FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Sarah Miller
Public Relations & Media Director
217-348-8475
smiller@insidethegreenbox.com
www.greenmillvillage.com
October 13, 2008
Groundbreaking Ceremony for Sustainable Midwestern Resort Planned
Announcements about future development at Green Mill Village to highlight event
Arcola, Ill. - Dedicated to responsible tourism and sustainability, Green Mill Village (GMV), the Midwest's first project of its kind, is currently under construction in Arcola, Ill., approximately two hours from Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis.
The official groundbreaking ceremony will take place at the site, which is located at the intersection of Illinois Rt. 133 and Egyptian Trail Road, approximately one-half mile east of Interstate 57 Exit 203, beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday, October 30.
The event is much more than turning dirt with shovels as much of the initial development work has been completed. Announcements about future development will come from four speakers.
The keynote speakers include Dr. Charles Page, project engineer and LEED planner; Bob McElwee, developer/owner; Arcola (Ill.) city officials, Larry Ferguson, Mayor and Bill Wagoner, City Administrator. Following the speakers, photo opportunities, media interviews and light refreshments will be available. The presentation is expected to last thirty minutes. The event is "invitation only."
"This event will give our invited guests and the media a chance to hear from many of the people responsible for the development at Green Mill Village," said Bob McElwee, developer/owner. "It will provide a great deal of insight into the positive impact this project will have on the local communities as we proceed."
GMV's commitment to sustainability is already apparent on many levels. Planners and contractors are mindful of the environment and how it will be affected by the construction process and future developments. Construction contracts have been awarded to local companies.
A product line featuring locally made Amish furniture, household goods and food items is currently being created and will be sold in GMV's future retail center, as well as online beginning later this year. The retail center will also house local, established area businesses, allowing them a new venue for their products.
Additionally, McElwee has put together a partnership of global and local companies, government entities and local entrepreneurs, not only to create new jobs in the tourism sector, but also in manufacturing.
"We will be introducing some of the local partners from the business and education areas," McElwee said. "And explaining how the combined efforts of these groups will result in a model for success that can be used by any community."
McElwee's partner in the project is Agri-Fab Holding Company of Sullivan, Ill. Their holding company owns and manages manufacturing plants in east-central Illinois, along with production facilities in others parts of the U.S. More information about Agri-Fab is available at www.agri-fab.com.
For more information about the groundbreaking ceremony and upcoming projects at Green Mill Village, contact Sarah Miller, public relations and media director, at 217-348-8475, smiller@insidethegreenbox.com or visit www.greenmillvillage.com. A 4-minute video introduction to GMV is available at http://www.greenmillvillage.com/site_gmvpresentation.html.
Members of the media are requested to schedule interview times in advance with the featured speakers so we can make sure we provide you the information you need.
About Green Mill Village
Green Mill Village (GMV) is scheduled to open in 2010 and will include a lodge/conference center, spa, restaurants, retail center and education center - powered by wind turbines and solar power. It is an unprecedented midwestern sustainable project, from both an environmental and an economic standpoint.
Located in the heart of Illinois Amish country, the Green Mill Village site is in the center of a triangle formed by the three major cities of St. Louis, Indianapolis and Chicago, and just over two hours from each. The conference center, lodge and spa facility will be designed with a 1940s era theme, reminding visitors of a simpler time with a slower pace. The conference center will accommodate meetings for 500 people with a staff trained to support "green" meetings.
Green Mill Village will emphasize key elements of responsible tourism, which include not only environmental considerations but also respect and appreciation for different cultures and ensuring that the local people benefit economically from tourism activities.
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