Letter of Support for Expo 2031 Minnesota, USA from James B. Hovland on behalf of the Global Wellness Connections Leadership Team

April 8, 2024

Global Wellness Connections (GWC), a Minnesota-based 501(c)(3), enthusiastically supports the efforts of EXPO 2031, LLC (EXPO 2031) to bring the World Horticultural Exposition to Minnesota.

GWC is an all-volunteer organization that is working across sectors and industries to build and enhance Minnesota's standing as the touchstone of our country's Wellness Corridor.

The World Horticultural Expo serves as a premier platform for showcasing the latest

advancements in horticulture, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering international cooperation in addressing pressing environmental challenges. In today’s world, where issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security demand urgent attention, the Expo plays a critical role in driving

innovation and catalyzing positive change.

EXPO 2031 's theme of "Human/Nature: Where Humanity and Horticulture Meet" reflects the critical role of horticulture in connecting human wellbeing with the natural world. Minnesota - with its abundant natural resources, rich and innovative horticultural and agrarian heritage, and robust network of public-private partnerships focused on responding to inequities in health and wellbeing with innovation, resourcefulness, collaboration - is perfectly suited to host the world on this topic of global importance.

We are confident that under your leadership, the Expo will not only showcase he beauty and diversity of horticulture but also inspire meaningful action towards a more sustainable and resilient future of wellbeing for all.

James B. Hovland

For the leadership team of Global Wellness Connections