Lied Lodge & Conference Center to Hold Grand Re-opening Ceremony

Nebraska City, Neb. (August 7, 2015)--Lied Lodge & Conference Center will hold a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony at 12 p.m. on August 13 to mark the completion of a $9 million renovation to the facility.

Among those attending the grand opening ceremony are U.S. Senators Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse and U.S. Congressman Jeff Fortenberry who will be giving remarks along with Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation and Mark Johnson, executive vice president and chief hospitality officer of Wyndham Vacation Ownership, Inc.

Built by the Arbor Day Foundation in 1993, Lied Lodge & Conference Center is a full-service meeting facility situated at Arbor Day Farm, a 260-acre National Historic Landmark and the original estate of J. Sterling Morton, the founder of Arbor Day in 1872.

Last year, the Arbor Day Foundation and long-time corporate partner, Wyndham Vacation Ownership led a joint campaign for a complete renewal of Lied Lodge & Conference Center. Wyndham brought experience, leadership, and a network of design, product, and construction companies to the undertaking.

"Lied Lodge was built to inspire people. Now, thanks to our generous partners, it has been rejuvenated so that the inspiration is provided at a height unlike anywhere else," said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation.

Sam Buckingham, Wyndham Vice President for Resort Renovation & Design says of the partnership, "Through all things we face in life, our choices and 'partners' make the difference. By supporting global and local initiatives such as these, we can deepen our commitment as environmental stewards. It is with this mutual care and concern that we can make a positive impact not only in our communities but around the world."

The renewal includes new and efficient lighting, modern room amenities, energy-efficient windows, improved conference facilities, new recycled-material carpeting, state-of-the-art kitchen facilities, refinishing of surfaces inside and outside and other updates.

"With its rich conservation history, Lied Lodge & Conference Center draws conservation, education, corporate, government, and professional groups to Nebraska from around the world to share best practices, and renew commitments to personal and professional action on behalf of the earth and its resources," said Matt Harris.

TripAdvisor--a travel website company--awarded Lied Lodge & Conference Center a 2015 Certificate of Excellence. The Certificate of Excellence recognizes establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews.
About the Arbor Day Foundation: The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. More information on the Foundation and its programs can be found at www.arborday.org.

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