Pressroom: Lexington, KY CVB

2007

If you have questions or need assistance, call Niki Heichelbech at (800)848-1224 or (859) 244-7707 or email lexmedia@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.”

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.

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.

Source: 2010 World Games Foundation

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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.

Source: 2010 World Games Foundation

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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.

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 .

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.