| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Sandy Myers (540) 332-9201 Sandy.Myers@vdot.virginia.gov Cellular: (540) 292-2500 |
STA-061 April 6, 2008 |
APRIL 8 CEREMONY MARKS GRAND OPENING OF NEW VIRGINIA WELCOME CENTER AT CLEAR BROOK
WINCHESTER – The Virginia Department of Transportation and the Virginia Tourism Corporation will host a “Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting” ceremony at the newly constructed Virginia Welcome Center at Clear Brook. The facility, located on Interstate 81 in Frederick County, houses the Welcome Center and Virginia Department of Transportation Safety Rest Area. The new 15,000 square-foot building replaces the former 2,800 square-foot building, which was constructed in 1970.
The event will take place on Tuesday, April 8. Over 25 exhibitors will share information and products found in Virginia. The exhibits will be open from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m.
The ceremony will feature Charles H. Weiss as master of ceremonies. Remarks will be made by Alisa Bailey, President and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corp. and Dr. James Davis of the Commonwealth Transportation Board. Virginia Department of Transportation Commissioner David Ekern will give the keynote address. A flag ceremony will be performed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9760. Special acknowledgement will be made to the family of the late Wayne A. Whitham, who served as Virginia’s first Secretary of Transportation from 1972 to 1978.
The public is welcome to attend the event. Parking is limited.
The Welcome Center and Safety Rest Area is located along the I-81 southbound lanes near mile marker 320 and serves as Virginia’s northern gateway for travelers entering the Commonwealth of Virginia from West Virginia.
