Pressroom: Lexington, KY CVB

Please check this site often, as the information is updated frequently. If you have questions or need assistance, call Niki Heichelbech at (800)848-1224 or (859) 244-7707 or email lexmedia@visitlex.com

September 24, 2008 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Tickets on Sale One Year from Today. Register Online for Latest Ticketing Information

LEXINGTON , KY —Tickets for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will go on sale one year from today, on September 25, 2009. The announcement of ticket sales comes at the “Halfway There” Celebration with two years to go until the Games.

“We are excited to announce the much-anticipated on-sale date for tickets to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” said Ruth Mason, Director of Ticketing. “With a high demand for tickets, we have created a ticket program that will be accessible and affordable for interested buyers.”

Approximately 600,000 tickets will be available for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Tickets will be priced as low as $25. In addition, General Admission tickets will be available, providing access to the Kentucky Horse Park for the day, where visitors can experience various equine demonstrations and browse the extensive trade show.

Ticket sales will be facilitated by the 2010 Games Ticketing Provider, Ticketmaster, Inc. All ticket sales will be completed online at Ticketmaster.com. Final ticket prices will be determined by early 2009.

“The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games is a global event and demand for tickets will span beyond Kentucky and around the world,” said John Long CEO of the United States Equestrian Federation.

By signing up at feigames2010.org, interested buyers will be able to receive important news and information about ticket sales as it becomes available. Subscribers will also receive:

September 23, 2008 Blue Grass Airport Named Official Airport of the 2010 Games

LEXINGTON , KY—The World Games 2010 Foundation today announced Blue Grass Airport as the Official Airport of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

“ Blue Grass Airport will be the gateway for thousands of visitors to experience the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010,” said Michael Gobb, Executive Director. “From almost any destination in the world, passengers can fly into Lexington, Kentucky with just one stop. We are excited to provide visitors, media and athletes with their first impression of the region.”

Blue Grass Airport, located in Lexington, serves over one million passengers on commercial flights each year. The airport also provides a variety of corporate and general aviation services including U.S. Customs office for international arrivals, two fixed-base operators and aircraft maintenance and storage.

“We are very pleased to have Blue Grass Airport partner with us,” said Terry Johnson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the World Games 2010 Foundation. “The airport, its board and all involved have already been very supportive and we are very fortunate they share in our vision of what the 2010 Games will mean to this region.”

The airport has already been a promotional site for the 2010 Games, with artwork and information about the Games displayed in its terminal. In addition to the continued use of that space, Blue Grass Airport will carry 2010 Games licensed merchandise in its shops.

As part of the agreement, the 2010 Games staff will work with the airport to promote itself to both private and commercial air travel clients.

In preparation for the Games, Blue Grass Airport is partnering with its airlines, rental car companies and customer service associates to provide certification in the Bluegrass Tourism Ambassador Program. Offered through the Lexington Convention & Visitors Bureau, this certification program provides employees with tourism information, customer service training and ways to enhance the visitor experience.

September 22, 2008 Competition Schedule Set for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

LEXINGTON , KY —Sixteen days of eight world championships are officially scheduled for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The competition schedule was released today by the World Games 2010 Foundation.

“This schedule is certain to provide an exciting variety of top sport on each of the 16 days of the Games,” said Competition Director Kate Jackson. “Spectators will find events of interest every day and will be entertained by the beauty and spectacle that is inherent to equestrian competition at this level.”

“I am particularly happy that we are able, for the first time, to include Para-Equestrian as an integral part of the World Equestrian Games. We are pleased and honored to do so,” Jackson said.

The Games will begin with opening ceremonies on September 25, 2010. The first weekend of competition will include Vaulting and Endurance.

The Vaulting competition will continue into week one, along with Dressage and Eventing.

In week two, Jumping, Para-Dressage, Driving and Reining will be contested. The Games will end with closing ceremonies on October 10, 2010.

“We are excited to share these details with competitors and spectators who are already making their plans to join us in Kentucky,” said Rob Hinkle, Foundation Chief Operating Officer. “We know that many local communities, businesses, volunteers and others have also been waiting for this schedule to begin making plans for 2010.”

The schedule may still experience minor changes, but no major shifts to the individual discipline schedules are expected.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held at the Kentucky Horse, are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines competed at a single site— both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park.

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has made the largest network commitment to coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include the Rolex Company and an unprecedented $10 million title sponsor, Alltech. It is anticipated that more than 600,000 tickets will be sold for the 16-day competition.

September 15, 2008 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame to Induct Seven New Members

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – The prestigious Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame will honor seven individuals for their service to the Commonwealth’s signature bourbon industry at a ceremony Friday, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and the Kentucky Bourbon Festival announced today.

“This year’s class represents both the rich tradition of our timeless craft and the outstanding commitment and vision that has increased the popularity of bourbon worldwide,” said KDA President Eric Gregory. “For their many contributions, we say thanks – and congratulations.”

Jimmy Wickham, Director of Customer Relations and Quality Assurance , Independent Stave

The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame was created in 2001 by the KDA and the Kentucky Bourbon Festival to recognize individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact on bourbon’s stature, growth and awareness.

It is the highest honor given by Kentucky’s legendary bourbon industry, with only 23 previous inductees.

Candidates may be nominated each year by the KDA’s member distilleries and the Kentucky Bourbon Festival. Nominees are then sent to the KDA Board of Directors for selection.

The induction ceremony will be held Friday, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Jideco Hall in Bardstown during the Kentucky Bourbon Festival’s VIP/Press Reception.

Each inductee will be presented with an engraved miniature still, and their names will be added to the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame display at the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History in Bardstown.

September 9, 2008 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games to Host Community Forum

Do you have questions about the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games? Here’s your chance to get answers.

The World Games 2010 Foundation is partnering with the Lexington Public Library and Business Lexington to host its first community forum for the 2010 Games. The first forum will take place on September 23 rd, from 12:30-1 p.m. at the Central Library Theater, 140 East Main Street in downtown Lexington.

Business Lexington editor Tom Martin will moderate a brief on-stage interview with 2010 Games staff members. Afterwards, audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions about the Games.

Suggested topics for discussion and questions can be emailed to the Foundation at community@feigames2010.org.

“We are receiving questions about the Games daily and on a wide range of topics,” said Cathy Rutter, Director of External Relations for the Foundation. “We want the local community to be knowledgeable and excited about this event, and we want local residents to know what they can expect to see and do in 2010. In addition, we want the Lexington area to take ownership of these Games and to be proud of being the host city for this event.”

If the first forum is successful, the Foundation will plan regular forums to cover topics suggested by audience members.

September 4, 2008 Alltech Launches First Distillery in Lexington in 75 Years

Alltech’s Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company announced that it has begun the distillation of Pearse Lyons Reserve, the first malt whiskey to be produced in Kentucky and one of the first to be made in the United States. The production of Pearse Lyons Reserve also makes Alltech’s Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company the first distillery to begin operations in Lexington in over 75 years.

Pearse Lyons Reserve is named for the company’s founder and president, Dr. Pearse Lyons, who has an extensive background in distilling and recently returned from Ireland and Scotland to familiarize himself with the latest technology in whiskey distillation. It has been Lyons’ aspiration to own a distillery since the 1970s when he began his career working in Irish distilleries.

“Today marks the realization of a lifelong ambition for me. Coming from a family where, at least on my mother’s side, they were involved in cooperages, you could say the ‘juice’ was in my blood,” said Dr. Lyons. “We are delighted to have a role in resurrecting Lexington’s distillery operations with a malt whiskey product that is completely unique to Kentucky and even to the United States.”

The malt whiskey is produced using two copper pot stills from Scotland. The stills are smaller than those used for an Irish Whiskey so as to ensure a fast and controlled distillation that does not produce any off-flavors. A technical team including Roy Court and Jim Drysdale, prestigious master distillers from Scotland, has incorporated the rich tradition of whiskey distillation with the latest technology.

“A true Kentucky product, the collection of barrels used for the maturation of the whiskey will include those which have recently held bourbon whiskey,” said Mark Coffman, director of projects and engineering. “This should result in a very unique flavor that is indigenous to the Bluegrass.”

A mixture of barrel sizes will enable a rapid maturation process. Pearse Lyons Reserve is expected to be available in time for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games that will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington in 2010.

The distillery will be located in the same building where Kentucky Ale is produced, making it the only brewery/distillery in Kentucky and one of the few in the United States. In addition, it is located adjacent to a proposed “Distillery District” where the Old Tarr and Old Pepper Distilleries produced bourbon many years ago from the limestone water out of Lexington’s Town Branch.

Frankfort, Kentucky, August 20, 2008 – The Kentucky Tourism Council has selected the Roots & Heritage Festival as one of the Commonwealth’s fall “Top Ten” events.

Held in Lexington, Kentucky on September 5-7, this event re-creates the powerful spirit of African-American culture and history. The event attracts over 200 vendors with a variety of food, music, art exhibits, film presentations and high quality entertainment.

A panel of impartial judges selects the Kentucky Tourism Council “Top Ten” Events for each season. Criteria for selection include popularity of the event, its impact on the local tourism economy as well as cultural and historical significance.

For more information, contact the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau at 859-244-7707.

July 16, 2008 Don Jacobs Announces Summer Food Drive. Campaign to Benefit God's Pantry.

Central Kentucky automobile dealer Don Jacobs has announced a summer food drive campaign to benefit God's Pantry. Beginning immediately and lasting through Labor Day, the campaign will encourage the Lexington community to donate food items during months not traditionally associated with food collection.

As the "Official Dealership of Downtown Lexington," Don Jacobs representatives will be at community events like Central Bank's Thursday Night Live (5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Cheapside Park) and Artist's Market (8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Phoenix Park) June through August. Participants may also donate at Don Jacobs' dealership, at the corner of Nicholasville and New Circle Road. Don Jacobs will match all donations of food or money, effectively doubling the drive's impact.

So far this fiscal year, God's Pantry has distributed over 1.31 million pounds of food to over 14,116 households. Items most needed include canned meat, fruit, soup, peanut butter, canned beans, pasta, and tomato products.

God’s Pantry Food Bank is a member of America’s Second Harvest, the Nation’s Food Bank Network, which includes more than 200 food banks and food-rescue organizations serving every county in the U.S. The organization distributes food and grocery products, increases public awareness of domestic hunger, and advocates for policies that benefit America’s hungry.

June 17, 2008 Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau Achieves Destionation Marketing Accreditation

The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce official accreditation from the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP). DMAP is an international accreditation program developed by the Washington, DC based Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI). In earning the DMAP accreditation, destination marketing organizations (DMO) communicate to their community, buyers and potential visitors that their DMO has attained a significant measure of excellence.

“The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau is honored to receive the Destination Marketing Accreditation from DMAP,” said David Lord, President of the Lexington CVB. “We are very pleased to be recognized in the destination marketing community for providing outstanding services in accordance with international standards and benchmarks in this field.”

“By applying for and receiving DMAP accreditation, the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau has demonstrated a commitment to quality programs and services”, said Barry Biggar, DMAP Board Chair. “Earning DMAP accreditation tells the Lexington community and potential visitors that the LCVB has attainted a measure of excellence assuring that their trust is well placed and their business is in good hands.”

The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau (LCVB) is a special, nonprofit, administrative agency of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government charged with enhancing the economy of Lexington and the Bluegrass Region by promoting and developing tourism. The LCVB works to achieve this by positioning Lexington as a premier destination for conventions, trade shows, corporate meetings, group tours and individual leisure travel. Created in 1974 as a result of Kentucky Legislation, the LCVB receives all of its income from an occupancy tax on visitors and receives no money from Fayette county taxpayers.

DMAP accreditation standards cover a wide variety of topics including governance, finance, management, human resources, technology, visitor services, sales, communications, membership, brand management, destination development, research/market intelligence, innovation and stakeholder relationships. The LCVB joins an elite group of DMOs having met the rigorous standards of industry accreditation.

DMAP is an independent international accreditation body and a leader in defining quality and performance issues in destination marketing. For additional information on DMAP visit www.destinationmarketing.org

June 9, 2008 Kentucky Artists invited to appear on Michael Johnathon's Woodsongs Old Time Radio Hour

With numbers this impressive, it's no shock that Michael Johnathon's WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour will soon produce its 500th broadcast. The show has:

What began in a small recording studio that could barely fit 18 people has developed into a multi-media, live audience broadcast that airs on 491 radio stations worldwide, XM Satellite Radio, online and on public television stations across the nation. Each week, millions of people tune in to hear WoodSongs produced every Monday evening from the historic Kentucky Theater in Lexington, KY. What is especially impressive is that the show, which produces 44 fresh shows a year, is completely volunteer run.

“Celebrating our 500th broadcast is a landmark event for both WoodSongs and the amazing Kentucky community that helps make the all-volunteer run program possible,” says Michael, who performs on and hosts the show each week. “It places WoodSongs in the same league as other historic broadcasts, like the Grand Ole Opry, the Louisiana Hayride, and of course A Prairie Home Companion.”

A s a build-up to the excitement of the 500th broadcast, show 499 is being dedicated to new, undiscovered Kentucky artists and the call has gone out across the Commonwealth for submissions. Any musician and songwriter with a completed CD who would like to appear on the worldwide broadcast at the historic Kentucky Theater in Lexington on Monday September 8, 2008 can send the CD (no cassette tapes) and a bio to WoodSongs, PO Box 200, Lexington, Kentucky 40588.

For more information about the show, submission information and more, visit www.woodsongs.com.

June 9, 2008 Commerce Cabinet To Change Name To Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Commerce Cabinet will change its name to the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet as part of a reorganization, Gov. Steve Beshear announced today.

The name change takes effect June 16, 2008, and will more accurately reflect the mission and agencies within the cabinet, Secretary Marcheta Sparrow said.

As part of the reorganization, the name of the Department of Tourism will be changed to the Department of Travel. Other changes include changing names of divisions and branches within the new Department of Travel; reducing the number of regional divisions within the Department of Parks from three to two and moving the Kentucky Sports Authority to the Secretary’s Office.

There will be some moving of positions as a result of this reorganization, but no loss of positions or pay.

Besides Parks and Travel, the Cabinet also includes the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the Frankfort Convention Complex, the Governor’s School for the Arts, the Kentucky Artisans Center at Berea, the Kentucky Arts Council, the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, the Kentucky Heritage Council, the Kentucky Historical Society, the Kentucky Horse Park, the Kentucky State Fair Board, the Office of Creative Services, the Kentucky Humanities Council, and the Kentucky Sports Authority.

May 28, 2008 Keeneland Concours d'Elegance wins Kentucky Tourism Council "Top Ten" event award

Frankfort, Kentucky, May 20, 2008 – The Kentucky Tourism council has selected Keeneland Concours d’Elegance as one of the Commonwealth’s summer “Top Ten” events.

Held in Lexington, Kentucky on July17-20, this event brings horsepower of a different nature to the Bluegrass state where 100 classic and exotic automobiles roll onto the grounds of historic Keeneland Race Course. The featured marquee for this year’s event is the Cadillac. There will be a variety of Cadillacs from the General Motors Heritage Museum as well as hundreds of cars in the Car Club Paddock. The weekend includes a bourbon tour, a black-tie gala at Keeneland and a 75 mile tour of the Bluegrass.

For more information, contact the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau at 859-233-1221.

May 28, 2008 Festival of the Bluegrass wins Kentucky Tourism Council "Top Ten" event award

Frankfort, Kentucky, May 20, 2008 – The Kentucky Tourism council has selected the Festival of the Bluegrass as one of the Commonwealth’s summer “Top Ten” events.

Held in Lexington, Kentucky, June 12-15 at the Kentucky Horse Park, this event now in its 35th year, brings friends and family together for an exceptional weekend of quality Bluegrass music, fellowship and teaching. This festival was awarded “Event of the Year” at the 2007 International Bluegrass Music Association convention.

For more information, contact the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau at 859-233-1221.

May 28, 2008 American Founder's Bank Woodland Art Fair wins Kentucky Tourism Council "Top Ten" event award

Frankfort, Kentucky, May 20, 2008 – The Kentucky Tourism council has selected the American Founder’s Bank Woodland Art Fair as one of the Commonwealth’s summer “Top Ten” events.

Held in Lexington, Kentucky on August 16-17, the American Founder’s Bank Woodland Art Fair has been Lexington’s largest free outdoor event for over thirty years. With 200 exhibitors, showcasing work in 12 media categories patrons can view a large selection of ceramics, drawing & pastels, fiber & leather, graphics & printmaking, jewelry, metalwork, painting, photography and woodworking. In addition to art, enjoy live music and feast on Kentucky cuisine.

For more information, contact the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau at 859-233-1221.

May 6, 2008 Bluegrass Region Celebrates 5th annual Take Pride in the Bluegrass, May 10-18, 2008

The region is gearing up for the 5 th annual Take Pride in the Bluegrass celebration. Take Pride in the Bluegrass, May 10-18, is National Tourism Week and National Preservation Week all rolled into one.

Planners and city officials are busy preparing for the FEI World Equestrian Games. Take Pride in the Bluegrass is an excellent way for residents of the region to familiarize themselves with area attractions and ensure we are all good ambassadors when we welcome the world in the fall of 2010.

A record sixty-five attractions are participating with free admission, and nine with discounted admission. Eighteen hotels are also on board with special offers. There is a full schedule of Take Pride in the Bluegrass events including horse farm tours, special dinners, wine events, lectures, a Bourbon Boot Camp, and more! More than 100 special events, some including transportation, will take place throughout the celebration.

Take Pride in the Bluegrass is a cooperative effort of the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau, the LFUCG Division of Historic Preservation and regional industry partners. The entire celebration is focused on reminding Bluegrass residents of the wonderful attractions found right outside their doors.

Specially designed “Bluegrass Passports” are available at participating venues and tourist commissions. Local citizens are encouraged to pick up a Passport to present at area attractions for free admission. All participating attractions will be listed in a Lexing ton Herald-Leader pull-out section Wednesday, May 7 th, prior to Take Pride in the Bluegrass.

May 6, 2008 Six Million Barrels and Counting. Distillery legend returns to roll six millionth barrel of bourbon produced since Prohibition.

Buffalo Trace Distillery will celebrate a major milestone Wednesday, May 14 as the six millionth barrel of bourbon since Prohibition rolls off the production line and into an aging warehouse. To commemorate barrel number six million, Buffalo Trace will host a celebration at the distillery. The event is open to the public and will begin at 3:30 p.m. Making this already noteworthy event even more special is former Warehouse Supervisor, Jimmy Johnson. Johnson has helped roll out each millionth barrel since Prohibition and at age 92, he’s excited to get another one under his belt.

“I’m thrilled to be able to come back to the distillery and help with the six millionth barrel,” said Johnson. “This is history and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

Buffalo Trace is the oldest continually operating distillery in the country, remaining operational during Prohibition for “medicinal purposes.” The distillery was the first in the U.S. to produce two million barrels after Prohibition and a special single barrel warehouse was constructed to house that barrel for aging. Warehouse V is the world’s smallest bonded warehouse. It has housed each millionth barrel produced at the distillery since Prohibition and is currently storing the last barrel of the twentieth century.

“Warehouse V is a very special warehouse here at the Trace,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller. “We make a lot of whiskey here, but each millionth barrel is very special and a tremendous milestone. We’re looking forward to putting our six millionth barrel in there and we’re thrilled Jimmy will be on hand for the festivities.”

Buffalo Trace Distillery is open for tours year-round and special Hard Hat Tours are available during distilling season by reservation. All tours are complimentary. For more information please call 800-654-8471 or go to www.buffalotrace.com.

Gov. Steve Beshear today declared the week of May 10-18 National Tourism Week in Kentucky, noting the importance of tourism to the state’s economy.

“Tourism in Kentucky is the third largest industry and second largest employer,” Beshear said. “We want to make sure Americans and the rest of the world knows about the natural beauty and tourism destinations in Kentucky.”

Beshear also announced that the Tourism Industry Association indicates that tourism in Kentucky grew by 6.5 percent in 2007, compared to the previous year. The figures show tourism has a $10.7 billion annual economic impact in the state.

The Tourism Industry Association of America is celebrating the 25 th anniversary of tourism week. In Kentucky, the Department of Tourism is using the week to encourage Kentuckians to visit places in their home state with the theme “Discover Your Own Backyard.”

Beshear signed a proclamation for National Tourism Week during a ceremony at the Kentucky History Center before representatives of the state’s tourism industry. The History Center brought out some of its “treasures,” including a watch owned by Abraham Lincoln.

The Department of Tourism is also sponsoring an online prize giveaway for Kentuckians starting this month to highlight attractions in the state. The prizes include gift certificates, tours, concert tickets and dinner-for-two coupons. All prizes are valued at $50 or more and were contributed by businesses and attractions from throughout the state. To sign up, visit www.mykentuckybackyard.com.

First Lady Jane Beshear, who is helping promote Kentucky tourism, announced the first two winners of the prizes. The contest will continue during the summer.

For more information about events and attractions throughout Kentucky, visit www.kentuckytourism.com

April 30, 2008 Lexington, KY Selected as Site of Little League's Silver Anniversary International Congress

More than 1,500 Little League volunteers representing every U.S. state and dozens of countries around the globe will chart the course of the world’s largest organized youth sports program for the following three years when they attend the 25th Little League International Congress in Lexington, Ky., March 12-15, 2010.

More than 600 of those attending will be volunteer district administrators, who serve as liaisons between the local leagues and Little League International. District administrators are elected by their constituent leagues to provide support and to represent their interests as delegates to the International Congress.

“The democratic process of Little League’s International Congress has been in place since 1956, and provides an excellent opportunity for us to meet with and listen to those volunteers that are so critical to Little League,” Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer of Little League Baseball and Softball, said. “This is one of the ways hundreds of thousands of dedicated volunteers around the world can have input in the operation of the Little League program.”

