A ribbon cutting ceremony for The Mount Vernon Grand Hotel was held May 6 in downtown Mount Vernon to inaugurate the opening of the hotel to the general public. Hosted by the Knox County Chamber of Commerce and Ambassadors, the ceremonial red ribbon was cut by Mount Vernon Nazarene University President Henry Spaulding.

“I’ve been waiting for this for about two years, and I’m happy to say that The Mount Vernon Grand Hotel is open for business and has been for a while," Spaulding said. "We’re happy to be a part of this community and we feel that this hotel is a sign of the kind of partnership that is possible between MVNU and the community. We appreciate your support."

Prior to the ribbon cutting, a proclamation was read by Ryan Dilworth, a field representative from U.S. Representative Bob Gibbs’ office. The proclamation read that the Grand’s location in downtown Mount Vernon provides a new home for visitors from the state and all across the nation and that the state of Ohio is “grateful for the reinvestment into the city of Mount Vernon and its downtown.”

After the ceremony, the community was invited into the Grand for tours of the suites, rooms, and banquet spaces, along with hors d’oeuvres and a chance to win prizes.

Justin Bauer, director of Sales and Marketing at The Mount Vernon Grand Hotel, said there were approximately 800 visitors during Friday night’s festivities.

The Mount Vernon Grand Hotel was donated through the generosity of Mrs. Karen Wright and the Ariel Corporation. Since its opening, The Grand has partnered with both the local downtown and the Knox County Chamber of Commerce to host many events.

"The Grand will be the face of MVNU to many who will never be on campus," Spaulding said. "It will be our opportunity to 'Shine Forth' to a new public for our community. Christian hospitality will be modeled in this fine facility. The Grand will provide auxiliary income for the university and employment for students. This amazing opportunity opens a new door to MVNU."

For more information visit mountvernongrand.com or call 1-844-700-1717. The Mount Vernon Grand Hotel can also be found on Facebook and Instagram. The Mount Vernon Grand Hotel is owned by MVNU Management, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and operated by CUSA LLC.

--Mount Vernon Nazarene University