Wednesday 17 February 2010
Vancouver Olympic Accommodations
Maybe this will be your first Olympics or maybe you have postcards and memories hailing as far back as Salt Lake City, Nagano, Lillehammer, Albertville or even Calgary. Either way, if you're a lover of the luge, sucker for speed-skating, dangerously into downhill or huge on hockey, you will want to find yourself on Lower Mainland or in the Sea To Sky Corridor of Canada's most western province.
The responsibilities of the events themselves are split amongst Vancouver proper, its suburban satellite communities and the world-acclaimed alpine resort of Whistler. And while great lengths have been gone to in order to provide the Olympic athletes with the latest and greatest facilities on the planet, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find that the city has no shortage of top-notch accommodations for avid spectators like you as well. We're talking about beautiful Olympic Accommodations that not only provide you and your winter sports-loving crew with a peace and privacy hard to find during an Olympic event but also accommodations that are tailored to you needs and wants - because with this many to choose from, you're chances of finding the Olympic Accommodation of your dreams are as good as the Canadian hockey team's chances of making it to the podium. (for all you first-time Winter Olympic fans, Team Canada's chances are... golden)
Vancouver and Whistler's communities are set against some of the most picturesque areas of the province. So whether you're looking for crazy mountain vistas, ocean panoramas or soaring city views, you'll be no less disappointed looking out as you will be looking in. Coastal British Columbia's Olympic Accommodations will put you as close as you need to be to the events you've come to see. Let's begin in the mountains...
Just 2 hours north of Vancouver along the stunningly beautiful Seas to Sky Highway is the picture-perfect alpine town of Whistler. A European-style resort destination with over 100 restaurants, bars and nightclubs and dozens of shops, Whistler is as much fun off the slopes as it is on. But it's the mountain, or should we say mountains, that provide the main attractions. Whistler shares the recreational responsibilities between its 2 sister peaks, Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. And with over 8 thousand acres of skiable terrain, over 200 runs, 38 lifts, 5 snowboard parks, 2 super pipes an 11 kilometre run and a vertical drop of over five thousand feet it's easy to see why this is a town that exceeds any and every expectation. During the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler will be ground zero for some of the games most exciting events. The Whistler Sliding Centre on Blackcomb Mountain will play home to the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton events. After the last medal has been handed out and the cowbells have been put away, the facility will double as both a tourist attraction and a high-performance development centre featuring youth and club programming. Only a few minutes' drive away, Whistler Creekside is home to the alpine skiing events with the Dave Murray Downhill and the Franz Run serving up slalom courses that will thrill the 8 thousand-plus spectators who will be packing onto the mountainside. This area has also been home to many downhill World Cups, hence the aptly-named World Cup Plaza - a strip of bars and restaurants at the foot of the Whistler Creekside Gondola. But it doesn't stop with downhill... By far the most impressive of the new Olympic facilities, Whistler Olympic Park caters to cross-country skiing, biathlon and ski jumping, all within an easy 400 meter walk of each other. Some of the facilities highlights include two sizes of ski jump with state-of-the-art track setting systems and snow refrigeration and the 30-lane fully electronic biathlon stadium. Many of our Olympic Accommodations in this area include fantastic views and most even ski-in, ski-out access.
One of our Whistler Olympic Accommodation we are showcasing is a 7 bedroom luxury home located minutes from the Whistler Sliding Center. This spectacular example of fine Whistler architectural splendour spreads 6000 square feet across 3 levels of luxury living. The vaulted ceilings and great room offer open spaces and comfort, the perfect meeting places for your family or group of friends after a busy day enjoying Whistler. This home has unique features throughout which include an integrated, multimedia room CD-R music system, wine bar, ski/snow boot drying rack, a pool table, an air hockey table, and an outdoor covered 6-person hot tub. For $3,500 CAD per night, this ideal location for you and your family to enjoy everything there is to see and do in Whistler.
Looking for the action of the alpine sports with closer access to Vancouver and the other events? On the North Shore, Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver is home to the freestyle skiing and snowboarding events. Thanks to the Cypress Legacy Project many new opportunities have arisen for First Nations art and culture while venue upgrades have included run modification, a new in-ground half pipe, a freestyle aerial and mogul site and a parallel giant slalom course as well as a snowmaking system. From here, you can look down on the twinkling skyline of Vancouver, home to even more medal-contending excitement. Many of the Vancouver Olympic Accommodations in this area are fine homes tucked away in the many residential neighbourhoods world renowned for their natural setting and beautiful vistas of the city and ocean. Pick from new townhouses, quaint character homes, stately mansion or mountainside estates. Prices range from $800 CAD a night to $2500 a night and beyond.