The four-day International Congress is held once every three years, with a primary purpose to amend rules and regulations. In the years leading up to each Congress, volunteers from dozens of nations submit their ideas for changes to a steering committee, and an agenda is prepared.

Attending delegates meet in round table discussions, making any necessary changes in the proposed amendments, then vote on the changes on the final day of the Congress. A two-thirds vote is required for passage. Those amendments receiving the necessary vote are then presented to the Little League International Board of Directors for final approval.

The Congress in Lexington will be the first in Kentucky and the first held in a state overseen by Little League’s Central Region since 1975 ( Chicago). Co-chairmen for the Congress will be John Roll (Kentucky District 1 Administrator and member of the Little League International Board of Directors), and Kentucky District 3 Administrator Bill Bradley.

“Hosting the International Congress will be a committed state-wide and Central Region-wide effort,” Mr. Roll, in his 57 th year of association with the Little League program, said. “My job is not only to bring the Congress to Kentucky, but to make sure everyone has a wonderful time.

“Kentucky offers accessibility, with 75 percent of the Congress delegates being able to reach Lexington in a single day of travel,” Mr. Roll, who was an employee of the U.S. Postal Service for 33 years and a U.S. Army reservist for 27 years, said. “This is a win-win situation for everybody. The 2010 Congress seems like a long time away, but we all know it will be here before you know it.”

Mr. Bradley, a retired Kentucky state police officer, has been the District Administrator in Kentucky District 3 for 22 years. He has been a Little League volunteer since 1973, serving as umpire, board member, and league president of Richmond Little League.

“I am thrilled to have the Little League International Congress coming Kentucky,’ Mr. Bradley, who attended his first Congress in 1987, said. “I’ve dealt with youth athletics for 35 years and Little League stands above all the rest. As a life-long Kentuckian, I feel the people of Little League will enjoy the good old-fashioned hospitality you’ll find in Kentucky. When the Congress comes to Lexington, we’ll show everyone that we are known for more than just basketball.”

Delegates and their assistant district administrators also will attend training seminars and informational assemblies at the Congress. Little League provides transportation to and from the Congress for all U.S. delegates, as well as half of each delegate’s room rate and a per diem. Delegates attending from outside of the United Statesmake their own travel arrangements and will be responsible for all travel related expenses. They do receive a travel reimbursement stipend in addition to an expense reimbursement stipend.

The Congress hotels will be the Radisson Plaza, Hyatt Regency and Crowne Plaza. All Congress events will be held at the Lexington Convention Center, which is connected to the Hyatt Regency and accessible via skywalk from the Radisson Plaza. The Crowne Plaza also is located nearby.

Another Congress function is the nomination for election of field representatives on the International Board of Directors. Delegates from the five U.S. regions and each of the four international regions will vote on a representative nominee. Once elected, the nine field representatives will serve on the board for terms of three, four or five years.

1956 – Chicago, Ill.
1957 – Chicago, Ill.
1958 – Chicago, Ill.
1959 – Four Regional Meetings
1960 – Chicago, Ill.
1961 – Los Angeles, Calif.
1963 – New York, N.Y.
1965 – Washington, D.C.
1967 – Houston, Texas
1969 – Detroit, Mich.
1971 – Portland, Ore.
1973 – Tampa, Fla.
1975 – Chicago, Ill.
1978 – San Diego, Calif.
1981 – Charlotte, N.C.
1984 – Tampa, Fla.
1987 – Anaheim, Calif.
1989 – Williamsport, Pa.
1992 – Boston, Mass.
1995 – Reno, Nev.
1998 – San Antonio, Texas
2001 – Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
2004 – Virginia Beach, Va.
2007 – Houston, Texas

For more information on Little League International Congress, log on to the Little League website at: www.LittleLeague.org.

Little League Baseball and Softball is the world’s largest organized youth sports program, with nearly 2.7 million players and one million adult volunteers in every U.S. state and scores of other countries.

For more information contact: Christopher D. Downs, Media Relations Manager. (570-326-1921, ex. 238; Cell: 570-337-2511); Media E-mail: cdowns@LittleLeague.org; WEB Site: http://www.LittleLeague.org

April 24, 2008 New Arena Gets Busy. Kentucky Horse Park Attracts Major New Shows to Kentucky

Today the Kentucky Horse Park announced several major horse shows that have already signed contracts or are confirmed to host their events beginning in 2009 in the new Indoor Arena, which is currently under construction.

John Nicholson, executive director of the park, stated, “ Kentucky’s investment in our new Indoor Arena is already paying off. For several years the managers of a number of prestigious shows have expressed an interest in holding their events at the Kentucky Horse Park, if there came a time when we had the facilities to accommodate them. Today I am very pleased to welcome some of those show managers who have signed contracts to hold their events in our new Indoor Arena beginning in 2009.”

Sport Horse National Arabian & Half-Arabian Championships, September 2009 and 2011-2013

The Tradition Futurity – The East Coast Championships, September 2009, 2011 and 2012

On hand to make the announcement was Kentucky’s first lady, Jane Beshear, who is an accomplished horsewoman and has served on the board of the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation for many years. Representatives from several of the horse shows were also in attendance.

Bill Pennington, the Sport Horse Nationals Show Commission Chairperson said, “The Kentucky Horse Park possesses all the features of a facility that will allow Sport Horse Nationals to expand to include more events and more horses. The park is known throughout the world as a premier horse facility and we are excited to be a part of such a renowned reputation.”

Dave Duncan, show manager for the IHSA said, “We are excited to be bringing the IHSA National Horse Show to Lexington, Kentucky in May of 2010. With the outstanding facilities available at the Horse Park along with such an outstanding city, we anxiously await 2010.”

Nicholson concluded, “It is a tremendous compliment to the Kentucky Horse Park and the Commonwealth of Kentucky that these show organizers have placed their confidence in us by committing their events to our new arena while it is yet unfinished. Our state will reap benefits from the investment in this arena for decades to come.”

Park Hours and Rates: From March 15 through October 31, the park is open seven days a week. Admission is $15 for adults, $8 for children 7-12. Children six and under are always admitted free of charge. Admission includes the International Museum of the Horse – In Association with the Smithsonian Institution - and the American Saddlebred Museum.

Talon Winery was awarded a Bronze medal (Bluegrass Blush) at the International Women’s Wine Competition in California, making Talon the only Kentucky winery to be awarded a medal in this prestigious competition. Talon’s “Bluegrass Blush” has been included on the 2008 Wines Women Love! Shopping list.

More than 1,900 wines were submitted for competition, making the National Women’s Wine Competition one of the largest competitions in the United States. Wineries from 30 states and from 10 different countries participated in this prestigious international wine competition.

Talon Winery was awarded four Bronze medals (Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Monarch 2005, Chardonnay 2006, and Moondance) at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, making Talon the only Kentucky winery to be awarded medals in this prestigious competition.

More than 2,300 wines from nearly 500 wineries spanning 39 states and 14 different countries were submitted for judging.

Talon’s winning wines, by winemaker Kerry Jolliffe, are available for tasting at the Homestead Tasting Room, located in a 200-year-old, historic farmhouse once owned by the family of Isaac Shelby. Talon winery, located at 7086 Tates Creek Rd. (five miles south of Man-O-War Boulevard) is open Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

March 28, 2008 Blue Grass Airport Opens Three New Restaurants. Quiznos, Knob Creek Bourbon Lounge & Caffé Ritazza

Blue Grass Airport is pleased to announce the opening of new food and beverage facilities for its passengers. Today, Quiznos sandwich shop and the Knob Creek Bourbon Lounge opened their doors, and Caffé Ritazza is expected to open by the end of next week.

Quiznos and Knob Creek Bourbon Lounge, both located on the Main Level of the airport, will provide passengers with more extensive eating options before going through security checkpoint. Quiznos serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers both counter service and quick grab-and-go sandwiches, salads and snacks for those getting ready to board their flight. For a “taste” of Kentucky, visitors and residents can visit Knob Creek Bourbon Lounge for a bourbon beverage such as a Mint Julep or Knob Creek Coffee.

Beyond security checkpoint, passengers will soon be able to relax in our new coffee shop, Caffé Ritazza. Caffé Ritazza is one of the fastest growing coffee bar brands with over 290 outlets in 30 countries worldwide. Ritazza offers premium coffee and espresso beverages, hot and cold Ciabatta sandwiches and an assortment of bagels, croissants and pastries.

“These new concessions will provide our customers with high-quality food experiences,” said Michael Gobb, executive director at Blue Grass Airport. “Customers will be able to select from a variety of fresh and healthy food options as well as quick meals to bring on their flight.”

These new restaurant facilities will be operated by one of the world’s leading food and beverage brands in the world, SSP America. This summer, SSP America will also open deSha’s American Tavern, a full-service restaurant modeled after deSha’s American Restaurant in downtown Lexington.

About SSP
SSP is the leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations in 28 countries worldwide. The company has been operating in airports, rail stations, motorway service areas, retail parks, conference centers, and other leisure locations, for more than 60 years. More than 26,000 employees serve millions of consumers every week, in restaurants, bars, cafes, food courts and convenience stores. SSP America operates in over 42 airports across the USA, Canada and the Caribbean.

About Blue Grass Airport
Blue Grass Airport is served by six major airline brands providing convenient non-stop service to 14 major hub cities and direct service to hundreds of destinations worldwide. The airport proudly serves over one million central and eastern Kentucky travelers each year.

Talon Winery was awarded three Gold medals (Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2005, Monarch 2005, and Coyote Red) at the Kentucky Derby Festival WineFest.

Judging was held Tuesday, March 25 th at Louisville’s Brown Hotel. Participating wineries submitted wines in one of 8 different categories – from red or white, Native American or vinifera, to dessert and fruit wines. More than 70 Indiana and Kentucky wines were submitted for competition.

In addition to winning more Gold medals than any other participating winery, Talon was also awarded a Silver medal (Cabernet Sauvignon 2005) and three Bronze medals (Sweet Evening Breeze, Bluegrass Blush, Vintner’s Select Chardonnay 2005).

March 21, 2008 Blue Grass Airport Now Offers Non-Stop Service to Minneapolis

Blue Grass Airport is pleased to announce Northwest Airlines will offer new non-stop, seasonal jet service between its hub at Minneapolis/St. Paul and Lexington, Kentucky. One daily flight will be offered from June 5, 2008 to August 18, 2008.

“Northwest Airlines is excited to give our customers in Lexington the opportunity to choose from all Northwest hubs, adding Minneapolis/St. Paul to our Memphis and Detroit service,” said Dennis Newman, vice president of network planning and scheduling. “This new route allows us to offer our Lexington customers convenient access to all destinations that Northwest flies, just in time for the summer vacation season.”

The new service will be operated by Northwest Airlink partner Pinnacle Airlines using the Canadair Regional Jet, which seats up to 50 passengers.

Lexington —Minneapolis/St. Paul Service: Minneapolis/St. Paul— Lexington Service:

“ Blue Grass Airport welcomes Northwest Airlines’ decision to add a new non-stop jet flight from Lexington to a third hub,” said Michael Gobb, executive director at Blue Grass Airport. “Northwest has been a generous partner in our efforts to connect central Kentucky to the world, and we look forward to expanding that partnership through this new service to Minneapolis.”

Northwest is offering 1,000 WorldPerks Bonus Miles for roundtrip travel between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Lexington from June 5 through July 15, 2008. Registration is required prior to travel. Additional terms and conditions apply. Details can be found at www.nwa.com/offers/msplex08.

The new flights between Minneapolis/St. Paul and Lexington are now available for sale at www.nwa.com, through travel agencies or by calling Northwest Airlines Reservations at 800.225.2525.

About Blue Grass Airport
Blue Grass Airport is served by six major airline brands providing convenient non-stop service to 14 major hub cities and direct service to hundreds of destinations worldwide. The airport proudly serves over one million central and eastern Kentucky travelers each year.

About Northwest Airlines
Northwest Airlines is one of the world’s largest airlines with hubs at Detroit, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Memphis, Tokyo and Amsterdam, and approximately 1,400 daily departures. Northwest and its travel partners serve more than 1,000 cities in excess of 160 countries on six continents.

Frankfort , Kentucky — The Kentucky Tourism Council (KTC) is pleased to announce that Kay Berggren has been hired as president and CEO.

Berggren will be responsible for leading the statewide association, which offers marketing opportunities, professional development and continuing education opportunities and legislative/governmental support to Kentucky’s tourism- and travel-related individuals, businesses and organizations.

“Berggren brings an outstanding mix of talents and experience to the Kentucky Tourism Council,” said David Lord, chairman of the Kentucky Tourism Council and president of the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“Through her work at the Danville-Boyle County Convention and Visitors Bureau to her leadership roles with Kentucky Tourism Council and Kentucky Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus, she will be an excellent leader for Kentucky’s $9 billion tourism industry.”

Berggren served as executive director of the Danville-Boyle County Convention and Visitors Bureau for 14 years. During that time, she also served as chairman of the Kentucky Tourism Council and president of the Kentucky Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau. She has worked closely with the Kentucky Department of Tourism and the Bluegrass Region, traveling frequently to national group tour marketplace conventions. In addition, she worked closely with Great American Brass Band Festival, held annually in June in Danville.

“It is my great honor to be named President of the Kentucky Tourism Council,” Berggren said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my work in the tourism industry, and I am looking forward to serving the membership of KTC at this exciting time in our state.”

The Kentucky Tourism Council is a statewide, member organization that is headquartered in Frankfort. Berggren currently serves on the Danville Sister City Committee and the McClure-Barbee House Foundation. She and her husband, Tom, live in Danville.

March 13, 2008 Blue Grass Airport Receives New Air Service. Northwest Airlines Announces Third Daily flight to Memphis.

Northwest Airlines has announced that it will upgrade its current daily air service between Lexington and its Memphis, TN hub with a third daily flight between the two cities. This flight will begin service on April 8, 2008.

“We are pleased to partner with Northwest Airlines to offer a third daily flight to Memphis. This new service will provide an additional travel option to those customers who are flying to or from the western United States” said Michael Gobb, executive director at Blue Grass Airport. “Given the challenges in the aviation industry today, Northwest’s decision to expand daily service in Lexington shows that our region continues to be a very attractive location for new air service.”

The new flights between Memphis and Lexington are now available for sale at www.nwa.com, through travel agencies or by calling Northwest Airlines Reservations at 800.225.2525.

March 4, 2008 Hotel, condos, shops, offices planned for central downtown block

Construction of a $250 million complex, including a four-star hotel, condominiums, retail and office space and parking, is expected to begin this fall on a central downtown block, developers said today.

Danby Turner, an attorney representing the Webb Companies, said the CentrePointe development may be the largest private investment ever made in downtown, but will not be possible without tax increment financing (TIF) for public infrastructure elements.

The plan will be presented to the Urban County Council at today’s work session Turner said. This will be Lexington’s first TIF project and will need approval by the Urban County Council and the state.

The proposed CentrePointe development is expected to have a significant economic impact on the local economy. The total project cost is estimated to be $250 million. It will generate approximately 2,500 construction jobs annually, for a two-year period. Upon completion, approximately 919 jobs will be generated on an annual basis.

Turner said that with an aggressive schedule, the hotel would open in time for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Mayor Jim Newberry said the project will bring new life to a central downtown block. “This is an enormous step forward for our downtown,” Newberry said. “It will build on the recent successes we have had in bringing new residents downtown, and will also attract new businesses, more visitors and new activity through street-level retail space, new restaurants and new entertainment opportunities.”

The complex would be built on the block bounded by Vine, Lime, Main and Upper streets. “Since the Woodworth building was torn down on this block several years ago, there has been a gaping hole in our downtown,” Newberry said. “However, there are also still some important businesses on this block, and we will work diligently to try to help them find new locations downtown. These businesses have crated a lot of activity downtown, and they are very important.”

CMMI, an Atlanta firm specializing in hospitality design and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) projects, is the architect of the project. CMMI is working with the Lexington architectural firm of Sherman-Carter-Barnhart, with Charlie Barnhart in a lead role.

Barnhart said the design will add a significant new element to Lexington’s skyline, while remaining interactive at the street level.

Harold Tate, president and executive director of the Lexington Downtown Development Authority, said the developer wants to take a new direction. “This project will be designed looking toward ‘green’ development,” Tate said. “It will be LEED certified.” The developer will work with the city’s Commissioner of Environmental Quality Cheryl Taylor to ensure that Lexington will have its first “green” urban project.

A 430-foot central tower, which will house hotel rooms and 77 condos. The tower will be almost as tall as the Lexington Financial Center, Lexington’s tallest downtown building;

Newberry said Phoenix Park will be redeveloped as part of the project to bring it up to ground level and provide an urban gathering spot. The redeveloped park will feature public art and a JumboTron, large screen television technology that will allow for Friday and Saturday night outdoor movies and can be used during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Developers of the project are the Webb Companies, Lexington and JH Anderson Holding, Inc., based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Anderson is a University of Kentucky alumnus.

February 11, 2008 New Kentucky Lincoln Heritage Trail Web site now online. Visit the virtual trail at www.kylincolntrail.com

FRANKFORT , Ky. – A new Web site taking visitors on a virtual visit to historic sites along the new Kentucky Lincoln Heritage Trail has been launched in advance of national and statewide Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial commemorations Tuesday in Hodgenville. Like the real locations along the trail itself, the Web site at www.kylincolntrail.com maps the Kentucky people, places and events that shaped the Lincoln legacy and tell the story of his early years in Kentucky.

The Kentucky Lincoln Heritage Trail is a project of the Kentucky Heritage Council/State Historic Preservation Office in partnership with the Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, Kentucky Department of Tourism and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The first marker along the trail will be unveiled by Gov. Steve Beshear and other guests during a special ceremony at 3 p.m. (EST) Tuesday on Lincoln Square in downtown Hodgenville.

The Kentucky Lincoln Heritage Trail is a scenic route across central Kentucky to be designated by 27 markers and including signature historic sites in Hodgenville, Lexington, Louisville, Frankfort, Elizabethtown, Nicholasville, Springfield and Richmond as well as additional sites across the state that illuminate Lincoln’s life. Highlighting each of these, the Web site also features other historic Kentucky places located nearby, to extend visitor interest beyond the trail itself. This new trail reinterprets and updates the original Lincoln Heritage Trail which was created in the early 1960s through Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois.

The inaugural marker to be unveiled Tuesday by Governor Beshear depicts the founding of Hodgen’s Mill – the community that came to be known as Hodgenville – and the connection between this early settlement and the Lincoln family. Remaining markers will be placed throughout the spring, including directional and highway signage.

"These historic sites are important nationally, and visitors from around the globe are drawn to Kentucky because of a persistent fascination with President Lincoln. Because his formative years were spent in Kentucky, that had a strong influence on the man he ultimately became," said Lindy Casebier, executive director of the Commerce Cabinet Office of Arts and Cultural Heritage and vice chair of the Kentucky Lincoln Bicentennial Inaugural Committee. "Through projects like the new Kentucky Lincoln Heritage Trail, the Kentucky Heritage Council works to preserve and celebrate our historic sites and make our past accessible."

In addition to the Web site, the trail is featured in a colorful new folding map designed to guide automobile travelers along the route. Research and development of the trail, signs and collateral materials were developed through federal Transportation Enhancement funding with support from each of the partner agencies.

"We're very proud that together, these agencies have exponentially increased the value of this investment for Kentucky taxpayers and that this funding has served as a catalyst for additional public and private support," said Donna M. Neary, Heritage Council executive director and state historic preservation officer. "Also, we all recognize the Internet as a key marketing tool for the 21 st century, and this Web site creatively showcases Lincoln sites and this new interpretation of the trail."

The Web site was designed by New!West Public Relations, Advertising and Marketing of Louisville. A key feature is an interactive map of Kentucky with icons and pop-ups offering more information about each of the heritage trail sites including driving directions, Web links and phone numbers. The Web site includes a numbered listing of the markers and text on each as well as information and links about the local community and nearby points of interest.

For more information about Lincoln Bicentennial events in Kentucky, visit www.kylincoln.org.

February 5, 2008 Blue Grass Trust Antiques & Garden Show Selected as Spring Top Ten Event

The Kentucky Tourism Council has selected the Blue Grass Trust Antiques & Garden Show as one of the Commonwealth’s spring “Top Ten” events.

The Blue Grass Trust Antiques & Garden Show showcases 18 th, 19 th, and early 20 th century furniture, jewelry, porcelain, art, textiles, architectural pieces and even antique sporting equipment, vintage prints, posters and more. Held at Keeneland’s Keene Barn and Entertainment Center March 14-16 it is the year’s largest fundraiser for the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation.

For more information, contact the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau at 859-233-7299.

The Kentucky Tourism Council has selected Mayfest as one of the Commonwealth’s spring “Top Ten” events.

Mayfest held at Historic Gratz Park in downtown Lexington on May 10-11 is a literary, performing and visual arts festival. This event includes a wide range of entertainment and activities and is perfect for the entire family. Mayfest features live music, street performers, vendors selling handcrafted items and over 100 literary and visual arts performances.

For more information, contact the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau at 859-233-7299.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) today approved an inducement resolution for a conduit bond issue for the construction of a 267-room resort hotel and conference center to be constructed at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Conduit bonds are not an obligation of the commonwealth or KEDFA, but are the responsibility of the borrower.

“I know that many are excited that the Kentucky Horse Park Hotel is once again moving forward,” said Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear. “It’s something we’ve worked hard to obtain during the first seven weeks since taking office because of its positive economic impact on Kentucky.”

This is the first hurdle in the two-step bond approval process. KEDFA will meet again Feb. 15 to consider a final resolution for the bonds. Additionally, KEDFA will vote on a $3 million loan to the Commerce Cabinet, which will be utilized for the project if it is necessary.

The resolution must then receive approval from the State Property and Buildings Commission and the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee, which will meet Feb. 18 and 19, respectively.

