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Contact:  Lauren Hames 407-246-3016

CITY OF ORLANDO ANNOUNCES
NEW CENTROPLEX DIRECTOR

ORLANDO, FL (August 30, 2004) – Mayor Buddy Dyer Monday announced that he has named Allen Johnson the new City of Orlando Centroplex director.

Johnson, who has been the executive director of The Lakeland Center in Lakeland, FL, since 1988, will begin on September 27, 2004.

“After an extensive, nationwide search, I believe Allen is the best choice to take over management of the Centroplex,” said Mayor Dyer. “He provides facilities management, events management and marketing experience, as well as a professional demeanor – all qualities we are looking for in this position.”

In his sixteen and a half years at The Lakeland Center and more than twenty years in the industry, Johnson has lead many successful projects, including the expansion and renovation of The Lakeland Center, which was completed in 1996.

Johnson is proud to be joining the City of Orlando and the Centroplex team. “I look forward to the opportunity to continue to build upon the past success of the venues and take the Centroplex to the next level,” he said.

His previous positions include assistant director of the West Palm Beach Auditorium and Stadium in West Palm Beach, FL, event coordinator with the Orange County Convention Center and box office manager/event supervisor with the Tupperware Convention Center, both in Orlando.

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