Canada Hockey Place and Thunderbird Arena are splitting the ice hockey events. Canada Hockey Place usually goes by the name General Motors Place and has a capacity of almost 19 thousand, while the second venue, the 7,200-seat Thunderbird Arena, is only a short drive away on the sprawling campus of the University of British Columbia. Also central to the city is the Vancouver Olympic Centre, home to the curling and wheelchair curling events - a 6,000-seat capacity venue that will double as a multi-purpose community recreation centre come Spring. Stay downtown Vancouver and you can enjoy amazing access to these events as well as an up-close-and-personal encounter with the city's legendary nightlife and dining scene. Downtown Vancouver and the area around Canada Hockey Place offers a wide selection of condos. There are literally hundreds of condo developments to choose from that range in height from just a few floors to towers of more than 40 stores offering unparalleled views of the mountains and the city below. For small groups, these accommodations will be the most affordable starting at $500 a night.
Head 14 kilometres into the southern suburbs that comprise the Fraser River Delta and you'll find the impressive Richmond Olympic Oval, an 8 thousand-seat event-centre that will host the speed skating events. Designed to allow for an easy cross-sport transition, it includes 2 international-size ice rinks, a 200 meter running track, 8 gymnasiums plus over 23,000 square feet of fitness centre. All throughout this rural, almost rustic region, vacation rentals will cater to those less inclined towards the fast pace of city-dwelling. The Accommodations in this area are some of the most affordable in Vancouver as this is considered outlying areas. That said, these residential neighbourhoods are an excellent location from which to commute into Vancouver or up to Whistler thanks to the new SkyTrain service, a commuter train that takes you into the heart of the Olympic action and beyond.
You must realize the spectacular beauty of Vancouver is the best possible backdrop for an event like this. Visit Vancouver and select from our hand-picked Olympic Accommodations to create memories that will last forever. We guarantee that you will be back for more next summer
The responsibilities of the events themselves are split amongst Vancouver proper, its suburban satellite communities and the world-acclaimed alpine resort of Whistler. And while great lengths have been gone to in order to provide the Olympic athletes with the latest and greatest facilities on the planet, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find that the city has no shortage of top-notch accommodations for avid spectators like you as well. We're talking about beautiful Olympic Accommodations that not only provide you and your winter sports-loving crew with a peace and privacy hard to find during an Olympic event but also accommodations that are tailored to you needs and wants - because with this many to choose from, you're chances of finding the Olympic Accommodation of your dreams are as good as the Canadian hockey team's chances of making it to the podium. (for all you first-time Winter Olympic fans, Team Canada's chances are... golden)
Vancouver and Whistler's communities are set against some of the most picturesque areas of the province. So whether you're looking for crazy mountain vistas, ocean panoramas or soaring city views, you'll be no less disappointed looking out as you will be looking in. Coastal British Columbia's Olympic Accommodations will put you as close as you need to be to the events you've come to see. Let's begin in the mountains...
Just 2 hours north of Vancouver along the stunningly beautiful Seas to Sky Highway is the picture-perfect alpine town of Whistler. A European-style resort destination with over 100 restaurants, bars and nightclubs and dozens of shops, Whistler is as much fun off the slopes as it is on. But it's the mountain, or should we say mountains, that provide the main attractions. Whistler shares the recreational responsibilities between its 2 sister peaks, Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. And with over 8 thousand acres of skiable terrain, over 200 runs, 38 lifts, 5 snowboard parks, 2 super pipes an 11 kilometre run and a vertical drop of over five thousand feet it's easy to see why this is a town that exceeds any and every expectation. During the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler will be ground zero for some of the games most exciting events. The Whistler Sliding Centre on Blackcomb Mountain will play home to the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton events. After the last medal has been handed out and the cowbells have been put away, the facility will double as both a tourist attraction and a high-performance development centre featuring youth and club programming. Only a few minutes' drive away, Whistler Creekside is home to the alpine skiing events with the Dave Murray Downhill and the Franz Run serving up slalom courses that will thrill the 8 thousand-plus spectators who will be packing onto the mountainside. This area has also been home to many downhill World Cups, hence the aptly-named World Cup Plaza - a strip of bars and restaurants at the foot of the Whistler Creekside Gondola. But it doesn't stop with downhill... By far the most impressive of the new Olympic facilities, Whistler Olympic Park caters to cross-country skiing, biathlon and ski jumping, all within an easy 400 meter walk of each other. Some of the facilities highlights include two sizes of ski jump with state-of-the-art track setting systems and snow refrigeration and the 30-lane fully electronic biathlon stadium. Many of our Olympic Accommodations in this area include fantastic views and most even ski-in, ski-out access.
