Media Alert (Updated May 13, 2011)

BRIT GRAND OPENING
Saturday, May 21, 2011 to be named Botanical  Research Institute of Texas Day

What:

Saturday, May 21 st, BRIT welcomes the public to celebrate the grand opening of its new 5.2 acre botanical research campus in Fort Worth’s Cultural District featuring its innovative 70,000-square-foot energy efficient and sustainable headquarters designed to achieve the US Green Building Council LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) Platinum-rating — the first such building in Tarrant County.

The full-day public grand opening will be filled with conservation-themed activities, tours and presentations for the whole family. Meet the education staff and learn about this summer’s Camp BRIT. Attend a mini-lecture; learn about our current research projects and the sustainable construction elements that are the shining stars of the new building. Our outdoor stage will feature some of the best local performing artists including Ballet Folklorico Azteca de Fort Worth, Mondo Drummers, and Telegraph Canyon. List to be finalized in coming weeks.

When:

Press arrive at 9 am for set-up and interviews; 10 a.m.: Green Mountain Energy Company’s “Turning on the Switch” dedication for the Green Mountain Energy Solar at BRIT photovoltaic system. Green Mountain Energy’s Director of Sales, Kelly Brcka will make a few comments followed by BRIT’s President and director, Dr. S. H. Sohmer, Ph.D.

Ribbon cutting begins at 10:30 a.m. including a City of Fort Worth proclamation citing May 21, 2011 as Botanical Research Institute of Texas Day presented by City Council Member Carter Burdette.  Address and introduction of dignitaries by BRIT President and Director Dr. S. H. Sohmer.  Congresswoman Kay Granger has confirmed her attendance. 

Who:

In addition to Carter Burdette and Dr. S. H. Sohmer, Tim McKinney, BRIT’s Board Chairman, and Congresswoman Kay Granger will be in attendance along with key BRIT board members and donors.  Research dignitaries from around the world will also be helping in the celebration, including Sir Gavyn Arthur, former Lord Mayor of London and previous Master, Worshipful Company of Gardeners; Mr. Thomas Gough, author and previous Master, Worshipful Company of Gardeners; Dr. Greg Farrington, President of the California Academy of Sciences; and Sir Peter Crane, Dean of the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. List to be finalized in coming weeks.

Why:

BRIT uses botanical solutions to address globally challenging problems ranging from pollution clean-up to sustainable food sources. By serving as a think tank and catalyst, BRIT inspires learning and forms interdisciplinary collaborations for critical research within scientific, educational, social, cultural, and business communities.

Where:

1700 University Drive (southwest corner of Harley and University) next to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Parking is free to press and will be available in the Will Rodgers Memorial Center lot on Harley Street.  Take the Montgomery Street exit from I-30. RSVP and I will send you a parking pass.

Contact:

Chris Chilton, Director of Marketing and PR  Call for a parking pass and for a full list of visiting dignitaries and the Grand Opening line-up for the BRIT stage. 817-546-8691, cchilton@brit.org.