If final approval is granted on this schedule, construction of the hotel and conference center will be completed in time for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games at the Kentucky Horse Park.

Delays in the project’s progress were due to the limited availability of financing as a result of the fallout from the sub-prime mortgage crisis.

“I challenged the developer and my team from the Commerce, Economic Development and Finance cabinets to develop a solution to make the hotel a reality,” Gov. Beshear added. “I am optimistic we are now on the right path. Hopefully, the financial markets won’t throw us any more curve balls.”

A request for proposal (RFP) for the privately-developed hotel was issued by the Commonwealth in November 2006. The winning vendor was selected through a competitive bid process, and a lease agreement was signed with Bluegrass Equine & Tourism Foundation, Inc.

A recent economic impact study conducted by Economics Research Associates on behalf of the Kentucky Commerce Cabinet found that a resort hotel at the Kentucky Horse Park would:

Result in more than $1.3 billion of incremental trade and spending in the Commonwealth;

The Kentucky Horse Park hosted more than 900,000 visitors and 15,000 competition horses in more than 100 special events and horse shows in 2006. Upon completion of all planned park improvements, including a new outdoor stadium and an equine arena, annual attendance is expected to increase to more than 1.6 million visitors annually by 2014.

The Bluegrass Equine & Tourism Foundation is a non-profit organization established specifically to benefit the equine and tourism industries in the Commonwealth through development of the Kentucky Horse Park Hotel. The Foundation will lease the land from the Kentucky Horse Park for a nominal fee plus a percentage of the gross receipts. After expenses are paid, all net profits will be redistributed into the equine and tourism industries both at the Kentucky Horse Park and throughout the Commonwealth.

January 30, 2008 Volunteer Recruitment Begins For 2010 Games. Volunteer Web Site Now Active

The World Games 2010 Foundation today announced it is launching a volunteer recruitment Web Site, through the online services of The Registration System, to manage the thousands of volunteers needed for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can log on to www.feigames2010.org and click on “Volunteer Information” in the “Quick Links” box, to register and receive more information about volunteer opportunities and benefits. Volunteers are needed before, during, and immediately after the Games. Interested volunteers must also fill out a profile detailing when and how they could serve.

“With more than two years until the 2010 Games, we have already had countless requests for volunteer information,” said Cathy Rutter, Director of Community and Volunteer Relations. “The Registration System’s recruitment site is going to allow the Foundation to both communicate with our volunteers, and give us access to volunteers that we need right now—not just for the 16 days of competition in 2010.”

“TRS, The Registration System, cuts large events into manageable pieces. It is an online solution we developed to solve the common challenges faced by event planners like the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” said Florence May, President of Simply Hospitality. “We provide an event mission control for our clients, including registration, e-mail communications, payment processing, and management report packages specifically for large and mid-sized sporting events, festivals and conferences.”

All volunteers will be required to go through an orientation and training program before they can begin to serve with the Foundation. Volunteers will receive a variety of benefits for their efforts, including official 2010 Games apparel, volunteer credentials, and general admissions tickets.

“We plan to give our volunteers special recognition during the Games for their efforts,” stated Rutter. “We are depending on our volunteers to help make the Games a success—and that it’s going to be both hard work and an incredible experience. At the end of the Games, we hope our volunteers walk away with the feeling that they had an impact on the Games’ success.”

Rutter said nearly 17,000 people have already registered through the Games’ informational Web Site, www.feigames2010.org. Those people will not have to re-register, but will receive an email asking for an update on their profile information through the new recruitment system.

TRS was custom-built in 2001 to support the Men’s and Women’s NCAA ® Final Four, the American Association of Museums and the National League of Cities. TRS is now used for more than 250 North American events each year. Simply Hospitality clients include the Indy 500 Festival, Chick-fil-A Bowl, Ottawa Bluesfest, FORD Model T Centennial, USA Track & Field Olympic Trials and the VA Golden Age Games.

For more information about the volunteer registry, contact Cathy Rutter at crutter@feigames2010.org, or call the World Games 2010 Foundation at 859-255-2010.

Centre College is excited to announce that Andrew Ferguson, author of " Land of Lincoln: Adventures in Abe's America," will be visiting campus this fall as part of its "Year of Lincoln" celebration. Ferguson's visit will inaugurate a series of exciting events currently being planned at the College in recognition of the man many consider to be the nation's most influential president.

Incoming freshmen at Centre are assigned a required reading book, and this year the book selection committee decided to tie the reading into the campus's celebration of Lincoln. Members of the committee perused or read more than 20 books before unanimously choosing " Land of Lincoln."

"Everyone who surveyed Ferguson's eclectic book immediately concluded, 'That's it!'" says committee member Milton Reigelman, professor of English and director of international programs. "We were looking for something that a wide variety of incoming freshmen would not only read cover-to-cover, but also be excited about. Ferguson's inclusiveness and intelligent journalistic style were just what we were searching for."

Penelope Wong, committee member and assistant professor of education, says that Ferguson's book about Lincoln was the only one she didn't want to put down.

"Nothing is sacred to Ferguson. Lincoln haters and Lincoln admirers alike are given their say, and their responses are fascinating-and often entertaining," Wong says. "On the literary road trip through Lincoln historical sites, Ferguson provides the reader with not only scholarly information about Lincoln, but also fascinating glimpses into what ordinary people around the United States think of him."

Centre will also help kick off its "Year of Lincoln" during the 2008 Brass Brand Festival held in Danville in June. The College received a Kentucky Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission (KALBC) grant through the Kentucky Historical Society to help fund "Strike Up The Band: Lincoln Comes Home," a presentation by actors portraying Lincoln and his lifelong friend and law partner John Todd Stuart.

Stuart, Centre Class of 1826, helped set Lincoln on the road to extraordinary success when, in 1832, he loaned his good friend Lincoln his first set of law books with which to study.

"No matter what one might feel about his policies and legacy, he was undisputedly one of two of the most influential individuals in the 19th century," she says. "For that reason alone, it would seem necessary to have a basic understanding of this individual. I think it's important for people-not just students, but anyone-to have the opportunity to discuss and examine Lincoln 'the individual' in an intellectual setting."

The book selection committee members hope that these and other special campus events, along with the traditional book discussions, will result in engaging conversations and examinations of Lincoln throughout the year.

The Kentucky Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission (KALBC), including its administrative team at the Kentucky Historical Society and its Commerce Cabinet partners, has positioned Kentucky as a leader in the Lincoln Bicentennial scheduled for 2008-2010.

The mission of the KALBC is to commemorate, in conjunction with the National Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln, emphasizing Kentucky's contribution to his thoughts and ideals, and to serve as a coordinator of statewide efforts to convey Lincoln's Kentucky story and his legacy of freedom, democracy, and equal opportunity for all. For more information about the Kentucky Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, visit www.kylincoln.org.

January 25, 2008 Kentucky Horse Park Executive Director Accepts Highest Honor in Thoroughbred Industry

John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park, was honored on behalf of the park Monday night at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in California, by three of the Thoroughbred Industry’s most significant organizations. The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), the Daily Racing Form and the National Turf Writers’ Association unanimously bestowed the Special Eclipse Award on Nicholson for the park’s “outstanding individual achievements in, or contributions to, the sport of Thoroughbred Racing.”

Nicholson accepted the highest honor in the Thoroughbred industry at the black-tie gala surrounded by Hollywood celebrities,horse racing royalty, elite breeders, owners and trainers, and remarked, “We are mindful, always, of what is the heart and soul of our mission, and that is to give honor and reverence to an animal that has given far more to us than we could ever give in return.”

A video clip produced by TVG of Nicholson accepting the award is posted on the NTRA’s website: www.ntra.com/video.aspx?id=30479.

“The Eclipse Award steering committee strongly believed that the Kentucky Horse Park was most deserving of the Special Award for its extraordinary contribution and dedication to the Thoroughbred industry and the wonderful experience that its millions of visitors have enjoyed over the years,” said Alex Waldrop, president and CEO of the NTRA. “The special care for the great racehorse John Henry in his retirement, and his most dignified passing in 2007, symbolizes the love and devotion of the men and women who work at the Kentucky Horse Park each day.”

January 9, 2008 Thoroughbred Industry's Highest Honor will be Awarded to the Kentucky Horse Park

The Kentucky Horse Park will be honored with the 2007 Special Eclipse Award from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), National Turf Writers Association (NTWA), and the Daily Racing Form.

The Special Eclipse Award recognizes outstanding individual achievements in, or contributions to, the sport of Thoroughbred Racing. John Nicholson, executive director of the park stated, “This award represents an enormous effort by many people and horses at the park who played a role in the celebration of the special bond between horse and man. For 30 years, the Kentucky Horse Park has honored, cared for, chronicled and assisted horses of all breeds and disciplines, and we humbly and gratefully accept the honor being returned to us in this way.

“There has always been a deep, abiding, intangible something that binds the hearts of man and horse. This relationship is the soul of the Kentucky Horse Park,” continued Nicholson, who will accept the Special Eclipse Award on behalf of the Kentucky Horse Park by the NTRA on January 21 in Beverly Hills. (Last year’s recipients of the Special Eclipse Award were Roy and Gretchen Jackson and the New Bolton Center for their excellent care of Barbaro.)

Kentucky governor, Steve Beshear, noted, “We are delighted that the Kentucky Horse Park, which honors horses of every breed, has received the highest recognition in the Thoroughbred industry. Jane and I have served on the Kentucky Horse Park Commission and the Foundation for many years. We have seen the tremendous amount of hard work, and the equal amount of affection, that have been invested in the park for the past 30 years. We couldn’t be happier for all of the people who have made the park a labor of love for so long.”

Tandy Patrick, chair of the park’s governing body, the Kentucky Horse Park Commission, stated, “In everything we do, the Kentucky Horse Park pays tribute to the extraordinary relationship that exists between horses and humans. We are thrilled and grateful that our daily work is being acknowledged with a Special Eclipse Award.”

The Kentucky Horse Park is a 1,200-acre equine theme park and competition complex. As many as 50 breeds of horses call the park “home.” An additional 15,000 competition horses take up temporary residence annually during dozens of horse shows. Nearly one million visitors come to the park each year to see, touch, learn about, and experience horses, and to compete in horse shows. The park includes the International Museum of the Horse – a Smithsonian Affiliate - and the American Saddlebred Museum. Perhaps most conspicuous is the Hall of Champions which has been (and is) home to a pantheon of elite champions of the racetrack and show ring, including Eclipse Award-winning Thoroughbred celebrities Cigar, Kona Gold and the late John Henry.

In 2010, the Kentucky Horse Park will host the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, which will be held outside of Europe for the first time. The games will take place over 16 days and consist of the world championship for eight equestrian sports. It will be the largest equestrian sporting event ever held in the United States, and is expected to draw more than 600,000 spectators, be broadcast to more than 460 million worldwide television viewers, and draw nearly 2,000 media from around the world.

Nicholson concluded, “The 21st century is the golden age of the horse in America. They are our heroes, our partners and our friends, and as long as that relationship flourishes, the Kentucky Horse Park will be here to celebrate it.”

For more information on the Eclipse Awards, go to www.ntra.com.

January 9, 2008 Official Housing Bureau Partner for Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Kentucky 2010 Announces Partner for Private Property Rentals

Short's Sports & Events, a division of Short's Travel Management, has chosen Event Home Leasing to be Short's official private property rental provider. Event Home Leasing is based in Louisville, Kentucky and is owned and operated by Dana and Charles Martin. The Event Home Leasing group has several years of experience in private home and property rentals. Dana served as the Player Accommodation Chairman for the 1996 and 2000 PGA Championships at Valhalla, facilitating private rentals for the 1996 and 2000 PGA Championships at Valhalla. She has also facilitated private rentals for the Kentucky Derby each year since 1996.

"We are thrilled to work with the professional staff at Event Home Leasing. They impressed us with the level of research, planning and thought that they put forth when responding to our request for proposal to help in this aspect of housing," stated John Johnson, Short’s Executive Vice President of Events/Passport Incentives + Meetings.. "EHL’s commitment to customer service and attention to detail should make the private property rental process for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games successful for all involved."

"As the owner of EVENT HOME LEASING , I am honored to have the opportunity to provide ‘Private Property Rentals’ for two of the largest international sporting events in Kentucky's history, the 2008 Ryder Cup and the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games," stated Martin. We will assist in providing accommodations for Event Vendors, Visitors and Participates and look forward to presenting them with an opportunity to experience the ambiance of Southern Living in Kentucky."

Anyone interested in private property rental for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games should contact Dana Martin of Event Home Leasing at 502-592-8921 or dana@eventhomeleasing.com.

About Shorts Travel Management
Short's Travel Management is the 15 th largest travel management firm in the U.S. in 2006 as ranked by Business Travel News with total sales of $219 million. Short’s is a woman-owned corporation and is a recognized leader in team travel, sport event logistics and meeting planning services. Among Short’s 450 clients, sports figures prominently. The company currently provides travel, meeting planning, fan packages and other services for a wide range of athletic teams and associations such as the NCAA, The Kansas City Chiefs, Conference USA, American Softball Association-Kansas City, United States Hunter Jumper Association, and many individual universities, teams, and associations. Short’s also has several corporate clients including medical supply, financial institutions, and similar organizations. With offices in Iowa, Kansas, Indiana, and Kentucky, Short's Travel Management was named the official housing bureau partner of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Kentucky 2010 in May 2006.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park September 25-October 10, 2010, are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines ever previously been held together at a single site— both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million. It is anticipated that more than 600,000 spectators will attend the 16-day competition.

Contact: Krista Greathouse, Director of Events, Short’s Sports and Events (859) 255-2010 Ext. 231

The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce that Julie Schickel has joined the staff as Ambassador and Information Specialist Coordinator.

Schickel will be responsible for coordinating the Bluegrass Tourism Ambassador Program and the Visitor Information staff for the Bureau. She will work closely with tourism partners in the Bluegrass Region as she develops the program.

“We’re delighted to welcome Julie to the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau. Her previous tourism experience, proven leadership skills and positive energy will bring structure and enthusiasm to the new Bluegrass Tourism Ambassador Program” said David Lord, President of the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Her strong customer service and management skills will be invaluable in this newly created position.”

Schickel, a Lexington native, has worked in the tourism industry for nearly 20 years, serving most recently as Revenue Manager for the Hyatt Regency Lexington. Her career at the Hyatt also included positions as front desk clerk, reservations agent and reservations manager.

The Bluegrass Tourism Ambassadors Program, launched at the end of 2007, is part of a nation-wide certified hospitality training program. The Bureau contracted with nationally renowned hospitality trainer Mickey Schaefer, owner of Mickey Schaefer & Associates and founder of the Tourism Ambassador Institute to develop this program for the Bluegrass Region. The hospitality program certifies volunteers and employees on an annual basis. The program strives to ensure a consistent message and a high level of hospitality from front line employees to make certain visitors have a positive experience in the Bluegrass.

About the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau
The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit destination sales and service organization that promotes Lexington and the Bluegrass Region as an outstanding destination for convention, business and leisure travel. For more information, visit www.visitlex.com.

December, 18, 2007 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Announces New Sponsorship

Lexington, KY – The World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. and The Rolex Company today announced that Rolex, the leading maker of luxury wristwatches, has signed on to become the "Official Timepiece of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games."

"Having Rolex become a partner of the Games is exciting and tremendously important to our event," stated Jack Kelly, CEO of the World Games Foundation, Inc. "They have been such an integral part of equestrian sport for so many years, and it is only fitting that they be one of the first partners to join our efforts."

Rolex, a strong supporter and sponsor of equestrian sports for more than 50 years, is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The company has been a sponsor of the World Equestrian Games since the 2002 Games in Jerez, Spain, and has long been the title sponsor of the highly successful Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, held annually at the Kentucky Horse Park.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games will be held September 25-October 10, 2010, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The event, which is held every four years, will host the crowning of world champions of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines ever previously been held together at a single site. These are firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million. It is anticipated that more than 600,000 spectators will attend the 16-day competition.

Representatives from the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) were in Lexington today to announce that they have selected Lexington as their convention site for 2011.

Mayor Jim Newberry and representatives from NOBLE made the announcement to a crowd of business leaders and law enforcement officials along with representatives from the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau, Lexington Convention Center and hotel operators who all played a role in signing the convention.

“ Lexington is thrilled to have NOBLE select our city for its 2011 convention,” Newberry said. “I want to thank Chief Beatty and the Police Department for its work to help us secure this convention. Meetings like this help us show off the city to thousands of people around the country. We know once people visit here and enjoy themselves, they will return and tell others about their experience. I’m also always excited about the opportunity to show off our police services to other leaders across the U.S. We’ve known for a long time that we have some of the finest officers and law enforcement officials and this conference gives us the opportunity to highlight our police force.”

Convention planners estimate that up to 4,000 room nights will be booked in four area hotels. NOBLE will use the Lexington Convention Center space for their meetings and events. The conference is tentatively scheduled for July 13-20, 2011. A convention of this size is estimated to have an economic impact of more than $ 3 million for Lexington and the surrounding region.

Chief Beatty noted that Lexington was competing with six other cities for the convention including Las Vegas, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Baltimore and Norfolk. Beatty added that following site inspection tours, Lexington was one of the leaders based on local support, strength of hosting prior law enforcement conventions, hospitality/attractions and the overall city affordability.

The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau also recently announced a few other conventions that have selected Lexington for their meeting location in the coming years, these include:

November 20, 2007 Kentucky FFA State Convention To Be Held in Lexington in 2009-2011

Frankfort--The Kentucky Association FFA has announced that the organization will hold its State FFA Convention in Lexington, Kentucky in 2009, 2010, and 2011. Over 2,000 Kentucky FFA Members, Advisors, Sponsors, and Guests are expected to attend the Convention each year. The State Convention is the largest annual gathering of Kentucky FFA members from across the Commonwealth.

“I look forward to the opportunity to welcome the FFA to Lexington,” Mayor Jim Newberry said. “As a former FFA member, I know the important educational role the FFA plays in the lives of young people. Today, as mayor, I still use lessons I learned while participating in FFA, as both a chapter and regional president. Many Kentuckians view Lexington as their home away from home, and we will do everything possible to ensure that FFA members have a chance to share Lexington’s rich agricultural heritage while they are here.”

The Convention will be held at the Lexington Convention Center in downtown Lexington. Housing for attendees will be provided at the Hyatt and Radisson Hotels which are connected to the Lexington Center.

The decision to move the Convention to Lexington was made by a committee of teachers of agriculture, which was appointed by the Executive Committee of the Kentucky Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association. The committee determined that Lexington could best serve the needs of members and chapters during these years. According to committee member Bethany Garmon of Russell County High School, “The city of Lexington presented a great proposal for hosting our Convention. We are excited about the opportunities that this presents for our members.”

The State FFA Convention includes statewide competitions known as Career Development Events, a State and National Awards Program, leadership workshops, motivational speakers, an Agriculture Career Show, the election of State FFA Officers for the upcoming year, and delegate sessions where state business is conducted. Both the Kentucky FFA Alumni and the Kentucky FFA Foundation Board hold events in conjunction with the State FFA Convention.

The State FFA Convention has been held in Louisville most years since 1930 and at the Galt House Hotel in recent years. State FFA Executive Matt Chaliff thanked the Galt House and the city of Louisville for their longstanding support of Kentucky FFA, “ Louisville has provided a wonderful home for our State Convention for many years. It has truly been a pleasure to work with the people of Louisville and especially the staff at the Galt House Hotel and Suites. We look forward to working with the Galt House during our 2008 Convention, which will be held there on June 12-14.”

Chaliff went on to say that work on the 2009 Convention will begin soon. “Changing locations will be a huge undertaking that will involve State Officers, staff, teachers, and supporters from across the state. We want to make sure that the schedule and format of our Convention take full advantage of the facilities and opportunities in Lexington.”

State FFA Secretary Celeste Laurent of Caldwell County participated in the Site Selection Process on behalf of FFA members. “ Lexington will present some great opportunities for Kentucky FFA members and I think all of our members should be excited about this,” she said.

The Kentucky Association FFA is an organization for students enrolled in Agricultural Education Courses with nearly 15,000 members in 145 local chapters. The mission of Kentucky FFA is to “Make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.”

November 13, 2007 "Our Lincoln" Gala in Lexington, February 10, 2008. Event will showcase public programs for Lincoln Bicentennial.

The Kentucky Humanities Council, Inc. will host a gala Lincoln Celebration at the Singletary Center for the Arts, University of Kentucky. This event will be a major showcase for the Kentucky Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial in Lexington, bringing to public attention the many programs the public can enjoy in the following months.

Everett McCorvey, director of Opera at the University of Kentucky, and Virginia G. Smith, executive director of the Kentucky Humanities Council, Inc. will produce the Lexington event. James Rodgers, former chair of UK theatre and director of many UK musical and dramatic events will direct it.

This Kennedy Center-style program will be a humanities event. That’s because this multi-faceted presentation will be both entertaining and informative, one in which the audience will learn about Kentucky’s Abraham Lincoln while experiencing artistic illustration of the ideas and themes that make Lincoln Kentucky’s own.

Lexington’s Lincoln Celebration features the American Spiritual Ensemble, the Lexington Philharmonic performing Copeland’s Lincoln Portrait with spoken word, and the premier performance of an act from River of Time, a new Kentucky opera (lyrics by Jim Rodgers, music by Joe Barber) about Lincoln as a young man. Lexington native and Chicago Symphony violinist Nathan Cole will solo some of the hunting music made known widely to the public by filmmaker Ken Burns’ Civil War. It will also include vignettes from new Kentucky Chautauqua ® drama: Mary Todd Lincoln and her sister Emilie Todd Helm, Margaret Garner, and Abraham Lincoln. Kentucky’s poet laureate, Jane Gentry Vance, will select her favorite Lincoln poem, and the Kentucky Repertory Theatre will present a cameo from Wade Hall’s drama, One Man’s Lincoln, that will tour statewide in March and come to Lexington’s Downtown Arts Center March 2 and 6.

