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KEDM Annual Meeting Features Rebirth of Vantage State Building

Get your tickets now to the 90.3 KEDMAnnual Meeting for updates on accomplishments over the last year and plans and partnerships for Fiscal Year 2017. The luncheon is Thursday, August 18. Food service and reception begins 11:30 a.m. and program at 12 noon at the University of Louisiana Monroe Library Conference Center.

Vantage Project Coordinator Sissie Jones presents the keynote address about the restoration work being done on the Vantage State Building, formerly the State Office Building. Built in 1925 as the Virginia Hotel, the building is being transformed and restored by Vantage.  Rebirth of a Treasure: The Vantage State Building. 

Michael Echols, Director of Business Development for Vantage, will introduce Jones. The two have worked on the building together with a team of preservation-minded individuals. "The goal for the project was to keep the building as close to its original elegance and features while returning a local treasure back to downtown Monroe," says Echols.

Jones started her career with Dr. Gary Jones, husband, President and Chief Medical Officer of Vantage Health Plan, in 1983 when she helped open his first medical practice on Highway 165. It was in 1994 that Vantage Headquarters relocated to downtown Monroe and membership grew. Jones says her most favorite project downtown was developing and landscaping what is referred to as "Central Park", located between what is now known as the Vantage Central Building and the Affinity Corporate Annex. She truly believes that the surrounding atmosphere and work environment have the greatest affect on individuals.

"Years ago, the board members of Vantage had the idea of revitalizing downtown, and I knew I would need her help to recreate those memories. Everyone has memories of downtown, and we wanted to recognize that those memories and history are important," said Dr. Gary Jones.

Join KEDMin welcoming Jones and Echols as they present the story of the Virginia Hotel's transformation into the State Office Building, and finally the restoration to become the Vantage State Building.

Tickets:
$25 per person ($30 after August 5th)
$200 sponsor table for 4
$400 sponsor table for 8

Make your reservations online now or call 342-5556.

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