Wild Bird Centers of America, Inc.®
Your Ultimate Backyard Bird Feeding Store™
1-800-WILDBIRD
Your Ultimate Backyard Bird Feeding Store™
1-800-WILDBIRD
2008-06-10
Petrides was honored for his assistance in improving the Service's bird watching and conservation programs throughout the National Wildlife Refuge System NWRS. In a letter announcing his award, H. Dale Hall, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, thanked Petrides for helping the Fish and Wildlife Service forge new partnerships, and for giving generously of his time, talents, and insights to make the refuges more birder-friendly while helping birders to better understand the roles of national wildlife refuges. Hall continued, "because of Petrides' contribution, the public is more aware of birds and their habitats, and conservation issues that are central to the mission of the Service."
The NWRS conserves some of our country's best migratory bird habitats, while offering more than 39 million annual visitors the chance to connect with the natural world. More than half of all federal lands designated by the American Bird Conservancy as globally significant Important Bird Areas are on national wildlife refuges.
George Petrides, Sr., is the chairman and founder of Wild Bird Centers of America, Inc., a specialized franchise with more than 85 stores nationwide. Petrides opened the first Wild Bird Center store in Cabin John, Maryland in 1985, and has subsequently grown the business into a leading franchisor in the birding industry.
Petrides serves on the Board of the Wild Bird Feeding Industry WBFI trade group as Chairman of the Retailer Committee as well as Trustee of the WBFI Research Foundation and leader of Project Wildbird, a scientific research program. He is also a member of the National Wildlife Refuge System Birding Initiative Team.
George earned a Master's Degree in Education from Michigan State University, and then went on to have several careers, including high school teacher, real estate agent, U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer, and Peace Corps official in Kenya and Washington, D.C. Petrides speaks several languages, including Igbo, KiSwahili and Setswana.
Petrides is an avid birdwatcher and has a keen interest in community development efforts and environmental issues. He has successfully integrated his passion with his livelihood and subsequently developed a leading franchise of Wild Bird Center stores, which serve, educate and support birders by providing quality products, expert advice and a trusted community resource. Petrides’s contributions have been instrumental to the growth of the birding industry and to building public appreciation for bird conservation throughout the United States.
For more information on Wild Bird Centers of America, Inc. visit the WBCA website at www.wildbirds.com or call 800 945-3247.
2008-06-03
George Petrides Sr., founder and chairman of Wild Bird Centers of America says his organization shares the NWRAs mission, stating, We support conservation programs and strive to improve the national wildlife refuge systems, making them more birder-friendly while educating birding enthusiasts to better understand the roles and benefits of our national wildlife refuge system. We are honored to be a part of this contest, particularly since it educates children, the future stewards of our planet, to be more environmentally aware.
Evan Hirsche, President of the NWRA agrees, More than ever, it is so important to ensure our young people have an opportunity to connect with the outdoors; photography is an excellent way to build kids' appreciation for our national wildlife refuges and the natural world.
The top five prize winners in the Senior Youth Category are Joshua Gahagan of Oakham, MA (First Place), Ian Davies of Medford, MA (Second Place), Zachary Peterson of Ipswich, MA (Third Place), Peter DellaVecchia of North Salem, NY (Fourth Place); and Shane McVeigh of Homer, AK (Fifth Place). The top five prize winners in the Junior Youth Category are Bryan Goslin of Vancouver, WA (First Place), Erin McBride of Fairview, WY (Second Place), Rebecca Bartels of Farwell, NE (Third Place), Warren Smith of Starkville, MS (Fourth Place), and Liam Coddington of Huntsville, AL (Fifth Place). Visit http://www.refugenet.org/contest/2008YouthWinners.html to view all of the winning entries.