One of our Whistler Olympic Accommodation we are showcasing is a 7 bedroom luxury home located minutes from the Whistler Sliding Center. This spectacular example of fine Whistler architectural splendour spreads 6000 square feet across 3 levels of luxury living. The vaulted ceilings and great room offer open spaces and comfort, the perfect meeting places for your family or group of friends after a busy day enjoying Whistler. This home has unique features throughout which include an integrated, multimedia room CD-R music system, wine bar, ski/snow boot drying rack, a pool table, an air hockey table, and an outdoor covered 6-person hot tub. For $3,500 CAD per night, this ideal location for you and your family to enjoy everything there is to see and do in Whistler.
Looking for the action of the alpine sports with closer access to Vancouver and the other events? On the North Shore, Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver is home to the freestyle skiing and snowboarding events. Thanks to the Cypress Legacy Project many new opportunities have arisen for First Nations art and culture while venue upgrades have included run modification, a new in-ground half pipe, a freestyle aerial and mogul site and a parallel giant slalom course as well as a snowmaking system. From here, you can look down on the twinkling skyline of Vancouver, home to even more medal-contending excitement. Many of the Vancouver Olympic Accommodations in this area are fine homes tucked away in the many residential neighbourhoods world renowned for their natural setting and beautiful vistas of the city and ocean. Pick from new townhouses, quaint character homes, stately mansion or mountainside estates. Prices range from $800 CAD a night to $2500 a night and beyond.
Canada Hockey Place and Thunderbird Arena are splitting the ice hockey events. Canada Hockey Place usually goes by the name General Motors Place and has a capacity of almost 19 thousand, while the second venue, the 7,200-seat Thunderbird Arena, is only a short drive away on the sprawling campus of the University of British Columbia. Also central to the city is the Vancouver Olympic Centre, home to the curling and wheelchair curling events - a 6,000-seat capacity venue that will double as a multi-purpose community recreation centre come Spring. Stay downtown Vancouver and you can enjoy amazing access to these events as well as an up-close-and-personal encounter with the city's legendary nightlife and dining scene. Downtown Vancouver and the area around Canada Hockey Place offers a wide selection of condos. There are literally hundreds of condo developments to choose from that range in height from just a few floors to towers of more than 40 stores offering unparalleled views of the mountains and the city below. For small groups, these accommodations will be the most affordable starting at $500 a night.
Head 14 kilometres into the southern suburbs that comprise the Fraser River Delta and you'll find the impressive Richmond Olympic Oval, an 8 thousand-seat event-centre that will host the speed skating events. Designed to allow for an easy cross-sport transition, it includes 2 international-size ice rinks, a 200 meter running track, 8 gymnasiums plus over 23,000 square feet of fitness centre. All throughout this rural, almost rustic region, vacation rentals will cater to those less inclined towards the fast pace of city-dwelling. The Accommodations in this area are some of the most affordable in Vancouver as this is considered outlying areas. That said, these residential neighbourhoods are an excellent location from which to commute into Vancouver or up to Whistler thanks to the new SkyTrain service, a commuter train that takes you into the heart of the Olympic action and beyond.
You must realize the spectacular beauty of Vancouver is the best possible backdrop for an event like this. Visit Vancouver and select from our hand-picked Olympic Accommodations to create memories that will last forever. We guarantee that you will be back for more next summer
Where to Find Accommodation For the Vancouver Olympics
Accommodations for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics are beginning to be scarce. With the Olympics just around the corner, people are scrambling to find some place to rest their heads. There are still some options available but some come with a pretty hefty price tag. Other more reasonably priced accommodations will come with a bit of a commute. With the world about to descend upon Vancouver for the Olympics, the perfect accommodations will be hard to find and some compromise, either in price or convenience, will be necessary.
