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Air Zoo official next in Keystone Speaker seriesFeb. 16, 2006 KALAMAZOO--An official with the Kalamazoo Air Zoo will give an overview of the air museum's rapid growth on Friday, Feb. 24, when the Keystone Community Bank Breakfast Speaker Series continues at Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business. Wayne K. Kruger, a retired Navy captain and deputy director and chief financial officer of the Air Zoo, will present a speech titled "Dreams Are Possible" at 7:30 a.m. in the Dean's Conference Room, Room 2150 of Schneider Hall, home of the Haworth College of Business. Kruger joined the Air Zoo in 2000 after completing an 18-year career in corporate banking. Over the past five years, he has played an active role in building what has become known as the "New Air Zoo." During this span, the Air Zoo has grown from an annual attendance of 45,000 to more than 130,000, while the Air Zoo's staff has grown from 25 to 60 full-time personnel. It also has become an affiliate of the prestigious Smithsonian Institution, and $19 million was raised to fund the Air Zoo's expansion in 2004. On July 1, 2005, Kruger retired from the U.S. Navy after more than 30 years of service. His career included several overseas assignments and mobilization during the Gulf War, serving as the coordinator of the Maritime Interception Force in the Red Sea. Active in the community, he is past president of Portage Rotary, former chair of Heritage Community and is currently serving as vice-chair of the Kalamazoo County Convention and Visitors Bureau. This is the fourth presentation in the speaker series' sixth year. The series, sponsored by Kalamazoo-based Keystone Community Bank, offers community members, entrepreneurs, business leaders and other guests an opportunity to discuss important business issues. The free event is open to the public. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (269) 387-5050. Parking is available in the nearby Fetzer Center parking lot. Media contact: Mark Schwerin, (269) 387-8400, mark.schwerin@wmich.edu WMU News |
