mull Sales of Art

Assemblyman Richard L. Brodsky, second from left, led a hearing to review the issue of deaccessioning on Thursday.

By Robin Pogrebin, January 14, 2010, The New York Times

It was once considered unthinkable: the notion of a museum selling off parts of its collection to pay the bills. But the recession has forced some institutions to do that — or at least consider it — and members of the New York State Legislature have been trying to draft a bill that would regulate such deaccessioning of artworks and artifacts.

In 2006 I was invited to join a group of business, community and public leaders to see the streetcars in Portland, OR.  It's hard to imagine, but 15-20 years ago Portland was in worse shape that Fresno.  I came skeptical and left seeing that it pencils out - the streetcar project in Portland was instrumental in making it a city that attrachs the world attention that it does today. 

Downtown Fresno Streetcar Open House
Join the discussion to identify streetcar destinations and routes downtown!

Where: Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce, 2311 Fresno Street.
When: Thursday, March 4th, 12 noon to 6 p.m.
Why: To learn how streetcars can stimulate economic development in downtown areas and how Fresno might benefit. Come see video simulations of streetcars operating in other cities and historic photos of streetcars in downtown Fresno.

Call Nancy Lockwood at The Lockwood Agency with any questions, 559-733-3737.