The first and most obvious source of accommodations are the local Vancouver hotels. There are literally hundreds of hotels in the greater Vancouver area. Not all of the Olympic events are being held in Vancouver. The downhill skiing is being held at Whistler and some of the other events are being held in West Vancouver and Richmond, BC.
All of the major international hotel chains have a presence in the greater Vancouver area and lower British Columbia mainland. These hotels include but are not limited to the Marriott, the Ramada, the Four Seasons, the Holiday Inn, Fairmont Hotels and the Delta. A quick search on one of the better known travel sites came back with 183 options for a 10 day stay during the Olympics. The price tag is hefty, however. The rooms seemed to start at roughly $550 per night and many were in the $800 per night range.
A lesser expensive expensive form of accommodation are house rentals. This option is a good idea for families are larger groups. Many local families are keen to cash in on the huge number of people looking for a short term house rental. The advantage of a house rental over a hotel (aside for cost per night) is that a house rental provides you with the opportunity to make some of your own meals. It is possible to get a 3 bedroom house for less than $1,000 per night. Split amongst three couples this amounts to $330 per night and represents a 50% savings over booking a hotel.
Another source of cheap accommodation in Vancouver for the Olympics is house sharing. Keep in mind that cheap during the Olympics is relative. Many people are prepared to rent a room in their house for people coming to watch the Olympic Games. Often with a house sharing arrangement you will get kitchen privileges and perhaps even a few meals. For those who are prepared to rough it, some people are also offering their couches (couch surfing) or even some room on their floors. The best way to find house sharing accommodation for the Vancouver Olympics is to scan electronic bulletin boards. Examples of such bulletin boards are Craigslist and Kijji but there are also many more.
Accommodations for the Olympic Games are becoming tight. However, there continue to be options available. If you are prepared to compromise on either comfort, cost or convenience you should still have very little problems finding accommodation for the Vancouver Olympics.
John A. Moore is a handy man. He also writes regularly for DIY websites. He writes about carports, sports, garden sheds, and personal watercraft. For more of his writing please visit accommodation for Vancouver Olympics.
The first and most obvious source of accommodations are the local Vancouver hotels. There are literally hundreds of hotels in the greater Vancouver area. Not all of the Olympic events are being held in Vancouver. The downhill skiing is being held at Whistler and some of the other events are being held in West Vancouver and Richmond, BC.
All of the major international hotel chains have a presence in the greater Vancouver area and lower British Columbia mainland. These hotels include but are not limited to the Marriott, the Ramada, the Four Seasons, the Holiday Inn, Fairmont Hotels and the Delta. A quick search on one of the better known travel sites came back with 183 options for a 10 day stay during the Olympics. The price tag is hefty, however. The rooms seemed to start at roughly $550 per night and many were in the $800 per night range.
A lesser expensive expensive form of accommodation are house rentals. This option is a good idea for families are larger groups. Many local families are keen to cash in on the huge number of people looking for a short term house rental. The advantage of a house rental over a hotel (aside for cost per night) is that a house rental provides you with the opportunity to make some of your own meals. It is possible to get a 3 bedroom house for less than $1,000 per night. Split amongst three couples this amounts to $330 per night and represents a 50% savings over booking a hotel.
Another source of cheap accommodation in Vancouver for the Olympics is house sharing. Keep in mind that cheap during the Olympics is relative. Many people are prepared to rent a room in their house for people coming to watch the Olympic Games. Often with a house sharing arrangement you will get kitchen privileges and perhaps even a few meals. For those who are prepared to rough it, some people are also offering their couches (couch surfing) or even some room on their floors. The best way to find house sharing accommodation for the Vancouver Olympics is to scan electronic bulletin boards. Examples of such bulletin boards are Craigslist and Kijji but there are also many more.
Accommodations for the Olympic Games are becoming tight. However, there continue to be options available. If you are prepared to compromise on either comfort, cost or convenience you should still have very little problems finding accommodation for the Vancouver Olympics.
John A. Moore is a handy man. He also writes regularly for DIY websites. He writes about carports, sports, garden sheds, and personal watercraft. For more of his writing please visit accommodation for Vancouver Olympics.
