The Richmond Hill City Center has officially opened! After almost five years of anticipation, the ribbon has been cut on the LEED certified building and the citizens of Richmond Hill and guests from afar can enjoy the state-of-the-art facility. The City Center will play host to an assortment of events, such as brunches, holiday celebrations, wedding receptions, social occasions, special community events, dinners, conferences on the local and regional level, and meetings of area government entities, corporations, and not-for-profit companies.

After careful consideration, the City of Richmond Hill has hired The Wilderman Group of Johns Island, South Carolina to manage the day-to-day operations of the facility. The Wilderman Group Team, built by firm President, John Wilderman, will offer expertise in all areas of hospitality management. With a “sleeves-rolled-up” management style, John and his team will focus on the success of the City Center, from an owner’s perspective, by understanding the degree of details and hands-on people required to get the sales, operations and food and beverage services up and going.

“We want to continue to depend on the community to be good solid employees of the Richmond Hill City Center,” says Kristin Kurie, Wilderman Group Vice President of New Business. The General Manager, Jeannie Green, and Executive Assistant, Jenny Sharp, are both residents of Richmond Hill with strong community ties and significant backgrounds in hospitality. “We will build a team of people with relevant experience who have a vested interest in their community.” The LEED Certification, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, was a bold, forwardthinking move and major commitment for the city. This certifi cation has become a very important factor in the decision making process of where to hold meetings and events for many companies. The Wilderman Group recognizes this significance and feels strongly that they will be able to attract these meetings to the Richmond Hill City Center because of the similar commitment and dedication to the environment.

The Wilderman Group plans to work closely with the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce, and area hotels to bring every meeting possible to our unique facility. Day Meeting Packages will be available and every event will be approached on an individual basis. “In addition to meetings and conferences, we look forward to participating in Richmond Hill events such as the Seafood Festival and others held at J.F. Gregory Park,” says Kristin.

The Richmond Hill City Center will be an opportunity for Richmond Hill that has never been available in the past! “We expect to bring meetings and events that maybe would have never considered this community before because it did not have a large meeting space or a beautiful ballroom.

This will mean new business opportunities for the area’s hotels, restaurants, and shops. We are excited that the City Center is so unique and that Richmond Hill represents a forward-thinking community that is socially responsible.”