Friday, May 30, 2003

GICC open house June 7

If your curiosity has been aroused by the shiny white building which has emerged at the intersection of Camp Creek Parkway and U.S. Highway 29, make plans to attend the Georgia International Convention Center's Community Day open house June 7 from 1-5 p.m.

The public is invited to tour the GICC, sample refreshments and enjoy local entertainment. The Community Open House is sponsored by Chick-fil-A, The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Enterprises, who will have their large inflatable balloons on hand, along with the Chick-fil-A calliope.

The GICC, at 400,000 square feet, is one of the largest convention facilities in Georgia and its 40,000 square foot ballroom is the largest in the southeast. It has an impressive, specially commissioned art collection and has already received positive press for its architecture, design and state-of-the-art amenities.

"This is the most significant economic development catalyst that College Park has had since Hartsfield International Airport was built," said John Hollis Allen, Chairman of the College Park Business and Industrial Development Authority. "It's already driving a resurgence of our downtown and our residential areas, and is taking us out of the shadow of Hartsfield and into the spotlight."

At approximately 3:15 p.m., there will be a dedication ceremony outside, in front of the International Ballroom entrance of the GICC, featuring College Park Mayor Jack Longino and College Park Business and Industrial Authority Chairman Allen.

Longino and Allen will speak briefly and will be followed by local storyteller Donna Buie, who goes by the stage name, Mama Koku. Mama Koku will weave the story of the genesis of the new GICC into a colorful narrative.

The day begins at 7 a.m., when runners participating in the annual Army Hooah 10 K race will depart for this year's race from the GICC.

For more information about the Community Day open house, please call 770-907-3096.