Tuesday 16 February 2010
Rustic Conference Centers
To add a rustic touch to your meetings, seminars, and business retreats, rustic conference centers are the right choice. Located away from the hustle and bustle of crowded cities, these rustic conference centers provide a rustic, relaxing environment for planning business meetings, events, and training sessions. They are ideal for dinner meetings, team building initiatives, sales meetings, overnight retreats, celebrations, and family gatherings.
Rustic conference centers provide facilitates such as meeting rooms, board rooms, and training rooms. Convenient and comfortable accommodations with modern amenities are offered through its lodging facilities. Some centers have well designed log cabins.
For conducting seminars and presentations, they provide a wide variety of audio-visual aids such as overhead projectors, slide projector, DVD player, cable TV, VCR player, microphones, speakers, and more.
Apart from facilities like swimming etc, rustic conference centers offer recreational opportunities which include canoeing, hiking trails, basketball and volleyball. With exquisite dining options, they provide banquet facilities of high standard. To be brief, every thing that is available in an urban conference center is also available with rustic conference centers.
Most rustic conference centers offer flexibility in scheduling and pricing. Compared to urban conference centers, the rate of these rustic conference centers are much lower. The rate varies depending on the size and duration of a meeting. Some demand a non-refundable deposit at the time of booking. Certain conference centers demand cleaning and damage deposit at the time of booking.
Certain rustic conference centers offer discount rates to help you save money. Special rates and discounts are offered for non profit agencies and organizations. Walnut Hill Conference Center, Sleeping Lady, Massanetta Springs Conference Center, and Asilomar Conference Center are some of the rustic conference centers that provide ideal setting for successful meetings at the lowest possible cost. These rustic conference centers can be booked online or thru the phone.
Conference Centers provides detailed information on Conference Centers, Hotel Conference Centers, Online Conference Centers, Best Conference Centers and more. Conference Centers is affiliated with Audio Conferencing [http://www.z-Conferencing.com].
Rustic conference centers provide facilitates such as meeting rooms, board rooms, and training rooms. Convenient and comfortable accommodations with modern amenities are offered through its lodging facilities. Some centers have well designed log cabins.
For conducting seminars and presentations, they provide a wide variety of audio-visual aids such as overhead projectors, slide projector, DVD player, cable TV, VCR player, microphones, speakers, and more.
Apart from facilities like swimming etc, rustic conference centers offer recreational opportunities which include canoeing, hiking trails, basketball and volleyball. With exquisite dining options, they provide banquet facilities of high standard. To be brief, every thing that is available in an urban conference center is also available with rustic conference centers.
Most rustic conference centers offer flexibility in scheduling and pricing. Compared to urban conference centers, the rate of these rustic conference centers are much lower. The rate varies depending on the size and duration of a meeting. Some demand a non-refundable deposit at the time of booking. Certain conference centers demand cleaning and damage deposit at the time of booking.
Certain rustic conference centers offer discount rates to help you save money. Special rates and discounts are offered for non profit agencies and organizations. Walnut Hill Conference Center, Sleeping Lady, Massanetta Springs Conference Center, and Asilomar Conference Center are some of the rustic conference centers that provide ideal setting for successful meetings at the lowest possible cost. These rustic conference centers can be booked online or thru the phone.
Conference Centers provides detailed information on Conference Centers, Hotel Conference Centers, Online Conference Centers, Best Conference Centers and more. Conference Centers is affiliated with Audio Conferencing [http://www.z-Conferencing.com].
Business Conference Centers
If you are looking for a perfect setting to conduct corporate meetings and business retreats, then business conference centers are the right choice. Equipped with hi-tech facilities, business conference centers provide everything to meet your business needs. They are ideal for hosting functions, seminars, product launch events, training events, and conferences.
With attractive and affordable rates, business conference centers provide facilities such as meeting rooms, board rooms, and conference rooms to make your business or team meetings a success. To meet all your training needs, there are state-of-the-art training rooms. Catering services for coffee breaks and full business luncheons are also available upon request. Business conference centers offer leisure facilities such as swimming pool, gym, fitness studios, bars, and restaurants.
To create an effective meeting experience, most of the business conference centers provide a wide range of audio/visual equipments such as large screen, LCD projector, DVD player, VCR player, Cable TV, microphones, overhead projectors, and much more. Besides, they provide facilities such as fax machines, printers, scanners, wireless high-speed internet access, multiple phone lines, and copy machines.