In addition to receiving bird feeders from Wild Bird Centers of America, all senior category winners received field guides from Houghton Mifflin and all junior category winners received a giant stuffed manatee and a years supply of Wild Puffs Cereal from Barbaras Bakery.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association wishes to express its great appreciation to all photo contest sponsors, including Wild Bird Centers of America, Houghton Mifflin and Barbaras Bakery for providing prizes and would like to recognize Zenfolio for hosting the contest on its website, www.zenfolio.com. The NWRA also thanks the photo contest judges who contributed their time and expertise to selecting the winners. They are Matt Poole, Randy Robinson, and Wil Hershberger.
Established in 1985, Wild Bird Centers of America, Inc. is a specialized franchise system with more than 85 stores nationwide. Each Wild Bird Center retailer is dedicated to helping customers build a better backyard birding experience, by providing the finest, field-tested quality products, old-fashioned customer service from fellow bird enthusiasts, and expert advice. Wild Bird Centers also serve as an active community resource, providing demonstrations, educational workshops and childrens programs. For more information, visit the WBCA website at www.wildbird.com or call (800) 945-3247, x202.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, nationwide membership organization. For more information, visit http://www.refugassociation.org.
2008-05-07
Chris Audet and Alena Mondelli, are owners of the Langford store, but Chris, a recently retired Chief Petty Officer, will operate the store full-time. Both Chris and Alena are bird enthusiasts, who recognize the potential of their market. Mr. Audet states, "We offer customers an extensive line of bird seed with exclusive seed blends as well as an array of products to help them attract more varieties of birds." Alena continues, "Backyards are an extension of our home and we want to help customers enjoy a great backyard bird feeding experience."
click here to read entire press release
2008-04-17
The American Birding Association (ABA) Ludlow Griscom Award is one of five ABA awards that recognize various contributions dedicated individuals make to the cause of birds, birders and birding. The ABA Ludlow Griscom Award for Outstanding Contributions in Regional Ornithology was bestowed on Bill Fenimore for his contributions to dramatically advance ornithological awareness throughout the state of Utah.
Click Here to read entire Press Release
2008-04-01
Amateur photographer Dr. Mack Barham of Monroe, Louisiana won top honors in the contest, which received more than 2,000 images from over 150 refuges from 45 states and territories. Dr. Barham, a Wild Bird Center customer, gave Monroe franchisee Sissy Miller and Sean Miller a sneak peek of his photograph before submitting it for entry. Barham's winning photograph is an amazing shot of egrets captured in fog at Black Bayou Lake Natural Wildlife Refuge. Barham claims, "Really, that shot was an accident. I wasn't there looking for anything like that, but when I saw the egrets, and then the fog, I knew I wanted to shoot it. It is one of the most unique photographs I have ever gotten." To read more click here
2008-01-23
Wild Bird Center
8240 Cazenovia Rd.
Manlius, NY 13104
(315) 692-4325
manlius at wildbird.com
www.wildbird.com/stores/manlius
2007-12-20
Wild Bird Center
10210 Chestnut Plaza Drive
Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46814
(260) 625-3047
Fortwayne at wildbird.com
www.wildbird.com/stores/fortwayne
2007-11-01
Wild Bird Center
Gratiot Crossing Shopping Center
50750 Gratiot Ave.
Chesterfield, MI 48051
(586) 949-9453
chesterfield at wildbird.com
www.wildbird.com/stores/chesterfield
2007-11-01
Wild Bird Center
Hanbury Village Shopping Center
237 Hanbury Rd. East #19
Chesapeake, VA 23322
(757) 482-7333
chesapeake at wildbird.com
www.wildbird.com/stores/chesapeake
News & Events
2008-07-17WBC Franchisee Receives Roger Tory Peterson Award
Jamestown, New York - James M. Barry, President of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History awarded William Fenimore, author, educator, naturalist, field birder and Wild Bird Center franchisee, the Roger Tory Peterson Nature Education Achievement Award. This prestigious award was announced on July 1, 2008 in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Roger Tory.
The Roger Tory Peterson Nature Education Achievement Award is a national award given to individuals and communities in order to stimulate others to improve and expand the quality of nature education programs across the country.