“The Kentucky Humanities Council has been preparing for the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial for three years. Now, thanks to our first-ever support from the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government, we can provide Lexington with a full menu of programs, large and small” said Virginia Smith. “Kentuckians have much to learn about and take pride in our Lincoln heritage, and we want everyone to have the opportunity to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

The Lexington event on February 10 will be followed by a gala in Louisville on February 11 and the national inaugural event in Hodgenville on February 12.

The World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc., the organization responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, today announced that Ruth Mason has been hired as the director of ticketing.

As director of ticketing for the 2010 Games, Ms. Mason will oversee the daily ticketing operations, including ticket inventory, production and distribution, as well as manage seat assignments and fulfillment of corporate and group sales. She will also assist in venue planning with regards to seating capacities, and develop operational strategies for ticketing during the 16 days of the Games.

“We are very lucky to get someone with Ruth’s extensive ticketing background. She is a veteran of two Olympics, has worked corporate hospitality programs for major international events and has experience with small and large venues,” said Foundation CFO Martin Mathews. “Locating a person with this kind of experience is like looking for a needle in a haystack. We are very fortunate to have found the needle.”

Ms. Mason joins the Foundation with more than 14 years of ticketing experience, most recently as the director of ticketing for Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida. She has also served as assistant manager of Ticket Operations for the 2002 Olympic and Para-Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, and as a regional ticket manager for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.

“I love working on big events and the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games is going to be a challenging and rewarding experience,” said Ms. Mason. “This caliber of event is rare, and I plan on enjoying every minute.”

Ms. Mason holds a M.S. in Sports Administration from St. Thomas University in Miami, and a B.A. in Communications from Lenoir-Rhyne in North Carolina.

The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce that Patricia Knight has been hired as vice president of finance and operations.

Knight will be responsible for overseeing all accounting and finance functions of the Bureau, as well as administrative and technical operations.

“Patricia Knight is a wonderful addition to our team,” said David Lord, president of the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau. “She brings a great mix of skills and experience to the Bureau, including her thorough knowledge of accounting principles and standards as well as her accomplishments in technology solutions and management leadership. She is innovative, technically adept and scrupulous in her work and will be an asset to the Bureau.”

Knight, a Certified Public Account (CPA), brings a decade of accounting and finance experience to the Bureau, serving most recently as finance manager for the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers. She has experience in both public and private accounting and has worked extensively with non-profit and governmental organizations. In addition to her accounting experience, Knight also brings experience to the Bureau in the administration of benefits and retirement programs, budgeting and the implementation of software solutions.

Knight is a 1996 graduate of the University of Kentucky’s Gatton School of Business and was awarded her CPA certification in 1997.

November 7, 2007 Chef Ouita Michel chosen ambassador to Toronto Gourmet Food & Wine Expo

Holly Hill Inn of Midway chef Ouita Michel will represent the cuisine of Kentucky and the South at The Gourmet Food & Wine Expo Nov. 15-18 in Toronto.

The Gourmet Food & Wine Expo offers 35,000 guests an opportunity to sample more than 1,200 fine wines, spirits and beers, as well as cuisine from around the globe.

Chef Ouita and chefs from Mississippi and North Carolina were chosen as Culinary Ambassadors to the show by Travel South USA, a tourism marketing group that promotes 12 Southern states.

“Three chefs were ... chosen by a panel to serve as Culinary Ambassadors because they each represent an interesting and unique approach to Southern cooking,” said Liz Bittner, executive director of Travel South USA.

Scheduled demonstrations by the Southern chefs on The Food Network Canada Celebrity Cooking Stage are: Executive Chef Martha Foose of the Viking Cooking School, Greenwood, Mississippi, Nov 16; Executive Chef Phil Evans, Herons Restaurant, The Umstead Resort and Spa, Cary, N.C., Nov. 17; and Chef Ouita Michel, owner, The Holly Hill Inn, Midway, Nov. 17.

A private, invitation-only dinner media event will be hosted by TSUSA with interactive presentations. Each chef will share their signature dishes, stories, talent, and humor while showcasing the region’s best tastes, produce, wines and spirits.

During the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo, Chef Michel will prepare: Pecan-crusted Trout, Lisa’s Handmade Tartar Sauce, Holly Hill Inn’s Extra Creamy Cheese Grits, Seared Yellowfin Tuna with Roma Tomato Confit and Haricots Verts, Slow-baked Wild Alaskan Salmon, Lobster Corn Cake, Peach Pie with Blueberries and the Midway Social Sip.

Kevin Brauch, of Food Network’s Iron Chef America and The Thirsty Traveler, is celebrity guest at the expo.

Travel South USA’s mission is to promote travel to the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

For more information about the Holly Hill Inn, Midway, Ky., go to www.hollyhillinn.com.

Preston-Osborne has received three international design awards from the 2007 MarCom Awards competition.

Preston-Osborne received the highest-ranked Platinum award for the “Bourbon Box Hospitality Gift” entry it designed for the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau. This promo item was designed to highlight the region’s bourbon distilleries. A Gold award was received for the “Life’s a Trip” Breath of Life Auction Invitation designed pro bono for the American Lung Association. Another pro bono project, the “Wilderness Trace Community Foundation Web site” entry, received an Honorable Mention.

“It’s a nice honor for our creative staff’s talents to be recognized, but it’s most important to work with our clients to develop effective marketing tools they can be proud of, and there couldn’t be anything better or more enticing to market Lexington than a bourbon giveaway,” said Ellen Gregory, chief operations officer at Preston-Osborne. The bourbon giveaway includes samples and a shot glass from four regional distilleries packed in a high-quality cherry finished box with Lexington branded in the wood. An accompanying postcard maps out the distilleries and features a beautiful fall horse farm landscape to give the recipient the full flavor of the Bluegrass.

The MarCom Awards is an international competition for marketing and communication professionals. Awards are submitted from professionals working in concept development, writing and design of print, Web, audio and visual materials and programs. Entries come from public relations firms, advertising agencies, corporate marketing and communication departments, production companies and freelancers.

The MarCom Awards is overseen and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP). The mission of the AMCP is to honor creativity, hard work, excellence and generosity of marketing and communication professionals. AMCP members can submit pro bono entries at no charge.

Winners of MarCom Awards receive certificates and Platinum and Gold winners are eligible to purchase trophies cast by R.S. Owens, the same craftsmen that produce the Oscar®, Emmy® and MTV awards.

For more information on Preston-Osborne or to view the award-winning entries, visit www.preston-osborne.com.

October 24, 2007 World Games 2010 Foundation Commissions Leroy Neiman as Official Commemorative Artist

The World 2010 Games Foundation, Inc., the organization responsible for planning, staging, and conducting the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, today announced it has commissioned internationally-renowned artist LeRoy Neiman as the Official Commemorative Artist of the 2010 Games.

As the Official Commemorative Artist, Mr. Neiman will create an original painting that will serve as the “Official Image of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” as well as a commemorative print that will incorporate each of the eight disciplines that will be featured at the 2010 Games. The Official Commemorative Artwork will be produced and marketed by Cobalt Artworks of Louisville, Kentucky.

“The horse has always been a favorite subject of mine, from the work horse to the race horse,” said Mr. Neiman. “ Kentucky is horse country, where this noble animal is prominent and appreciated. Man loves the horse, its beauty, power and speed. It’s going to be fun to paint the eight different disciplines for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Count me in to be in attendance at the games with sketchbook in hand.”

Best known for his brilliantly colored, stunningly energetic images of sporting events and leisure activities, LeRoy Neiman is considered one of the most popular living artists in the United States. He has been the official artist of five Olympics, four Super Bowls, as well as the Breeders’ Cup and the Kentucky Derby. He was recently commissioned to create the official commemorative image for the 37 th Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, in September 2008.

While on location at these championship events, Mr. Neiman has often been televised to an audience of millions, sketchbook in hand, producing split-second records of what he is witnessing.

Mr. Neiman’s work has been featured in exhibits at galleries and museums around the world. Foundation CEO Jack Kelly said it is an honor to have Mr. Neiman capturing the World Equestrian Games on his canvas.

“LeRoy Neiman’s unique and worldwide-recognized style will result in a very special commemorative piece for the Games official artwork,” said Kelly. “In addition, having an artist of such notoriety and recognition at the 2010 Games is a significant component to the cultural legacy of the event for Kentucky.”

October 22, 2007 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Announces New Sponsorship. Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital Becomes Second Sponsor of the 2010 Games

Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital will be the Official Equine Hospital and Veterinary Partner for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, as announced today by the World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. Rood and Riddle is the first sponsorship partner since Alltech became the Games’ title sponsor.

“We are incredibly honored and excited to be forming this partnership with the highest level of horse sport in the international equestrian community,” said Dr. Bill Rood, Hospital Director. “We are well prepared as a hospital to meet the variety of veterinary services that these World Championship horses may need leading up to and during the 2010 Games.”

Lexington-based Rood & Riddle is a full-service equine hospital established in 1986, as a referral center for horses requiring specialized medical and surgical care. Today Rood & Riddle is known and respected throughout the world for its innovative and highly skilled treatment of horses. The hospital facility offers a full range of services including surgery, internal medicine, advanced diagnostic imaging, a focused Podiatry Center and a specialized Reproductive Center. The practice also provides ambulatory services (on-site care) for breeding farms, sport horse facilities, horse shows and events, with a variety of services, including emergency and preventative care, general reproduction, lameness, radiography, podiatry, and internal medicine.

“Our reputation stems from our unwavering commitment to quality, both in the care of horses and in our relationship with clients and community,” said Dr. Tom Riddle. “We measure our success by our clients’ success—and to work with the highest level of equine athletes as they come to compete in Lexington, Kentucky, is a landmark achievement in the history of our veterinary practice.”

Rood and Riddle’s sponsorship grew from an early interest in creating an ongoing association between the hospital and the equine industry, as well as Alltech. The equine hospital is the second Kentucky-based sponsor of the 2010 Games.

“Alltech is dedicated to the equine industry, through our passion for creating excellence in performance through nutrition,” stated Alltech President Dr. Pearse Lyons. “It is only natural for Rood and Riddle to join Alltech in promoting and achieving the highest level of performance for our equine competitors in 2010.”

With offices in the heart of horse country, World Games 2010 Foundation CEO Jack Kelly says the international equestrian community will greatly appreciate the hospital’s world-class facilities in 2010.

“Rood and Riddle is world-renowned particularly for their specialized services, as well as their individual care for both the four-legged patients and their owners,” said Kelly. “While we certainly hope that no horse will need emergency services during the Games, it is only fitting that an equine hospital with such an outstanding reputation—and a nearby location—is able to sign on as our veterinary partner. Their sponsorship will contribute to the legacy of the Games’ success.”

October 22, 2007 Blue Grass Airport Receives Grant for Air Service Development

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded Blue Grass Airport a $600,000 grant to apply towards air service development. Issued under the Small Community Air Service Development Grant Program, this grant will offer risk abatement and marketing funds to recruit, support and successfully establish low fare airline service.

“ Blue Grass Airport continuously works with air carriers to bring in new service to its customers,” said Michael Gobb, executive director at Blue Grass Airport. “With this additional monetary support, the airport can better address customer requests for the addition of a quality low fare airline.”

The airport worked closely with local and state leaders during the application process for this grant. Support was provided by congressional leaders, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, Commerce Lexington and the Lexington Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

“We are fortunate to have tremendous support from our community partners. All of us share a common vision and understanding of the importance of providing a full range of air service to the Central Kentucky region.” added Gobb.

“This FAA grant comes at a critical time for the Blue Grass Airport. Lexington and the surrounding communities have been expanding at a rapid rate in terms of population and economic growth. With these changes comes an increased need for access to other localities. Providing affordable flights will strengthen Central Kentucky’s connections and partnerships, said Congressman Ben Chandler. I, for one, am very excited about the possibilities that this will present for citizens and businesses in the Lexington area.”

The Small Community Air Service Development Grant Program was established by the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act and is administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation. It is designed to help smaller communities enhance their air service and address issues related to high airfares. Seventy-six grant applications were received from communities in 39 states. Twenty-six grant proposals were awarded, with Lexington receiving the second largest grant award.

Blue Grass Airport is served by six major airline brands providing convenient non-stop service to 13 major hub cities with direct service to hundreds of destinations worldwide. The airport proudly serves over one million central and eastern Kentucky travelers each year.

October 19, 2007 Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau wins seven Kentucky Tourism Awards

The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau was awarded seven Traverse Awards at the Kentucky Tourism Council Annual Conference held in Owensboro October 15-17. Each year the Kentucky Tourism Council presents awards for excellence in marketing in a variety of categories to tourism agencies, attractions, restaurants and hotels.

The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau brought home two first place awards, two second place awards, and three honorable mention awards. First place awards were received for the Bourbon Box hospitality gift and the “Lively, Lovely, Legendary” radio spot. Two second place awards were received for the Hometown Host tourism awareness promotion and a direct mail invitation for meeting planners. The LCVB also received three honorable mention awards for Lexington’s Tourism Industry Report, a tourism awareness promotion; the “Lively, Lovely, Legendary” TV spot; and the “Winners’ Circle” direct mail invitation.

The Traverse Awards presentation was held October 16 during an evening gala at the Executive Inn Rivermont in Owensboro as part of the Kentucky Tourism Industry Annual Conference. These awards are presented annually for the best work in advertising and marketing among Kentucky tourism businesses and marketing organizations.

The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau partners with Preston-Osborne, a marketing communications and research firm, to develop advertising and marketing campaigns.

“The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau is honored to receive seven Traverse Awards from the Kentucky Tourism Council,” said Mary Quinn Ramer, Vice President of Tourism Marketing. “We worked in close collaboration with Preston-Osborne to develop our creative campaign, and we are pleased that peers in our industry have recognized our work.”

The Kentucky Tourism Council is a Frankfort-based state association that represents every segment of Kentucky’s tourism industry. The 575-member organization offers continuing education programs, works in the area of governmental relations and provides legislative advocacy for Kentucky’s travel industry.

October 12, 2007 Advance Registration Begins for Trade Show at 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

The first opportunity to become a vendor at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games is officially underway. The World Games 2010 Foundation, the organization responsible for planning, staging, and conducting the 2010 Games, today announced that its Trade Show Advance Registration Deposit Program will begin on October 15 th, 2007.

The advance registration program allows vendors to make an initial deposit, and secure priority status for selecting a final exhibit location on the Kentucky Horse Park grounds once plans have been finalized. Approximately 400 vendors from around the world will offer a variety of products, services, and information to more than 600,000 attendees.

The nearly 3,000 vendors who have registered with the World Games 2010 Foundation will receive information on October 15 th, notifying them that the advance registration program has begun. Any and all interested vendors will be able to access the registration forms and deposit information on the 2010 Games website, www.feigames2010.org . There, potential vendors can download the program overview and registration forms. All forms must be completed and mailed to the World Games 2010 Foundation with the initial deposit payment. There is no set deadline for the deposit program.

“We have had hundreds of requests from businesses that want to be part of the 2010 Trade Show, which is why we are offering this program nearly three years before the Games,” said Foundation CEO Jack Kelly. “It allows potential vendors to secure their place on the list, as well as schedule their payments on booth spaces over the next three years.”

The initial deposit amount is $2,500.00 per booth space. Total prices per space are expected to be $12,500-$20,000 for the entire 16-day event. For more information about the advance registration program, potential vendors can contact the World Games 2010 Foundation staff, at tradeshow@feigames2010.org , or at 859-255-2010 ext. 236.

October 8, 2007 He is Gone. One of Thoroughbred Racing's Greatest Stars, John Henry, Will be Sorely Missed

John Henry, the legendary Thoroughbred racehorse who was twice Horse of the Year, was humanely euthanized at the Kentucky Horse Park today at 7:00 pm.

John Nicholson, executive director of the park expressed, “The mighty heart of the great John Henry has, at long last, yielded to time. The racing industry has lost a legend, b ut more significantly, many people have lost a personal hero. John Henry’s true legacy was written in people’s hearts far more indelibly than his superlative racing career could ever reflect.” He continued, “John Henry was a testament to the fact that a horse’s value is far greater than the sum of his pedigree, conformation, sales price and race record. Winston Churchill said that the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man, but I would add that horses like John Henry prove that the inside of a horse is even better for the inside of man.”

The sad but unanimous decision was reached by a team of people who knew him best. The park’s equine director, Kathy Hopkins stated, “ After continued successful efforts to maintain the quality of John Henry's life, in the past 48 hours he did not respond to our medical intervention. Due to the loss of kidney function and muscle mass, his veterinarian, Dr. Mike Beyer, found it impossible to keep him properly hydrated and comfortable. Over the years, our goal has always been to maintain the highest quality of care and life for him, and it became evident over the weekend that this was no longer possible. Our hearts go out to all of those who so deeply cared for John during his long and charismatic life.”

He lived 32-and-a-half years, and went peacefully to sleep surrounded by a small circle of friends who were closest to him, including Cathy Roby, who has been his friend and caretaker for 16 years and his breeder, Verna Lehmann.

John Henry overcame numerous well-known obstacles throughout his career, and colic surgery in 2002. His talent, determination, tenacity and toughness inspired thousands of people who didn’t even see him race, but became aware of him many years after his retirement. Some of his fans visited him at least once a month from Toledo, Indianapolis, and other cities in the Midwest, while others made annual pilgrimages to his barn from California, Texas and around the world. When it recently became public knowledge that his health was in a state of decline, many of his fans immediately came to the park to thank their beloved champion for the memories, and to whisper their personal, final farewells to the horse who inspired great respect and ardent devotion.

John Henry’s race record included more than $6.5 million in earnings, 39 wins including 30 stakes wins (16 Grade 1 stakes wins) and seven Eclipse Awards, including two Horse of the Year titles. He equaled a world track record for 1 ½ miles in 2:23 at Santa Anita and was the only horse to win Horse of the Year more than once in nonconsecutive years, and the oldest horse ever to win that title - at age nine. John Henry was voted Racehorse of the Decade for the 1980s, and was inducted into Racing's Hall of Fame in 1990.

Sired by Ole Bob Bowers out of Once Double, by Double Jay, John Henry was foaled on March 9, 1975 at Golden Chance Farm in Paris, Kentucky.

After having passed through several owners and trainers, John Henry finally blossomed under the careful tutelage of trainer Ron McAnally, and with his owner, Sam Rubin. McAnally, who brought out the best in the horse with “carrots, apples and love,” visited John Henry many times during the horse’s retirement and had just seen him again as recently as September, and brought John’s favorite cookies and carrots to his aging protégé. Lewis Cenicola, John Henry’s exercise rider for six years, also visited the horse in September.

Tom Levinson, stepson of the late Sam Rubin said, “ John always had fire in his eyes as he circled his opponents in the paddock while they pranced, his eyes glazed with the determination to win. Certainly he was the people’s hero… Sam and Dorothy loved sharing John’s victories with his adoring fans and we appreciate their devotion even to this sad day… We are sure that if Sam Rubin were here today, he and my mother Dorothy would agree that their wish would be for John Henry to be remembered as the mighty, cantankerous champion we all loved. ”

Chris McCarron rode John Henry in 14 of his last races and has spent many hours with the horse during his 22 years at the park. Regarding the great horse’s passing, he observed, “What can I say about the legendary John Henry that has not already been said? John meant the world to my family and me. Everywhere he raced, his presence doubled the size of a normal race track crowd. He did so much for racing, even after he retired, that he will be impossible to replace. He will be sorely missed but forever in our hearts.”

A public memorial service will be held and will be announced by the park upon completion of the arrangements. Plans will be posted on the park’s website, www.kyhorsepark.com under News & Media and the Calendar of Events. John Henry will be buried near his paddock at the Hall of Champions. Other Thoroughbred champions buried at the park include Man o’ War, War Admiral, Forego, Bold Forbes, Allez France, Peteski and Jay Trump.

Recent photos and video of John Henry can be seen on The Horse website at www.thehorse.com by searching for “Hoofing it With John Henry.” A new documentary, John Henry: An American Hero, produced by Open Sky Entertainment (Producer: Rebecca Gebhard, Directors: Chris Koby and Cameron Duddy) is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with the release date to be announced.

One of his legions of admirers, Howard McClurkin from Weatherford, Texas, summarized his and many fans’ devotion this way, “John Henry is an anchor in one’s life. When things are not going well and one needs inspiration or perhaps one just wants a moment of happiness by thinking of extraordinary accomplishments arising from such a painfully humble beginning, the thought and image of John Henry are readily at hand. He started in a hole. He started with zero and went on to lasso the stars.”

John Nicholson concluded, “The next few days will be terribly difficult for his fans, but especially for the people here at the park who have worked with him and loved him for so long. It was our unparalleled privilege to have John Henry living at the Kentucky Horse Park for the past 22 years.”

October 8, 2007 Research Shows Year 3 of "Kentucky Unbridled Spirit" Is an Unbridled Success

For the third year in a row, the “Kentucky Unbridled Spirit” brand is the most widely known state brand in this region of the country. According to recently conducted independent research, nearly two of three people in a ten state region were able to identify the Kentucky brand, the highest recognition among those states tested. Also, for the third year in a row, both awareness of the brand and its appeal increased both inside and outside Kentucky.

Thanks to the branding campaign and the subsequent tourism promotional efforts, the overwhelming majority of both residents and non-residents questioned indicated they believe Kentucky is a “better place to visit” (90%), “more friendly” (81%), and “more modern” (81%) than it was just several years ago. In fact, nearly two-thirds (64%) said they have a better impression of Kentucky than they used to. Those people who were questioned said they liked the brand because it accurately describes the state, relates to horses, and portrays a variety of aspects that make Kentucky great.

