Cedar Fair And BGSU® Introduce New Pilot Internship And Leadership Training Programs

SANDUSKY, Ohio, May 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cedar Fair Entertainment Company (NYSE: FUN), a leader in regional amusement parks, water parks and active entertainment, today announced a new partnership with Bowling Green State University to introduce internship and leadership training programs.  The partnership with both campuses is designed to develop and implement training programs for full-time and seasonal supervisors and help expand the Company's pipeline of well-trained and service-oriented employees.  The pilot programs also will enhance the overall BGSU collegiate experience, giving students the opportunity to bring classroom skills and theories to life at the "Best Amusement Park in the World."

"We have always had a strong relationship with BGSU and are thrilled to announce this partnership that will help us achieve our objectives of recruiting and retaining high-quality personnel," said Matt Ouimet, Cedar Fair's president and chief executive officer.  "Strong leadership is crucial in the hospitality industry, as a leader has a major effect on our employees' performance and thus, the quality of our guests' experience at our parks and properties.  We welcome the opportunity to provide real-life leadership experience to the students of BGSU while working toward our goal of providing every guest with a great experience," said Ouimet. 

In conjunction with the joint announcement, Ouimet addressed full-time and seasonal Cedar Point staff, as well as current BGSU students and faculty, on the leadership lessons he has accumulated throughout his career.  "It is important that along with creating a legacy of great rides and attractions, we leave a legacy of great leaders," Ouimet concluded.

William Balzer, Ph.D., Dean of BGSU Firelands College, said, "The partnership of Cedar Fair and BGSU, through its new Center of Excellence for Developing Effective Businesses and Organizations, brings together two strong, regional presences, giving our students a real-world laboratory to put classroom theories into practice and gain invaluable on-the-job experiences."

About Cedar Fair

Cedar Fair is a publicly traded partnership headquartered in Sandusky, Ohio, and one of the largest regional amusement-resort operators in the world.  The Company owns and operates 11 amusement parks, four outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and five hotels.  Its parks are located in Ohio, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Missouri, Michigan, and Toronto, Ontario.  Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in California under a management contract.  Cedar Fair's flagship park, Cedar Point, has been consistently voted the "Best Amusement Park in the World" in a prestigious annual poll conducted by Amusement Today newspaper. 

About BGSU

Founded in 1910 in northwest Ohio, Bowling Green State University offers students a community that integrates personal growth, academic excellence and an environment that expands their thinking and potential. A state-assisted, residential institution, the University has an enrollment of about 18,000 students on two campuses and nearly 900 full-time faculty. More than 200 undergraduate majors and programs are offered, focused master's and specialist degrees and a select number of nationally recognized doctoral programs. Committed to ensuring that every student succeeds, BGSU offers rich opportunities for engagement in research, community service, study abroad and other learning experiences.

This news release and prior releases are available online at www.cedarfair.com.

SOURCE Cedar Fair Entertainment Company