An all-new Pope Center is unveiled as high-tech teleconference facility

Welcoming the public to view the transformation brought about at The Pope Center, John Horton and Peggy Anderson thanked all those whose vision made the center's renovation possible.

Hundreds of interested citizens, along with local and state leaders, took part in Tuesday's unveiling of The Pope Center, newly renovated as a high-tech conference and videoconference facility.

"This isn't a renovation," said Mayor Willie E. Burns, "it's a transformation - a transformation for the future of Washington."

After the traditional ribbon was cut by Bernie Pope, widow of longtime Mayor Edward B. Pope, doors were open to citizens for an open house. The convention center was set up to show off the flexibility of the new design, with seating arrangements and refreshments set up in three breakout rooms and in the wide hallways leading to the ballroom.

In the ballroom, on a professionally lit stage with perfect sound, Representative Barry Fleming said that the teleconferencing technology at The Pope Center was the kind of opportunity the state of Georgia wants to encourage for rural economic development.

Fleming read a message from Governor Sonny Perdue congratulating the community on renovating the center with vision. "I know you are proud to have reached this mile- stone as new technologies change the way we communicate and do business. Washington has a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant history we celebrate, I am proud to hear of this advancement in technology that will surely have great economic development benefits for the citizens of Washington and the surrounding communities."

"The vision, the effort, the resources that it took to put this together for Washington and Wilkes County has been extraordinary," said John Horton, "and we should thank Mayor Burns, Mike Eskew, and the city council for their vision and for their effort to make this possible."

Horton introduced Peggy Anderson, managing partner in Washington Events Management. "It's great to have such a state-of-the-art facility," she said. "We look forward to helping grow the economy of Washington and Wilkes County."

After the ceremonies, visitors toured expanded facility and commented on the transformation that has taken place. "This takes Washington to a whole new level," said retired banker Roger Walker. "This shows me we're heading for good things."

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