“A brand by itself will not get more visitors to Kentucky,” says Tourism Commissioner Randy Fiveash. “However, ‘Kentucky Unbridled Spirit’ is an ‘attention-getter’ that makes people feel good about Kentucky, and then leads them to look more closely at our attractions. Once they see what we have to offer, we have them hooked, and they want to keep coming back”

Fiveash says he was particularly excited about the high satisfaction rankings that visitors gave after a stay in Kentucky. The best scores were in such categories as “Overall satisfaction,” “friendliness of employees” and “likelihood to recommend to a friend.”

The variety of Kentucky’s attractions also scored high in the research. Some of the highest scores went to Kentucky’s rich pioneer history and variety of activities, events and attractions. The descriptions by visitors included, “pretty country,” “beautiful,” “good place to live or visit,” “horses,” and “lots of things to do or see.”

“Brand experts say a good slogan or brand should be unique, specific to the destination and a visible and integral part of all state communications,” said Jerry Henry of Jerry Henry and Associates, which conducted the research. “It should reflect the state’s values, main appeal, character and personality while inspiring people to visit, live there and learn more. Based upon the results of this third brand measurement study in as many years, Kentucky’s “Unbridled Spirit” brand does all of that, and more.”

“You have to be able to measure a brand’s effectiveness,” said Fiveash. ”This research shows positively that ‘Kentucky Unbridled Spirit,’ in conjunction with our tourism promotional efforts, have improved the image of the Commonwealth.”

The “Kentucky Unbridled Spirit” brand is included on all state stationery, brochures, advertisements, Web sites and other materials. In addition, more than 100 local communities, tourism organizations, chambers of commerce and economic development organizations use the brand, as do several Kentucky businesses.

September 20, 2007 Eventing Course Designer Selected for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

The World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc., the organization responsible for planning, staging, and conducting the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, today announced that Michael Etherington-Smith has been selected as the Eventing Course Designer for the 2010 Games.

Mr. Etherington-Smith brings to the Foundation more than 30 years of international experience in competition riding, training and course designing. He has been an FEI international course designer and technical delegate since 1985. Mr. Etherington-Smith served as Course Designer for the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, was Technical Delegate for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, and was Eventing Advisor to the 2006 World Equestrian Games, held in Aachen, Germany. He is currently Course Designer for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

As the Eventing Course Designer, Mr. Etherington-Smith will design the fences and the course including its layout, measurement, and preparation, for the Eventing World Championship at the 2010 Games. He will work with course builders to oversee the construction of all the obstacles, and will also co-ordinate with the Technical Delegate and the Ground Jury to ensure that all requirements are met for the Games.

“We are very pleased to have Michael joining the team as we prepare for the 2010 Games,” said Rob Hinkle, Chief Operations Officer for the World Games 2010 Foundation. “His lifelong involvement in equestrian sport, and his history in working with the FEI, will greatly aid our efforts in creating the world championship level of competition courses expected at the Games.”

“I am truly delighted and honored to be invited to be Course Designer for the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games and am very much looking forward to working with the team in Lexington,” Etherington-Smith said. “The Kentucky Horse Park is one of the best settings in the world for such a competition and to have the opportunity to design a world championship course is very exciting and a real privilege.”

Mr. Etherington-Smith currently resides in the United Kingdom, with his wife, Sue.

The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the FEI, and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines ever previously been held together at a single site— both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million. It is anticipated that more than 600,000 spectators will attend the 16-day competition.

LEXINGTON, KY—The World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc., the organization responsible for the planning, staging, and conducting of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, today announced that Kate Jackson has been chosen as the Competition Director for the 2010 Games.

As Competition Director, Ms. Jackson will organize all logistical arrangements for the importation, quarantine, stabling, veterinary and training facilities for more than 900 horses as well as oversee and coordinate the production of the competitions.

“Kate brings to the Foundation an outstanding background of directing large-scale equestrian events,” said COO Rob Hinkle. “Her involvement in directing and managing large international equestrian events proves her capability in coordinating the competition activities for the 2010 Games.”

Ms. Jackson currently serves as an FEI Executive Board Member and FEI Bureau member. Her experiences in competition management include serving as Competition Director of Equestrian Sports and the Modern Pentathlon for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games; as a Technical Advisor for equestrian sports at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games; and as Director of the Equestrian Three Day Event competition for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. She has also served as the Director of International Competitions for the National Horse Show Association, and was Executive Director of the American Horse Shows Association.

"I am greatly honored to be selected for this position and am eagerly looking forward to the opportunity to work with such an excellent team of Discipline Managers,” said Ms. Jackson. “Together, I am sure we will be able to produce the finest World Equestrian Games ever on the finest possible site for them, the Kentucky Horse Park."

Ms. Jackson currently resides in Bearsville, New York. She holds both Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Bryn Mawr College, in Bryn Mawr Pennsylvania.

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Source: 2010 World Games Foundation

September 18 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Begins Advance Registration For Trade Show

The World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. today announced the launch of an advance registration program for tradeshow spaces at the 2010 Games, scheduled to take place at the Kentucky Horse Park September 25 th-October 10 th, 2010.

The advance registration program will begin in October,and will allow vendors to secure priority status for selecting a final exhibit location on the Kentucky Horse Park grounds once plans have been finalized. Approximately 400 vendors from around the world will offer a variety of products, services, and information to more than 600,000 attendees.

Prospective vendors wanting to ensure they are included in the initial distribution of information should send their contact information to tradeshow@feigames2010.org. Total booth costs and subsequent details will be released on the launch date, and more information will be available on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Website.

“We have experienced a very high level of demand for tradeshow information, which gave rise to this program,” stated Foundation CEO Jack Kelly. “We continue to be very pleased at the interest in the event, and this program will allow us to meet the needs of participants.”

The World Games Foundation, Inc. is the organization responsible for planning, staging, and conducting the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held September 25-October 10, 2010, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The event, which is held every four years, will host the crowning of world champions of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the International Equestrian Foundation (FEI). The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines ever previously been held together at a single site—both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million. It is anticipated that more than 600,000 spectators will attend the 16-day competition.

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Source: 2010 World Games Foundation

September 17 Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau Inducted into the 2007 Meetings & Conventions Magazine Hall of Fame

The 2007 Gold Awards Hall of Fame honorees have proven themselves to be the leaders in their respective categories: hotels, resorts and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs). To be inducted into the M&C Gold Awards Hall of Fame a meetings industry supplier has to be winning its 12th Gold Award—a true indication of excellence and staying power.

“Dedication to quality has always been a trademark of M&C’s readers who represent the highest level of meeting and incentive professionals. The 2007 Gold Awards Hall of Fame inductees have met these tough standards by providing outstanding service,” said Bernard W. Schraer, Meetings & Conventions Group Publisher. “The entire M&C staff commends the honorees that have demonstrated the qualities to earn the Hall of Fame recognition.”

These inductees repeatedly met and exceeded the high standards set for them by their clients. M&C readers select Gold Award recipients by voting on industry criteria including: staff attitude; quality of meeting rooms; food and beverage service; guidance on local attractions; and liaison with local venders and services.

M&C established the Gold Awards program 30 years ago in 1978 beginning with the Gold Key Award which is bestowed up those hotels and resorts who are voted by M&C readers as the best of the best in the meetings industry. The Gold Service award for CVBs was established in 1984 and the Gold Platter Award in 1985 to recognize those hotel food and beverage departments who consistently meet the sophisticated palates and high expectations of meeting attendees.

This year M&C will induct 11 hotels/resorts into the Hall of Fame Gold Key and 9 CVBs in Gold Service Hall of Fame.

Representatives from the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau will be honored and receive their Hall of Fame Award as part of M&C’s Gold Awards gala ceremony on November 9, 2007 in New York City. All winning hotels, resorts and CVBs will also be featured in Meetings & Conventions’ Gold Awards issue published this November.

August 28, 2007 World Games 2010 Foundation Announces New Director of Community and Volunteer Affairs

The World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc., the organization responsible for planning, staging, and conducting the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, today announced that Cathy Rutter has been hired as the Director of Community and Volunteer Affairs.

Mrs. Rutter joins the Foundation after more than 20 years at Churchill Downs, Inc., where she most recently served as Vice President of Operations Services, helping to build and solidify ties with state, local, and neighborhood leaders in communities where the company did business. She also provided special projects and community relations support to management teams at the company’s racetracks and off-track betting facilities. Her experience in working with community leaders is just one reason why Foundation CEO Jack Kelly said Rutter is ideal for the World Games 2010 Foundation.

“Cathy’s knowledge and background in addressing community needs and concerns is particularly appreciated as we plan for the 2010 Games,” said Kelly. “Many counties and cities throughout Central Kentucky and beyond are forming their own groups to plan for the Games, and Cathy will be an excellent go-to person for organizing that network.”

“This opportunity represents, for me, the culmination of both personal and professional goals in the world of equestrian sports, something that I have dedicated my life to. From my background in horseracing, it is like multiple Breeders’ Cups and Derby’s all rolled up into one larger-than-life event,” said Rutter. “It is a great opportunity for the State, the entire equine industry and the lucky staff members who get to work with individuals, groups and volunteers to make the event happen.”

In addition, Mrs. Rutter will also head up all volunteer efforts for the Games. More than 5,000 volunteers will be needed in 2010.

Mrs. Rutter earned a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Louisville, and holds a Corporate Community Relations Certificate from the Carroll School of Management at Boston College. She is a native of Louisville, Kentucky.

The World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc., the organization responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, today announced the addition of three new employees.

Holley Groshek has been hired as Director of Administration. A native of Rochester New York, Ms. Groshek most recently served as the Executive Director of the Kentucky World Trade Center. She holds an M.B.A. from the State University of New York Binghamton University of School Management.

Danielle Landolt joins the Foundation as Senior Marketing Coordinator. Ms. Landolt is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and earned her M.A. in Communications from the University of Kentucky in 2006. She most recently served as the Director of Marketing for the Kentucky Sports Authority. Ms. Landolt is a native of Trenton, Michigan.

Amy Walker has been hired as Public Relations Assistant. Ms. Walker joins the Foundation from her recent post as an anchor, reporter, and producer at WYMT-TV in Hazard, Kentucky. She is a 2004 graduate of Georgetown College, and holds an M.S.J. from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. She is a native of Somerset, Kentucky.

The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park , are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the FEI, and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines ever previously been held together at a single site— both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park . The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million. It is anticipated that more than 600,000 spectators will attend the 16-day competition.

August 7, 2007 World Games Foundation Announces Para-Equestrian Discipline Manager

The World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. today announced Lloyd Landkamer, of Hamel, Minnesota as the Para-Equestrian Discipline Manager for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Mr. Landkamer becomes one of nine managers responsible for planning, managing and directing the World Championship competitions in eight equestrian sports, communicating with the High Performance community and related organizations, and overseeing development and administration of the discipline’s budget. The nine managers will work on a contract basis with the World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc.

“The discipline managers are vitally important to the overall success of the 2010 Games,” said Rob Hinkle, Chief Operations Officer for the World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. “We are thrilled to have Lloyd Landkamer bring his knowledge and experience in Para-Equestrian events to help us achieve that success.”

“It is an honor to join the competition efforts as the Para-Equestrian Discipline Manager,” said Mr. Landkamer. “With my experience from other equestrian events around the U.S., I plan to help the Foundation put on a world-class event.”

Mr. Landkamer holds a master’s degree in Economics and undergraduate work in animal nutrition. He is owner and operator of Brandywine Farm, a dressage equestrian facility in Hamel , MN . He has won USDF Horse of the Year awards at various levels and actively breeds quality sport horses that have won Year End Awards with national ranking within USDF. Mr. Landkamer has extensive involvement with all levels of management of equestrian events around the United State , serving as management and secretary. In addition, he has served as secretary at many prestigious events such as the Pan American Games and the North American Young Rider Competitions as well as management and secretary for CDI competitions.

He holds license with the United States Equestrian Federation as a C1 and C2 Steward, “R” rated Technical Delegate. He is also an FEI Chief Steward with international experience, most recently the Central American Games. Within the USA , Lloyd has officiated at Devon , Wellington CDI/W and many regional championships around the country.

Mr. Landkamer has served as panelist for the USEF Dressage Technical Delegates’ Forum many times and as panelist for the USEF Show Secretary forum. He serves on several committees with the USDF and has been committee chair for education for USDF. USDF has awarded him show Secretary of the Year, Manager of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year in addition to his equestrian awards.

Mr. Landkamer joins eight other discipline managers from both Central Kentucky and around the world. They are as follows: Driving, Susan Gilliland, of Dunellen, FL; Endurance, Art Priez, of Ivanhoe MN; Eventing, Jan Atkinson, of Stamping Ground, KY; Reining; Brad Ettleman, of Denver, CO; Vaulting, Kersten Klophaus, of Wermelskirchen, Germany; Dressage, Glenda McElroy, of Glendale, CA; Show Jumping, David Distler of Norwalk, CT, and Hugh Kincannon of Lexington, KY.

The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park, are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines ever previously been held together at a single site— both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million. It is anticipated that more than 600,000 spectators will attend the 16-day competition.

August 6, 2007 Southern Lights Wins Southeast Tourism Top 20 Event Competition

Lexington , KY – Southern Lights at the Kentucky Horse Park was recently chosen as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events. The annual event will take place this year from November 16 through December 31.

With miles of animated light displays, Southern Lights is a popular family holiday tradition and an important fundraiser for the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation. In addition to the driving tour, additional attractions such as a petting zoo, the Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop, craft vendors, local entertainment, the International Museum of the Horse, a model train display by the Bluegrass Railroad Club, and much more are available for guests.

Founded in 1983, the Southeast Tourism Society (www.southeasttourism.org) is dedicated to the promotion and development of tourism in its member states. The membership includes state travel offices, attractions, hotels, convention and visitors bureaus, airlines, bus companies, newspapers and other travel related organizations.

Through a nomination process, the Southeast Tourism Society chooses the Top 20 events going on in the Southeast for each month of the year, and publishes this list of winners quarterly. To be nominated for a Top 20 Event, an event must be at least in its 3 rd year and must have a minimum attendance of 1000.

August 1, 2007 Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau Wins Gold Service Award for 2007. Presented by Meetings & Conventions magazine

A dedication to quality service is the key to maintaining customers and is also the key to winning Meetings & Conventions’ Gold Service Award. This prestigious award honors Convention & Visitors Bureaus that have excelled in professionalism and dedication in their service to meeting professionals.

This year 85 domestic and international CVBs were honored with the Gold Service award by the readers of M&C. Relying on their extensive industry experience in both corporate and association markets, M&C’s readers made selections based on key criteria including: professionalism of staff; support on hotels and site inspections; assistance with ground transportation planning; guidance on local attractions; and liaison with local venders and services.

“To continually provide quality service to clients sets these superior bureaus apart. All our Gold Service winning CVBs know the value of creating a lasting impression can never be understated” said Bernard W. Schraer, Meetings & Conventions’ group publisher. “The 2007 Gold Service winners continually excel in many valuable areas of service, impressing not only their clients but also the demanding readers of M&C.” Schraer adds, “Our entire staff joins M&C’s readers in honoring these outstanding CVBs who continue to focus on effective working partnerships with meeting professionals.”

All winners will be honored and receive their Gold Service Award as part of M&C’s Gold Awards gala ceremony on November 9 th, 2007 in New York City. In addition, winning hotels and resorts will be featured in Meetings & Conventions’ Gold Awards issue published this November.

July 26, 2007 Equine District Hotels Team UpTo Offer Convention Groups Three Great Options

The Embassy Suites Hotel; Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa and the Holiday Inn North are pleased to offer three very distinctive hotel choices for your next convention. When combined together the Equine District hotels can offer your large scale meetings a great Lexington location close to I-64 and I-75, just five minutes from the Kentucky Horse Park and downtown Lexington, and close to the airport.

The Equine District hotels offer over 52,000 square feet of combined meeting space; over 950 guest rooms all within walking distance to each other. Plus the hotels offer complementary shuttle service to move your attendees between the venues seamlessly. From the general session to your breakout rooms to your evening receptions, the three hotels can provide the atmosphere that convention groups are looking for at a reasonable price.

With an 18-hole championship golf course, full service spa, indoor/outdoor pools, exercise facilities, and great outdoor venues to host convention events, the Equine District can provide a unique and flexible location which is also close to over 15 beautiful horse farms.

Surrounded by the pastoral magnificence of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Country, a group can only be inspired to achieve great meeting results while they enjoy the natural beauty of this area. The Equine District Hotels are working together to bring new focus, business visitors to Lexington, KY.

For more information call 859-455-5000 Emilie Hall; 859-231-5100 Susan Sharp or 859-233-0512 Mike Curd. Or go to visitlex.com for more information.

July 10, 2007 Doubletree Guest Suites Lexington to REceive $5.5 Million Renovation. New Owners to give former Sheraton Suites Lexington Top-to-Bottom Upgrade

ATLANTA, GA, July 10, 2007—Hospitality Ventures, LLC a privately owned, hotel ownership and management firm headquartered in Atlanta, today announced details of its $5.5 million renovation of the Doubletree Guest Suites Lexington located at 2601 Richmond Rd in Lexington, KY. The 155-suite property, formerly the Sheraton Suites Lexington, was re-flagged a Doubletree Guest Suites when a joint venture between RockBridge Partners (an affiliate of RockBridge Capital, LLC) and Hospitality Ventures acquired the hotel and the adjacent French Quarter Square retail center last month.

The Doubletree Guest Suites Lexington will undergo a top-to-bottom upgrade of all guest rooms and public spaces that will be completed in early 2008. The hotel will remain open throughout the renovation with minimal guest distraction. The retail center also will receive improvements over the next several months.

Doubletree Sweet Dreams® sleep experience bedding package featuring plush-top mattress, luxury linens and jumbo down pillows

All public spaces will be completely refurbished with new carpeting, wall coverings, furniture and other amenities. Included in the public spaces improvements will be:

Opened in 1989, the Doubletree Guest Suites Lexington features a unique French Quarter theme with an open courtyard-like lobby, wrought iron railings, gazebo bar and rooms facing inward toward the five-story atrium. The spacious one- and two-bedroom suites feature separate living and bathroom areas.

“This renovation will restore the hotel to its original grandeur and create a boutique hotel feel by highlighting our quaint French Quarter theme and focusing on a high level of service that is a hallmark of a superior hotel brand like Doubletree,” says Karen Andreissen, Director of Sales & Marketing for the Doubletree Guest Suites Lexington. “Our long-standing customers have told us they are especially excited that we will now be offering Hilton HHonors Program points along with Doubletree’s signature warm chocolate chip cookie upon check in.”

“Hospitality Ventures has over 15 years of experience in successfully completing major hotel renovations with minimal interruption to our guests, and this project will be no different in that regard,” says Jay Molitor, Vice President of Operations for Hospitality Ventures. “Every aspect of this hotel will be completely upgraded and refreshed upon completion, and our long and prosperous relationship with Hilton will ensure that the Doubletree Guest Suites Lexington remains a premier property.”

About Hospitality Ventures, LLC
Hospitality Ventures, LLC is a privately owned, fully-integrated Atlanta-based hotel ownership and management firm. The principals of Hospitality Ventures are the previous principals and founders of Impac Hotel Group. Primarily during their time at Impac, they have successfully owned and operated more than 150 hotels in every conceivable size and service category. Hospitality Ventures owns and operates 12 hotels that collectively have over 2,000 guest rooms. All 12 hotels operate under franchise agreements with Hilton or Marriott. For more information, visit www.HospitalityVentures.com.

About RockBridge Partners
RockBridge Partners was formed as the equity platform of RockBridge Capital, LLC. RockBridge provides capital to the hospitality industry through its Hospitality Funds and focuses on both debt and equity investments. RockBridge invests first mortgage, mezzanine, and equity capital in hotels throughout the U.S. with a focus on creating value for its hotel operating partners. Since 1992, RockBridge has invested nearly $2.5 billion in more than 300 assets nationwide with aggregate transaction capitalization of more than $4 billion. For additional information about RockBridge Capital, contact James T. Merkel at (614) 246-2505 or visit www.rockbridgecapital.com.

Lexington , KY - Blue Grass Airport is pleased to announce the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Airport Board awarded contracts for new retail and restaurant facilities. The new facilities will open in Fall 2007.

The Paradies Shops, an airport retailer with 170 concessions at 39 airports, will operate a new three-concept Marketplace that includes a Keeneland Shop, Paddock Shop and convenience store. The Keeneland Shop will be located on the first level of the terminal—pre-security. The design of the shop will be reflective of the gift shop at Keeneland, including natural oak paneling, brass sconces and chandelier and even a 50” plasma screen providing live video feeds from Keeneland races. The shop will provide an upscale merchandise mix of Keeneland apparel and gifts. Post-security, a CNBC News Lexington store will provide travelers with a broad selection of news, magazines, books and sundries. The Paradies Shops will also continue to operate the highly-successful New York Times Bookstore in Concourse B.

Creative Host Services Inc. will operate upgraded food and beverage facilities at Blue Grass Airport. Current airport food facilities will be replaced with an array of eating options designed specifically for travelers. Pre-security, Creative Host Services will operate a Quizno’s sandwich shop serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition, they will open Knob Creek Tavern, which will serve customers its signature bourbon and Kentucky mint juleps.

Beyond the security checkpoint, Creative Host Services will open deSha’s American Tavern, modeled after deSha’s American Restaurant in downtown Lexington . Concourse B will include a coffee and pastry shop—Caffé Ritazza—and Concourse C will include a Quizno’s kiosk for travelers looking for a “grab-and-go” option prior to their flight.

“These new concessions will provide our customers with high-quality food and shopping experiences,” said Michael Gobb, executive director at Blue Grass Airport. “Customers will be able to select from a variety of food options that are designed to meet the lifestyle of today’s travelers. Whether it is a quick sandwich at Quizno’s, a fresh cappuccino at the new coffee shop or a full-service meal at deSha’s, travelers will find quick, fresh and healthy foods options.”

