Future Leaders Forum Helps High School Students Chart Career Dreams
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (October 25, 2010) - Fifty students from The First Tee are heading to Walt Disney World Resort Nov. 11-14 for the fourth annual Future Leaders Forum sponsored by The Toro Company, to help students broaden leadership skills, prepare for college and explore career disciplines within the game of golf.
The First Tee is proud of our collaboration with The Toro Company and Walt Disney World Resort,” said Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., chief executive of The First Tee. “Since these participants might not have been exposed to these wonderful college and career opportunities otherwise, together we are helping create the next generation of leaders.”
After undergoing a competitive application process, selected students will participate in “Disney's Leadership Excellence: The Inside Track” program that teaches the leadership strategies, techniques and behaviors of successful Walt Disney World executives. Additionally, the Forum connects students with industry leaders to learn about careers in tournament operations, golf course management, broadcast media, marketing and hospitality. The program includes presentations from Disney Institute, Toro, PGA of America, The Golf Channel, Marriott Golf and The Children's Miracle Network, along with a behind-the-scenes look at a PGA TOUR golf event.
Now in its fourth year, this program has positively impacted the lives of young people, enabling them to explore opportunities they never imagined,” said Mike Hoffman, chairman and CEO of The Toro Company. “With a strong commitment to growing the game, Toro is truly excited to be a part of this leadership experience and to be connected with such a strong cast of participating organizations like Disney and The First Tee.”
Walt Disney World Resort is honored to again host this exciting event, as The Toro Company and The First Tee bring together a diverse group of students from all over the country,” said Faron Kelley, director of marketing for Disney Sports. “The Future Leaders Forum is a unique experience that inspires based on the values of good sportsmanship and will delight the students with the quality of an unparalleled Disney experience.”
The application process also included a 350-word essay competition on goals, career aspirations and post-high school plans; involvement in school and community activities; and a letter of recommendation from school faculty and The First Tee Chapter Executive Director.
Last year, one student said, “I learned so much here and I'm taking so many new opportunities home with me. This is one door that opened and exposed me to many more doors. I have decided I want to make golf my career because it's my passion. I am very grateful that I attended the Future Leaders Forum.”
Since 1998, The Toro Company has been a premier corporate partner and preferred supplier of golf course maintenance and irrigation equipment for The First Tee. Toro is also the official provider of turf and irrigation equipment for Walt Disney World Resort.
For more information or to access live updates from the event, go to www.futureleadersforum.com
About The Toro Company
The Toro Company (NYSE: TTC) is a leading worldwide provider of turf and landscape maintenance equipment, and precision irrigation systems. With sales of more than $1.5 billion in fiscal 2009, Toro's global presence extends to more than 80 countries through its reputation of world-class service, innovation and turf expertise. Since 1914, the company has built a tradition of excellence around a number of strong brands to help customers care for golf courses, sports fields, public green spaces, commercial and residential properties, and agricultural fields. More information is available at www.toro.com.
About Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort is a contiguous 40-square-mile, world-class entertainment and recreation center featuring four theme parks (Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom Park); two water adventure parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon); 34 resort hotels (24 owned and operated by Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, includes seven Disney Vacation Club resort properties); 81 holes of golf on five courses; two full-service spas; Disney's Wedding Pavilion; ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex; and Downtown Disney. Walt Disney World Resort is committed to building better futures for children; last year, the company donated more than $28.5 million in cash and in-kind support to non-profit organizations in Central Florida and Disney VoluntEARS contributed a record 250,000 hours to community service. Located at Lake Buena Vista, Fla., 20 miles southwest of Orlando, Walt Disney World Resort opened Oct. 1, 1971, and is open daily, year-round. For more information, visit www.disneyparks.com.
About The First Tee
The First Tee (www.thefirsttee.org
Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 4 million participants in all 50 United States and four international locations. The First Tee is an initiative of the World Golf Foundation and its Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Former President George H. W. Bush serves as honorary chairman.
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