Background for Karen Alder, Owner of The Winter Life
LEADERSHIP IN THE PROFESSION
Founder and Charter President of Minnesota Executive Women in Tourism (MEWIT).
Active member since inception in 1983
Director for IFWTO 1986-88
Program Chair 1988-90
Educational Chair 2002 2004
International Federation of Women’s Travel Organizations (IFTWO)
Chair for Opening Ceremonies of 24th Annual IFWTO Convention (1993)
American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)
National Committee on Environmental Concerns 1990-92
Founding member of ASTA National Committee on Environmental Concerns
Initiated development of ASTA’s Ten Commandments on Eco-Tourism and Travelers’ Environmental Guidelines
Participated in creation of ASTA/Smithsonian Magazine’s Environmental Award
Upper Midwest Chapter, ASTA. Officer/Secretary 2000-02
Institute of Certified Travel Agents (ICTA)
Life Member; completed CTC (Certified Travel Counselor) Program in 1978.
President of ICTA Minnesota Forum – 1980
Early eco-tourism pioneer in promoting horticultural tours (1984) and birding tours to Costa Rica and Panama.
In 1979 invited to China to discuss tourism development with the CITS North American marketing leaders.
Participating in study on eco-tourism in Gabon with the US Trade and Development 2004
Mentoring University of Minnesota PhD candidate from Sri Lanka on development of sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka 2004
SPECIAL FOCUS PROGRAMS
Pioneer in Eco-tourism Awareness Education, guest lecturer
Chicago – International Travel Industry Expo 1991
Dallas/Ft. Worth – Traveling Times Travel Expo 1993
Las Vegas – International Travel Industry Expo 1992
Minnesota – Governor’s Conference on Tourism 1991
Star Tribune Travel Weekly Seminar “Adventures in Travel” 1999
South Dakota – Governor’s Conference on Tourism 1991
Wisconsin – Governor’s Conference on Tourism 1991
– Community Development Agency Conference 1992
Promoting and encouraging cultural and conservation exchanges involving youth travel
Youth symphony concert/cultural exchanges to Costa Rica, former Soviet Union, Hong Kong, Japan, China, Taiwan, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Chile, Bolivia
Boy Scout “TurtleWatch” exchanges with Costa Rican Scouts
Minnesota Thunder Soccer Team exchange/residency to Costa Rica
Lake Wobegon® Brass Band England concert tour
Collaboration with Costa Rica travel partner, Costa Rica Expeditions, in designing a program to enhance nature travel in that country by improving and enriching English-speaking fluency of the most talented of Costa Rican naturalist guides.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Costa Rica-Minnesota Foundation board 1991 to 2006
Founding Member 1991
Treasurer and Grants Chair 1991 – 2006
Chair of Benefit Fundraiser 1999 & 2001
Costa Rica-Minnesota Medical Committee, 1988 to 1992
Children’s Heart Fund medical projects travel advisor
Children’s Heart Fund Benefit
International Physicians Exchange Program
St. Paul (MN) Chamber of Commerce “Twin Chamber Program” with San Jose, Costa Rica through the Caribbean Central American Action organization 1982 –
Chair of Tourism Committee from 1983. Responsible for consulting and recommending a process for the development of a National Plan for Tourism for the country of Costa Rica.
Serve or have served on the non-profit Boards of Directors of
Global Volunteers 1984-1987 Advisory/Executive Board
Greater Twin Cities’ Youth Symphonies (President 1987-89) 1986-1997
Danebo Retirement Home 1985 – 1992
Member of Advisory Board – Dakota County Vocational-Technical Travel School (1984-89)
Past member of West St. Paul/Mendota Heights Rotary Club
Indianhead BSA committee for fundraising event 1995-present & St Croix Valley Girl Scouts Costa Rica exchange programs
Mendota Heights American Cancer Relay for Life Committee 1999 – 2001
Supporter of The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota
Volunteer at the Armed Forces Service Center MSP Airport 2003-current
“Books for Africa” event coordinator – 10th Anniversary September 1998
“Books for Africa” Ambassador’s Circle
Member 2005-2006
Board member 2006