Our Grand Opening Was Simply Grand!
 
Our Grand Opening for our new facility at 174 Court Street was held on November 1, 2007.  It was a gala event, with over 200 people attending.  Our esteemed guests included State Senator Thomas Libous, Binghamton Mayor Matthew Ryan, and State Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo.  A very special guest was Jim Gibbons, President and CEO of National Industries for the Blind (NIB) in Alexandra, Virginia.

Left: Sen. Libous, Jim Gibbons, Keith Chadwick

The celebration began at 4:00 PM with statements by A.V.R.E. President and CEO Robert Hanye, A.V.R.E. Board Chair Melvin Rhinebeck, and a Proclamation by Senator Tom Libous, making November 1, 2007 "A.V.R.E. Day."  Television cameras from all four local TV stations were on hand to record the official ribbon cutting ceremony and to conduct interviews.

Grand Opening ribbon cutting ceremony.

After the ceremony, tours through the building were conducted by A.V.R.E. board members.  Visitors were taken to 16 "Points of Sight" throughout the building, where A.V.R.E. employees were stationed to provide information.

Tour visits file folder department.

It was a grand culmination to a very eventful year, and we look forward to 2008 with continuing growth and success in our new facility.