Fenimore explains, "Birding has been the pathway for me into a life long enjoyment of the natural world. It has been my passion to share the joys of birding, especially with young children whom I hope will follow in a similar path."
Bill has been a very successful franchisee with the Wild Bird Centers of America, Inc. in the Salt Lake City, Utah (www.wildbird.com/stores/lay) area since 2001. He conducts seminars and workshops educating the public about birds and their critical habitat needs, and he leads birding field trips for clients from around the globe.
Mr. Fenimore is a birding advocate who expresses his enthusiasm through involvement with numerous programs and organizations, including as a leading organizer of the Great Salt Lake Bird Festival, author of "Bird Sighting" a weekly Salt Lake Tribune column, vice-chair of the Utah Division of the Wildlife Resources Advisory Council, and now author of the Backyard Bird state identification guide series.
Bill also serves as Trustee and Board member of such diverse organizations as the Utah Wildlife and Conservation Foundation, Ogden Nature Center and Utah Wildlife Board Nominating Trustee (appointed by Utah Governor Jon Huntsman). The American Birding Association recently honored Fenimore in June 2008 with the Ludlow Griscom Award, its prestigious honor for outstanding contributions in Regional Ornithology.
Established in 1985, Wild Bird Centers of America, Inc. WBCA (www.wildbird.com) is a specialized franchisor with more than 80 franchises in the U.S. and Canada. Each Wild Bird Center retailer is dedicated to helping customers develop a better backyard birding experience, by providing the finest, field-tested products, old-fashioned customer service, and expert advice. Wild Bird Centers also serve as an active community resource, providing demonstrations, educational workshops and children's programs.
For more information contact Barbara Beck, Director of Marketing/Communications, 301-229-9585, x202.
2008-06-10
George Petrides Receives Citizens Award For Exceptional Service
April 11, 2008, Glen Echo, Maryland George Petrides, Sr., founder and chairman of Wild Bird Centers of America, Inc., recently received the Citizens Award for Exceptional Service by the Fish and Wildlife Service. This prestigious award recognizes private citizens and organizations for their significant contributions to the mission and goals of the Fish and Wildlife Service.Petrides was honored for his assistance in improving the Service's bird watching and conservation programs throughout the National Wildlife Refuge System NWRS. In a letter announcing his award, H. Dale Hall, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, thanked Petrides for helping the Fish and Wildlife Service forge new partnerships, and for giving generously of his time, talents, and insights to make the refuges more birder-friendly while helping birders to better understand the roles of national wildlife refuges. Hall continued, "because of Petrides' contribution, the public is more aware of birds and their habitats, and conservation issues that are central to the mission of the Service."
The NWRS conserves some of our country's best migratory bird habitats, while offering more than 39 million annual visitors the chance to connect with the natural world. More than half of all federal lands designated by the American Bird Conservancy as globally significant Important Bird Areas are on national wildlife refuges.
George Petrides, Sr., is the chairman and founder of Wild Bird Centers of America, Inc., a specialized franchise with more than 85 stores nationwide. Petrides opened the first Wild Bird Center store in Cabin John, Maryland in 1985, and has subsequently grown the business into a leading franchisor in the birding industry.
Petrides serves on the Board of the Wild Bird Feeding Industry WBFI trade group as Chairman of the Retailer Committee as well as Trustee of the WBFI Research Foundation and leader of Project Wildbird, a scientific research program. He is also a member of the National Wildlife Refuge System Birding Initiative Team.
George earned a Master's Degree in Education from Michigan State University, and then went on to have several careers, including high school teacher, real estate agent, U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer, and Peace Corps official in Kenya and Washington, D.C. Petrides speaks several languages, including Igbo, KiSwahili and Setswana.
Petrides is an avid birdwatcher and has a keen interest in community development efforts and environmental issues. He has successfully integrated his passion with his livelihood and subsequently developed a leading franchise of Wild Bird Center stores, which serve, educate and support birders by providing quality products, expert advice and a trusted community resource. Petrides’s contributions have been instrumental to the growth of the birding industry and to building public appreciation for bird conservation throughout the United States.
