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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Rick
Watson, President & CEO
June 30, 2005 1-888-872-8562
ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT - MAJOR TRAVEL DESTINATION
ANNOUNCED FOR ROANOKE RAPIDS
ROANOKE RAPIDS, NC – History was made today as country
music artist Randy Parton, inked a deal with private developers
and the City of Roanoke Rapids for development of a music
theater and entertainment district to be located along Interstate
95 in the vicinity of Exit 171 in Roanoke Rapids, NC.
The development represents a music and entertainment venue
that will become a nationally-recognized travel destination
for our state. With the attraction of well-known music artists,
family entertainment venues such as music theaters, shopping,
hotels, motels, restaurants, and family recreational activities,
the project’s location along Interstate 95 has the potential
to attract visitors from across the country.
The project will encompass over 700 acres and will be built
in phases. Phase I of the project will encompass 116 acres
along Interstate 95 at Exit 171 and represents an estimated
$129,000,000 investment and the creation of over 2,595 new
jobs.
“The Northeast Partnership is extremely proud to have
played a role in bringing Randy Parton and the entertainment
district to Roanoke Rapids and Halifax County, commented Jack
Runion, Chairman of North Carolina’s Northeast Partnership,
Inc. “The economic impact of this project will be felt
for generations to come,” Runion added.
Roanoke Rapids Mayor Drewery Beale, added, “This is
exactly the type of business the citizens of Roanoke Rapids
want and need. There will be thousands of good jobs created,
and the revenues from the entertainment district will benefit
all of Roanoke Rapids and Halifax County.”
Over the past several months, North Carolina’s Northeast
Partnership, Inc., has been working with Randy Parton, brother
of megastar Dolly Parton, to determine the viability for development
of music and entertainment venues in North Carolina’s
Northeast Region. After an extensive review of the region’s
potential, the Parton’s identified the Roanoke Valley
and I-95 corridor as an immediate development opportunity.
The anchor of the entertainment district will be The Randy
Parton Theater. The proposed 35,000 square foot, 1,500 seat
theater will hosts the legends of The Grand Ole Opry, as well
as up and coming country, pop, beach, and gospel music concerts
and shows.
“Our goal is to bring quality family entertainment
to the Roanoke Valley and Northeastern North Carolina that
you otherwise might have to go to Branson, Missouri to enjoy,”
said Parton.
Deb Parton, Randy Parton’s wife and business partner,
added, “We recognized early in this process that this
area was ripe for this type of venue and we truly appreciate
the hospitality and pro-business approach taken by the City
of Roanoke Rapids and Halifax County.” She added, “Now,
we want to repay that hospitality by bringing entertainment
to North Carolina’s Northeast Region that everyone can
enjoy.”
“Tourism has been growing by leaps and bounds in Halifax
County and we are well-known for our hospitality, said Lori
Medlin, Executive Director of the Halifax County Tourism Development
Authority. “We are excited to welcome the Parton’s
and invite the world to enjoy this new entertainment venue
and all we have to offer in Halifax County,” Medlin
added.
Economic Research Associates of New York, NY and Washington,
DC, conducted a feasibility study for proposed development,
indicating the project is viable and can attract the level
of visitors required to make this a major travel destination
for the area and state.
An economic impact analysis completed by the Carolina Center
for Competitive Economies, UNC-Chapel Hill, studied the direct,
indirect and induced affects of this project on North Carolina’s
Northeast Region. The analysis revealed a strong impact on
the regional and state economies, estimating increased industry
output of $533.6 million, increased employment of 12,250,
and increased labor income by $204.7 million over the next
three years.
Private development partners include Blanchard and Calhoun
and Roanoke Rapids Entertainment One, along with the City
of Roanoke Rapids. North Carolina’s Northeast Partnership,
the City of Roanoke Rapids, and the Halifax County Tourism
Development Authority worked collaboratively on this project.
Michael Dunlow of Roanoke Rapids Entertainment One, commented,
“My partner, George Ragsdale and I are delighted to
partner with the Parton’s and the City of Roanoke Rapids
to bring clean, family entertainment to my hometown. We are
confident this project will have one of the most significant
positive economic impacts that Northeastern North Carolina
has ever seen.”
Michael Graybill, Principal with Blanchard & Calhoun
Commercial, added, “Seven years ago, we saw the potential
of Roanoke Rapids and helped develop Premier Landing. As developers
of numerous commercial projects throughout the Southeast,
we applaud the commitment of City leaders in encouraging development
to take place. We are pleased to see the community rewarded
for their efforts.”
Spurred by the announcement of the Roanoke Rapids Entertainment
District, a consortium of marine life experts announced plans
to open a $14 million ocean-themed theater in Roanoke Rapids.
The theater will feature several aquariums, a variety of hands-on
educational exhibits, as well as various ocean themed movies.
“We’re excited to be a part of the upcoming Entertainment
Complex in Roanoke Rapids,” said a spokesperson for
the consortium. |