Blue Grass Airport ’s new selection of shops and restaurants include a balance between national and local brands. Travelers to the region will find keepsakes of their trip in the shops and can sample local favorites such as Hot Browns and fried green tomatoes in the restaurants.

“deSha’s is pleased to be participating in bringing Kentucky traditions to Blue Grass Airport,” said Tavern Restaurant Group and deSha’s owner, Nick Sanders. “In 1956 and 1957, deSha’s briefly operated the restaurant at Blue Grass Airport, so it will be an exciting venture for us to return.”

“By including a Keeneland and deSha’s presence at the airport, we will be able to offer travelers a memorable glimpse into what makes the Bluegrass region so unique,” added Gobb.

The Paradies Shops and Creative Host Services are contributing a combined $2 million worth of improvements for renovations to the retail and food/beverage facilities. Shops and restaurants are expected to open by Fall 2007.

The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce that Mary Quinn Ramer has been hired as vice president of tourism marketing.

Ramer will be responsible for coordinating all tourism marketing efforts for theBureau and will work closely with tourism partners in the Bluegrass Region.

"Mary Quinn Ramer brings a wonderful mix of talents to the Bureau" said David Lord, President of the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau. "She is well respected throughout the region for her work with Shaker Village, the Perryville Battlefield, Centre College's Vice Presidential Debate, and the World Games 2010 Foundation, to name but a few. She's a planner and an implementer, and will serve the Bureau well at this important time."

Ramer, a Danville native, brings nearly a decade of marketing communications and tourism experience to the Bureau, serving most recently as senior account manager for Preston-Osborne and executive director of the Danville-Boyle County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Her work on the 2000 Vice Presidential Debate at Centre College earned Preston-Osborne a Silver Anvil Award, the highest industry award given by the Public Relations Society of America, in 2001.

“I am looking forward to joining the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau,” said Ramer. “The Bluegrass Region—and Lexington, in particular—is ripe with tourism opportunities. I have a deep love of the history, heritage and culture of this area, and I look forward to serving as an ambassador for the Bureau.”

Ramer is a 1998 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Centre College and is active with several civic and charitable organizations including the McDowell House Museum, the Perryville Battlefield Preservation Association and the Rural Heritage Development Initiative.

June 20, 2007 Saudi Arabia Donates $2.35 Million to Kentucky Horse Park for International Exhibition

The International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park has announced that the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation has agreed to become the presenting sponsor of a major international exhibition and film entitled, A Gift from the Desert: The Art, History and Culture of the Arabian Horse. The exhibition will be produced by and held in the museum during the summer and fall of 2010 in conjunction with the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. This will be the third major international exhibition developed by the museum this decade.

The $2.35 million donation represents the largest ever received by the museum for an exhibition.

Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher stated, “ Kentucky and Saudi Arabia share a deep love of horses. I appreciate the confidence that the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation has placed in the Kentucky Horse Park ’s International Museum of the Horse to showcase what is perhaps history’s most important breed of horse, the Arabian, which so profoundly influenced Kentucky ’s signature breed, the Thoroughbred. We are honored to be the site at which this world-class exhibition will be seen by an international audience and very pleased to be partnering with them in this endeavor which will serve to enhance the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games here in 2010.”

John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park noted, “Considering the inexpressible beauty of the Arabian horse and the rich and ancient culture surrounding it, it’s easy to understand why we are so excited to have received this magnanimous gift from the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation to assist in funding this project. The Kentucky Horse Park is extremely pleased to be the site where this blockbuster exhibition will be developed and offered to the world.”

A Gift from the Desert will be the first major exhibition to explore the dynamic impact of the horse on Near Eastern civilization, with particular emphasis on the Arabian horse. The exhibition will be a fascinating journey from the arrival of the first domesticated horses in the Near East to the renaissance of purebred Arabian horse breeding in the Near East today. It will also explore:

As with all horse breeds, the story of the Arabian horse is dependant upon the cultures that created, nurtured and protected their purity. Strong emphasis will be placed upon these cultures, not only in relation to the horse, but also in their myriad contributions to human civilization.

Geographically, the exhibition and film will concentrate on the Near East , covering the modern states of the United Arab Emirates , Qatar , Oman , Yemen , Kuwait , Bahrain , the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , Syria , Iraq , Jordan , Lebanon , Palestine , Egypt , Israel , Turkey and Iran .

The 9,000 square foot exhibition will contain between 300 to 350 artifacts and works of art. Material will be solicited from prominent Near Eastern museums, academic institutions and private collections, as well as from prominent American and European collections.

The one-hour film will be produced and directed by Ms. Jo Franklin, President of Seacastle Films. She is noted for her eight highly acclaimed productions on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Near East , all of which appeared in prime-time broadcasts on the Public Broadcasting Service in the U.S. Ms. Franklin is also an owner and rider of Arabian horses.

Based on attendance figures from the museum’s previous two international exhibitions, and the additional guests expected to attend the Kentucky Horse Park ’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010, A Gift from the Desert is anticipated to attract approximately 300,000 visitors.

Bill Cooke, museum director, stated: “There is no way that I can express my gratitude enough to the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation not only for their support financially, but also for their confidence in our museum to produce the definitive exhibition regarding the rich equestrian heritage of the Near East . The fact that we will be presenting this to an international audience during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, only adds to the significance of their support.”

For more information on the donation or the exhibition, contact museum director Bill Cooke at 859-259-4232 or email bill.cooke@ky.gov. For more information on the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park , click on www.kyhorsepark.com.

June 13 The Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa Announces the Opening of its New Full Service Spa

LEXINGTON , KY , June 13, 2007 – After six months of construction the highly anticipated, $1.7 million, 7,000 square foot, full-service spa at Marriott’s Griffin Gate Resort & Spa in Lexington officially opened its doors today! This is the first and only hotel with a full service spa in Lexington .

The Spa at Griffin Gate has seven treatment rooms, including one full wet massage room, a secluded manicure and pedicure area; a relaxation room for guests’ use before and after spa services, and luxurious changing and shower rooms.

Hotel guests and the general public are welcome to enjoy a myriad of healthful and soothing spa treatments such as body wraps, facials, steam room, salon services, and customized treatments. Special bridal packages and spa treatments for men are also offered.

“With so many people interested in health and wellness – or just a little pampering – we are thrilled to have this wonderful new addition at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa,” said Mark Jeffrey, General Manager. “The new spa not only offers our guests and local residents a great retreat, but meeting planners now have more leisure options for attendees that can help relieve stress and benefit them even after the conference is over.”

The Spa at Griffin Gate uses two spa product lines, Kerstin Florian and June Jacobs. Kerstin Florian develops and manufactures a progressive range of European facial, body, bath, and spa treatments, while June Jacobs’ product line is an elegant collection based on botanical derived extracts.

The signature treatment of The Spa at Griffin Gate is the Bluegrass Wrap, a 50 minute nurturing and stimulating herbal wrap steeped in the healing power of locally sourced herbs. This treatment starts with a light herbal massage to smooth and soften the skin, followed by a detoxifying wrap, and also includes a scalp, hand and foot massage. Another special treatment is The Wildflower Body Renewal, a 50 minute gentle full-body exfoliation that softens the skin. A pressure point scalp and foot massage is also included with this treatment. Both of these luxurious services are priced at $90.

For individuals looking to indulge in a spa getaway, two pampering packages are available:

Indulge Escape! Spa Package – includes deluxe accommodations and breakfast for two, along with $100 credit toward spa services.

Hours of The Spa at Griffin Gate are 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, seven days a week. All spa clients receive valet parking, and use of the hotel’s indoor/outdoor pool and fitness center. To schedule an appointment, call 859-288-6101.

In addition to the new full service spa, the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa has made other newly renovated enhancements to the property. Meeting space has been increased to a total of 21,000 square feet of flexible event space -- the most of any hotel in Lexington -- with the addition of the Terrace Atrium and the Terrace Ballroom. These two new meeting venues feature windows and French doors overlooking the resort ground s . Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa has also added the Paddock tent, offering an outdoor venue for up to 550 people, perfect for receptions, dinners and weddings.

Other upgrades include all new fitness center equipment; a new JW’s Restaurant concept, which transitions from a casual breakfast spot to a place for a leisurely lunch to a fine dining destination; a new Starbucks; and, a new gift shop.

The new spa is just one of many guest amenities at the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa. Additional offerings include an 18-hole golf course designed by Rees Jones, indoor and outdoor pool, fitness facility, high-speed Internet access and wireless capabilities, and two restaurants including The Mansion, a Lexington landmark and travel destination unto itself. Outdoor activities include basketball, tennis and sand volleyball.

The Griffin Gate Marriott Resort &Spa is managed by Marriott International. It is located at 1800 Newtown Pike, in Lexington , Kentucky . The property has 388 guest rooms and 21 suites and is conveniently located to the Lexington Blue Grass Airport Downtown, historic Keeneland Horse Track and the Kentucky Horse Park . The resort is only an hour from the Cincinnati and Louisville airports.

For more information about the Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa or to make reservations, please call (800) 228-9290 or visit griffingatemarriott.com.

May 8, 2007 Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau to Launch Hospitality Training Program. Thousands to be trained and certified by 2010

This week the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau announced its plan to put in place a certified hospitality training program for the Bluegrass Region. The Bureau will contract with nationally renowned hospitality trainer Mickey Schaefer, owner of Mickey Schaefer & Associates and founder of the Tourism Ambassador Institute.

“The Bureau recently completed its strategic plan for the next four years, and hospitality training was one of the top ten action items in that plan,” said David Lord, president, Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“The Bureau feels that hospitality training is the perfect task for the organization. We are charged with recruiting leisure and convention travelers to the Bluegrass Region. When they visit we want to make sure their experience is a positive one. We want them to return and to tell others about what a wonderful time they had in the Lexington area. Our hospitality program will actually certify volunteers and employees on an annual basis. It will be a combination of standard hospitality curriculum, hands-on learning and customized training on topics and issues unique to the Bluegrass Region.”

Bluegrass Hospitality Association president and Keeneland Foundation executive director Fran Taylor also noted, “We are striving for a professionally trained pool of volunteers and hospitality workers who will be capable of interacting with visitors and giving knowledgeable answers to their questions. Imagine if visitors ask a question of someone at the airport, at a local hotel, or at Keeneland, and they each get the same answer from three different people. That is what we are trying to achieve—consistency in message, accuracy in details and a high level of hospitality.”

The certified hospitality training program will be open to the Bluegrass Region, and the Bureau will be working with the Bluegrass Hospitality Association and other local and regional groups to attract committed volunteers.

Lord also noted the importance of a unified hospitality message as preparation for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. He said, “Although we are not implementing this solely for the Games, it certainly is an added incentive for us to get this program off the ground now so we’ll have people properly trained for that event. Another pressing need for us to launch this program is to differentiate ourselves. As we work to grow our convention business we see a need for this program to be an asset for us in recruiting larger conferences and this program can really set us apart from some other destinations when selling ourselves to meeting planners.”

The Bureau anticipates that it will offer its training to front-line service professionals and volunteers in the hospitality business, including restaurants, hotels, and attractions. Training will be available to other industries, as well.

The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit destination sales and service organization that promotes Lexington and the Bluegrass Region as an outstanding destination for convention, business and leisure travel.

Mickey Schafer & Associates (MSA) is a professional consulting practice specializing in guiding the strategic direction of the meetings industry, tourism, and associations. Administered through the Tourism Ambassador Institute ä , a division of MSA, the Certified Tourism Ambassador (CTA) Program is a certification program that serves to increase tourism by inspiring front-line hospitality employees and volunteers to work together to turn every visitor encounter into a positive experience. Currently MSA is working in Kansas City , Tucson , the entire Phoenix area, and Milwaukee . For more information, visit www.MickeyandAssociates.com or www.TourismAmbassadorInstitute.com.

The World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc., the organization responsible for planning and executing the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, today announced that Anne Buchanan has been promoted to Director of Administration. Buchanan is one of the two original employees who began working for the Foundation more than a year ago.

"Anne has been a key member of our staff since the beginning and has demonstrated very strong administrative abilities, which are crucial to our success," stated Jack Kelly, CEO of the Foundation. "We are pleased to be able to recognize bother her present and anticipated contributions."

As Director of Administration, Buchanan will be responsible for directing and conducting a whole range of administrative duties as well as overseeing other ones such as Equine Entertainment, Horsesport Organization Relations and Special Projects. She will also contribute her perspective to a number of other Games functions.

Prior to joining the World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc, Anne worked for Team Valor, an international racing syndicate based in Versailles , Kentucky . At Team Valor, she coordinated the international movement of racehorses and other clients. While there she gained valuable experience with transport companies, veterinarians from many countries, as well as quarantine regulations and facilities.

“I am delighted to expand my role within the World Games 2010 Foundation,” stated Ms. Buchanan. “It is both a privilege and an honor to participate, in a meaningful way, in the perpetuation of Kentucky ’s horse economy, and to the growth of the equine industry in the United States through the 2010 Games.”

Buchanan has also served as Field Director for the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP). An award-winning educator and popular speaker, she has traveled to all of Kentucky ’s counties, as her main role at KEEP involved public appearances/promotional speaking, organizing and staffing events and interacting regularly with equine professionals of all trades and disciplines.

The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park , are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the FEI, and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines ever previously been held together at a single site— both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park . The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million. It is anticipated that more than 600,000 spectators will attend the 16-day competition.

April 24, 2007 Horsepower of another kind attracts a national audience to Keeneland during fouth annual Concours d'Elegance

LEXINGTON , KY —Keeneland is widely known for its Thoroughbred horsepower. But a different kind of horsepower is making quite a name for itself on the grounds of the legendary race course.

One hundred extravagant automobiles will be showcased on the historic racing grounds of Keeneland, drawing car enthusiasts from around the country to the fourth annual Concours d'Elegance, August 23-26, 2007 .

Concours d’Elegance, a “gathering of elegance,” originated in Paris during the 1920s. The Concours quickly became not only an event for automobile manufacturers to parade the latest edition of extravagant automobiles, but also a spot for fashion designers to showcase the latest styles.

This year's event will feature Jaguar as the guest marque, and famed Jaguar racing legend Bob Tullius, who grew to immense fame with his racing team Group 44, will be present to sign autographs. As in previous years, 100 nationally and internationally acclaimed Concours automobiles will be judged to receive the coveted trophy sponsored by horse farms throughout the region. Cars exhibited at the event fall into one of 13 judged categories.

A special, “Grand Classic Event” exhibit with the Indiana Region's Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) will feature limited edition cars produced in 1925-1948, including Duesenberg, Mercedes, Bentleys and Packard. This Grand Classic Event boasts a collection of cars that are the pinnacle of design, engineering and manufacturing for its era. Additional rare and exotic cars will be showcased in the Car Club Paddock.

Although this four-day event is best known for the Saturday Concours d’Elegance and its magnificent display of automobiles, additional events and activities provide visitors and participants a taste of Kentucky's art, culture and elegance. All proceeds from the Keeneland Concours benefit the Kentucky Children’s Hospital and WUKY public radio.

“It is our hope and our goal that the Concours d’Elegance provides everyone with a unique experience—a mix of art, flair, design, sounds and—of course—a cause,” said event chairman Tom Jones. “There are many reasons to be excited about the 2007 Concours, and we are looking forward to hosting another outstanding weekend in the Bluegrass.”

Tours of two renowned distilleries complete with bourbon sampling from select barrels. Pick your favorite sample and have it bottled with exclusive Keeneland Concours label. (Registration limited)

Cocktail reception, fine dining and dancing at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. A live auction offering extravagant vacations and racing weekends add to the exotic atmosphere of the evening. ($150 per person)

Concours automobiles, a CCCA Grand Classic Event, BobTullius, and hundreds of cars in the Car Club Paddock. Also included will be automotive art, fashion, and unique shopping. ($15/person; under 12 free. Collector’s event program/$10)

Casual setting for food, drink and music featuring the awards ceremony of the CCCA Grand Classic Club. Concours automobile winners will share the spotlight with modern and vintage airplanes parked on the tarmac of the Aviation Museum of Kentucky. (Registration limited.)

A drive through the beautiful Bluegrass countryside with a stop at the Kentucky 's Governor's Mansion and a luncheon/tour at historic Elmendorf Farm. Farm tour also includes a look at the world’s largest horse-drawn carriage collection.

Today, there are approximately 40 Concours events throughout the country, and Lexington , Kentucky , is fortunate to be the home to the Keeneland Concours d’Elegance. For more information on the Keeneland Concours d’Elegance, please visit www.keenelandconcours.com.

March 28, 2007 World Games 2010 Foundation Names Discipline Managers for 2010 Event

LEXINGTON , Ky. – The World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. today announced its Discipline Manager selections for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010. The following individuals have been selected after an exhaustive search process, conducted over the last few months:

Vitally important to the overall success of the 2010 Games, the Discipline Managers will be responsible for planning, managing and directing the World Championship competitions, any test events leading up to the 2010 WEG, communicating with the High Performance community and related organizations, and overseeing development and administration of the discipline’s budget. The eight managers will work on a contract basis with the World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc.

“Selecting the Discipline Managers has taken extensive time and energy because there were so many terrific candidates around the globe to choose from,” stated Rob Hinkle, Chief Operations Officer for the World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc. “The hard work and diligence by many people has paid off, however. We are thrilled that these individuals have agreed to work with us over the next three and a half years.”

“We are very happy with the choices made by the Organizing Committee,” stated Michael Stone, Secretary General of the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI). “It is an extremely tough task to get to this point because there are so many qualified candidates, but we feel this group will serve us well in 2010.”

The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park , are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe ; nor have all eight disciplines ever previously been held together at a single site— both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park . The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million. It is anticipated that more than 600,000 spectators will attend the 16-day competition.

FRANKFORT, KY (March 28, 2007) – Governor Ernie Fletcher and Get Healthy Kentucky (GHK) today announced GHK’s sponsorship of the 2007 Bluegrass State Games and unveiled the new marketing logo for the annual sporting event that draws thousands of athletes from across the commonwealth.

“Since their inception in 1985, the Bluegrass State Games have served as a fun and exciting athletic competition for amateur athletes from all parts of the commonwealth,” said Governor Fletcher at an announcement in the lobby of Rupp Arena in downtown Lexington . “Bluegrass Games participants are the best ambassadors we could have to help us spread the Get Healthy message.”

The Bluegrass sponsorship grew out of Get Healthy Kentucky’s continued work to change the health of Kentuckians through targeted initiatives that emphasize prevention. The program has consistently sought out partnerships with communities, organizations, groups and events that share the GHK mission of wellness and prevention of chronic diseases like diabetes and stroke.

“Partnerships with local communities and organizations such as the Bluegrass State Games are essential to getting the word out about Get Healthy Kentucky,” said Governor Fletcher.

Other sponsors of this year’s Bluegrass Games are: Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, Ashland Inc., Kentucky Utilities, Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau, McDonald’s of Central Kentucky, Best Western, Central Bank, Lexington Hotel/Motel Association and the Radisson Plaza Hotel, among others. Most events will take place in around the city of Lexington . A regional softball tournament in Bowling Green also has been added to this year’s events.

“This is truly a great venue to showcase Get Healthy Kentucky and highlight the hard work of those who participate,” said Governor Fletcher.

Get Healthy Kentucky is a statewide wellness initiative that incorporates physical activity, nutrition and tobacco cessation and prevention components. GHK has created an opportunity for individuals and groups to have a one-stop, central location for information and resources that will improve the quality of life for Kentuckians and help prevent chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.

GHK is designed for residents of all ages and includes access to reliable, unbiased information on the GHK Web site, www.gethealthy.ky.gov. The site provides information about the Governor’s Challenge program, an incentive-based fitness program designed to help participants set personal fitness goals and track progress online.

The Bluegrass State Games is an annual athletic competition founded in 1985. The event draws thousands of athletes of all ages and skill levels, who compete in a broad range of sporting events. The Games include more than 60 venues in Fayette and surrounding counties with participants ranging in age from 2 to 86 years old.

“We’re excited to sponsor the 2007 Bluegrass State Games and spread the Get Healthy Kentucky message to our athletes,” said Get Healthy Kentucky’s Executive Director Chris L. Corbin. “GHK is thrilled to support this event and we feel that our program and the Games are a natural union.”

For more information about Get Healthy Kentucky or to participate in the Governor’s Challenge, visit www.GetHealthy.ky.gov. The Web site contains information to help Kentuckians lead healthier, more active lifestyles and information on incentives to motivate Kentuckians to continue to challenge themselves.

March 27, 2007 Buffalo Trace Distillery Garners More Awards. The San Franscisco World Spirits Compeition names medal winners.

Franklin County, Kentucky— The San Francisco World Spirits Competition announced the 2007 winners. The whiskies of Buffalo Trace Distillery earned numerous medals including, “Top North American Whiskey,” presented to Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey. The competition also bestowed six “Double Gold” medals upon other renowned Buffalo Trace products. “Double Gold” is the competition’s highest honor. The winners in this year’s competition include:

“We come to work everyday with the intent of making the best whiskey possible,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller of Buffalo Trace Distillery. “When we win awards of this caliber it really validates our efforts. We are thrilled to be recognized and will continue to work hard to offer our customers some of the finest whiskey made.”

Buffalo Trace has garnered more awards since 1990 than any other North American distillery—over 160 awards for more than 15 different brands. In 2006 the distillery was recognized by three of the spirit’s industry elite, being named “Distiller of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast Magazine and Whisky Magazine and “Distillery of the Year” by Malt Advocate Magazine. Only Buffalo Trace has won all three awards in the same year.