For more information on Wild Bird Centers of America, Inc. visit the WBCA website at www.wildbirds.com or call 800 945-3247.
2008-06-03
WBC Awards Winners of the National Youth Photo Contest
Glen Echo, Maryland -- The National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) proudly announced the winners of the first annual 2008 Youth Refuge Photo Contest, a digital photo contest showcasing America's national wildlife refuges and the diverse wildlife that depend on them. Wild Bird Centers of America sponsored the contest by donating premier bird feeders to the first- through third- place winners in each age category.George Petrides Sr., founder and chairman of Wild Bird Centers of America says his organization shares the NWRAs mission, stating, We support conservation programs and strive to improve the national wildlife refuge systems, making them more birder-friendly while educating birding enthusiasts to better understand the roles and benefits of our national wildlife refuge system. We are honored to be a part of this contest, particularly since it educates children, the future stewards of our planet, to be more environmentally aware.
Evan Hirsche, President of the NWRA agrees, More than ever, it is so important to ensure our young people have an opportunity to connect with the outdoors; photography is an excellent way to build kids' appreciation for our national wildlife refuges and the natural world.
The top five prize winners in the Senior Youth Category are Joshua Gahagan of Oakham, MA (First Place), Ian Davies of Medford, MA (Second Place), Zachary Peterson of Ipswich, MA (Third Place), Peter DellaVecchia of North Salem, NY (Fourth Place); and Shane McVeigh of Homer, AK (Fifth Place). The top five prize winners in the Junior Youth Category are Bryan Goslin of Vancouver, WA (First Place), Erin McBride of Fairview, WY (Second Place), Rebecca Bartels of Farwell, NE (Third Place), Warren Smith of Starkville, MS (Fourth Place), and Liam Coddington of Huntsville, AL (Fifth Place). Visit http://www.refugenet.org/contest/2008YouthWinners.html to view all of the winning entries.
In addition to receiving bird feeders from Wild Bird Centers of America, all senior category winners received field guides from Houghton Mifflin and all junior category winners received a giant stuffed manatee and a years supply of Wild Puffs Cereal from Barbaras Bakery.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association wishes to express its great appreciation to all photo contest sponsors, including Wild Bird Centers of America, Houghton Mifflin and Barbaras Bakery for providing prizes and would like to recognize Zenfolio for hosting the contest on its website, www.zenfolio.com. The NWRA also thanks the photo contest judges who contributed their time and expertise to selecting the winners. They are Matt Poole, Randy Robinson, and Wil Hershberger.
Established in 1985, Wild Bird Centers of America, Inc. is a specialized franchise system with more than 85 stores nationwide. Each Wild Bird Center retailer is dedicated to helping customers build a better backyard birding experience, by providing the finest, field-tested quality products, old-fashioned customer service from fellow bird enthusiasts, and expert advice. Wild Bird Centers also serve as an active community resource, providing demonstrations, educational workshops and childrens programs. For more information, visit the WBCA website at www.wildbird.com or call (800) 945-3247, x202.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, nationwide membership organization. For more information, visit http://www.refugassociation.org.
2008-05-07
Retired Chief Petty Officer Lands New Career
Glen Echo, Maryland May 07, 2008 -- Langford, British Columbia, Canada – Langford residents and wild bird enthusiasts now have a new place to migrate for all of their wild bird supplies. Chris Audet and Alena Mondelli opened the Wild Bird Center store in Langford, a suburb of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Wild Bird Center of Langford offers a unique retail environment specializing in a wide range of backyard feeders and other backyard birding products. The opening reflects the growing trend of bird feeding and bird watching in North America.Chris Audet and Alena Mondelli, are owners of the Langford store, but Chris, a recently retired Chief Petty Officer, will operate the store full-time. Both Chris and Alena are bird enthusiasts, who recognize the potential of their market. Mr. Audet states, "We offer customers an extensive line of bird seed with exclusive seed blends as well as an array of products to help them attract more varieties of birds." Alena continues, "Backyards are an extension of our home and we want to help customers enjoy a great backyard bird feeding experience."
