RET Timeline

1997
1997

The Turner family launches the Turner Endangered Species Fund (TESF)

The Turner family launches the Turner Endangered Species Fund (TESF)

The Turner family launches the Turner Endangered Species Fund (TESF), a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving biodiversity by ensuring the stability of imperiled species and their habitats

1997

Makes history by pledging $1 billion to the United Nations, establishes the United Nations Foundation (UNF) the following year

Makes history by pledging $1 billion to the United Nations, establishes the United Nations Foundation (UNF) the following year
2001
2001

The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) is founded by Ted Turner and former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn; Time Warner is purchased by AOL to become AOL Time Warner

The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) is founded by Ted Turner and former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn; Time Warner is purchased by AOL to become AOL Time Warner
2002
2002

Co-founds Ted’s Montana Grill with acclaimed restaurateur George McKerrow, Jr., and opens the chain’s first restaurant in Columbus, OH

Co-founds Ted’s Montana Grill with acclaimed restaurateur George McKerrow, Jr., and opens the chain’s first restaurant in Columbus, OH
2004
2004

Receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
2008
2008

Ted Turner’s autobiography Call Me Ted is released and becomes a New York Times bestseller

Ted Turner’s autobiography Call Me Ted is released and becomes a New York Times bestseller
2010
2010

Partners with Southern Company to pursue the development of renewable energy projects including the Cimarron Solar Facility in New Mexico, one of the largest solar photovoltaic plants in the United States

Partners with Southern Company to pursue the development of renewable energy projects including the Cimarron Solar Facility in New Mexico, one of the largest solar photovoltaic plants in the United States
2010

Turner is named a member of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Advocacy Group, working with 20 other members to achieve the MDG’s by the year 2015

Turner is named a member of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Advocacy Group, working with 20 other members to achieve the MDG’s by the year 2015
2011
2011

Inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame; Installation of 25 solar canopies in parking lot adjacent to Turner Enterprises’ Atlanta offices is completed

Inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame; Installation of 25 solar canopies in parking lot adjacent to Turner Enterprises’ Atlanta offices is completed
2011

Ted Turner, Dr. Sylvia Earle and Sir Richard Branson unite to Form OceanElders, a group of global leaders dedicated to promoting ocean conservation, protecting the ocean’s habitat and wildlife, and preserving its ecosystems and species biodiversity

Ted Turner, Dr. Sylvia Earle and Sir Richard Branson unite to Form OceanElders, a group of global leaders dedicated to promoting ocean conservation, protecting the ocean’s habitat and wildlife, and preserving its ecosystems and species biodiversity
2012
2012

Announces $1 million donation to the Diane Fossey Gorilla Fund aimed at protecting Grauer’s gorillas in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Announces $1 million donation to the Diane Fossey Gorilla Fund aimed at protecting Grauer’s gorillas in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
2013
2013

Last Stand: Ted Turner’s Quest to Save a Troubled Planet, written by Todd Wilkinson, is released

Last Stand: Ted Turner’s Quest to Save a Troubled Planet, written by Todd Wilkinson, is released

Last Stand: Ted Turner’s Quest to Save a Troubled Planet, written by Todd Wilkinson, is released; Last Stand chronicles the rise of Ted Turner as an American media mogul who has since become one of the world’s pioneering “eco-capitalists” and peace-minded humanitarians in the 21st century

2014
2014

Inducted into the Technology Hall of Fame of Georgia at the 2014 Georgia Technology Summit in Atlanta.

Inducted into the Technology Hall of Fame of Georgia at the 2014 Georgia Technology Summit in Atlanta.
2014

Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences at 35th Annual Sports Emmy® Awards

Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences at 35th Annual Sports Emmy® Awards
2014

Ted Turner’s portrait, by famed artist Jon Friedman, is unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.

Ted Turner’s portrait, by famed artist Jon Friedman, is unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.
  • Photo credit: Paul Morigi/Invision for UNF/AP® Awards
2015
2015

Launches Ted Turner Reserves, inviting the public to explore and stay on his vast and magnificent properties

Launches Ted Turner Reserves, inviting the public to explore and stay on his vast and magnificent properties
2015

Major street in Atlanta re-named Ted Turner Drive in honor of his numerous contributions to the city

Major street in Atlanta re-named Ted Turner Drive in honor of his numerous contributions to the city
2016
2016

Forbes honors Ted with its Forbes 400 Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy

Forbes honors Ted with its Forbes 400 Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy

Better World Campaign
Ten Years of NTI Building a Safer World
Energy Future Coalition
Captain Planet Foundation
Ted's Montana Grill
Turner Endangered Species Fund
United Nations Foundation
Turner Foundation
Turner Institute of Ecoagriculture
Turner Ranches
Ted Turner Expeditions
Sierra Grande Lodge and Spa
Ladder Ranch
Ted Turner Expeditions
Vermejo Park Ranch
Turner Ranch Outfitting
Turner Bison Exchange
Turner Ranch Outfitting