March 7, 2007 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Unveils New Merchandising and Marketing Logo

LEXINGTON , Ky. – The World Games 2010 Foundation today unveiled the new merchandising and marketing logo for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, which is coming to the Kentucky Horse Park in 2010. The announcement was made at the Downtown Arts Center in Lexington .

“We are very excited about today’s announcement,” said Rolf Linder, Chief Marketing Officer for the Foundation. “Our new merchandising logo will give the Games, Alltech and the Fédération Equestre Internationale ( FEI ) a striking visual identity and will encourage those who support our event to wear this image proudly.”

"The FEI has built a new brand structure for the FEI World Equestrian Games which clarifies the ownership of our most valuable property and highlights our partnership with Alltech," FEI Secretary General Michael Stone declared. "We are confident that the additional brand mark, developed by the Organizing Committee for merchandising purposes, will be a great success and a valuable asset to the existing identity."

“Alltech is very proud to be the title sponsor of this prestigious event,” said Deirdre Lyons, Director of Corporate Design and Project Management for Alltech. “This new mark will allow us to extend the Games’ image globally in new and exciting ways.”

The new merchandising and marketing logo is the result of three months of collaboration between the World Games 2010 Foundation, FEI , Alltech, AllPro Championships and Louisville-based Red7e, the advertising agency of record for the Games.

“It has been a challenge for the various parties to come together to develop
a single visual identity for merchandising use,” said Dan Barbercheck,
president of Red7e. “We’re proud to have participated in the process, and we look forward to seeing this dynamic horse image used in the marketplace.”

Clothing and novelty items adorned with the new logo are available online at the Games official website, www.feigames2010.org. Many new lines of merchandise are currently being developed by Kentucky-based AllPro Championships, the official licensing partner of the Games.

“We think this new logo will give fans and supporters of the event an opportunity to identify themselves with the Games in a significant way,” said Ben Erps, President of AllPro Championships. “We are honored to be a part of such a large event, and we will be able to create wide array of appealing items with this new logo.”

The new logo, which incorporates a horse head graphic with the Alltech and FEI marks, will be used for merchandise designs and other related marketing initiatives. The mark also has a Kentucky aspect, as well.

“The inspiration for the red, white and blue horse graphic came from Kentucky ’s Unbridled Spirit™ brand,” Linder stated. “We think it’s important for these Games to have an identity that says Kentucky because these are the first World Equestrian Games outside of Europe . The logo should celebrate America , too.”

The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park , are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale ( FEI ) and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe, nor have all eight disciplines ever previously been held together at a single site— both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park . The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million. It is anticipated that more than 600,000 spectators will attend the 16-day competition.

January 30, 2007 Allthech FEI World Equestrian Games to Gain Mass Exposure From Highway Signs Across Kentucky. More than 400 million travelers will pass by leading up to the Games.

LEXINGTON , Ky. – The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games today stated that the placement of six highway signs informing travelers of the upcoming event, will reap immeasurable benefits for the Games, its sponsors and Kentucky .

“We cannot express how excited we are that the state has embraced the Games to this level,” stated Jack Kelly, CEO of the event. “This really shows that Kentucky understands the magnitude of this event and we thank the Transportation Cabinet and Department of Tourism for making these signs happen.”

The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of fans from around the world and will serve as the world championships for eight different equestrian disciplines.

On average, more than 55,000 cars pass by each of the six locations daily. With approximately 42 months between now and the Games, that totals more than 400 million cars, whose occupants will see these signs.

“There is no more visible opportunity to educate and remind people that the Games are coming than on our interstates,” Kelly added. “We are also pleased that Alltech and the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), who are also undergoing branding efforts, can benefit from these signs, as well.”

Announced last week by the Kentucky Department of Transportation, the signs are emblazoned with the Unbridled Spirit mark and state that Kentucky is “Home of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.”

Currently, the signs are placed near highway entrances to the state at the following locations:

January 25, 2007 Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau Receives Readers' Choice Award

The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau was recently recognized for excellence, creativity and professionalism by the readership of Convention South magazine with a Readers’ Choice Award. Annually the publication’s readership votes for hotels, resorts, convention centers and CVBs they feel display exemplary professionalism and service standards.

Convention South covers 14 states including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Morehead Conference Center were recipients of the only two Readers’ Choice Awards given in Kentucky.

January 24, 2007 Hyatt Announces Major Renovation Project for Downtown Lexington. New franchise operator investing $16.4 million.

Hyatt Regency Lexington announced today plans for a $16.4 million renovation under new franchise operator, The Procaccianti Group (TPG). Representatives from Global Hyatt Corporation and TPG Hospitality were present for the announcement, along with Mayor Jim Newberry and other community leaders.

“This is an exciting time for all of us at the Hyatt. We believe this renovation will restore Kentucky ’s premiere convention hotel with the finest rooms, food and meeting facilities,” said Larry Bell, General Manager. “The investment will also support other developments being made throughout the city and help us as we prepare to host the World Equestrian Games and its international audience in 2010.”

Following the announcement, Procaccianti Group Regional Director of Operations Steve Harper expressed his excitement at the prospect of completing the project.

“We anticipate that the renovation will attract meeting planners, business travelers and tourists alike who appreciate the hotel’s prime location,” he said. “We look forward to renovating and managing one of the city’s signature properties and being a part of the downtown area. We’re thrilled to be associated with the Lexington Convention Center ; it’s truly one of the best facilities in the country.”

The design firm, JCJ Architects with offices in New York , Hartford and San Diego , will oversee a complete transformation of the hotel with contemporary amenities to accommodate the needs of all guests and travelers.

“Now that the Convention Center renovation and expansion is complete, the Hyatt renovation is the last component to enhance the opportunities for convention business, allowing us to compete as a premier convention site,” said Bill Owen, Lexington Center Corporation President.

TPG purchased the Hyatt in December 2006 from Goldman Sach’s Whitehall Street Real Estate Fund and affiliates of Highgate Holdings. The hotel will continue to operate as a Hyatt Regency under a license agreement with Global Hyatt Corporation.

“Downtown development and revitalization are important to our community,” said Mayor Jim Newberry. “As we prepare Lexington for the future, the renovation of the Hyatt couldn’t happen at a better time. This represents the new Lexington —progress, change and collaboration.”

General Manager Larry Bell, a native of Lexington , also pledged that the Hyatt will become more engaged and committed to community participation—not just downtown, but throughout the Bluegrass Region.

“As a Kentucky native, I remember when the Hyatt Regency was unquestionably the top hotel in Lexington ,” said Bell . “It is our singular goal to reclaim that position.”

The renovation is scheduled to start during the fourth quarter of 2007 and is due for completion by 2009. During this time, the Hyatt Regency Lexington will maintain normal operations with no impact to guests.

About The Procaccianti Group (TPG)
The Procaccianti Group (TPG) is a second generation, privately held real estate investment company that specializes in acquisition, renovation and management of investment real estate. TPG has owned or developed over 17 million square feet of real estate valued at more than $4 billion.

TPG is comprised of various companies engaged in hospitality management, mixed-use development, design and construction, purchasing, property management, asset management and lending.

TPG currently owns 47 hotels totaling 12,195 guest rooms in 17 states and employs approximately 6,000 people from coast to coast with 200 professionals based at the corporate headquarters in Rhode Island . TPG Hospitality's large and diverse portfolio includes the nation's leading hotel brands—Hyatt, Hilton, InterContinental, Marriott and Starwood properties.

The Prococcianti Group is one of the top ten privately held hotel owner/operators in the United States . For more information visit www.procgroup.com.

About Global Hyatt Corporation
There are 217 Hyatt branded hotels and resorts (more than 90,000 rooms) in 43 countries, operating under the Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Grand Hyatt® and Park Hyatt® brands. Currently, there are an additional 47 Hyatt hotels and resorts under development, including 15 new hotels in China . Global Hyatt Corporation is also the owner of Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc. operator of the 12 Hyatt Vacation Club timeshare and fractional residential properties, Hyatt Equities, L.L.C. (hotel ownership), Select Hotels Group L.L.C. (which owns, manages and franchises 163 AmeriSuites hotels, Hyatt Place and Summerfield Suites hotels) and U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc. (which franchises 95 Hawthorn Suites, and 265 Microtel Inns and Suites).

January 19, 2007 Actors Guild of Lexington and Equus Run Vineyards Partner for Summer Shakespeare Production

Lexington, KY— Friday morning, 1/19/07, Actors Guild of Lexington announced a partnership with Equus Run Vineyards at a press conference on the grounds of Equus Run. The press conference was to announce the partnership and the scheduled production of William Shakespeare’s Love’s Labours Lost June 21-30, 2007. Speaking at the press conference were; Lori Meadows, Executive Director, Kentucky Arts Council, Jim Clark, President, LexArts, Randy Fiveash, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Tourism, Richard St. Peter, Artistic Director, AGL, Cynthia Bohn, Equus Run, Owner & Winemaker, Rev. Albert Pennybacker, Board President, AGL, and Anthony R. Haigh, Chair, Division of Arts and Humanities, Centre College.

Rev. Albert Pennybacker, Board President, Actors Guild of Lexington, began the press conference with a few words of scripture, “To quote the bible, ‘I’m glad I was here in the beginning’”. Equus Run owner Cynthia Bohn spoke of regional theatre and how she feels fortunate to be a part of it, “This is a long-term partnership between Equus Run and Actors Guild of Lexington”. Both Lori Meadows, Executive Director, Kentucky Arts Council and Randy Fiveash, Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Tourism spoke of the benefits for the state and how the partnership between private and non-profit is a smart thing for the progression of the arts in the state of Kentucky. LexArts president and CEO Jim Clark expressed to the crowd how excited he is in regards to the scenery in which Shakespeare at Equus Run will be presented. “When I’m driving through the country past the horse farms and rolling hills I often call my friends in New York and say, ‘I live in the most beautiful place on Earth’”. Richard St. Peter, Artistic Director, Actors Guild of Lexington, had a very Shakespearian moment while looking out upon the amphitheatre on the grounds of Equus Run. “I look at the Elkhorn Creek flowing through the rolling hills here at Equus Run and I wonder if Shakespeare stood on the banks of the Avon overlooking the English country side and was equally inspired”.

Actors Guild of Lexington also plans to mount two other productions closely related to Shakespeare this summer; New York City’s acclaimed dance company, The Pick Up Performance Company will bring a performance of Dancing Henry Five. This critically acclaimed production tells the epic story of Henry V in just over one hour. The New York Times calls Dancing Henry Five “A beguiling blend of dance and theatre, the piece boils down a four-hour historical and romantic epic into a one-hour performance”. Jointly presented by Actors Guild of Lexington, LexArts, and The Pick Up Performance Company May 24-26, 2007 at the Downtown Arts Center. And to round out the Summer Shakespeare Season Actors Guild of Lexington and Paragon Music Theatre are happily collaborating on Kiss Me Kate, the Cole Porter musical based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shew July 8- August 12, 2007 at the Downtown Arts Center.

With this announcement Actors Guild of Lexington will be filling the hole in summer theatre, left by the closing of the Lexington Shakespeare Festival, by bringing something new and thrilling to the entire Bluegrass Region. Summer 2007 will begin the Shakespeare at Equus Run event with one show on the vineyard grounds to be followed by full summer seasons in the years to come. Actors Guild of Lexington and Equus Run Vineyards are ensuring Shakespeare stays alive and well in Central Kentucky.

December 21, 2006 Thoroughbred Hospitality Elects to Drop Best Western Brand From Local Hotel

Lexington, KY —As of January 2007, Thoroughbred Hospitality will no longer operate their property on South Broadway under the Best Western name brand. The property, currently known as Best Western Downtown Hotel and Suites will be newly named the Inn on Broadway and no longer be affiliated with the Best Western chain of hotels. “This will save considerable costs for franchise fees and enable the hotel to enjoy the advantages of running an independent operation,” said Joe Montgomery, President of Thoroughbred Hospitality. “The market's reception to the renovation and upgrade that we recently completed, has been beyond our expectations and quite frankly, has created a situation where we do not need the brand affiliation" said Joe Mitchell, Sales Director.

The locally owned and operated hotel is part of Crowne Plaza the Campbell House complex and is operated by Thoroughbred Hospitality. The Suite hotel was added to Crowne Plaza the Campbell House family of buildings in the late 1980’s in order to accommodate long term guests in the tobacco and horse business. The 64 units, including 39 suites, underwent extensive renovations in September 2005, at the same time as Crowne Plaza the Campbell House, and recently received Best Western’s prestigious Governor’s Award for outstanding service and facilities.

Guests of the Inn on Broadway will continue to enjoy the service and amenities that have given the property such a positive reputation. “We continuously receive positive feedback from our guests and serve many repeat customers,” said Montgomery , “We’re looking forward to continuous growth in this market, based on our product’s reputation, sales focus and word of mouth references.”

A quaint lobby with fireplace, beautiful guest rooms, and reduced price are all part of the hotel’s position as an affordable boutique hotel. “The Inn on Broadway is for the guest that doesn’t need to be in the middle of it all, but wants to enjoy all that this property has to offer,” said Jennie Grote, General Manager. In addition to continental breakfast, a business center and fitness center, guests of the Inn on Broadway have full access to all the amenities, such as the pool and Bogart’s lounge, located in Crowne Plaza the Campbell House. Reservations for the Inn on Broadway will still be handled directly through the in-house reservation department at the Crowne Plaza at 859-255-4281.

November 7, 2006 Raven Run Nature Sanctuary Becomes Largest Fayette County Park After 200+ Acre Land Purchase

With the acquisition of more than 256 acres of pristine farm and woodland in southern Fayette County, the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary has become the largest park in Lexington. The facility now encompasses approximately 726 acres, including 3,300 feet of Kentucky River frontage and historic palisades.

The acquisition has been discussed for more than a decade. The property, located along Evans Mill Road, was owned by Dr. Ben and Mary Jo Crawford. After lengthy due diligence inspections, multiple appraisals and negotiations, the property was purchased for $1,685,000. Funding for the purchase comes from general fund appropriations along with a grant from the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation fund.

“This is a great day for our parks system,” said Chuck Ellis, Director of the Division of Park and Recreation. “The Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is one of the true jewels in our park and recreation system. The ability to add to it with the bonus of being able to protect more than a half –mile of riverfront makes this one of the most significant additions to our parks system in recent years. Our thanks go out to the many individuals and groups who helped make this happen and were invaluable during this complicated process.”

The Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the Kentucky River Palisades and early Kentucky historic features. More than 600 species of plants have been identified at Raven Run with more than two dozen plants and trees listed as plants of special concern by the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission. Wildlife including turkey, white-tailed deer, quail, rabbits, also make Raven Run home. Over 200 species of birds stay in the park year-round or use it as a significant resting area during Spring and Fall migrations.

Visitors to Raven Run can access a wide variety of natural areas via a 10-mile network of trails that cross through meadows, streams, woodlands and a scenic outlook near the Kentucky River. A paved Freedom Trail is accessible to persons with disabilities.

Historic features within Raven Run include a lime kiln, gristmill and historic farmhouse. The Raven Run nature Center provides educational displays, maps and brochures regarding these cultural and natural resources. Classes and seminars are offered year-round for persons of all ages and interest. More information about the educational offerings at Raven Run is available through the parks web site at www.lfucg.com/parks.

A new Raven Run Visitor and Tourist Center has been designed and is currently being evaluated for actual construction in the near future. The structure will include a new display and learning center, classrooms and group facilities. Raven Run’s trails are open every day from 9a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The mission of the Division and of Parks and Recreation is to provide quality parkland, recreational facilities, programs and open spaces for all.

October 30, 2006 Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau wins Two Traverse Awards for Excellence

Frankfort, KY, October 28, 2006 – Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau has received two awards within its division in the Kentucky Tourism Council 2006 Traverse Awards for Excellence Tourism Marketing competition. These are First Place for Television Advertising and an Honorable Mention for Tourism Rack Brochure.

The awards presentation was held October 24 during an evening gala at the Executive West Hotel in Louisville as part of the Kentucky Tourism Industry Annual Conference.

Traverse Awards are presented annually for the best work in advertising and marketing among Kentucky tourism businesses and marketing organizations. This year, a panel of out-of-state experts in tourism marketing judged more than 200 entries from across the state.

The Traverse Awards for Excellence in Tourism Marketing are open to Kentucky Tourism Council and Kentucky Hotel & Lodging Association members offering a tourism product or service in Kentucky. All entries must have been published or distributed within the past year. Each entry is judged its creativity and how well it relates to its audience.

October 17 Buffalo Trace Distillery wins a new Triple Crown. Wine Enthusiast Magazine names Buffalo Trace "Distiller of the Year"

Franklin Co, KY --Wine Enthusiast Magazine has named Buffalo Trace Distillery “2006 Distiller of the Year.” This recognition comes after a stellar 2005 in which Buffalo Trace won both Malt Advocate Magazine’s “Distillery of the Year” award and Whisky Magazine’s “Distiller of the Year” award. Wine Enthusiast will present this latest award to Buffalo Trace January 29, 2007 at their “Wine Star” industry awards dinner held at the New York Public Library.

“We consider this award to be a new kind of Kentucky Triple Crown and we are celebrating,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller of Buffalo Trace. “To have such a notable publication as Wine Enthusiast Magazine take notice of our bourbons speaks volumes on the quality and craftsmanship going into every bottle of whiskey made here.”

Along with the recent awards from Wine Enthusiast, Malt Advocate and Whisky Magazine other publications such as Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible have also honored the whiskeys of Buffalo Trace Distillery. Since 2001 Buffalo Trace has earned six “Whiskey of the Year” titles and more than 100 other awards for brands such as: Buffalo Trace, George T. Stagg, Eagle Rare Single Barrel, W.L. Weller and Elmer T. Lee.

For more informa tion on the Wine Enthusiast Magazine and their annual “Wine Star” awards please visit www.winemag.com and to learn more about the award-winning bourbons of Buffalo Trace Dis tillery go to www.greatbourbon.com.

Old Friends has achieved yet another milestone; the Scott Country Board of Adjustments unanimously approved the home of retired Thoroughbred champions to operate a Bed and Breakfast at their 52 acre Georgetown farm and visitor facility. The Inn at Old Friends features sweeping views of the horse farm from each of the rooms located in the main residence. Guests are only steps away from the paddocks of celebrated Mulitple Grade 1 winners that now have a permanent retirement home at Old Friends. The farm houses 22 former racehorses, including Thoroughbred movie celebrity, Popcorn Deelites, who was cast as one of eight horses that played “Seabiscuit”. In addition to the impressive array of pensioned Thoroughbreds on the farm, there are miniature donkeys, picnic facilities, a basketball court and a private pond for enjoyment by the guests.

The decision to open a B&B was a natural evolution of the growth of the non-profit organization. For Old Friends founder Michael Blowen, establishing a B&B on the property adds even more appeal to the destination. “My wife and I always wanted to stay at a horse farm when we visited the Bluegrass. Now we live on one and we’d love to have like-minded guests stay with us!” The Inn at Old Friends will officially open on September 22, 2006 with two guest rooms available, both with private baths. Cost per room, per night begins at $150 and includes a continental breakfast each morning. The farm is conveniently located only 2 miles north of I-64 and is a 15 minutes drive from Lexington and 50 minutes from Louisville.

Last December when Gov. Ernie Fletcher announced that Kentucky had been awarded the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010, there was a promise that the media spotlight would soon start to shine on Kentucky . It starts this weekend.

Camera crews representing NBC Sports will be at the Kentucky Horse Park to tape some interviews and capture some footage all of which will be used in a 90-minute special on the 2006 World Equestrian Games that recently ended in Aächen , Germany . NBC will air highlights from the European event following its upcoming Ryder Cup coverage—and they will alsopreview the 2010 event.

“Carr-Hughes will oversee production of the 90-minute show, which will prominently feature some of the beauty that is the Bluegrass and horse country,” said Rolf Linder, senior vice president of sales and marketing for the World Games 2010 Foundation, the organizing body for the Kentucky event. “This will be but a small sampling of the media attention that will be cast on Lexington and all of Kentucky . This is an exciting time—not only because it will build interest in the games, it will start to spread a travel and tourism message to new audiences.”

“The Kentucky Horse Park will be at its peak of early fall beauty and we’re delighted to host the NBC production team here in Lexington ,” said John Nicholson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park . “We’re well-equipped to handle national and international media and we look forward to making the NBC broadcast a success not only for the Kentucky Horse Park , but also for the 2010 Games and the entire commonwealth as well.”

Veteran sports announcer Kenny Rice will serve as the Kentucky Horse Park host during the broadcast. A number of local companies and organizations have purchased advertising time for the program when it airs on September 24.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010, to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park , are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale ( FEI ), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe ; nor have all eight disciplines been held together at a single site— both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park .

Carr-Hughes has a long and successful history of bringing non-traditional TV sports like curling, luge, equestrian and cycling to major national TV audiences. Based in Greenfield Center , NY , near Saratoga Springs , Carr-Hughes Productions maintains its own editing, closed captioning, graphic, voice over and High Definition production facilities as well as a new mobile Avid edit unit.

August 8, 2006 Buffalo Trace Bourbons Surpass Competition. 2006 International Wine & Spirits Competition names medal winners.

Franklin County, Kentucky — The International Wine & Spirits Competition announced its 2006 winners. The whiskeys of Buffalo Trace Distillery earned more medals than any other American distillery. The competition was held this June in London, England. The following Buffalo Trace products received medals:

“It is an honor to have so many of our brands recognized at such a prestigious competition,” said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller of Buffalo Trace. “We try to make the best whiskey possible and awards like these really validate our efforts.”

Buffalo Trace has garnered more awards since 1990 than any other North American distillery—over 150 awards for more than 15 different brands. In 2005 Whisky Magazine named Buffalo Trace “Distiller of the Year.” The distillery was also named “2005 Distillery of the Year” by Malt Advocate Magazine.