Business conference centers that are conveniently located close to top-notch hotels and restaurants are more in demand. Ribby Hall Village, Avenue Business Centers, Battery march Conference Center, John Hancock Conference Center, Villanova Conference Center, Ralph A. McMullan Conference Center, and Villanova Conference Center are some of the finest business conference centers in the U.S.
Finding a conference center is quite easy with the websites. They can be booked online, directly or by contacting the hotel which provides conference facilities.
Rates of business conference centers depend on a number of factors such as the size and duration of the seminar or presentation, and services requested. Certain conference centers demand an initial deposit at the time of booking. Some conference centers demand a damage deposit at the time of booking. Special rates and discounts are offered for registered nonprofit organizations. Seasonal discounts and frequency discounts are also available with business conference centers.
Conference Centers provides detailed information on Conference Centers, Hotel Conference Centers, Online Conference Centers, Best Conference Centers and more. Conference Centers is affiliated with Audio Conferencing [http://www.z-Conferencing.com].
With attractive and affordable rates, business conference centers provide facilities such as meeting rooms, board rooms, and conference rooms to make your business or team meetings a success. To meet all your training needs, there are state-of-the-art training rooms. Catering services for coffee breaks and full business luncheons are also available upon request. Business conference centers offer leisure facilities such as swimming pool, gym, fitness studios, bars, and restaurants.
To create an effective meeting experience, most of the business conference centers provide a wide range of audio/visual equipments such as large screen, LCD projector, DVD player, VCR player, Cable TV, microphones, overhead projectors, and much more. Besides, they provide facilities such as fax machines, printers, scanners, wireless high-speed internet access, multiple phone lines, and copy machines.
Business conference centers that are conveniently located close to top-notch hotels and restaurants are more in demand. Ribby Hall Village, Avenue Business Centers, Battery march Conference Center, John Hancock Conference Center, Villanova Conference Center, Ralph A. McMullan Conference Center, and Villanova Conference Center are some of the finest business conference centers in the U.S.
Finding a conference center is quite easy with the websites. They can be booked online, directly or by contacting the hotel which provides conference facilities.
Rates of business conference centers depend on a number of factors such as the size and duration of the seminar or presentation, and services requested. Certain conference centers demand an initial deposit at the time of booking. Some conference centers demand a damage deposit at the time of booking. Special rates and discounts are offered for registered nonprofit organizations. Seasonal discounts and frequency discounts are also available with business conference centers.
Conference Centers provides detailed information on Conference Centers, Hotel Conference Centers, Online Conference Centers, Best Conference Centers and more. Conference Centers is affiliated with Audio Conferencing [http://www.z-Conferencing.com].
Friendship Village Retreat and Conference Center - Peaceful Oasis
I have attended quite a few retreat and conference centers over the years, in Paris, London, Milan, New York, Sedona, Atlanta, Los Vegas, Bahamas, just to name a few, and have seen the sun rise over the Grand Canyon, the moon set over the Himalayas, climbed the Mayan Temples and lain on the tall stones of Stonehenge. So, when a friend says to me, that the beauty of a retreat center in Ohio overwhelmed him, I had quite a resource to draw upon regarding just how outstanding that may be - and discounted his statement to lack of experience. That is, until I had the opportunity to visit this extraordinary 82 acres of rolling Appalachian foothills in the Ohio Valley.
"The Beauty Overwhelmed Me"
In driving to Friendship Village, I pulled up Car and Driver to get some directions and recommendations regarding the area and was surprised to see Route 78, the route in Noble county Ohio that takes you to Friendship Village Retreat and Conference Center. They have designated Route 78, as one of the most scenic highways nationwide. When I googled over to Ohio Travel their author Thomas Froats wrote "There are at least a few thousand ways to cross Ohio on two wheels, but unless they include Ohio State Route 78 in them, they fall short of being the most amazing drive possible when getting through the Buckeye State." At this point, I began to think that maybe my friend might have had more basis for his sentiment regarding the retreat center Ohio had birthed than I had originally thought.
In the Center of 3 States
I was curious has to how close to any city it might be, wondering if it was totally lost in the backwoods away from any form of civilization, and was again surprised. Friendship Village Retreat and Conference Center is located in the center of the major cities of 3 states: 1.5 hours from Parkersburg and Wheeling West Virginia, 2 hours from Columbus, Ohio and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and 3 hours from Cleveland, Ohio. I realized that the location made this retreat center Ohio's natural choice for family gatherings, spiritual retreats, weddings, corporate planning and training, bicycle and motorbike tours, or just a peaceful get away.
