Ron Bergeron, Sr. 2019: Through the Year

From Guy Harvey to Horatio Alger: A year of accomplishments, awards honors and activities for Florida entrepreneur and philanthropist

October 3, 2019 From Rag to Riches: Voted to a Board of Distinguished Americans Ron Bergeron is voted to the Board of Directors of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. Along with other prominent CEOs and Corporate Chairmen, Bergeron became part of a 76-Member Board that governs the Association. Bergeron was elected to the Board by the Association’s membership. His term begins immediately and will extend for four years, through the fall of 2023. Prior to his election to the Board, Bergeron was awarded the prestigious Horatio Alger award in 2018. The award is bestowed on those who have “demonstrated honesty, determination and a strong work ethic in their pursuit of personal and professional success.” Members have faced adversities, overcoming significant life challenges to achieve their success. The Horatio Alger Association is a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. September 1, 2019 A Living Legend: Named one of Florida’s Most Influential Leaders Selected because he is a person of “enduring influence”, Florida Trend Magazine names Ron Bergeron as one of Florida’s Most Influential Business Leaders and a Living Legend.

August 9, 2019 The Transportation Kings: Bergeron Land Development, Winning! Bergeron Land Development (BLD) is named a Best in Construction winner by the Florida Transportation Builders Association (FTBA). The FTBA’s Best in Construction awards highlight companies and individuals who work on the most innovative, complex, and impactful projects around the state each year. BLD won the Special Significance category for its work on the SunTrax Test Facility in Polk County. Located off I-4 between Orlando and Tampa, SunTrax is a large-scale, cutting-edge facility and proving ground dedicated to the research, development and testing of emerging transportation technologies. July 10, 2019 Python Hunter Ron? Bergeron captures one of the largest Pythons ever in the Everglades Everglades conservationist “Alligator Ron” Bergeron retrieves a 165-pound snake in the Everglades, one of the largest of the species ever captured in Florida. In March 2017, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board launched the Python Elimination Project, working with python hunters to reduce the number of invasive snakes in the region. Bergeron spearheaded the effort. The Bergeron Family are eighth generation gladesmen.

April 26, 2019 “….he bleeds Everglades. This is his life and his passion is very clear.” - Gov. Ron DeSantis Ron Bergeron is sworn in as a Governing Board Member for the South Florida Water Management District. Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Ron “Alligator Ron” Bergeron to the South Florida Water Management District board, a position responsible for flood protection, Everglades restoration and water policy for 16 counties. DeSantis choose Bergeron because he is a water expert and local Floridian with expertise in wetlands, marine ecosystems and Florida’s water future. March, 2019 “One thing my parents taught me is to give back to your community, I think it’s important to make a difference when and where you can.” 23rd Annual Ranch Roam hosted by Ron Bergeron at his private Ranch in Weston, FL benefitting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County has raised over 10 million dollars since inception in 1996. January 30, 2019 Governor DeSantis announces appointment to SFWMD. “Having lived his entire life in the Everglades, Ron Bergeron understands the complexities of restoration better than almost anybody. He has a proven track record of not taking crap from anyone in his pursuit of doing what is best for the Everglades – a perspective that is sorely needed on a board that for far too long has operated without any transparency and prioritized special interests above the people of Florida.” – Congressman Brian Mast

January 3, 2019 Passion for Preservation: Bergeron is honored by the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation honors Ron Bergeron for his philanthropic efforts to preserve the Everglades. The Foundation noted Bergeron’s reservation initiatives and the establishment of the Bergeron Everglades Museum and Wildlife Foundation. Bergeron believes that protecting the Everglades will protect ocean conservation as well. The Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation conducts scientific research and hosts educational programs aimed at conserving the marine environment.