Freedom Festival names new Community Relations Manager,
Board of Director members
Cedar Rapids, IA – Ann Virden has joined the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival staff as Community Relations Manager. Virden previously worked for Freedom Festival as its 2007 Community Relations Assistant and will graduate from Coe College in May 2008 with degrees in Business and Public Relations, and Art.
Freedom Festival also announced the election of five new members to its Board of Directors. New members include:
Richie Akers, Clipper Windpower, Inc.;
Bill Burns, Cedar River Paper Co.;
Erika Elles, Cargill, Inc.;
Jim O’Haire, Toyota Financial Services; and,
Kari Stillman, Priority One.
Freedom Festival 2007 again enjoyed immense popularity as well as provided significant positive economic impact to Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas. Attendance numbered 403,000 during the 16-day Freedom Festival. Economic impact generated by Freedom Festival 2007 is estimated at $11.8 million based on survey results collected and analyzed by the Mount Mercy College Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) organization, lead by Tom Castle, Dean, Mt. Mercy Institute.
Dates for Freedom Festival 2008 are June 19 through July 4. Freedom Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2008.
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