Peaceful Oasis
As I arrived at Friendship Village Retreat and Conference Center, 3 deer greeted me and leapt across the road. I found myself on one of the highest points in the entire Ohio Valley, commanding an eagle's view in all directions. My friend was right. The majesty of the mist wreathed hills, the lush forests, and the unending horizons overwhelmed me with the power of nature and an all pervading peace, like arriving home among family. I found out later that entire herds of deer gather because it is a safe haven from hunters. Golden eagles even nest here. It occurred to me that nature had provided an oasis for all life in this natural retreat center Ohio grown. The "overwhelming" quality was something I could feel - wholeness, peace, abundance - and it was all around me. I felt that at Friendship Village Retreat and Conference Center Man can embrace the whole of nature as our family and draw upon its qualities to empower our own lives.
Mary Smith is a member of the Board of Directors for the Learning Center for Human Development, runs her own SEO Content Writing Business, and is the Sales Director for Friendship Village Retreat and Conference Center [http://www.friendshipvillage.cc]. An artist and musician, she travels in between Arizona and Friendship Village Retreat and Conference Center [http://www.friendshipvillage.cc/seasonal-gallery.html], promoting health, wealth, and happi
"The Beauty Overwhelmed Me"
In driving to Friendship Village, I pulled up Car and Driver to get some directions and recommendations regarding the area and was surprised to see Route 78, the route in Noble county Ohio that takes you to Friendship Village Retreat and Conference Center. They have designated Route 78, as one of the most scenic highways nationwide. When I googled over to Ohio Travel their author Thomas Froats wrote "There are at least a few thousand ways to cross Ohio on two wheels, but unless they include Ohio State Route 78 in them, they fall short of being the most amazing drive possible when getting through the Buckeye State." At this point, I began to think that maybe my friend might have had more basis for his sentiment regarding the retreat center Ohio had birthed than I had originally thought.
In the Center of 3 States
I was curious has to how close to any city it might be, wondering if it was totally lost in the backwoods away from any form of civilization, and was again surprised. Friendship Village Retreat and Conference Center is located in the center of the major cities of 3 states: 1.5 hours from Parkersburg and Wheeling West Virginia, 2 hours from Columbus, Ohio and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and 3 hours from Cleveland, Ohio. I realized that the location made this retreat center Ohio's natural choice for family gatherings, spiritual retreats, weddings, corporate planning and training, bicycle and motorbike tours, or just a peaceful get away.
Peaceful Oasis
As I arrived at Friendship Village Retreat and Conference Center, 3 deer greeted me and leapt across the road. I found myself on one of the highest points in the entire Ohio Valley, commanding an eagle's view in all directions. My friend was right. The majesty of the mist wreathed hills, the lush forests, and the unending horizons overwhelmed me with the power of nature and an all pervading peace, like arriving home among family. I found out later that entire herds of deer gather because it is a safe haven from hunters. Golden eagles even nest here. It occurred to me that nature had provided an oasis for all life in this natural retreat center Ohio grown. The "overwhelming" quality was something I could feel - wholeness, peace, abundance - and it was all around me. I felt that at Friendship Village Retreat and Conference Center Man can embrace the whole of nature as our family and draw upon its qualities to empower our own lives.
Mary Smith is a member of the Board of Directors for the Learning Center for Human Development, runs her own SEO Content Writing Business, and is the Sales Director for Friendship Village Retreat and Conference Center [http://www.friendshipvillage.cc]. An artist and musician, she travels in between Arizona and Friendship Village Retreat and Conference Center [http://www.friendshipvillage.cc/seasonal-gallery.html], promoting health, wealth, and happi
£7.5m loan extension will keep AECC afloat
Aberdeen councillors have agreed to extend the deadline of a £7.5m loan repayment to keep the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) afloat. The centre – the largest in the north east of Scotland – will now have until 2017 to repay the loan. The council has loaned the AECC £28m in the past five years, which has gone into the redevelopment of the centre.
Meanwhile six jobs have been cut at the AECC – two unfilled vacancies and four voluntary redundancies in operations and catering – and staff pay has been frozen for a year in response to a reduced level of council subvention funding towards the centre’s annual operating costs.