To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotrace.com and for a complete list of IWSC winners go to www.iwsc.net.

LEXINGTON , KY: Save the dates! The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games at the Kentucky Horse Park are now officially scheduled for September 25 to October 10, 2010.

The official name of the games has also been finalized: “Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.”

“We’ll have a great deal more information to share in the coming weeks,” said John Nicholson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park and President of the World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc., “but for the time-being, we want to get this on everyone’s calendars and let all of the loyal clients and supportive constituents of the Kentucky Horse Park know exactly what we’re doing.”

Jack Kelly, CEO of the World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc., observed, “We want to do what’s best for the horses and be a good neighbor at the same time, so we factored a number of considerations into the equation and arrived at the end of September. A major issue for us was a concern about Pyroplasmosis, a disease spread to horses by dog ticks. These ticks go dormant after Labor Day, so we wanted to eliminate the threat by working with the United States Department of Agriculture to ascertain the best time for Pyroplasmosis-positive horses to arrive from other countries. These dates will resolve that concern. European horses are also not as accustomed to our hot summer temperatures, so we pushed the dates back a bit in the hope of hitting ideal temperatures for the horses to compete.”

He continued, “We also looked at some long-established events in the area, such as the September yearling sales and the Keeneland fall race meet, then set our dates to cause as little disruption to their events as possible. We will only overlap the last three days of the sales and the first two days of the race meet.

“Finally, we had to consider hotel availability. With several hundred thousand visitors coming into the area for the games, the local hotels are crucial to our success. We consulted with them and concluded that these dates would offer the largest number of hotel rooms, and should only overlap one University of Kentucky home football game.”

For more information on the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, click on www.alltechfeigames.com.

July 19, 2006 International Museum of the Horse Announces Smithsonian Affiliation. Kentucky Horse Park's Museum becomes New Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.

LEXINGTON , KY: The Kentucky Horse Park’s International Museum of the Horse learned this week that it has been approved to become a new affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian Affiliations is a unique outreach initiative that allows museums and educational and cultural institutions to obtain Smithsonian collections for exhibition. The program’s mission is to make the extensive Smithsonian collection more accessible to the American people by sharing artifacts and other resources with museums and cultural institutions across the country.

In addition to artifact loans, the Smithsonian helps affiliate organizations identify other Smithsonian resources to accompany exhibit loans: education and performing arts programs, expert speakers, teacher workshops, and technical assistance. Smithsonian Affiliates also receive access to professional development workshops and research opportunities for staff, and internships for students in affiliate communities.

“This is a wonderful honor for our museum,” noted park executive director, John Nicholson. “Having the opportunity to access the collections of the Smithsonian will be a tremendous asset in raising the International Museum of the Horse to an even higher standard prior to hosting the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010.”

The Smithsonian considers proposals from institutions whose missions are parallel to the Smithsonian’s and who demonstrate a strong commitment to serving their communities. Since 1996, Affiliate museums have borrowed more than 7,000 artifacts from the Smithsonian collections.

The museum’s director, Bill Cooke stated: “Being accepted as an affiliate by an organization as prestigious as the Smithsonian Institution is a true watershed event for the International Museum of the Horse. This partnership will open doors for us to expand our interpretation of the relationship between horse and man by incorporating both art and artifacts form the nation’s preeminent museum into our exhibits. At the same time, it will allow our staff to develop their knowledge and skills under the guidance of some of the nation’s finest museum professionals. We are very honored to receive this designation.”

The goal of Smithsonian Affiliations is to establish long term, meaningful relationships with similar organizations in order to maximize the cultural and educational benefits that they can bring to a community. Its success is reflected in visitor numbers:

“Today, Smithsonian Affiliations is doing more than sharing its treasures,” said Harold A. Closter, director of Smithsonian Affiliations. “We are building relationships with people in neighborhoods coast to coast, ensuring that all Americans can enjoy a quality Smithsonian experience, regardless of their proximity to Washington , D.C. The International Museum of the Horse is one of America 's great treasures. Their commitment to education and the display of world class exhibits enriches our understanding of the unbreakable link between horses and humankind. We are very proud to establish this affiliate partnership between the International Museum of the Horse and the Smithsonian Institution and look forward to an exciting exchange of artifacts, programs and ideas.”

For more information on the Smithsonian Affiliations, click on www.affiliations.si.edu. For more information on the International Museum of the Horse, click on www.kyhorsepark.com. To speak with Museum Director Bill Cooke, call 859-259-4231 ext 231 or email bill.cooke@ky.gov.

May 19, 2006 CEO Named to Lead 2010 FEI Games TM in Kentucky Long-time International Sports Event Executive Chosen

( Lexington, KY) – John P. (Jack) Kelly has been hired as the Chief Executive Officer of the World Games 2010 Foundation, Inc., the entity in charge of putting on the 2010 FEI Games TM in Kentucky, the world equestrian championships.

Kelly, 60, currently is both the secretary-general of USA Baseball and the CEO of the Space City Sports Commission in Houston.

“I’m very enthusiastic about again having the opportunity to lead a major international sporting event, particularly one like the 2010 FEI Games TM in Kentucky where so much infrastructure, excitement and support for the event already exists,” said Jack Kelly. “When the FEI awarded the Games to the Kentucky bid team, they did so with high expectations. I’m confident that we can meet and exceed these expectations and bring great credit to Kentucky.”

Kelly is also the founder and CEO of Event Partners, Inc., a broad-based sports consulting and event management and advisory company. Since 1995, the company has worked with more than 100 clients on all aspects of major event bidding, site selection, planning, operations, marketing, funding and management.

“I think Jack is the perfect fit for what the 2010 FEI Games TM need,” said World Games 2010 Foundation Chairman Jim Host. “With the equine expertise that we have in the United States Equestrian Federation and the Kentucky Horse Park, the political backing of both the city of Lexington and the state of Kentucky and the talents of all of our foundation members, Jack’s talents will help make these games a complete success.”

In addition, Kelly served from 1990 – 1996 as both the president of Turner Broadcasting’s Goodwill Games, Inc., and the director of all Turner international sports efforts, overseeing all aspects of the $100 million-plus enterprise, including managing all national and city relationships, conducting television negotiations, maximizing television syndication as well as creating a worldwide merchandising and licensing program.

Through Event Partners, Kelly also has served such clients as the Olympic bid and major event efforts of multiple U.S. and international cities and countries, the U.S. Olympic Committee, the 1996 Paralympic Games, 14 U.S. national sports governing bodies, Disney’s Wide World of Sports, five U.S. states and more than 100 municipal clients.

From 2000 – 2002, Jack also served as the CEO of the Bowling Proprietors Association of America (BPAA), the national trade group for the business of bowling – a period of time which saw the BPAA reach record levels of membership, sponsorship/fundraising and trade show participation.

Prior to his sports management roles, Kelly spent 16 years as a successful corporate executive serving as an officer of two Top 50 U.S. corporations (Tenneco Inc. and the American General Corporation). He has also served as a president of two separate U.S. Olympic Festivals in Houston (1986) and Minneapolis-St. Paul (1990). In addition, he was the co-chair of the U.S. Olympic Committee’s International Games Review Committee, a member of the 1994 World Cup Site Selection Committee and several USOC site selection committees.

“It is very exciting to think about not only representing the State of Kentucky with this event but also the United States,” said Kelly. “It is important for our national standing in the international sports and sports business community for the U.S. to successfully host major events like the 2010 FEI Games TM and we will be up to the challenge.”

The FEI Games, known as the World Equestrian Games through 2006, are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The FEI Games have never been held outside of Europe nor have they ever all been held together at a single site; both firsts that the Kentucky Horse Park will achieve. The 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games will be held in Aachen, Germany and run from August 20 to September 3. Approximately 800 athletes and 875 horses are expected to compete there. The 2010 FEI Games TM in Kentucky is expected to sell more than 500,000 tickets and have an economic impact of more than $150 million.

May 18, 2006 Kentucky Tourism Council Names Junior League Horse Show Top Summer Event

The Kentucky Tourism Council has selected the Lexington Junior League Horse Show as one of the Commonwealth’ summer “Top Ten” events.

Held in Lexington, Kentucky on July 10-15, the Lexington Junior League Horse Show is the world’s largest Saddlebred horse show and attracts over 30,000 spectators and nearly 1,000 exhibitors. It has become a prestigious event in the Saddlebred industry as well as being the first le of the Saddlebred Triple Crown. Exhibitors come from all over the world to complete for $70,000 in prize money. Since 1937 more than $3.6 million has been raised through the horse show to benefit regional charitable organizations.

May 15, 2006 Dream of Thoroughbred Ownership Comes True for Lucky Cincinnati Winner. Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau gives away a 5% share of filly Gracie Jo

( Lexington, KY) – Cheryl Hecht of Cincinnati, OH is the winner of the "Win a Share of a Thoroughbred Race Horse" contest sponsored by the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau and West Point Thoroughbreds. Mrs. Hecht, thrilled about becoming a Thoroughbred owner, exclaimed “wow, this is great…this is the most fun we’ve had in a long time”.

The internet promotion gave away 5% of the future earnings of Gracie Jo, a three year old filly managed by West Point Thoroughbreds. The horse is currently in training at Churchill Downs in Louisville and will soon begin her racing career. Kerry Carlson of West Point Thoroughbreds said “because Gracie Jo is set to race soon, Cheryl Hecht will experience more instant gratification than most of our new owners.” West Point Thoroughbreds manages approximately 60 horses in various stages of training. "We hope this contest helps more people realize that racehorse ownership is an attainable dream." said Kerry Carlson.

April 27, 2006 Kentucky's Horse Country to be Showcased on Two National TV Programs. ABC's Good Morning America and NBC Sports to air programs on Derby Weekend

(Lexington, Ky.)—This week television crews from ABC and NBC blanketed the Bluegrass to tape separate features on the region. ABC’s Good Morning America Weekend Edition taped a city feature segment in and around Lexington; at the same time, NBC Sports was capturing the Rolex Three-Day Event held at the Kentucky Horse Park. Both programs are currently scheduled to air on Sunday, May 7 following the Kentucky Derby on May 6.

The ABC crew visited Three Chimneys Farm, Keeneland and the downtown Lexington area to learn more about the horse industry and the city’s rich heritage. The crew taped Kentucky Derby Winner Smarty Jones at Three Chimneys and interviewed farm president, Dan Rosenberg and stallion manager, Sandy Hatfield.

Ted Bassett, who has been a significant figure in the Thoroughbred industry for years, having served as the President and CEO of Keeneland Race Course and Chairman of both the Keeneland Association and the Breeders’ Cup, was their host during the visit to Keeneland. Then the crew caught up with Van Meter Pettit, a prominent Lexington architect and son of former Lexington Mayor Foster Pettit, to discuss the history of Lexington and what makes this such a special community.

“During the first weekend in May all eyes are focused on Kentucky’s special day—the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. To have the national audience’s attention on Lexington’s Bluegrass Region the same weekend is phenomenal,” said David Lord, President of the Lexington Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Not only will the ABC segment show the home of the world’s most prestigious race horses and Keeneland, it also will focus on the City of Lexington and our rich history. However, the real treat is probably the NBC broadcast of the Rolex event. Now people who have never attended this event will get to experience it first hand.”

The horse industry and the beautiful countryside in and around Lexington have generated much positive press for the region in the past few years. Last July, the New York Times travel section featured a beautiful photo of a Fayette County farm along with information about how to visit the area. Lexington will continue to shine in the media spotlight as preparations are made for the World Equestrian Championships that will come to the Kentucky Horse Park in 2010.

April 27, 2006 Para-Equestrian Championships to be part of FEI Games 2010 in Kentucky; Governor Fletcher announces historic milestone

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The 2010 FEI Games in Kentucky will make international equine history. For the first time ever, para-equestrian events will be part of the FEI Games.

“This is a new chapter for the FEI Games, not only will the games be held off the European continent, but all eight disciplines will take place in one venue,” said Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher. “Our commitment to the games and to the magnificent facilities at the Kentucky Horse Park will help the para-equestrian portion of the event achieve this historic milestone.”

The mission of para-equestrian sport, as defined by the International Paralympic Equestrian Committee (IPEC), is to foster the growth and excellence of international equestrian sport for athletes with a disability, by developing equestrian sport for people with disabilities and competition opportunities for riders and drivers with disabilities.

“Governor Fletcher made it very clear that he wanted the 2010 Games in Kentucky to be the best ever and to achieve things that have never happened before in this competition,” said Rob Hinkle, Chief Administrative Officer for the World Games 2010 Foundation, the group planning the 2010 FEI Games in Kentucky. “Just as these para-equestrian athletes focus on what they can achieve, Kentucky is also focusing on how to successfully incorporate the para-equestrian events into the 2010 FEI Games in Kentucky.”

Kentucky is a recognized leader in the international equine world. The commonwealth is the home of the Kentucky Derby, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, the United States Equestrian Federation and a national training center for U.S. para-equestrian athletes. The United States Driving for the Disabled, Inc. is headquartered in Kentucky.

“Our athletes with disabilities have unfortunately not received the attention and respect they deserve,” said Debbie Banfield, President of the United States Driving for the Disabled, Inc. “By holding the para-equestrian events in conjunction with the other FEI Game disciplines it gives those special equestrians the equal opportunity to share the same excitement of the entire FEI competition along with all other equestrian athletes.”

Para-equestrians compete world-wide in a variety of equine disciplines, however, at the FEI Games, dressage and driving are the selected disciplines. In 1987, the first dressage World Championship was held in Sweden and in the Paralympic Games in 1996. Para-equestrian driving is a World Championship Sport. In 1991, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) appointed IPEC to run competitions and develop equestrian sport all over the world. In 2005, 38 nations from five continents competed. IPEC has now joined the FEI as para-equestrian ( FEI PE), their 8th discipline.

According to the IPEC, para-equestrian is “a unique form of physical activity, as it involves two finely-tuned partners, the rider or driver and the horse. It is available to - and practiced by - equestrians with a wide variety of disabilities.

“Among athletes with disabilities there are many different types of impairments. To provide meaningful competition for such athletes, their disability needs to be classified so that people with similar levels of impairment can be grouped into grades in which they compete together.

Riders are graded on their impairment and judged on their equestrian ability or skill. Athletes with more severe disabilities ( Grade Ia) ride tests in walk only; the least disabled (Grade IV) ride tests of medium (M) standard. When necessary, riders can use compensating aids approved by FEI PE, such as a special saddle, adapted reins, elastic bands or two whips.”

For more information on para-equestrian, click on www.ipec-athletes.de.

April 12, 2006 Bluegrass Region Celebrates 3rd Annual Take Pride in the Bluegrass, May 13-21

Lexing ton, KY: The region is gearing up for the 3rd annual Take Pride in the Bluegrass celebration after a very successful event in 2005. The Lexing ton Convention and Visitors Bureau is again spearheading a major initiative designed to foster pride among the citizens of central Kentucky by raising awareness about the wonderful tourism opportunities in the Bluegrass Region. Take Pride in the Bluegrass, to be held May 13-21, will highlight all attractions in the Region, with a special focus on the role historic preservation plays in our tourism product.

A record fifty-seven attractions are participating with free or discounted admission. Nineteen hotels and five restaurants are also on board with special offers. There is a full schedule of Take Pride in the Bluegrass events including horse farm tours, special dinners, wine events, lectures, a Bourbon Boot Camp, and more! More than 68 special events, some including transportation, will take place throughout the celebration. Take Pride in the Bluegrass is a cooperative effort of the Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Historic Preservation Commission and regional industry partners. The entire celebration is focused on reminding Bluegrass residents of the wonderful attractions found right outside their doors.

Specially designed “Bluegrass Passports” will be available at participating venues and tourist commissions for local citizens to pick up and take with them to present at area attractions for free admission. All participants will be listed in a Lexington Herald-Leader pull-out section the week prior to Take Pride in the Bluegrass.

March 28, 2006 Global Television Schedule Announced for Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Farnham

Lexington, KY: Officials of the 2006 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Farnam, are pleased to announce an exciting worldwide television schedule that will bring the thrill and excitement of America’s only Four Star Three-Day Event to television sets around the world! This year’s Rolex Kentucky CCI**** returns to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY, April 27-30.

Anchoring the worldwide television schedule will be a domestic broadcast on NBC that will air as a one-hour special on Sunday, May 7, from 5:00-6:00 p.m. EDT.

Extensive television coverage in Europe will include primetime broadcasts on each of EuroSport’s two networks as well as a third broadcast on CNBC Europe. A "live" broadcast featuring the final rounds of show jumping, in addition to highlights of dressage and Cross-Country, will air on EuroSport2 Sunday, April 30 from 8:00-9:00 p.m. Paris time. A follow-up broadcast that will include an extended highlights package for Cross-Country and Dressage will air on the main EuroSport network Wednesday, May 10, in the evening. The broadcast on CNBC Europe will air at a later date.

Broadcasts in Asia will include one-hour programs on CNBC Asia and ESPN Star Sports Asia.

Supplementing these telecasts is a groundbreaking live webcast of Cross-Country action at this year’s Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Farnam. Eventing fans around the world will have an unprecedented opportunity to watch live action from one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian events on the webcast that will be available free of charge on the Event’s official website, www.rk3de.org. Entitled, “Live at The Lake,” the webcast will show the action from the 4-obstacle complex (Fences 20abc and 21) well known to Rolex Kentucky fans as “The Head of the Lake.”

“This is clearly the most far-reaching television schedule we have ever had,” said Event Director Jane Atkinson. “Interest in Rolex Kentucky continues to grow, not only in this country but internationally as well. And with the FEI World Equestrian Games coming here in four years, this is a great opportunity to show equestrian sport fans around the world what makes our event, and the Kentucky Horse Park, so unique.”

The Kentucky Horse Park was chosen as the site for the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010. This will mark the first time the Games, which feature World Championships in seven equestrian disciplines, are being held outside of Europe. This will undoubtedly make the opportunity to see the Rolex action from the Kentucky Horse Park that much more exciting for the many thousands of fans around the world who are thinking of traveling to Kentucky for the 2010 Games.

This year’s event, a United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Selection Trial for the Eventing World Championships at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aächen, Germany, will be run under the “without Steeplechase” (short) format for the first time, consistent with requirements for FEI Championships.

As always, the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event will host many of the world’s best horses and riders as they compete for one of the most coveted purses in the sport of Eventing and one of the most celebrated championships in equestrian sports. Heading the list of regular competitors at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event are Olympic and World Championship veterans, Pan American Games Medalists, and seasoned veterans of international equestrian competition.

The Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event is one of only five annual competitions in the world with the CCI**** classification and the only CCI**** in the United States. There are four levels of competition in Eventing, designated by stars (one star through four stars). As the number of stars increases, the degree of difficulty increases progressively. A Four Star Event presents the most challenging competition existing for horses and riders.

The $250,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing is awarded to any rider who wins the Rolex Kentucky, Mitsubishi Motor Badminton and Land Rover Burghley Four Star Events in succession. In 2003, Pippa Funnell of Great Britain became the first rider to win the Rolex Grand Slam. William Fox-Pitt of Great Britain won the Land Rover Burghley CCI**** in England last September, which began the Rolex Grand Slam series anew. He will be seeking the second leg with a victory at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in April.

Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event organizer, Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), is a non-profit charitable corporation created in 1975 to stage the 1978 World Three-Day Event Championships, the first time those championships had been held outside of Europe. Following the success of those World Championships, the U.S. Equestrian Federation asked EEI to organize an annual Three-Day Event in the spring and the Kentucky Three-Day Event was born.

March 28, 2006 The Bourbons of Buffalo Trace Win Big. The San Franscisco World Spirits Competition Names Medal Winners

Franklin County, Kentucky: The San Francisco World Spirits Competition announced the 2006 winners this week. The whiskeys of Buffalo Trace Distillery earned numerous medals including the competition’s highest honor of double gold, presented to William Larue Weller, 12 year old, uncut and unfiltered Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The following Buffalo Trace products received medals at this year’s competition:

“I’m thrilled with our strong showing at this prestigious competition, said Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace. “These medals really honor the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle of bourbon we produce at Buffalo Trace.

Buffalo Trace has garnered more awards since 1990 than any other North American distillery—over 150 awards for more than 15 different brands. In 2005 Whisky Magazine named Buffalo Trace Distillery “Distiller of the Year.” The distillery was also named “2005 Distillery of the Year” by Malt Advocate Magazine.

March 27, 2006 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, Presented by Farnam, Named One of ABA Top 100 Events in North America

Lexington, KY: The 2006 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Farnam, has been designated one of the American Bus Association’s (ABA) Top 100 events in North America. The event was recognized by an elite tourism industry selection committee for offering outstanding entertainment value to groups as well as to individual travelers from around the world.

Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations Magazine, indicates that the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Farnam,offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, according to the ABA .

“The attractiveness of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event,presented by Farnam,as a don’t-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction,” said Peter J. Pantuso, ABA president and CEO. “The real news here is that the Rolex Kentucky Three-DayEvent, presented by Farnam,has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honor gives the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event,presented by Farnam,an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners.”

ABA ’s 2006 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event,presented by Farnam,from among hundreds of U.S. and Canadian events nominated by state and provincial tourism offices and visitors bureaus. Judges considered each event’s broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches and skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria.

The Event’s Cross-Country Day, regarded by many as one of the most exciting days in sports, will feature a live webcast of the action from the most famed spot on the Kentucky Horse Park course, the legendary “Head of the Lake” water complex. Entitled, “Live at The Lake,” the webcast will run all day long and be available free of charge on the Event’s official website, www.rk3de.org. Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), producer of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, received special permission from NBC, where a 1-hour special will be aired on Sunday, May 7 at 5:00 p.m. EDT, to show the action from the 4-obstacle complex (Fences 20abc and 21) live on its website.

For more information on the 2006 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, presented by Farnam, please visit the Rolex Kentucky website at www.rk3de.org.