click here to read entire press release
2008-04-17
WILD BIRD FRANCHISEE RECEIVES LUDLOW GRISCOM AWARD
Glen Echo, Maryland - The American Birding Association has selected Wild Bird Centers of America franchisee William Fenimore, owner of the Wild Bird Center of Layton, Utah, as this year's recipient of the prestigious Ludlow Griscom Award.The American Birding Association (ABA) Ludlow Griscom Award is one of five ABA awards that recognize various contributions dedicated individuals make to the cause of birds, birders and birding. The ABA Ludlow Griscom Award for Outstanding Contributions in Regional Ornithology was bestowed on Bill Fenimore for his contributions to dramatically advance ornithological awareness throughout the state of Utah.
Click Here to read entire Press Release
2008-04-01
Wild Bird Center Customer Wins Top Prize in Photo Contest
Washington, D.C. , April 1, 2008 - National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) recently announced the winners of the 2008 Refuge Photo Contest, a digital photo contest showcasing America's national wildlife refuges and the diverse wildlife that depend on them. The winners were announced in celebration of the 105th anniversary of the establishment of the first National Wildlife Refuge on March 14, 1903, and mark the third year of this exciting contest.Amateur photographer Dr. Mack Barham of Monroe, Louisiana won top honors in the contest, which received more than 2,000 images from over 150 refuges from 45 states and territories. Dr. Barham, a Wild Bird Center customer, gave Monroe franchisee Sissy Miller and Sean Miller a sneak peek of his photograph before submitting it for entry. Barham's winning photograph is an amazing shot of egrets captured in fog at Black Bayou Lake Natural Wildlife Refuge. Barham claims, "Really, that shot was an accident. I wasn't there looking for anything like that, but when I saw the egrets, and then the fog, I knew I wanted to shoot it. It is one of the most unique photographs I have ever gotten." To read more click here
2008-01-23
Manlius, New York - New Store Open!
We are pleased to announce that the new Wild Bird Center of Manlius, New York is now fully open for business! The store has had a flying start. The owners, Heidi & Bob Menikheim, are welcoming everyone at their great neighborhood location in Manlius. Please visit the store at:Wild Bird Center
8240 Cazenovia Rd.
Manlius, NY 13104
(315) 692-4325
manlius at wildbird.com
www.wildbird.com/stores/manlius
2007-12-20
Fort Wayne, Indiana - New Store Open!
We are pleased to announce that the new Wild Bird Center of Fort Wayne, Indiana is open for business under franchisees Connie & Lee Anne Fleming. The Wild Bird Center of Fort Wayne looks forward to support the birding community in its vibrant but established community. Please contact the store at:Wild Bird Center
10210 Chestnut Plaza Drive
Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46814
(260) 625-3047
Fortwayne at wildbird.com
www.wildbird.com/stores/fortwayne
2007-11-01
Chesterfield, Michigan - New Store Open!
We are pleased to announce that the new Wild Bird Center of Chesterfield, Michigan is open for business under franchisees David & Barbara Tipton. Chesterfield is a key community in Macomb County located in the northern suburbs of Detroit. Please contact the store at:Wild Bird Center
Gratiot Crossing Shopping Center
50750 Gratiot Ave.
Chesterfield, MI 48051
(586) 949-9453
chesterfield at wildbird.com
www.wildbird.com/stores/chesterfield
2007-11-01
Chesapeake, Virginia - New Store Open!
We are pleased to announce that the new Wild Bird Center of Chesapeake, Virginia is now open for business under franchisees Mark & Ginny Lutes. Chesapeake is a thriving community located just south of Norfolk and east of Virginia Beach. Please contact the store at:Wild Bird Center
Hanbury Village Shopping Center
237 Hanbury Rd. East #19
Chesapeake, VA 23322
(757) 482-7333
chesapeake at wildbird.com
www.wildbird.com/stores/chesapeake
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