Brian Horsburgh, AECC’s managing director, said the repayment ruling is positive news for the centre. “The fundamental problem here was the loan was granted on what I deem to be ridiculously short terms, six years after it was granted. We don’t have the money now.”
Horsburgh adds the measures will also keep alive the AECC’s plans for the development of a new hotel at the centre. “We have been working to get the hotel development off the ground for a number of years with the intention that once it is completed it would be sold off to an investor, with any gain going towards offsetting the loan. Unfortunately it has been dogged by delays, the recession and the banking crisis.
“Having a new four-star hotel on-site will be an important part of AECC’s infrastructure going forward. It will obviously create local jobs – both during the construction phase and once the hotel is operational – and it will also enable AECC to compete for more major international conference and event business in the future. The decision also gives us a realistic chance of having the hotel up and running by next September, when Aberdeen will play host to both Offshore Europe 2011 and golf’s Walker Cup competition – events which are expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors to the area, meaning accommodation in the city will be at a premium."
Horsburgh added that while both Glasgow’s Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre had received “substantial funding” from national development agency Scottish Enterprise for their major redevelopment schemes, Aberdeen was relying on local government funding: “It’s not quite a level playing field.”
Horsburgh was pleased that the council has agreed to again approach the Scottish Government with a view to it re-classifying AECC as the country’s National Energy Exhibition and Conference Centre, though he did not believe recognition would open up funding channels; rather it would suggest that Aberdeen should be the natural home to any energy-related event the government supports in future.
Commenting on the job cuts at the AECC, he added: “Our venue has not been immune to the recession, but we are noticing an uplift in business in the second half of 2010 and we may have to recruit for those redundant positions again.”
Aberdeen City Council director of enterprise, planning and infrastructure, Gordon McIntosh, said: "The package of measures approved should go a long way to supporting the AECC to build on its success in attracting an increasing number of conferences and exhibitions to the city.”
A further £2m in debt due to the council has been converted into shares in the centre, while three of the eight councillors on the AECC board will be replaced with business experts from the private sector.
Meanwhile six jobs have been cut at the AECC – two unfilled vacancies and four voluntary redundancies in operations and catering – and staff pay has been frozen for a year in response to a reduced level of council subvention funding towards the centre’s annual operating costs.
Brian Horsburgh, AECC’s managing director, said the repayment ruling is positive news for the centre. “The fundamental problem here was the loan was granted on what I deem to be ridiculously short terms, six years after it was granted. We don’t have the money now.”
Horsburgh adds the measures will also keep alive the AECC’s plans for the development of a new hotel at the centre. “We have been working to get the hotel development off the ground for a number of years with the intention that once it is completed it would be sold off to an investor, with any gain going towards offsetting the loan. Unfortunately it has been dogged by delays, the recession and the banking crisis.
“Having a new four-star hotel on-site will be an important part of AECC’s infrastructure going forward. It will obviously create local jobs – both during the construction phase and once the hotel is operational – and it will also enable AECC to compete for more major international conference and event business in the future. The decision also gives us a realistic chance of having the hotel up and running by next September, when Aberdeen will play host to both Offshore Europe 2011 and golf’s Walker Cup competition – events which are expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors to the area, meaning accommodation in the city will be at a premium."
Horsburgh added that while both Glasgow’s Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre had received “substantial funding” from national development agency Scottish Enterprise for their major redevelopment schemes, Aberdeen was relying on local government funding: “It’s not quite a level playing field.”
Horsburgh was pleased that the council has agreed to again approach the Scottish Government with a view to it re-classifying AECC as the country’s National Energy Exhibition and Conference Centre, though he did not believe recognition would open up funding channels; rather it would suggest that Aberdeen should be the natural home to any energy-related event the government supports in future.
Commenting on the job cuts at the AECC, he added: “Our venue has not been immune to the recession, but we are noticing an uplift in business in the second half of 2010 and we may have to recruit for those redundant positions again.”
Aberdeen City Council director of enterprise, planning and infrastructure, Gordon McIntosh, said: "The package of measures approved should go a long way to supporting the AECC to build on its success in attracting an increasing number of conferences and exhibitions to the city.”
A further £2m in debt due to the council has been converted into shares in the centre, while three of the eight councillors on the AECC board will be replaced with business experts from the private sector.
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